Choice Magazine - Gosport & Lee on the Solent - February edition
Stately Apartments by the SeaOne and Two Bedroom Apartments
Located in Alverstoke on the South Hampshire Coast, Royal Haslar is one of Britain’s landmark buildings.
Built in 1753, the Grade II-listed former naval hospital is part of the very fabric of our nation. Assured its place in history, it is now protected for the future. Reborn as a luxury waterfront residential village offering outstanding period architecture and well-appointed, modern apartments.
Welcome to Royal Haslar - your sanctuary by the sea. Call today and book a private viewing of the coastal and parkland show apartments.
For detailed floor plans, apartment specifications, video tours and to register for the Royal Haslar newsletter, with latest updates and local news, visit the website:
3 3 3 3 3 3
ir a p e r & ce n a n inte a M p w u
3 3 3 3 3 3 t ss ea m sco
e rh u lo l A v o em r x a w y r a ent em l mp o C a ex g in r a e h e v i s en eh r mp o C
l l o y f l nth o 6 M y nt a r r a w s ’ er tur c a f u n a M ing m m a gr o pr & ting i t F : h t i dw r a d n a l a s n o ati in m i G T only from ar r e pe £35 REMOVAL WAX
team” “faantastic f tombsandallen.com com tombsandallen reception@ ourse r y fo
lf! f AI E profession y “extremely oday t t ppointmen n a k a Boo t ospor , G oad e R tok , S uildings d B tlan or 5 P ttentive” y a “ver al” t e a nlin r o o 751 8 3 25 3 9 02 on com tombsandallen s Genes yTr H1J O12 , P 751 8 3 25 3 9 02
Choice cannot be held responsible for any advertiser or advertisers statements or contents in their advert. Or any othe r details published.
Hey gang! We are 19! I have been coming through your door for 19 years! I can’t believe it!
When we started we were the only full colour magazine in the area. There was no digital edition and emails weren’t the most common way of communicating. We are still here and plan to be for many more years. I look forward to the changes in the next 19 years!
I thought I’d freshen up our look. I love orange, it’s cheery and represents optimism, happiness, enthusiasm and youthful connections. I hope you like our freshened up look too!
Rita is correct when she writes how bleak February can be but I’ve gone overboard with the daffs to attempt to brighten up my February.
I also went overboard on the bargain bluberries at The Fruit Basket in Stubbington, they were such a bargain, I bought a ridiculous amount of them. I ate a lot, froze some and used some up in a delicious cake! I’m sharing the recipe inside. It’s for Blueberry & Elderflower Cake. It’s delicious and as always, vegan. You can of course use dairy alternatives. Whatever suits your palate and eating lifestyle. As timing would have it Louise Courtney tells us all about the benefits of Elderflower in her article on page 24. Can we say that this months recipe is good for us?!
If you’d rather someone else cook cake for you to enjoy then head to Shore Leave Haslar Open Day on Wednesday 12th February 11am-1pm. The garden is back opening it’s doors for you to enjoy refreshments, cake, plants, produce and a wander around the gardens.
More details of what else is on to get out and about to see and do is inside.
If you’re wanting a revamp of your garden then we have lovely advertisers inside that can help with exactly that. Have you been sorting and de cluttering? Need new wardrobes? We have advertisers that can help with that too! Still wanting to get fitter again? we have advertisers to help with that. Inside you’ll also find the gardening guide, great offers, sudoku, more great advertisers, local news and much more!
ARE YOU A LOCAL BUSINESS?
Let us pound the streets and get your advert through 11,000 homes a month and sent out to our growing number of subscribers too! Get in touch! Details below or scan the QR code.
I hope you enjoy this months edition. Have a great February. See you next month!
My bargain blueberries from The Fruit Basket were put to good use in this cake! I couldn’t find blueberry jam but I did have raspberry jam in the fridge, and it worked well! It was delicious!
