Stubbington Choice December 2023

CHOICE

S C MAGAZINE

MINCE PIE TASTE TEST CHRISTMAS

CHURCH SERVICES

ART EXHIBITION LEARN TO SWIM

WHAT’S ON FESTIVE RECIPE

V EGA

N

YOUR LOCAL, YOUR LOCAL, FREE MAGAZINE FREE MAGAZINE

DECEMBER EDITION

NEWS OFFERS RECIPES GARDENING GUIDE LOCAL EVENTS LOCAL BUSINESSES TIPS

STUBBINGTON

COMING SOON

TANNING SALON OPENING JANUARY 2024 144 HIGH STREET, LEE ON THE SOLENT hello@justtanning.co.uk

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www.justtanning.co.uk

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HAP PY CHRISTMAS

FESTIVE RECIPE This month we’ve gone for Meera Sodha’s recipe for Soft Amaretti Biscuits. Delicious, easy to make and a lovely edible gift! Vegan too!

You’ll find more festive recipes on our website.

The small print: Gosport Choice cannot be held responsible for any advertiser or advertisers statements or contents in their advert. Or any other details published.

Also inside...you will find all the Christmas

HELLO!

Church Services, gift ideas, offers, what’s on

The advent calendar has started! Hurrah! I

fabulous advertisers and much more!

always have two! My husband treats me to an extremely fancy one and my Mum always treats me to a chocolate one! December mornings are

locally, Rita’s article, sudoku, gardening guide,

I do hope you enjoy this months edition! If you’d like to kick start your business in 2024 with an

really good!

advert for the January edition get in touch!

LOVE STUBBINGTON CALENDAR

Don’t forget to follow us on our socials!

Whilst on the subject of calendars...If you’re

Have a lovely Christmas! See you next year!

getting organised and thinking of next year pick up the Love Stubbington 2024 Calendar. Filled with a collection of photographs from locals with a Village Wildlife theme. Now on sale for £5.

They make a lovely gift and can come with a complimentary envelope. All profits going to local charities. They are available to buy in Parkers and Bloom Florist while stocks last!

EDITOR | FOLLOW

It would not be December without the results of our annual Mince Pie Taste Test! The Team worked their way through numerous mince pies - some good, some bad - check out the results on page 30.

SID IS HOPEFUL FOR CHRISTMAS TREATS!

LEARN TO SWIM Been wanting to learn to swim or just improve your swimming? You are in luck! We have a Swim School right on our doorstep! Check out page

GET IN TOUCH

11 for all the details.

Call: 023 9250 2222 Email: adverts@stubbingtonchoice.com

facebook.com/StubbingtonChoice Read me, keep me or pass me on!

instagram.com/stubbingtonchoice Website: stubbingtonchoice.com

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Come and visit us at

Titchfield Barn Christmas Fayre Every Wednesday - Sunday 25th November - 17th December and Monday 18th December - Thursday 21st December

We are a friendly team of professional Florists, working with you to create perfect floral displays.

We specialise in flowers for weddings, funerals & provide a gift & delivery service for any occasion.

bloom 17 Stubbington Green 01329 667833 bloom-florist.com

76 High St Fareham 01329 823244 bloomflorist.net

Same day service - Free consulation - Guaranteed results - 30+ Years experience

I cover everything: • wasps • rats • mice • woodworm • squirrels • moles • flies • ants • bedbugs • all crawling and flying insects • solar panel bird proofing.

Any pests you have, I can eradicate.

Professional services for all of your pest control needs!

Call Stephen to eradicate your pest problem 07368 243412 website: yourlocalpestcontrol.co.uk

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email: stephenrogers179@gmail.com

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Method In a large bowl, whisk the almonds, sugar and salt. In a second bowl, and using an electric whisk, whip the aquafaba for eight to 10 minutes, until it forms semi-stiff peaks.

Heat the oven to 200C (180C fan)/390F/gas 6 and line two oven trays with baking paper (mine’s reusable). Gently fold the aquafaba, lemon zest and vanilla into the almond mix.

Now set up a biscuit rolling station: shake the icing sugar into a shallow bowl or lipped plate, and put the dough to one side of it and the

SOFT AMARETTI BISCUITS

trays to the other.

Pinch off a walnut-sized, 25-30g piece of the biscuit mixture, gently roll it into a ball, then put in

This recipe is by one of my favourites - Meera

the icing sugar and repeat until you have about

Sodha. These biscuits are extremely easy to

six in the bowl. Keeping the bowl on the coun-

make, taste delicious and would make a lovely

tertop, gently shuffle it around in a circular mo-

edible gift for a lucky someone!

tion so the amaretti roll around and get covered

Makes about 22. Will keep for 1 week+

in a thick coat of icing sugar. Carefully place them 10cm apart on one baking tray, and repeat

You’ll need:

until you’ve used up all the dough.

