Choice Magazine - Stubbington & Hill Head - February edition
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The small print: Stubbington Choice/Gosport Choice cannot be held responsible for any advertiser or advertisers statements or c ontents in their advert. Or any other details published.
Hey gang! We are 17! I have been coming through your door for 17 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 17 years!
I thought I’d freshen up our look. I love green it’s bright and in the woowoo world, green is associated with the heart chakra, signifying love, compassion, and healing. And good old google says it is linked to emotions of calmness and thoughtfulness and can also evoke feelings of freshness and youth. Sounds good to me! 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 blueberries 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.
If you’d rather someone else cook cake for you to enjoy then head down the road 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.
I love a houseplant! I’ve got a cactus that nearly touches the ceiling, an umbrella plant that does touch the ceiling! Dotty begonias, ferns, ivy, some I don’t even know what they are! You get the idea! Fancy a talk all about them? Check out Crofton Gardening monthly meeting in the what’s on listing. They have Geoff Hawkins speaking about them.
The plant theme continues...we have herbalist Louise Courtney talking about the year round benefits of the Elderflower, Rita talks about Crocuses and we have the gardening guide.
Inside you’ll also find great offers, sudoku, great advertisers, local news and much more!
ARE YOU A LOCAL BUSINESS?
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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 18 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 blueberrystudded sponge on top of the cream and conserve layers, dust with icing sugar and serve.
Find out everything Meera Sodha at: meerasodha.com
Shoreline Church meets every Sunday, 10.15am, in the main hall at Crofton Community Centre, Stubbington
Please join us, everyone is welcome
Visit shorelinechristianchurch.com for more information or phone Kevin Stares on 07462 066104 or Julie Stares on 07531 856465
Waves meet every Sunday in Crofton Youth Project 10.45‐11.45am (adjoined to Crofton Community Centre)
Waves plus are aged 13 to 19 meet every fortnight on Thursdays 6.30‐8.30pm from Thursday 13th February.
*Offer based on first enrolment. New members only. Not valid with any other offer.
Valid until 28th February 2025.
Zoom Workouts
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
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!
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.
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
Grinding
Shrubs:
Garden
Email: mjquigleybuilders@gmail.com
www.mjquigleybuilders.co.uk
A YEAR OF DISCOVERY
If you have ever been overseas at the beginning of a New Year, you will have found that much is made of Epiphany, which celebrates the coming of the magi or wisemen. My wife and I were in Lanzarote one year on the 6th January, and there were parades and festivities everywhere. It was quite a carnival atmosphere! Although we often like to think of the magi as having names such as Balthasar, Caspar, Melchior, this is only a tradition that has grown up over the centuries. The Bible actually tells us very little, not even how many wisemen there were. Matthew 2:1 simply says, ‘during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem’. They were not kings, nor magicians, but men who studied the heavens, just as astronomers do today, and tried to make sense of the world they lived in.
Noticing a new star in the night sky, they set about following it and found themselves, first in Jerusalem in the court of King Herod, and later in Bethlehem. For many months, they kept travelling and seeking, not quite knowing where their journey would take them. Eventually, the magi found what they were looking for – the messiah, the one who was born to be the king of the Jews. The scriptures say that, ‘On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him.’
As we enter another new year, we too can feel as if we are on a journey, a journey of hope and discovery. And, as with the wisemen, we are not necessarily sure where it will take us. Remember that the magi kept seeking and persevering, until they found what they were looking for. Their journey wasn’t quick and would have taken many months. Like them, you too may have a sense of searching for something but not know exactly what it is that you seek.
In Crofton Parish, we offer much to help with that journey from Sunday worship to groups of various kinds throughout the week, whatever your age or life circumstances. For me, personally, I am involved in two events, which I would like to commend. The first is Young at Heart, which takes place in the church on the first Monday of every month from 2pm until 3.30pm. It is a great opportunity to meet others, to chat, to enjoy a cup of tea and a piece of cake, or to play a game or complete a jig-saw. There is something for everyone. The second is our weekly Thursday morning 10am service. This offers the chance to step out of the busyness of the world and to spend time in God’s presence. It’s a real oasis. Thursdays are less of a service and more of a community, but not an exclusive one, for everyone is welcome, and with coffee afterwards, there is opportunity to make new friends and to feel a part of what’s going on.
Whatever your journey this year, I hope it is a blessed one. Like the wisemen, never stop seeking until you find what you are looking for. For more details of what’s on offer, see our website www.croftonparish.org,uk
Revd Colin Prestidge – Assistant Minister Crofton Parish
Tel 01329 661154
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 WI
Wednesday 26th February 2pm, Baptist Church, Jay
Close, Cuckoo Lane, Stubbington
Our speaker will be Fred Swift - "All Things Bees" and he will have a sales table. We have a monthly Lunch Club, Book Club, outings, theatre trips, picnics, Summer and Christmas lunches, quizzes and day trips. We are a very friendly group and visitors are always warmly welcomed. Visitors can come for two taster meetings before joining.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Friday 7th March 1.45pm
Stubbington Methodist Church, Burnt House Lane, PO14 2LF.
