Choice Magazine for Gosport & Lee on the Solent - November edition
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Christmas well and truly starts this month! It’s the Christmas lights switch on in both Lee on the Solent and Gosport. Both have a whole day of entertainment, stalls and more. All the details are inside. Then before we know it, it’s the Alverstoke Christmas Tree Festival - details for this event are inside too.
Ever heard of walking tennis? Neither had I! It’s a thing though! Alverstoke Lawn Tennis, Squash & Badminton Club are all over it. Check out their ad inside.
I recently went to Porto and apart from devouring copious amounts of gelato (it was 27 degrees!) I also got too partial for coconut macaroons! My craving has continued since returning home and when I spotted these ‘healthy’ 3 ingredient coconut cookies enabling me to get my fix, I was sold!
Are you doing the Gosport Half? Do you know any under 12’s or under 17’s that would want to take part in a fun run and athletic challenge? Running in conjunction with the Gosport Half Marathon, Gosport Road Runners are hosting two running events for young people to take part in. Goodie bags and medals are talked about! A mass warm up is due to take place prior
to the events. Sounds like fun! Read all about it on page 28.
Thursday night is live music night! More specifically, one Thursday night a month is music night at The Vine in Stoke Road. Showcase Sensations will be bringing a host of talented performers with a range of genres to entertain. The fully stocked bar is open and food is served too. Check out all the details inside. Page 16.
Lots more events are listed inside. If you have an event you’d like included next month do get in touch.
Our local advertisers can help again this month with new carpets, Sunday lunch, insulating your roof, walking your dog, keeping you fit and much, much more! Do let them know you found them in the Gosport Choice!
You’ll also find great offers, sudoku, more great advertisers, local events, local news and much more inside!
ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT EDITION!
Let us pound the streets and get your advert through local homes each month and landing in the inbox of our growing number of subscribers too! Get in touch! Details below.
Have a good November. Good luck to everyone running the Half Marathon! See you next month with the mince pie taste test!
I’m always sceptical when it comes to the ‘only 3 ingredients’ recipes as often it’s not just 3! But, this one actually is! Yes these cookies are only 3 ingredients! They are super simple and easy to make! The cookies are naturally sweetened with banana but feel free to add in honey or maple syrup to make it sweeter! See there you go, 3 becomes 4, just like that!
Makes 12
Ingredients
• 2 cups unsweetened desiccated coconut
• 2 medium ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips for drizzling
Method
Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/Gas 3 Start by mashing together the ripe bananas in a medium bowl. Mix in the shredded coconut until combined.
Divide the mixture into 12, roll into ball and gently flatten onto a parchment lined tray. Bake for 25-35 at or until golden brown. Let the cookies cool while you melt your chocolate.
Drizzle the chocolate over top and place in the freezer to set! Enjoy!
This recipe is from Michelle von Hahn. She has an array of lovely recipes. I’m definitely going to try her black bean brownies next! Find her @healthynumnumblog
FUNGI IN CRESCENT GARDEN
This year the weather has provided plenty of sunshine, and until mid – August, very little rainfall. Consequently, it has been a challenge to keep the moisture required for the plants themselves. The sun brought out the very best of the garden with many months of beautiful blooms and glorious sunshine. Despite this, it was not a bad season for fungi. With rain at the beginning of the year, saturating the soil and depleting oxygen levels and a good amount of rain throughout September, there has still been an abundance of fruiting bodies this season; emerging from the trees, stumps and across lawns and grassland. The Crescent Gardens have provided a diverse environmental contrast, which allow for such an array of species.
Fungi require every aspect of their environment to be exact for their development. In woodlands and other untouched areas, it can often prove more predictable in terms of what you can expect to see return annually. In an environment such as a continuously evolving garden, there will be alterations and increased likelihood of disturbances made to a habitat which could potentially create more variety but could see some species disappear. Tree roots can stretch far underground and occasionally a fruiting body presents itself that does not
appear to match the habitat that is required for its existence. When this occurs, it is usually due to far reaching tree root systems from neighbouring gardens.