For the cupcakes; • 300g ground almonds

Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the amaretti are

• 175g caster sugar

golden on top, then remove and set aside to

• ¼ tsp fine sea salt

cool.

• 120ml aquafaba, from 1 x 400g tin chickpeas

The biscuits will keep for at least a week in an

• Zest of 1 lemon

airtight container. To wrap, put them in a gift

• 1 tsp vanilla paste • 50g icing sugar, for rolling

box of your choice and tie with ribbon.

Check out our website for other festive recipes!

Find everything Meera Sodha here: meerasodha.com

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Call 023 9250 2222 email adverts@stubbingtonchoice.com or visit stubbingtonchoice.com

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Village Pets Groomers 24 The Green, Stubbbington Pet Shop and Groomers

SPACES AVAILABLE!

Bath and Brush • Full Groom • Puppy Groom • Nail Cutting • Teeth Cleaning Offering a professional dog grooming service to meet the needs of your beloved pets. We offer a range of services from a quick nail trim to a full pamper session making your pooches smell and look amazing. Teeth cleaning available too.

CH IN TO BE PAMPERED CONTACT US TODAY TO BOOK YOUR POO AS! SO THEY LOOK THEIR BEST FOR CHRISTM

01329 662855 villagepets24@gmail.com

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WHAT’S ON CROFTON AMATEUR DRAMATICS SOCIETY

Our next CADS production is Wind in the Willows the Panto to be performed on 18th-21st January 2024 at the Crofton Community Centre, Stubbington. Thurs/Friday performances are 7:30pm, and Sat/Sunday matinee are at 2:30pm. Tickets are £5 children and £10 adults from 01329 661143, or book online using TicketSource, or buy them at the Community Centre, or at the door at each show.

LEE CHORAL SOCIETY

Christmas Concert. Saturday 2nd December 7pm. St Faith’s Church, Lee on the Solent.

Tickets £12.50 available from choir memebers, the Parish Office or 07815 002620.

FOCOC (FRIENDS OF CROFTON OLD CHURCH)

Services are at 9.30 am every Sunday. The 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month is Holy Communion (BCP) and the 2nd and 4th Sunday is Morning Service. Coffee is served after the Morning Services. The Church will also be open to visitors on 18th December, 10am - 12.00 noon. We look forward to seeing you then.

Sunday 3rd Dec 4pm Advent Concert by Solent Community Choir. Free admission* Sunday 17th December 4pm Nine Lessons and Carols. All are welcome* Friday 22nd Dec 5pm Carols in the Churchyard.

This is a Holy Rood event that is being held in St Edmund’s Churchyard.

Sunday 24th Dec 5pm Nativity Service.

Everyone is welcome.

Monday 25th Dec 9.30am Christmas Morning Communion Service (BCP) *donations going towards the upkeep of St Edmunds.

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STUBBINGTON AND HILL HEAD HISTORY SOCIETY

Second Monday of the month at the Catholic Church Hall PO14 2PL Monday 11th December 7.30 p.m.

There will be no speaker. Exhibits from the societies Archives will on display for inspection.

Mulled wine and mince pies follow with an opportunity to exchange seasonal greetings Further info merrieldixonhistory@gmail.com website: shhhs.co.uk

CROFTON PARISH-HOLY ROOD

Sunday 10th 7pm Carols by Candlelight Saturday 16th 2pm & 3 pm Christmas Family Fun & Christingle** Sunday 17th 10am Scratch Nativity Mon 18th 2pm Young at Heart Christmas Service 11:30 pm Midnight Communion Monday 25th 10am Christmas Day Service ** Pre-booking required for Family Fun & Christingle.

See croftonparish.org.uk/christmas.

STUBBINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH Jay Close, PO14 3TA Sundays Morning Service with Sunday School - 10am.

Praise and Worship - 6.30pm.

Tuesdays 1.15pm. Baby and Toddler Group (Term time) 7pm. Pilates (Term time) 7pm Evening Life Group. Weekly.

Wednesdays 1st of month – U3A Gardening group 2nd and 4th 10am Life Group 2nd and 4th in afternoon – W.I meetings Thursdays

1st in month Snack ‘n’ Chat (Light meal) 12.30pm £2 Donation welcome.

3rd in month Coffee & Cake 11am

Last in Month – Friends through pain.