With blueberries and elderflower in this cake
can we say it’s actually good for us? Check out Louise Courtney’s article on the benefits of elderflower on page 24 to decide.
For the cake
• 500g plain flour
• 350g soft light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• 160ml olive oil
• 360ml whole oat milk
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp vanilla paste
• 200g fresh blueberries (or berries of your choice)
• 6 tbsp blueberry conserve (or a conserve of your choice)
For the elderflower cream
• 200g plant butter, at room temperature
• 250g icing sugar, plus 1 tsp extra for dusting
• 3 tbsp elderflower cordial
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
Method
Grease and line two 23cm cake tins, and heat the oven to 200C (180C fan)/390F/gas 6.
To make the cake batter, put the flour, sugar, baking powder, bicarb and salt in a large bowl, and whisk to combine. In a second large bowl, combine all the wet ingredients – namely, the oil, milk, vinegar and vanilla paste.
Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients, then pour in the wet bit by bit and mix it in with a spoon until smooth and well combined.
Divide the batter between the two tins and push the blueberries delicately into just one of the batters. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Remove and leave to cool.
To make the elderflower cream, mix the butter, icing sugar, elderflower cordial and ground coriander in a bowl, then whisk until light and fluffy.
When the cakes have cooled completely, unmould from the tins, put the plain sponge on a pretty plate and slather the top with the cream.
Stir the conserve to loosen it a little, then spoon it all over the cream. Place the blueberry-studded sponge on top of the cream and conserve layers, dust with icing sugar and serve.
Find out everything Meera Sodha at: meerasodha.com
*Offer based on first enrolment. New members only. Not valid with any other offer.
Valid until 28th February 2025.
Zoom Workouts
HIDDEN TREASURES HIDDEN TREASURES
We urgently require your broken and unwanted gold, jewellery and antiques.
Any amount, any condition- top CASH prices paid! PRE
1947 COINS (SILVER) WANTED
WANTED gold - silver - jewellery of all kinds medals (any militaria) - cuff links - studs - tie pins pocket watches - wrist watches antiques - moorcroft - clarice cliff - old postcards
WANTED - rolex, breitling, omega etc
Please call in to see us. Monday - Saturday 10am-6pm. Alternatively, call to arrange a home appointment
TELEPHONE: 023 9255 3428 MOBILE: 07767 304495
51-53 HIGH STREET LEE ON THE SOLENT MOBILE CARPET & VINYL
SPECIALISTS
3,500 Quality carpets & vinyls to choose from in the comfort of your own home All carpets & vinyls fully guaranteed. Friendly Personal Service & Advice
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8am-5pm Friday: 8am-4pm unitrimplastics.co.uk
FEBRUARY IN CRESCENT GARDEN
February can be a very cold and bleak month, but in Crescent Garden there are a surprising number of plants in flower, many of which have a wonderful perfume attracting foraging insects especially larger ones, like bumble bees, able to withstand the cold. So take a stroll round the garden with your eyes and nose well tuned to the possibilities!
Very humble little flowers with which we are all familiar are the Crocuses, which have an interesting history. They are scattered around the garden, particularly under the young tulip tree in the eastern lawn. The crocus is related to the iris in the family Iridaceae and like all other members of the family it has its flower parts in threes and bears long thin leaves. The crocus leaves have a waxy covering so they are resistant to frost and survive quite happily pushing up through snow. The parts that make up the coloured flower consist of three petals and three sepals. In many types of flower the sepals are green and form an outer protection for the flower, but in crocuses the sepals are the same colour as the petals and the six structures are known collectively as tepals. Most of the crocuses in Crescent Garden are purple, but there are some yellow ones and a very few white ones. Within the flower can be
seen three yellow, pollen filled stamens and a three branched stigma, waiting to receive pollen and thus fertilise the flower and produce seeds. The seeds develop underground, but as they mature the stem lengthens and the seeds are released above ground. Distribution of the seeds is aided by ants.