Everyone is welcome to join us in exploring the Cook Islands: this Service originates from those 15 islands in the S. Pacific. Using their rich and colourful Māori heritage and deep connection to nature, the Celebration will be filled with music & prayer plus delicious refreshments and friendly conversations. website: www.wwdp.org.uk
STUBBINGTON BELLES W.I.
Monday 10th February 1.30-3.30pm at The Crofton Club, Titchfield Road, PO14 2JH
Inhouse Games Afternoon, join us for an afternoon of fun and tea and cake. We have a varied programme of speakers or demonstrations, plus a monthly coffee morning and Lunch Club. We organise outings, coach trips and local garden visits. Visitors welcome. stubbingtonbellessec@hampshirewi.org.uk for info.
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
CROFTON GARDENING CLUB
17th February 7.30-9pm
Roman Catholic Church Hall, Bells Lane, Stubbington. Speaker is Geoff Hawkins - House Plants.
CROFTON BOWLING CLUB
Stubbington (next to the tennis courts)
Saturday 8th February 10am
Everyone is welcome to join us for Coffee Morning. Entry charge £1.50 for members £2.50 for non members. Drink and cake included. Members February diary. After the success of the Murder Mystery Evening last year, we look forward to Warsach Theatre Club performing “Sudden Death at Thornbury Manor” for us. We also have a Quiz afternoon.
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!
ROWING AT HILL HEAD SAILING CLUB
Nestled by a natural harbour at the mouth of the River Meon. It is a typical local club, run by the members and full of people who simply enjoy being out on the water. The club is keen to welcome anyone with an interest in rowing to contact the Rowing Captain Julie Thorpe at rowing@hillheadsc.org.uk for a trial row.
STUBBINGTON STITCH AND KNIT GROUP
Meet every Friday Foster Room, (next to Holyrood Church) 2-4pm. We meet to make garments and craft items which we sell to raise funds for the local charities
Our next sales:
15th February 9.30am-12pm Stubbington Library
22nd February 10-12pm at St. Columba's Church
Come and support us and the charities. The library take donations in for us, during opening hours. Or bring them to the Foster Room on Fridays 2pm-4pm. We’re grateful for donations. For info, contact Chris 07970 826044.
STUBBINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH
Jay Close PO14 3TA
Sunday 10am Morning Service with Sunday School
Tuesday 1.15pm Baby & Toddler Group (Term time)
Tuesday 7pm Evening Life Group
1st Wednesday of the month
U3A Gardening group
12.30pm Snack ‘n’ Chat £2 Donations welcome Thursday 20th February All Age Fun morning for children and grown ups of all ages. Craft, Puzzles and Games – Table Tennis. Suggested Donation £2. Please book by Monday 17th Feb on 07775687767. For information – douglasfleming612@gmail.com Telephone; 07775687767
Our premises are available to hire for a variety of events, ring Douglas on number above.
Services 9.30am every Sunday. 1st & 3rd Sunday of month is Holy Communion (BCP). 2nd & 4th Sunday is Morning Service. Coffee served after. 18th February 10am-12pm The Church will also be open on for visitors/private prayer. We look forward to seeing you then.
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
TABLE TENNIS STUBBINGTON
Fridays 10am in Stubbington
Time for fun and friendly indoor activities. Players wanted to join in Doubles Table Tennis games in Stubbington Fridays 10am. Call Tom 01329 665267.
STUBBINGTON VILLAGE W.I.
Meet on the second Thursday of each month
We are a popular W.I. and have sub groups lunch club, games morning, darts, natter, knit and stitch group, book club, and others. We have speakers at our monthly meeting, and some demonstrations. We have a waiting list for new members. For more info please ring Chris on 07970 826044, she will take your name and number, and we will contact you when we have a vacancy.
BOWL FOR FUN, FITNESS & FRIENDSHIP
Crofton Short Mat Bowls Club Wednesdays 1:30-4pm. Community Centre Sports Hall
We are a small relaxed club. only requirement is to wear flat-soled footwear on the mats. We welcome new and experienced players. we play indoors and over a short distance. Simply turn up or contact the Club Secretary on 01329 315304 email PRKavanagh@hotmail.com
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.
DARREN HARRIS
Darren Harris is a skilled, reliable and professional carpenter and joiner based in Gosport offering a wide range of carpentry services for your home or business. The options are pretty endless but to give you an idea of the most popular services a list is below:
■ door hanging
■ door frames
■ picture rails
■ flooring
■ skirting
■ bespoke fitted wardrobes
■ painting and decorating
■ bespoke fitted cupboards
■ bannisters
■ internal and external doors
■ bespoke furniture
■ windows
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.
STUBBINGTON & HILL HEAD HISTORY SOCIETY
Monday 10th March 7.30pm
Roman Catholic Church Hall, Bells Lane, Stubbington
The Early History of The Manor of Wickham Part 2 Geoff Philpotts Enquiries to merrieldixonhistory@gmail.com Website shhhs.co.uk
GOSPORT JAZZ CLUB - MARCH
Rugby Club, Dolphin Cres, Gos, PO12 2HE 12th Enrico Tomasso, Nat Gonella Night 26th The Big Easy 8-10.30pm M £10 G £12 - gosportjazz.org.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
| 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.)