For info: Douglas Fleming 07775 687767 douglasfleming612@gmail.com

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Do you need to learn to swim?

Could you do with some help to improve your stroke?

If the answer is yes but you don’t fancy the local public pool, then our adult only swim school could be just what you need.

During your lesson, just you and your specialist teacher are in the pool and with no spectators, you have complete peace and privacy to learn.

With over 35 years of experience and conveniently located in Stubbington, we have a warm, purpose built, completely private pool that we offer weekly 1:1 lessons or intensive swimming courses from.

Whether you need to practice for a holiday, improve for fitness or increase speed for a triathlon, we have a lesson that will suit your needs.

Our highly qualified teachers will get you feeling confident and increase your ability in the water in a short space of time!

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SUNDAY ROAST DINNER DELIVERIES Available 12 – 4pm every Sunday Take the hassle and mess out of cooking Sunday lunch and order one of our tasty roast takeaways! Prices starting at £12.50

NEW LOOK RESTAURANT Come dine with us in our new look restaurant

Enjoy a cosy and relaxing evening in our newly refurbished restaurant with some of our delicious new dishes.

BOXING DAY BUFFET Our classic Boxing Day cold meat buffet will be served from 12-4pm £26.00 per person. Tables must be pre-booked.

ALL YOU CAN EAT MEXICAN! Tuesday 30th January 2024 Come and try a variety of tasty Mexican cuisine served buffet style so you can eat all you can!

Starting from 6.30pm. Tables must be pre-booked for this event. £19.50 per person.

24 Crescent Rd, Alverstoke, Gosport, PO12 2DH Tel: 023 9258 2157 angleseyhotel.co.uk

IN THE CRESCENT

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UP TO 30% OFF

EVERYTHING

WHO ARE WE?

T adition Tra nal Ch C ristma a

We are a growing family church who meet in Crofton Community Centre on Sundays from 10.15am until 11.30am. Coffee is served before and after the meeting. We also have various small groups who meet during the

week in homes and the community centre. We are non denominational and welcome people

from all denominations and none. Our Sunday

meetings are fairly informal with modern worship and bible based teaching.

www.shorelinechristianchurch.com juliestares@hotmail.co.uk Julie 07531 856465

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Aquifolium Bacciflava

DECEMBER IN CRESCENT GARDEN December is very much the time when we think about holly as it has been associated with Christmas for centuries and we still like to bring it indoors to decorate our homes or make it into wreathes to hang on our doors The dark green glossy leaves with spiky edges contrasted with the red berries are said to symbolise Jesus’ blood on the crown of thorns, though that image we would associate more with Easter than Christmas. For the plant the spiky leaves are a protection against grazing animals and higher up each bush where no animal could reach them the leaves are more likely to be a smooth oval in outline. The familiar red berries stay on the bushes in winter and, although slightly toxic to humans are an excellent food source for birds and other animals. Mistle thrushes, particularly, are known to guard bushes full of berries and noisily chase away potential thieves. The seeds inside the red fleshy part pass out of the birds in droppings and this forms an excellent means of seed dispersal.

The bushes have rather inconspicuous white flowers during spring and summer, male and female on separate bushes. If you have a holly bush in your garden that has never produced any berries, it is almost certainly a male bush.

Wild holly, Ilex aquifolium, has a wide distribution in the northern hemisphere and like other familiar native plants myths have developed around it over the centuries. In medieval times holly in the house was thought

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to protect against ‘malevolent faeries’ and in pre Victorian times ‘Christmas trees’ meant holly rather than the conifers introduced by Prince Albert. Holly has long been felt to have protective properties and there were taboos against cutting down whole trees, but taking off boughs was allowed for decoration; and coppicing was common for various purposes.

The hard white wood was used for marquetry, chess pieces and tool handles. Folk law suggested that holly wood had an affinity for control, especially of horses, so most whips for ploughmen and horse drawn carriages were made from coppiced holly. Holly trees were traditionally planted near houses to protect them from lightning. It is now known that the spines on holly leaves can act as miniature lightning conductors, thus protecting the bush, so there might be some scientific evidence for this superstition.

You will find a number of holly bushes in Crescent Garden, several of them other varieties, not just the native Ilex aquifolium.

There are, however, two of the native bushes, both tree size, one at the far western end of the garden and the other at the eastern end. Both are best seen from the pavement outside the garden and are covered in berries - a wonderful sight.