The plant can also reproduce vegetatively producing new little corms on top of the old one which will eventually grow large enough to be separate plants. So that they do not poke up out of the soil, large contractile roots grow from corms to drag them deep into the soil. The flower exhibits the process of thermonasty; ie it opens during the day and closes at night or will sometimes close during the day if the weather is bad. This is brought about by a lowering of the temperature as night falls and this causes cells on the outside of the tepals to grow more quickly than those on the inside, thus pushing the tepals inwards and closing the flower. The opposite occurs as the morning warms up; inner cells lengthen and push the tepals outwards. A change of only 0.36*C can cause this to happen. This process is good protection in cases of bad weather. It does not, however, give protection from other damage crocus flowers might suffer and which you may have seen in your own gardens. Squirrels are very fond of digging up the corms and, if the plants survive that, just as they are in full bloom birds seem to like stripping them to ribbons. The only way of preventing either of these two disasters is to cover the planting area with chicken wire or string strung across from small sticks.
Crocuses are native to the Mediterranean area and east to the Middle East, South West Asia and into China, with the largest number of different species in the Balkans. Habitats range from sea level to subalpine altitudes, from woodlands to meadows and deserts. Most species enjoy cold winters and hot dry summers, during which two periods they are dormant underground, being at their best above ground in late winter and early
spring. They have been introduced to many countries throughout the world.
Crocuses were described in Turkish gardens in the early sixteenth century, gathered from the far reaches of the Ottoman Empire. These were seen by various visiting Europeans and samples were brought back to Europe, particularly by the Dutch in 1562. By the seventeenth century there were accounts of crocus gardens in Britain such as Saffron Garth at Darfield in Yorkshire. Even in the 21st century crocuses are important in the global flower industry ,ranking sixth in terms of Dutch bulb production.
Historically, the most documented species of crocus is Crocus sativus, grown for the production of saffron and now known only in cultivation. The first known mention of saffron is from a Minoan fresco in Knossos on the island of Crete in about 1650BC. Saffron is thought to
have been used in embalming in ancient Egypt and is mentioned in the Old Testament. It has been written about throughout history and is, for example, mentioned in the Iliad. Saffron is an orange-red spice made from the dried stigma of the flower. About 180,000 stigmas are needed from 60,000 flowers to produce 1 kilogram of saffron. No wonder it is one of the most expensive spices in the world! The modern saffron industry is found in Spain, Kashmir, Afghanistan and Turkey, but 65% of production is in Iran
It is possible to buy Crocus sativa corms in some nurseries, so maybe you could start producing your own saffron!
Fitted furniture designed for your home. Manufactured in Titchfield
REVERSE PARK
PARKING SENSORS WITH AUDIBLE WARNING FITTED
Rear set colour coded: from £160
Front set colour coded: from £190
Both Front & Rear Sensors: from £290
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
• Sow hardy annual seeds
• Deadhead winter bedding
• Keep providing birds with fresh water & food
• Sow summer bedding plants
• Order your summer bulbs. Yay!
• Prune roses in the latter part of the month
• Prune winter jasmine once it’s flowered
• Put your bird nest box out
• Divide congested perennials
• Cut down tall stems of buddleia
• Get your mower ready for spring
• Lift, divide and re-plant snowdrops still in leaf
• Water containers of bulbs and spring bedding if we have a dry spell.