Previously a single specimen appeared and has not been seen since. Amanita muscaria (also referred to as a Fly agaric). Amanita muscaria can be found mostly in woodland, its host trees are birch, firs and pines where the soil tends to be more acidic. The most iconic, striking and beautiful mushroom, with a pure white stipe and gills and a shiny vivid red cap, adorned with little white warts. Fully matured, they can reach up to 20cm in diameter, allowing them to be sighted from some distance.
Some fruiting bodies, especially tree dwellers can often be seen throughout the year. Earlier this year some Jelly ear fungi (Auricularia auricular Judea) appeared on an old log. It was given its name due to its gelatinous texture and its distinct resemblance to an ear. Predominantly appearing on Elder trees (Sambucas nigra), the Jelly Ear fungi’s Latin name refers to Judas Iscariot and how he hanged himself from the branches of an Elder tree. Some believed the fungus itself was a visual representation of his tortured guilty soul trying to escape from the trees. These fungi have been used in Chinese cuisine for over a thousand years and widely believed to have healing properties. Perhaps most intriguingly of all is its capacity for survival; withstanding freezing temperatures and then having the ability to continue its growth once thawed.
It can take many seasons of observation in specific areas like The Crescent Garden to obtain a deeper understanding of the mycelial life within. This mushroom season has been a perfect end to a wonderful summer.
Thursday is the new Friday! Start your weekend a day early by listening to live music at The Vine. One Thursday evening a month The Vine welcomes Showcase Sensations. A selected and chosen line up of musicians bringing you an evening of entertainment. Expect a great range of genres from talented performers.
All the brilliant performers are chosen by James Westerby, the founder of Showcase Sensations. James wanted to bring together brilliant local talent and organise evenings to showcase them. As an experienced performer, James knows great talent when he spots it. He’s handpicked the best for your enjoyment.
The bar is open from 6.30-9.30pm for your favourite tipple, I hear they are fully stocked with beer from the Powder Monkey Brewery! And food is served between 6.30-9pm.
The next Showcase Sensation Thursdays are as follows:
Thursday 27th November
Thursday 11th December
Thursday 29th Jaunary
Thursday 26th February
It’s sounds like a great evening out and the December date could be the perfect Christmas gathering!
@showcasesensation @thevinestokeroad
Thursday 27th November 6.30-9.30pm 11th December • 29th January • 26th February
Showcase
Bar open from 6.30-9.30pm. Food served from 6.30-9pm
DECORATIVE FOUNTAINSCAPES
Ideal for front gardens as statement pieces, or for smaller rear gardens where you want the sound of water without the footprint that a pond requires. There are a multitude of fountain designs to choose from and the configurations are endless. These are also really good for attracting birds to drink and wash.
ECOSYSTEM POND
PONDL
Ideal for and stre a hidden water is
Ideal for people wanting to enjoy it as a fishpond, and/or to use it as a recreation pond if the space allows, where your family sit and relax in the summer, but still enjoy the visual of a beautiful natural looking pond all year round. This is the oppos swimming pool which remains a covered over rectangle for most of the year with our English weather! Using the Ecosystem basis for natural chemical free filtration, underwater jets and larger wetland filtration systems can be incorporated to ensure and circulation. Waterfalls, streams and decorative fountainscape elements can be incorporated into the pond to suit your s ultimate outdoor living lifestyle.
I can also create and incorporate Rainwater Harvesting systems to use with any of the water features mentioned. All ponds and water features will periodically lose water due to evaporation, splash and wind. Manual top up is the simplest solution but requires regular checking for levels. Creating an underground water reservoir from collected rainwater for your feature to draw upon is the most environmentally friendly way
LESS WATERFALL
people wanting the impressive visual and sound of a waterfall am, but without the want for fish or pond maintenance. Using n water reservoir to give the illusion of disappearing water, the then pumped back up to the start of the waterfall to recirculate.