Just inside the western-most gate is I. aquifolium Argentia Marginata, sometimes called Silver Holly as its leaves are mainly green, but with white margins which glow looking silvery in sunlight. This bush is male, so doesn’t bear any berries. Another male bush, despite its name, is I. aquifolium Golden Queen, which again has green leaves but with a creamy golden edge. This bush is under the large cedar tree, beside the path near the fountain. It replaces one that was originally planted to commemorate Queen Victoria’s coronation.

Rita Rundle Crescent Garden, Crescent Road, Alverstoke

alverstokecrescentgarden.co.uk

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Stubbington based pond creation and landscaping business, fully insured and specialising in wildlife friendly gardens including: Just created · Wildlife Ponds · Wildflower Planting & Flowering Lawns · Fish Ponds, Streams & Waterfalls · Pondless Water Features · Paving & Decking Check me out on YouTube, Facebook & Instagram - Viking Garden Creations · Pergolas, Wooden Bridges & Seating · Garden Maintenance

Visit my website www.vikinggardencreations.com

12 months later

Email me craig@vikinggardencreations.com Phone Craig on 07787 562490

The Methodist Church

Fareham PO16 0NU Sun 3rd Dec 10.30am Gift and Toy Service, supporting the local women’s refuge, food bank and Fareham College

Sun 17th Dec 10.30am All age Christingle and Nativity Service 6pm In the evening 6pm Carols by Candlelight

Sun 24th Dec 11.15pm Midnight Holy Communion Service

Stubbington PO14 2ER Sun 10th Dec 6.30pm Reflective Advent Holy Communion

Sun 24th Dec 3pm Carol Service

Mon 25th Dec 9.30am Christmas Day Service

All are warmly welcome to any of our Services. www.esanddcircuit.org.uk

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Rise with ease recline in comfort 100’s of fabric and colour choices available Express next day, and 7 day chairs available Made to measure chairs available in as little as 15 days

Delivery and set up service Come and try our chairs on display Rise & recline chairs, adjustable beds, mobility scooters, bathroom and kitchen aids, wheelchairs & walkers.

Men & women’s footwear, socks, hosiery Recommended by healthca

GIVE THE GIFT OF COMFORT

EXTRA roomy

112 STUBBINGTON LANE, STUBBINGTON PO14 2PE

Tel: 01329 661100 1 6

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Award winning stairlifts Straight · Curved · Outdoor

Regain your independence with a stairlift Fits quickly and easily to the stairs, not the wall Requires no structural changes to your home Affordable and reliable with low running costs Slimline and folds away conveniently when not in use Optional hinged rail designed to eliminate any trip or hazard

Contact us for more information

are providers nationwide. Designed to fit flatter and swollen feet. Free UK returns.

KEEP warm

BANISH THE COLD THIS WINTER

FREE OFF STREET PARKING IN FRONT OF OUR SHOP

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The most wonderful time of the year!

We are approaching our favourite time of the year in the salon. All the staff at Hillhead Hair get super excited for the festive season and the atmosphere becomes great fun.

Customers can be sure of a warm welcome from our team and we go the extra mile with company, chat and plenty of tea!

Established 1961

Rachael would like to say a big thank you to all the staff for making the salon our Happy Place.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year The staff at Hillhead Hair are all very experienced in all aspects of ladies and gents hairdressing and appointments are still available in December. Booking early advisable.

Hair colour specialists - Bridal hair experts - Child friendly Children's area (first hair cut certificates available) Beauty is with Sophie of Hill Head Beauty and Aesthetics.

We also have a separate gents Barbers. A walk in service with usually no appointment necessary. Our fully qualified staff welcome men & boys of all ages.

Open Monday - Saturday.

Please note we open at 9am Monday to Saturday and close on Mon/Thurs afternoon

Call to book: 01329 662155

56 Crofton Lane, Hill Head. hillheadhairandbeauty.co.uk

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Christmas Opening Hours

Thursday 21st

8am - 6pm

Friday 22nd

7.30am - 6pm

Saturday 23rd

7.30am - 6pm

Christmas Eve

9am - 4pm

Christmas Day

Closed

Boxing Day

Closed

Wednesday 27th

9am - 3pm

Thursday 28th

8am - 6pm

Friday 29th

8am - 6pm

Saturday 30th

8am - 6pm

New Year’s Eve

9am - 4pm

New Year’s Day

Closed

Tuesday 2nd Jan

8am - 6pm

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas!

10 Stubbington Green, Fareham PO14 2JG

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Richard Mar tin Galler y

Martin S Sn naap pe ((11852-19300)) - Rossyy Dawn Over Portsmouth H Ha arbourr..