GREENHOUSE
• Sow sweet peas in deep pots. Keep frost-free
• Tomatoes, aubergines, peppers, melons & cucumbers for cropping in the greenhouse can be sown now, in a warm propagator
• For a bumper crop of chillies sow indoors now
• Sow geraniums (pelargoniums) indoors now for earlier flowers
• Plant or pot on hardwood cuttings taken last year
• Pot on and pinch out autumn-sown sweet peas to encourage sideshoots to form
• Plant dahlia tubers in trays to encourage shoots to develop, which you can then use as cuttings
• Re-pot herbs into larger pots
VEG PLOT
• Sow broad beans in rootrainers for planting out in 4-6 weeks’ time
• Sow peas in guttering
• Chit seed potatoes, standing them in trays in a light but frost-free position
• Cut autumn-fruiting raspberry canes to the ground. They will fruit in the autumn on the new canes
• Force rhubarb shoots for an early crop
THE ELDERFLOWER TREE NATURE’S “TOTAL PHARMACY”
(HEADLEY & SHAW, 2023)
The Elderflower tree grows abundantly in parks, along pathways and in hedgerows across Britain. It is considered as a “total pharmacy” as many parts of the tree can be used for a wide range of conditions and ailments, and may be more convenient than visiting the pharmacy.
Infusions of fresh or dried Elderflowers can be used, and these should be picked in late May or early June when they are still a healthy creamy colour. Dry them quickly. The flowers have a drying quality which means they are helpful for sinusitis, rhinitis, post-nasal drip and acute and chronic forms of bronchitis as they help to reduce copious sputum. Used on a long-term basis, the flowers help to support and restore mucosal membranes. The flowers contain a range of flavonoids e.g. quercetin that are both anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic and therefore elderflower is a key herb in the use of hay fever and asthma. The flowers are gentle enough to use with babies and children for coughs, colds, fevers and viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. Elderflower helps to send blood to the skin and thereby reduce fevers and aid skin conditions such as a damp, weepy eczema. A temperature is an important
physiological response to infection and Elderflower can help to maintain this at a restorative, comfortable and unharmful level. Although, do not use at same time as Calpol.
Elderberries, harvested in September or October can be taken as a juice, syrup, infused or in tincture form to help enhance the immune system and prevent viral infections, particularly commons colds and the flu, as a gentle laxative and again to aid sweating to reduce fever.
Elderberries are high in Vitamin C and help to deter viruses from attaching to mucous membranes, which is why they are such a great winter tonic. Elder leaves, gathered in June and July can form a key constituent of an ointment to heal wounds, bruises, burns, sprains, and to ease inflamed joints. Elder leaves, however, should only be used topically and should not be taken internally. In my practice, I often use Elderflowers in their dried form as a remedy for hay fever, colds and other allergies, but the berries also form an important part of an immune tea and I include them in a syrup to help fight viral infections, sore throats and tonsilitis, or to be taken as a winter tonic.
Aside from the medicinal properties, Elderflowers mix well with champagne and an Elderflower cordial is cooling on a hot summer’s day. The berries are an excellent tasty addition to jams and chutney, and Elderflower wine with cinnamon is a soothing hot drink to take for colds. Always ask permission when collecting from the Elder tree otherwise you could incur bad luck! Elder has long been considered a magical and protective tree so be sure not to anger the fairies by not asking permission to use any part of the plant!
Louise Courtney wildsidehealth.co.uk
Nb. Use with caution during pregnancy and lactation and consult a medical herbalist prior to use, especially if you are taking other medications.
SHORE LEAVE HASLAR MEMORIAL GARDEN OPEN DAY
Haslar Road, Gosport
Wednesday 12th February 11am-1pm. Free entry, donations gratefully accepted. Crafts, plants, produce for sale. Enjoy homemade cake and drinks. Walk around the peaceful garden. Please park in main Haslar site. Free entry. Donations gratefully received.
STUBBINGTON & HILL HEAD HISTORY
SOCIETY
Monday 10th February 7.30pm
Roman Catholic Church Hall, Bells Lane, Stubbington
Myths of the Georgian Navy - Women. The Press Gang. Rations, Punishment and more. Tony Noon. Enquiries to merrieldixonhistory@gmail.com Website shhhs.co.uk
INTERNATIONAL FOLK/CIRCLE DANCING
February 11th, 25th 10am-12pm
RC Church Hall, Bells Lane, Stubbington £7
Dances to beautiful music from around the World. No Partner or experience is required & all dances are taught. New members welcome. Contact Bob & Mary 01329 609589 Mobile: 07748009838 neal.bob61@gmail.com
LEE PLAYERS VARIETY SHOW
Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd March
Doors 7pm curtains 7.30pm Crofton Hall Theatre, Crofton Community Centre, Stubbington, PO14 2PP
Lee Players are celebrating 50 years of entertaining the public with a Variety Show. Tickets, £10, from 01329 662128 or Crofton Community Centre or on the door on the night. Seating will be at tables and you are welcome to bring your own refreshments.