All water features can be enhanced with lighting to ensure 24 hour enjoyment of them.
y and friends can swim or site to a standard garden m Pond philosophy as the the highest water quality space and budget, for the
IN THE GARDEN
• Fork over vacant soil
• Deadhead pansies to keep flowers coming
• Cut chrysanthemums to soil level after flowering
• Lift and store dahlia tubers or cover with mulch once leaves are blackened by frost
• Prune rambling roses after flowering
GREENHOUSE & PLOT
• Clear out old tomato and cucumber cordons
• Move potted bulbs into the greenhouse
• Bring potted herbs under cover
• Plant out autumn onion sets and garlic
• Lift and divide large clumps of rhubarb
• Pick and store apples
HOUSE PLANTS
• Reduce watering and feeding of houseplants as the days shorten
• Cacti and succulents need a period of relative dormancy over the winter: keep them barely moist, and do not feed. Resume normal care next spring
• Ensure plants don’t sit in damp sogginess as they become prone to rot
ALVERSTOKE
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
Celebrate the magic of the season at St. Mary’s Church, Green Road, Alverstoke PO12 2ET, from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th December 2025. Explore 75 beautifully decorated Christmas trees, soak up the festive atmosphere with musical performances by local choirs, and enjoy refreshments in the Parish Centre (Saturday and Sunday only).
Opening ceremony and lighting of the trees:
6.15-7.30pm Thursday 4th December
Open to the public:
• Friday: 3.30-7pm
• Saturday: 11am-6pm
• Sunday: 12.30-6pm
Entry: £3 for adults, children free when accompanied. Don’t miss this joyful community celebration!
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8am-5pm Friday: 8am-4pm unitrimplastics.co.uk
REVERSE PARK
NEW SHOWROOM AT
7 The Precinct, Gosport, PO12 1HA
We supply and fit all aspects of domestic and commercial flooring. We provide a free estimate service with a full range of sampling available.
Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 10am-4pm Thurs 11am-4pm 24 hour opening available by appointment on the website
FUN RUN AND ATHLETIC CHALLENGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
SUNDAY
16th NOVEMBER
KING’S ACADEMY BAY HOUSE, GOSPORT
In conjunction with the Gosport Half Marathon, Gosport Road Runners will be hosting two running events for young people.
Under 12 children’s Fun Run 9am start (1km)
Under 17 Challenge Race 9.15am start (2km)
Prior to these events there will be a mass warm up at 8.45am led by Bootcamp.
A parent or guardian must accompany every young person to and from these events. Registration should be made online prior to the event to secure a place.
Race entry on the day will only be available if there are places available.
Entry into either race is £3. A goodie bag and medal for every finisher and special trophies for the first three boys and girls in each event.
Every entrant will be given a race number and their finishing time digitally recorded. The best represented school or club on the day will receive £500 from Gosport Road Runners to purchase sporting equipment of their choice. Can your school beat Lee-on-the-Solent Juniors this year to claim the £500 reward?
Trophy Presentation at 9.45am for first three boys and girls.
To ENTER and Race Info gosporthalf.org ENQUIRIES: funrun@gosporthalf.org
RSPCA THE ARK CHRISTMAS FAIR
Sunday 30th November 11am-4pm. Crofton Equestrian Centre, Stubbington
Free entry. Wide variety of stalls, kids activities, raffle, lucky dip, tombola and more.
CHRISTMAS FAIR Sat 22nd November 1-3.30pm
War Memorial Hospital, Privett Road, Gosport
Gosport War Memorial Hospital League of Friends Christmas Fair. Stalls, cakes & savouries, games, craft, refreshments, toys, babywear, grand draw and more!
GOSPORT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Saturday 29th November 10am-8pm. Stalls, music and entertainment, street performers, free kids activities, family-friendly fun! Light switch on scheduled at 6pm.
CATS PROTECTION - OCTOBER
22nd Nov 1.30-3pm Cats Protection Xmas Fayre at St Mary's Parish Hall, Alverstoke. Variety of stalls including cat-themed goods, chocolate tombola and raffles.
30th Nov 11am-4pm at the RSPCA Xmas Fayre at Crofton Equestrian Centre.