Wa Watercolour r,, signed and dated 1909 A particularllyy atmossppheric work, looking ffrrom the Gosspport ffo oreshore, towards HM MSS V Viictorryy afloat in Portsmouth Harbour

A s t h e g a l l e r y a p pr o a c h e s it s 4 4 t h y e a r i n b u s i n e s s R i c h a rd & E l a i n e M a r t i n a n d s o n s w o u l d l i k e t o t h a n k t h e i r m a ny cl ient s , ne a r a nd ffaa r, ffoor t hei r conti nued suppor t a nd to w i sh t hem a happy Ch r i stma s a nd a pea cefu f u l Ne w Ye Yea r.

Details of the gallery’’ss upcoming annual exhib bition are shown opposite

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Eric Ravilious (1903-1942) - Commander looking through the Periscope (detail) Submarine Operations, HMS Dolphin, 1940

An Exhibition of about 100 FINE ORIGINAL 18TH - 21ST CENTURY

WATERCOLOURS , OILS , ETCHINGS , MAPS AND PRINTS by

M. Snape, W. Snape, W.L. Wyllie, A. Briscoe, R. Langmaid, R. Joicey, K. Yockney, T. Hale-Sanders etc.

Saturday 2nd December 2023 until Saturday 9th December 2023 (inclusive) 10.30am – 5.00pm (Closed Sunday 3rd) The gallery is happy to offer its expertise, free of charge and without obligation, to appraise paintings, etchings and antiquarian books brought in for framing, restoration, valuation or possible purchase.

All exhibits for sale

Richard Martin Gallery WAT E RC O L O U R S & ETC H I N G S R E S TO R E D A N D C L E A N E D

Est. 1980

B E S P O K E C O NS E RVAT I O N MO U N T I N G & FR A M I N G

19-23 Stoke Road, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1LS 5FM r XXX SJDIBSENBSUJOHBMMFSZ DP VL

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GREENHOUSE • Pinch out the tips of autumn-sown sweet peas to encourage bushier growth • Pick faded leaves and dead flowers regularly from plants overwintering in the greenhouse

VEG PLOT • Sow broad beans • Plant out onion sets • Plant out garlic • Ensure kale, winter cabbages and brassicas

IN THE GARDEN • Winter-prune Wisteria

are covered by netting • Sow winter lettuce • Order your veg seeds, onion sets, asparagus

• Store terracotta pots so they don’t crack

and potatoes and plan for next year!

• Hang bird feeders near roses to attract

• Finish digging over empty beds and pile

hungry birds that will also pick off any

manure on top if using

overwintering pests

• Prune grape vines once leaves fall

• Prune climbing roses

• Plant any fruit or ornamental trees

• Move potted tender plants under cover

• Turn compost heaps, empty the compost

• Fork over borders once remains of summer perennials & autumn leaves are cleared

bin, mix the contents, then refill • Plant out new rhubarb crowns

• Cut down grasses that are past their best!

• Place straw around the base of parsnips to

• Treat posts, fences & trellis with preservative

prevent the soil freezing, which can make

• Clear leaves near hedges & walls • Place mulch around plants to give roots extra insulation from the cold • Collect up hoses and reels, store in a shed

harvesting difficult • Remove yellowing leaves from your winter brassicas • Cut down dead asparagus foliage

over winter to prevent them being damaged by frost • Place a floating heater or a ball in ponds to stop ice completely covering the surface • Leave the faded flower heads on your hydrangeas until spring for protection • Check climbers and climbing shrubs are securely attached to their supports with ties • If it's mild, continue to cut the lawn if it's growing, but raise the height of mower blades.

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ADVERTISE! CALL 023 9250 2222 adverts@stubbingtonchoice.com | T: 023 9250 2222

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National Diploma Arboriculture & NPTC qualified.

Trees: Felling / Crown Reduction / Stump Grinding Hedges: Trimmed / Removed Shrubs: Pruning / Removal Garden Clearance

WE NOW OFFER:

Fencing and soft landscaping

FREEPHONE: 0800 955 8979 Tel: 01329 661 494 Mobile: 07973 128 273 steve@stubbingtontreecare.co.uk www.stubbingtontreecare.co.uk

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SUDOKU GET YOUR BRAIN WORKING!

Is your conservatory too hot and bright?

Speak to us about solar film!

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Are you thinking of

remortgaging?

Call: 02392 581185

EXPE RT ADV ICE

or email: enquiries@amacmortgages.co.uk

A helping hand in: 2nd Charges (Secured Loans) Debt Consolidation Mortgages Life Cover Family Protection Mortgage Protection Buildings & Contents

www.amacmortgages.co.uk Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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Building Contractor With over 35 years experience in the building trade, we offer a full range of services to both domestic and commercial clients throughout Gosport, Fareham and

the surrounding areas, from erecting small gardens walls to full extensions and refurbishments.