STOKES BAY LITTER PICK
10am 29th March. Meet by the Splash Park. All equipment provided. Organised by Friends of Stokes Bay. friendsofstokesbay.co.uk
MENOPAUSE TOGETHER GOSPORT
Every first Saturday of the month 10am-12noon Methodist Church, Soke Road, Gosport & Every third Wednesday of the month 6-7.30pm at Lee Hub 14 High St, Lee-on-the-Solent PO13 9BZ
A local support group for others struggling with this journey of menopause. Find our group and page on Facebook - Menopause Together Gosport
FRIENDS
OF STANLEY PARK
Litter pick first Sunday of the month 10-11am Meet in The Alverbank Hotel car park. We provide pickers, bags, gloves and smiles!
GOSPORT JAZZ CLUB - FEBRUARY
Rugby Club, Dolphin Cres, Gos, PO12 2HE 12th Wee 4 26th Paula Jackman’s Jazz Masters 8-10.30pm M £10 G £12 - gosportjazz.org.uk
CROFTON PROBUS CLUB
Meet for a monthly social lunch at Lee-on-the-Solent Golf Club. Followed by an after lunch presentation of interest by a member or an invited guest.
For retired and Semi-retired professional/businessmen.
If you miss the camaraderie and social connection of the workplace come along to a trial meeting before joining? New members welcome. 07508711299 or email: morton.wouter@gmail.com
LE CERCLE FRANÇAIS DE GOSPORT
Thursday 13th February 7:30pm Bay House School
We will be seeing a French comedy with French subtitles titled - “Un p’tit truc en plus”.
New members will be most welcome – telephone Martin Lazell on 01329 314750 for more details.
FIND MORE ‘WHAT’S ON’ INSIDE!
Whether you are water phobic and very nervous, or someone who just wants to improve their stroke we offer a range of course packages to get you the results you want in a short space of time.
Our courses consist of 90 minutes swimming per day, on a 1:1 basis at our beautiful private pool. For water phobias we offer a 5 day course, beginners we recommend our 4 day course, improvers 3 days and anyone that can swim well but are just looking to really fine tune, 2 days works wonders! Courses are taken over consecutive days which speeds up the whole process taking you from beginner to swimmer in no time at all. Lessons and courses booked and taken in February receive a discount if you quote CHOICE 25, call for more info! Could your swimming skills do with a brush up?
We teach water phobic, beginners, improvers right through to competitive and technique refinement. Our adult specialist teachers are ready to get you started on your swimming journey. Beautiful pool in Stubbington
For more information about what we offer call or email today for a chat
10 WAYS TO SATISFY THE NEEDS OF YOUR SENIOR DOG
Senior dogs have unique requirements that differ from those of younger pups. By understanding and addressing these needs, we can ensure our furry friends continue to lead fulfilling and comfortable lives in their golden years.
PHYSICAL EXERCISE
Arthritis and other mobility issues are common in older dogs, but that doesn’t mean they have to spend the rest of their days in bed. Talk to your vet about medications and therapies such as laser, to improve your dog’s ability to get around. Even if hikes are no longer possible, short easy strolls are just as helpful.
MOBILITY AIDS & ASSISTED LIVING DEVICES
Ramps are great for getting in and out of the car, but try and keep the slope gradual. Some dogs find it difficult walking up a steep incline. Pet steps allow your dog access to your bed and living room furniture!
A harness or sling makes walking more comfortable, by providing extra support to take pressure off painful joints.