GOSPORT JAZZ CLUB - NOVEMBER
Gosport RFC, Dolphin Crescent, Gosport
5th - Hugh Crozier’s New Orleans Band 19th - Warren James’ Lonesome Travellers. G£12 to book gjcresrve@gmail.com gosportjazz.org.uk
FRIENDS OF STANLEY PARK LITTER PICK
Litter pick first Sunday of the month 10-11am
Meet in car park at rear of The Alverbank Hotel. Free car parking if you join us in a car, also pickers, gloves etc.
LEE PLAYERS ‘SCHOOL FOR MURDER’ Crofton
Community Centre, Stubbington. Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd November Doors 7pm, curtain 7:30pm. Tickets, £10, from 01329 662128, Crofton Community Centre or on the door. 'Sandra is holding a crime-writers' seminar but problems arise: her goddaughter is missing, a guest has disappeared and another is seen hanged.' Don't miss this intriguing play!
HARBOUR CANCER SUPPORT’S CHARITY
CHRISTMAS FAYRE Christ Church Hall, Stoke Road, Gosport PO12 1JQ 12- 4pm. There will be cakes, Christmas gifts, craft Stalls, charity Christmas cards, calendars, tombola, tea/coffee, mince pies and more.
STUBBINGTON CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH
ON & CAROLS Saturday 29th November from 4pm Club. Warsah Band play Christmas tunes at 4pm. Lights switch on and carols at 5pm.
SHORE LEAVE HASLAR MEMORIAL GARDEN
OPEN DAY Haslar Road, Gosport. Weds 12th November 11am-1pm. Free entry, donations gratefully accepted. Crafts, plants, produce for sale. Homemade cake and drinks. Walk around the peaceful garden. Please park in main Haslar site.
REPAIR CAFE Sat 8th Nov. 10am-1.45pm. HEDCA, Coombe Rd, Gosport, PO12 4JB. A monthly Repair Cafe Residents of Gosport bring their broken items to fix them on the spot with the help of voluntary repair experts. The cafe is non-commercial and entirely voluntary. The service is free but we do encourage donations. Item Categories:Electronics - Computing - Fabrics - Furniture - Toys - Bicycles. Book in advance. mail@repaircafegosport.co.uk message on FB, or leave message 023 9298 3802.
CROFTON PROBUS CLUB Monthly lunch at Leeon-the-Solent Golf Club. Retired gentleman, missing social contact? Come to a trial meeting. New members welcome 01329600837 mortonsue.dupreez@gmail.com
LIVE MUSIC AT THE VINE, STOKE ROAD, GOS Thursday 27th November 6.30-9.30pm. Range of performers & genres. Bar 6.30-9.30pm. Food 6.30-9pm.
LE
CERCLE FRANÇAIS DE GOSPORT 7.30pm
13th November. Court Barn Conservative Club – Court Barn Lane, Broom Way, Lee. Au Cinéma Ce Soir – where we will be seeing the French comedy by Pierre Salvodori - Après Vous . New members welcome – tel Martin Lazell 01329 314750 for details.
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN GOSPORT (CTIG)
23rd Nov 3-5pm Thorngate Halls
Mental health presentation 'Silencing the Chattermy conversation with my inner critic' by Patrick Regan OBE. Tickets from Cornerstone Christian bookshop or online stfaithslee.org/silencing-the-chatter
SEAFARERS SAILING CLUB - ANNUAL
JUMBLE SALE 10am Saturday 8 November Catholic Church Hall, Bells Lane, Stubbington. Good quality clothes, books, bric-a-brac, linen, toys, etc. Entrance 50p. Tea coffee available.
FOCOC YULETIDE FAYRE Holy Rood Church Centre 10am-12noon Sat 29th November. Cakes & Produce, Jigsaws, Toys, Books, Bric-a-Brac, Christmas Gifts, Jewellery, Refreshments, Raffle. Admission 30p.
