Andover Gazette - February 2021

Community Magazines

Andover LOCAL DIRECTORY Easily nd local businesses & services COMMUNITY NEWS New local testing site to open in car park New economic strategy launched REGULAR FEATURES Councillor’s Column Puzzles and games

FEB

2021

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February

Edition of your local Andover Gazette Community Magazine!

Dear Residents, I am delighted to deliver the February issue of your local Gazette. With times as they are and lots of things to worry about, I am hoping we can bring you some light relief.

Good, positive reading, puzzles and pages of interest, as well of course as our wonderful trades and services. We are all here for you. If there is anything else you would like to read about, or any trade you cannot find inside please give me a call or send an email. It is as vital as ever that we provide you with information that you enjoy receiving and find useful. In the meantime, keep calling the advertisers.

Many have full PPE in place and can help you right now. Others can book you in, in the near future, as soon as they are able to help you. Call and talk to them.

I would like to add articles about “Locals in Lockdown”! Why not send me an email, or pop the data in the post? What have you been doing whilst we have not been able to get out and about as usual? Have you tried something new? Taken up a new hobby?

You may well have ideas that will inspire others, so why not tell me all about it? I would love to hear from you, so please don’t be shy… and get in touch!

Stephen, myself and all the team here at Modern Magazines wish you well. Stay Safe and look after each other.

Here’s to more optimistic times,

Debbie & Stephen with their son Hayden Cover photo: Daniel Lowth at Anton Lakes, visit facebook.com/ danlowthphotography Debbie’s e-mail: debbie@mlggazettes.co.uk Tracey’s mobile: 07500 592584 and email: tracey@mlggazettes.co.uk Emma’s email: emma@mlggazettes.co.uk

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IN THIS ISSUE...

8

New local testing site to open in Shepherds Spring Lane

10 Pub Quiz 12 Quirky Facts about Hampshire 14 Councillor’s Column 16 Real Life Law 18 Famous Words Game 20 Andover Police Cadets 22 iSpy Game 24 New economic strategy launched 26 The Adventures of Daichi 30 Puzzle Answers 32 Pets: Obesity 34 Monthly Walk:

Thorden & Allbrook 36 Poetry: Winter Stars

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Supply your own artwork or use our inhouse design and brand expert.

To chat to Debbie or the sales team, give us a call on the number below...

01264 316499 Our magazines are printed in a factory that is FSC ® & ISO 14001 certified. Sustainable and environmentally friendly printing is part of our ethos. Using vegetable-based inks and recycling nearly 100% of our paper waste means you can be confident that this publication is not harming the planet.

MLG Magazines Ltd reserves the right to accept or reject any article or material supplied for publication or to edit material prior to publication. The opinions expressed or advice given in this publication are the views of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the publisher.

Every care is taken when compiling this magazine, however we cannot accept liability for misprints or mistakes. Dates and information quoted are believed correct at the time of going to press, but are subject to change and no responsibility can be taken for loss, damage or omission of material due to error. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they have permission to use any artwork which they supply to us or request for us to reproduce. Unless prior consent of the publisher is given, no part of this publication is to be reproduced.

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New Local Testing Site to open in Shepherds Spring Lane Car Park A new walk-through coronavirus testing facility at Shepherds Spring Lane car park in Andover is to open for those with symptoms to book appointments, as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities.

Testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.

Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. From the start of the pandemic, testing has been prioritised for the most vulnerable, including patients in clinical settings and care home residents, vital health and care staff and to manage outbreaks. The new site is situated so as to be easily accessible without a car but there are parking spaces available for those who need to drive.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through testing will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities. Testing at the new site will start on Saturday 16 January, with appointments made available each day.

The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history, which now comprises drivethrough sites, walk-through sites, mobile units, home testing and satellite kits and five mega laboratories.

Anyone testing positive for the virus in

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England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts.

This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission. Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book at test if they develop symptoms.