Dog wheelchairs are helpful for those suffering from hip dysplasia, spinal injuries or paralysis. Every senior dog could benefit from a stroller or wagon. When he needs a break from walking, he can hop in to rest. Walks aren’t cut short and he can still enjoy being out and about.
MENTAL STIMULATION
Keeping your dog’s mind active is just as important as physical exercise. It prevents boredom, and may slow the progression of cognitive decline. Training sessions, interactive toys, puzzle toys and feeders can all help.
UNDERSTAND THEIR CHANGING NEEDS
Older dogs can experience anxiety and confusion, often as a result of vision and/or hearing issues, pain from various illnesses or the effects of dementia. Stick to their routine, make sure they’re getting out often enough to pee, spend time together and provide them with a safe and quiet place they can retreat to, when things at home get too hectic.
DOES YOUR DOG NEED A NEW BED?
If your dog doesn’t seem to settle as easily as he used to, it may be time for a different style bed. There are so many to choose from, finding one he likes may be a case of trial and error. Helpful tip: I put a blanket on every bed for extra warmth and comfort.
HELP THEM STAY HYDRATED
Put more water bowls around the house, so your dog won’t have far to walk for a drink.
COVER SLIPPERY FLOORS
Slippery floors and arthritic/unsteady dogs are not a good combination. Yoga mats and interlocking foam or rubber mats will help your dog get traction.
MORE FREQUENT PEE BREAKS
Diabetes, kidney issues and some medications mean the need to pee more. In addition to regular walks, add in some pee breaks throughout the day. Don’t wait for him to let you know.
SATISFY THEIR NUTRITIONAL NEEDS
Age and health conditions may mean a change in diet would be beneficial. Speak with your vet or a canine nutritionist to find out the best food for your dog.
REGULAR VET CHECKS
Senior dogs should be seeing their vet every six months, more frequently if they have health issues that are being monitored. Make sure your vet does blood tests, and bring a urine sample with you.
I’m Hindy Pearson, dog trainer, Senior Dog Care Consultant and Pet Loss Specialist. I help senior dog parents with anticipatory grief, quality of life issues, general care and navigating pet loss. Visit my website greypawsandall.com and book a free 20 minute discovery call to find out how I can help.
Note: Not all vets see value in senior dogs, so if yours dismisses your concerns or tells you “it’s old age,” find a new vet. Old age is not a diagnosis.
MOTs | Servicing | 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.)
OUT & ABOUT WITH GOSPORT ROAD RUNNERS
These past few months have seen our members taking part and representing Gosport Road Runners in all corners of the globe from Australia and New Zealand to the USA with some stellar marathon performances and two of our runners flew the flag in Lanzarote.
Closer to home we have had good turnouts in the Hampshire Road Race League and the Southern Cross Country League. Both of these leagues cater for runners of all abilities and our members are encouraged to participate. There is a great team spirit and we are proud to wear our club colours to represent our club and town.
The Hampshire Road Race League is an annual series of thirteen road races of varying distances from five miles to a half marathon (13.1 miles) and the Southern Cross Country League is a series of six races of approximately five miles held in some of the most beautiful areas in Hampshire.
PARKRUN – AN EXTRACT FROM OUR DECEMBER
NEWSLETTER
As a club we are great supporters of Parkrun and 2024 marked its 20-year anniversary. It all began back in 2004 when 13 runners and five volunteers got together on a blustery day in Bushy Park in Teddington and for many years it was just that one event. Since then, more than 2,200 parkruns have been set up in 23 countries around the world, with over nine million registered parkrunners (and counting). But parkrun was never just a run: The founder, Paul Sinton-Hewitt’s vision was for parkrun to be a place for everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from. An opportunity for people to be active together, outdoors, and take part however they like.