We offer the full range of interior & exterior building services and property maintenance including: extensions loft conversions kitchens bathrooms conservatories general garden maintenance patios decking swimming pools

Office: 02392 528851 Mobile: 07899 686342 Fax: 02392 528923 Evenings/Weekends: Tel: 01329 516232 Fax: 01329 519882 Mundens Yard, The Square, Off Priory Road, Gosport, PO12 4LH 215 Titchfield Road, Stubbington, Fareham, PO14 3EW

www.kwlawrencebuilders.co.uk enquiries@kwlawrencebuilders.co.uk

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Alan Brind Tree Services Daniel Ryder & Logan Madden (NCH) ARB

For All Your Garden Needs

Tree removal

Hedge trimming

Tree surgery

• Tree Pruning

• Fully Insured

• Dead Wooding

• TPO Applications Carried Out

• Stump Grinding & Felling

• Local Authority Approved

• Crown Reductions, Thinning & Crown Lifting • Soft Landscaping • Tree Planting • Hedge & Shrub Cutting

For a FREE estimate call Dan or Logan 01329 847114 • 07771 728737 email: abrindtrees@yahoo.co.uk

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www.alanbrindtreeservices.co.uk

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HIDDEN TREASURES 51-53 HIGH STREET LEE ON THE SOLENT

We urgently require your broken and unwanted gold, jewellery and antiques.

Any amount, any condition- top CASH prices paid!

JEWELLERY REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN 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 Please mention Stubbington Choice when replying to adverts | stubbingtonchoice.com

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Marks’s are your safe bet for looks and taste.

You really can’t go wrong!

Waitrose pies were really not good! Very dry pastry, horrid taste, undercooked, not enough filling and so on.

Tesco didn’t have enough filling! A lot of the team found them tasteless!

MINCE PIE TASTE TEST

Fortnum’s came out top overall. They had a

Armed with festive fizz, tea, coffee and top taste

a very nice citrus taste!

buds our dedicated Taste Test Team munched

We hope this helps! As always, any mince pie

lovely traditional look, were well filled with glossy fruit and encased in crumbly pastry. And

their way through 156 mince pies to bring you the results of the best looking and tasting mince pie for 2023! We went fancy this year and put Fortnum & Mason mince pies to the test! How

warmed up and with lashings of cream will taste good!

Until the next Taste Test.

did they stand against the usual contenders?

Results are in! Read on to find out....

For most of the testers, Asda’s looked good!

The traditional taste of the fruit was very favourable for some.

Lidl’s had a good crumble topping but weren’t very full at all. The team were spilt evenly on the taste. Lovely for some, others described them as tasteless!!

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Rank

Total %

Look

Taste

Brand

Quantity

Price

1st

78%

69%

87%

Fortnum & Mason Mince Pies

6 per pack

£12.95

2nd

70.5%

71%

70%

M & S Collection Mince Pies

6 per pack

£3.50

3rd

70%

74%

66%

Asda Extra Special Luxury Mince Pies

6 per pack

£2.35

4th

58%

64%

52%

Lidl deluxe Crumble Top Mince Pies

6 per pack

£2.99

5th

52%

58%

46%

Tesco Finest Crumble ToppedMince Pies 6 per pack

£3.00

6th

46%

53%

39%

Waitrose Duchy All Butter Mince Pies

£3.25

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4 per pack

REVERSE PARK MODERN TECHNOLOGY - OLD FASHIONED SERVICE

PARKING SENSORS WITH AUDIBLE WARNING FITTED Rear set colour coded: from £160 Front set colour coded: from £190 Both Front & Rear Sensors: from £290

CRUISE CONTROL FOR MOST VEHICLES £425 FITTED PRICE Metatrack insurance approved vehicle trackers fitted from £330 Rear view cameras for Cars £190 Vans from £225 & Motorhomes from £245

Dash cameras starting at £145 fully fitted or FRONT & REAR cameras for just £275 We fit the amazing iroad Fx series dashcams, probably the best value dash cam for sale google it and be amazed iroaduk.com

Mobile Service - We Come To You!

Tel: 01489 449020 Mobile: 07979 353696 www.reversepark.co.uk

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3 1

W L

S Christine Davies Solicitor

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.

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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.

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ALL YOUR HOME COMPUTING PROBLEMS...

SORTED Email at: enquiries@for-matt.com

Confused by all the computer Jargon? I can explain in plain English!