MONTHLY COFFEE MORNING Alverstoke Parish Centre. Tuesday 25th Nov. 10.30am-12pm. Join us every 4th Tuesday of the month. Reconnect with friends, enjoy a slice of homemade cake, and sip on tea or coffee - all for just £4 entry. You'll also find quality second-hand books for sale and a raffle to add to the fun, all proceeds support Alverstoke Parish Centre Regeneration Project .
INTERNATIONAL FOLK/CIRCLE DANCING
November 4th & 18th 10am-12pm RC Church Hall, Bells Lane, Stubbington £7. Contact Bob & Mary 01329 609589 Mobile: 07748009838 neal.bob61@gmail.com
FRIDAY FAIR AT STUBBINGTON LIBRARY
9:30-11.30am Home-baked cakes, jams, chutney. Crafts. Don’t forget to order your Christmas goodies! Christmas cakes, puddings, mince pies. Seasonal treats: fresh plants & vegetables (seasonal), beautiful holly wreaths for the festive season. Unique handmade crafts: cards & gift boxes, jewellery (repairs possible), bags & make-up bags, cushions & embroidered items. Come support your local makers.
BEETLE DRIVE AT ALVERSTOKE PARISH CENTRE
Tuesday 4th November 2-4.30pm (doors 1.45pm) Roll the dice, draw your beetle, and see who finishes first! All proceeds go towards the regeneration of the Alverstoke Parish Centre - registered charity no: 1130178 Come along, have fun, and support your community! Tickets £5 to include tea and cake. Tickets from Alverstoke Post Office.
TABLE TENNIS CLUB
TUESDAYS 7-9pm Wednesday 9.30am-12noon
FRIENDLY CLUB
ALVERSTOKE’S BEST-KEPT CULTURAL SECRET
Looking for something different to do in the evenings - something entertaining, thoughtprovoking and just plain enjoyable?
At Spithead Arts, we think we’ve got one of Alverstoke’s best-kept secrets: a warm, friendly group exploring arts and culture that meets once a month to enjoy fascinating talks by some of the country’s leading experts.
Our talks cover an amazing range of topicsover the years we’ve gone from Bach to Banksy, Frida Kahlo to the Black Death, and plenty more in between!
It’s not just about the talks, though. It’s about the people — a welcoming crowd who share a love of art, culture and good conversation. Groups like this are getting rare these days, and we think that makes ours even more special.
Membership is £50 for the year, or you can just
drop in as a guest for £7 - and we’ll even refund that if you decide to join.
We meet early evenings at Bay House School, once a month. You’ll find all the detailsincluding our current programme - on our website: www.spitheadarts.co.uk
So why not give it a try? You’ve got nothing to lose, and ten brilliant evenings to look forward to!
A look at the year ahead...
January 27th - Poets, painters & private lives of c19th Venice
February 24th - Masterpieces of 20th century photography
March 24th - The Men who made Menswear
April 28th - Capt. Fitzroy, Darwin and the voyage of HMS Beagle
May 26th - The Empty Chair in contemporary art
June 23rd - A Tale of Two Cities, London and New York musicals
July 28th - Gold of the Gods - treasures of Southsea America
September 22nd - The Baroque Country House
October 27th - Clarice Cliff: The doyenne of Art Deco
November 24th - We are amused- Victorian pastimes
W L S
Do you have important legal documents in place to protect your interests and make life easier for you and your family, whatever the future brings?
If you have received a diagnosis of dementia, or are concerned about becoming ill and unable to cope with paying your bills, wouldn’t it be helpful for a family member to be able to step in and deal with your finances? If your family member needed to make decisions for you, instead of just acting on your instructions, they would need your formal written authority to do this.
Formal authority can be given by creating a Lasting Power of Attorney. This document will allow your family member to take over managing your money, either temporarily or long term.
You can also create a Lasting Power of Attorney which allows your family member to make decisions for you about medical treatment, if you are unable for any reason to make your own decisions. This is not the same as an Advance Decision, which is a document which sets out your decision to refuse medical treatment in the future, under specific conditions.