So, when Bushy parkrun was holding its 1000th event and with Gosport being less than 1.5 hours away, we just had to be there! Two cars full of Gosport Road Runners headed up to Bushy Park at the crack of dawn as we knew it was going to be insanely busy and even though we were there by 7.30am, there were already a lot of cars in the car park but luckily we were able to get parked right inside Bushy Park near the finish. When we got out of the car, we were greeted a few cars away by Mickey and Minnie Mouse – we knew then that this was going to be a special, if surreal day!
If you would like to know more about our club and all our activities, please read our newsletters which are available on the website gosportroadrunners.org.uk
Every Tuesday and Thursday evening we meet at 7pm at the Gosport and Fareham Rugby Club in Dolphin Crescent.
The Cross Country Team at Alice Holt Country Park
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
Why switch to a
A smart meter can help you track your energy use
Getting a smart meter can help put you in control by tracking what you’re spending on energy. You don't have to be a tech wizard to use one, and you don't need internet access to have one.
A smart meter will send your gas and electricity readings direct to your supplier, so you shouldn’t have to take and submit meter readings. Bills are based off of what you actually use.
Eligibility may vary
FACTS ABOUT SMART METERS
• They do not need an internet connection
• They are easy to use
• Only your energy supplier can access the information
• You can still have a smart meter if you rent your home
• You can have a smart meter if you are a prepay customer
For more information on smart meters, you can talk with the Sw team by calling 0800 260 5907 or emailing hello@switchedonp Read more about smart meters at www.switchedonportsmout
GO GREEN WEEK AND 50:50 DRAW ROWANS
HOSPICE IN FEB
Rowans Hospice is delighted to announce two fantastic opportunities for the community to support the Charity during January and February. Until the end of February, supporters can purchase tickets for the Rowans 50:50 Draw and take place first ‘Go Green Week’ happening from Monday, 10 February to Sunday, 16 February 2025.
The Rowans 50:50 Draw is now open. This draw is an exciting opportunity to win big whilst supporting the charity. The draw gives one lucky supporter the chance to win half of the final pot of funds raised, whilst the other half will go directly to support Rowans Hospice.
Tickets are just £5 and are only available online. The more tickets that are sold, the more the prize pot grows and the bigger the prize will be! Ticket sales will close on Friday, 28 February 2025 and the lucky winner will be drawn online on Monday, 3 March 2025.
For the full T&C’s and purchase a ticket visit the 50:50 Draw websiteuk.givergy.com/RowansHospice5050draw
In February, the Go Green Week is running from Monday, 10 February to Sunday, 16 February 2025 and it encourages supporters to organize green-themed events, such as bake sales, dress-down days, sponsored challenges,
or fun family activities, with proceeds going directly to Rowans Hospice. The initiative is open to everyone, regardless of whether they have a personal connection to the Hospice, including businesses and schools.
Anyone wishing to take part in Go Green Week and organise their own event, can request their fundraising pack on the Rowans Hospice’s website. The pack includes blank posters and invitations to be filled out with the event details, heart shaped bunting and a collection tin. Participants can also download their own pack via the website.
During Go Green week our Fundraising Team will be visiting our Retail Shops to spread awareness about Regular Giving, do look out for them if you are visiting one of the shops listed below:
10 February, 12:30pm - 4:30pm - Emsworth
11 February, 9:30am - 12:30pm - Gosport Emporium
11 February, 9:30am - 12:30pm - Petersfield
12 February, 12:30pm - 4:30pm - Bishops Waltham
13 February, 12:30pm - 4:30pm - Southsea
14 February, 12:30pm - 4:30pm - Park Gate
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, from Monday, 10 February to Sunday, 16 February, our virtual tree will be live as part of Rowans’ first-ever Go Green Week. The link for the tree will be live and available on Rowans Hospice’s social media pages and website.
rowanshospice.co.uk
TUESDAYS 7-9pm Wednesday 9.30am-12noon
£198,000 SOLENT GLIMPSES, TOP FLOOR TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT. GARAGE. EXTENDED LEASE.