Free Advice Available 9am to 9pm Mon-Sat • Fault Finding • Tablet and Phone Setup • Virus removal • Network and Wifi Support

• Printer Setup • Software installation • Remote Assistance Software • No Callout Charge

PORTSMOUTH - 02393 990085 HEDGE END - 01489 662012

FAREHAM - 01329 690417 MOBILE/WHATSAPP - 07833 323992

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3 3

Lee-on-Solent

DENTAL SURGERY Dr Bernie Taylor

COVID 19 UPDATE We are fully open. If you are a registered patient of the Practice, please call for advice or to make an appointment on 023 9255 1768

All forms of restorative dentistry undertaken. before

after

From a simple filling to full mouth cosmetic makeovers.

Over 20 years experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

before

after

Experienced, warm and friendly staff.

whitening - implants - veneers - hygienist Children welcome and treated under the NHS

Telephone: 023 9255 1768 2 Milvil Court, Milvil Road, Lee on the Solent PO13 9LY

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registered

www.leedental.co.uk

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Flexible finance options available

MOBILE CARPET & VINYL SPECIALISTS Fitted Carpets & Vinyls at DIRECT prices 3,500 Quality carpets & vinyls to choose from in the comfort of your own home

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0800 389 2177 or 07775 796588 9am to 8pm 7 DAYS A WEEK

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3 5

SOLENT AIRPORT MOTS Illustrious, Daedalus Drive, Lee on the Solent • Welding & Body Repairs • MOT Testing Station • Brakes • Clutches • Exhausts • General Repairs

• Servicing • Tyres • Diagnostics testing • Auto Electrics • Air Conditioning

Mon - Fri: 8.30 - 5.30 Sat: 8.30 - 12.30

FREE COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE

TRANSPORTERS ALWAYS IN STOCK FOR SALE!

0333 3585 999 3 6

hvrgarages.com

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GARAGES

ARE PROUD TO ADD

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

TO OUR EXISTING GARAGES:

99b Mays Lane, Stubbington PO14 2ED

212 Hunts Pond Road, Locks Heath PO14 4PG

NEW LOCATION

STUBBINGTON MOTORS IS NOW AT SOLENT AIRPORT MOTS

Illustrious, Daedalus Drive, Lee on the Solent PO13 9YA

HVR Customs offer a range of services, including full or part van conversions, pop top roofs and Kombi’s!

We specialise in VW Transporters inside and out, including paint repairs and Revo remapping carried out on site.

Follow Us!

Proud members of

Where reputation matters

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3 7

Email: mjquigleybuilders@gmail.com

Fully insured All work to British Standard 3998 All staff NPTC Qualified Woodchip and seasoned barnstored firewood available

All aspects of arboriculture and horticulture services, including: Crown reductions, thinning and lifting Hedge cutting Stump grinding/removal Dead wood removal

Complete tree removal Tree planting Pollarding Tree inspections Site and garden clearance

Dangerous tree removal Tree felling Specialist pruning (flowering & fruiting) TPO applications undertaken

…and all other aspects of tree, hedge and garden work.

PLEASE CALL FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTE 01329 315647 Jack Newcombe NCHA (Arb) NPTC MOBILE 07738388726 EMAIL info@jntreecare.co.uk

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We are a Family Run, Fully Insured Asbestos Removal and Disposal Business.

Our friendly team are waiting to help with any of your needs:

• Garage/Shed Roofs • Floor Tiles • Artex Ceilings • Cement Soffits and Fascia • Flue Pipes • Pick Ups of Asbestos Material • Encapsulation and Sealing • Samples We have over 70 years experience in the industry

Contact us today 07867 692052 / 01489 550564 mpenvironmental@icloud.com

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3 9

PREPARING OURSELVES FOR CHRISTMAS Preparations for Christmas seem to occur earlier and earlier each year. As I write, it’s not even the end of October, yet our shops are already full of Christmas puddings, mince pies and other seasonal delectables. These signs mark the beginning of the ever-lengthening journey towards the 25th December and Christmas Day. Christmas in our house begins in early December with the installation of a lengthy string of 300 LED fairy lights, which adorns the front of our house. The string is so long that there is enough to go from one side to the other and back again with a bit to spare!

The finished result looks magnificent, twinkling away for hours in the winter gloom, and is suitable compensation for the several hours it takes climbing the stepladder to erect this luminescent array! And all this, before we’ve even bought the turkey, decorated the tree or wrapped the presents!

In today’s fast-moving and ever-changing world, it is so easy, with all the preparations, to get caught up in frantic activity and selfindulgence, which, if we are honest, can leave us feeling flat and empty, once it is all over. By the time we reach Christmas itself, we often feel both relived and exhausted in equal measure!