If you are caring for an elderly relative, or are likely to be doing so in the future, a Lasting Power of Attorney will mean that you can provide the support your relative needs and access services on their behalf, without the difficulties, stress and resistance you would otherwise encounter.
Having a Will gives you peace of mind that your money, property and personal possessions will be going to the people you have chosen to benefit. An out of date Will can cause problems within the family or mean that a chosen beneficiary receives nothing.
If you have any unanswered questions about Wills or Lasting Powers of Attorney, Christine will be pleased to help, so do please get in touch for a free, no obligation, chat.
Call Christine Davies Solicitor on 07860 772274 or email: christine@winterbornelegal.co.uk
Christine is a Fully Accredited Member of Solicitors for the Elderly and a Dementia Friend. Christine will visit you in your own home and aims to provide a warm personal touch to every meeting.
Christine Davies Solicitor
GET FESTIVE FOR THE CHRISTMAS PUD 5K!
Kick off the festive season with one of Gosport’s most popular community events - the Christmas Pud 5k, organised by Gosport Rotary Club, taking place at Stokes Bay on Sunday, 7th December
This fun-filled run is open to all ages and abilities, from regular runners to families simply looking to enjoy a brisk jog or walk along the scenic seafront. Many participants embrace the Christmas spirit by donning Santa hats, tinsel, and fancy dress.
Starting and finishing at Stokes Bay, the flat 5k course to Fort Gilkicker and back, offers stunning coastal views and a welcoming atmosphere which captures the heart of the season. There will be music at the start/finish
line by the Bayside Cabin provided by Gosport Solent Brass band. Every finisher will receive a well-earned Christmas pudding, with chocolate treats for the children.
The event raises vital funds for local charities and community projects supported by Gosport Rotary Club, including the Elizabeth Foundation at Portsmouth's Queen Alexandra Hospital for deaf and hard of hearing children.
Whether you’re running for fitness, fun, or just for the pudding, this is an event not to be missed.
To sign up, simply scan the QR code featured in this issue or register online at https://bit.ly/Christmaspud25
|
| Repairs All Makes and Models catered for. 0333 3585 999
With 3 sites in the local area, all of our Garages are high ranking members of ‘The Good Garage Scheme’ and ‘Checkatrade’. Our Garages provide onsite MOT testing. Mon - Fri: 8.30 - 5.30 Sat: 8.30 - 12.30 FREE COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE
Solent Airport MOTs, Unit il1-3, Illustrious Daedalus Park, Daedalus Drive, Lee on the Solent PO13 9FX (Stubbington Motors is now at Solent Airport MOTS) Elkins Motors, 99b Mays Lane, Stubbington PO14 2ED Locks Heath Garage, 212 Hunts Pond Road, Locks Heath PO14 4PG
HVR CUSTOMS
Specialists in VW’s, we also cover many other makes and models in the full or part conversion of camper vans, kombi vans and caddy’s. We manufacture and design custom built camper interiors for Volkswagens and other makes.
Full & Part Conversions
VW Transporters, Campers, Kombi’s and Caddy’s
0333 3585 999 (Option 3)
HVR Customs, Unit il3-4, Illustrious Daedalus Park, Daedalus Drive, Lee on the Solent PO13 9FX
CARS AND VANS ALWAYS IN STOCK FOR SALE!
Specialising in transporters and small low mileage cars. (The cars are ideal for first time drivers.)
£610,000
4 BED DETACHED. EN-SUITE. CLOAKROOM. UTILITY. CLOSE TO VILLAGE. NO FORWARD CHAIN.
£595,000 3 BEDROOMS. NO CHAIN. CONSERVATORY. UTILITY. SIZEABLE PLOT CLOSE TO VILLAGE & BEACH.
£250,000 WATERFRONT APARTMENT. HARBOUR & MARINA VIEWS 2 BEDROOMS AND EN-SUITE. LIFT AND PARKING. £347,500 SOUGHT AFTER STYLE. 3 BEDROOM HOUSE. CLOSE TO VILLAGE & SEAFRONT. GARAGE