In the Christian Church, Christmas begins with a period known as Advent, which this year begins on Sunday 3rd December. Advent, meaning coming or arrival, marks a time of

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preparation where we get ready for the birth of God’s son, Jesus. Many people mark this time with an advent calendar. Today, many of these calendars have more to do with chocolate than they do with Christmas, but traditionally they contained pictures of the Christmas story to remind us of the real reason for the season – Jesus.

Advent is also a time to prepare ourselves.

Why not set aside some time to stop and consider what Christmas is all about and what the coming of a saviour means for you. The angel told Joseph that Jesus would be called Emmanuel, which means God with us. As Christians, we are reminded that the coming of Jesus is not just a past event but a present reality. What would you like God to do for you this Christmas? Is there some area of your life or a situation where you would like to see his love and healing at work? As the old carol says, where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.

In the weeks leading to up to Christmas, there is plenty going on in all the churches in Stubbington from Christingles and live nativities to a variety of Carol services, including carols in the churchyard. Details can be found on our website or on the Parish Christmas card, which has details of the events happening in all the churches in Stubbington. Whether you are a regular church member or not, or even if you are not sure that you believe in the Christmas story at all, you are welcome to join us. There is something for everyone, whatever age you may be, so why not give it a go?

Revd Colin Prestidge – Assistant Minister Crofton Parish Tel 661154 www.croftonparish.org.uk

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t n e & v d A hri tm C

arishh

November

Saturday 25th, from 4pm ‘Love Stubbington’ Lights Switch-O On & Carol Service, Village Green

December

Sunday 10th, 7 pm Carols by Candlelight, Holy Rood Saturday 16th, 2 pm & 3 pm Christmas Family Fun & Christinglee*, Holy Rood Sunday 17th 10 am, am Scratch Nativity Nativity, Holy Rood 4 pm, Nine Lessons & Carols, St Eddmund’s Monday 18th, 2 pm Young at Heart Christmas Service, H Holy Rood Friday 22nd, 4 pm Carols in the Churchyard, St Edmunnd’s Sunday 24th 5 pm, Nativity Service, St Edmund’ss 11:30 pm, Midnight Communion, Holy H Rood Monday 25th 9:30 am, Christmas Day Communioon, St Edmund’s 10 am, Christmas Day Service, Holy Rood * Pre-booking required for Family Fun & Christingle. See croftonparish.org.uk/christmas.

crof tonparish.org.uk

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4 1

WHAT’S ON

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adverts@stubbingtonchoice.com | T: 023 9250 2222

T adition Tra nal Ch C ristma a

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WHAT’S ON

WHO’S GOING TO COME AND SING SOME CAROLS?

Come and see our 8m igloo that’s being used as our Santa’s Grotto for all to come and see Father Christmas over the event weekend.

Opening times to be released soon, so keep any

out

on

Facebook

and

websites

events.co.uk

and

The ‘Joy of Christmas’ is coming to Lee on the

www.Montserrat

Solent over the 8th, 9th & 10th December,

www.leeonthesolent.uk. Tickets are £5.00 per

which is being held in and around the grounds

child, take pictures to capture the moment and

of St Faith's Church, who are organising and

there’s with small gift on exit per paid child. No

delivering this event with Montserrat Events; it’s

booking required, just come and follow the

a free to attend for all of the community to

grotto trail.

come and enjoy with paid items such as the market, grotto and food & beverages.

To be part of our market, prices are as follows: £45.00/ day 3mx3m and £30/ day 6ft Table. For

For this 3 day event there’s a long term vision

stall

booking

please

go

to

of creating a ‘Winchester Christmas’ style event

https://www.montserratevents.co.uk/shop

where there will be a Food & Craft Fayre . Music & Carols . Nativity . Drink . Christmas Tree

All proceeds from the event afters costs are

Festival . Lights and a Father Christmas Grotto

shared 50/50 to both St Faith’s Church for their

for all to come and enjoy.

fundraising and Montserrat to support other free events they organise & deliver.

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WHAT’S ON

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More ‘What’s on’ in our digital edition! Visit stubbingtonchoice.com adverts@stubbingtonchoice.com | T: 023 9250 2222

S C

ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT EDITION

GET YOUR BUSINESS IN FRONT OF 1000’S OF PEOPLE! WHY WAIT? CALL 023 9250 2222 or email adverts@stubbingtonchoice.com or visit stubbingtonchoice.com HAVE YOU READ THE GOSPORT CHOICE? READ ONLINE NOW GOSPORTCHOICE.COM

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