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, councillor Phil North, said: “Vaccinations and mass testing are both absolutely pivotal in enabling us to navigate our way out of this pandemic. Having provided council-owned buildings to our NHS colleagues for the vaccination centres, I’m really pleased that we’ve also been able to provide this car park as a testing facility – which will enable users to both walk-up and drive to the site. Making it much easier for local residents to get a test.

“While another national lockdown is tough to take, there is light at the end of the tunnel if we all pull together and do the right thing. If you have any symptoms of coronavirus, then please do get tested and don’t risk passing it to your loved ones or others around you.”

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?

1. Which number in bingo is referred to by the phrase 'two fat ladies'?

10. Which German Submarine can be seen in Liverpool UK? 11. What is the capital of the United Arab Emirates?

2. Bienvenida is a Spanish greeting word meaning what in English?

12. What year did Prince William become the Duke of Cambridge?

3. Who formed 'Band Aid' alongside Bob Geldof in 1984?

13. During which year did the Titanic sink?

4. Complete the saying 'a picture is worth...'?

5. Who wrote the story of 'James and the Giant Peach'?

14. In 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' song, how many ladies are dancing?

15. Which UK motorway links the M5 with the M40?

16. What is the title of the first 'Carry On' Film?

17. Which company uses the advertising slogan 'Believe in Better'?

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6. 0121 is the dialing code for which UK city?

7. Which brand of tea introduced chimpanzees to their advertising campaign in the 1950s?

18. What are the colors of the Olympic flag?

19. What is Queen Elizabeth II's full name?

20. What is a 'Maiden Century' in cricket?

8. Who is the author of the novel 'Mad About the Boy'?

9. What was the clock tower of London's 'Big Ben' officially named as in 2012?

Want to see how you did? Answers on Page 30 10

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QUIRKY

BY MICA BALE

With a shakier start to the year than many could wish, Hampshire still remains one of the most beautiful and historic counties in all of Britain.

From a racecourse with an interesting heritage to a story of survival in the face of pestilence, here are five more fascinating facts from around the county.

Did you know that Tweseldown Racecourse was purchased by the British Army in 1854 during the Crimean War for use as a training ground? The Hampshire racecourse has a heritage of interesting events, including several royal visits from non other than Queen Victoria herself when she oversaw a display consisting of more than fifteen thousand troops. Several years later in 1867, Tweseldown would become an official racecourse and would later go on to host olympic events in 1948 among many other prestigious occasions.

Amazingly, the Hampshire Beekeepers Association has been in existence for nearly one hundred and forty years. The Association has witnessed many changes and events, including the Isle of Wight bee disease which devastated many numbers in the area in 1904 and was said to have been the reason behind the near decimation of the British Black Bee. This disease in the bees badly affected the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Beekeepers Association and destroyed countless hives for nearly two decades.

Excellently though, in the coming years, there was greater understanding of the disease and the numbers of bees and their keepers continued to grow to the thriving society it is today.

t

Did you know...

The Hampshire Bat Group has reported sightings of seventeen of the eighteen species of the UK’s bat breeds? Amazingly, the Bat Group has also spotted two of some of the most rare bat breeds in the UK which can even prove elusive throughout the rest of Europe. These two rare breeds, the barbastelle and Bechstein bat have been seen in the New Forest and ongoing work is being done by the society to research and encourage more numbers in the county.

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In the 1960s the coastal village of Calshot welcomed guests from the world’s most remote island Tristan da Cunha in the Atlantic Ocean after a volcanic explosion forced the island’s inhabitants to seek shelter elsewhere. Although there were some social issues, causing many to return, a housing estate was built and many residents chose to stay in the Hampshire village. In memory of the kindness of the Hampshire people however, those who did return then renamed the island’s harbour after the village of Calshot!

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Hampshire has often beckoned the creative talents of writers and artists and one such author was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who stayed in Emery Down for about a year to research his book, The White Company.

The Sherlock Holmes author often wished to test his talents for literature in stories away from his famous detective and placed greater value on his other titles. During his stay in Hampshire, he would often be seen socialising in the village and most particularly enjoying one of the area’s many picturesque walks.

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COUNCILLORS COLUMN I write this in the week of the reintroduction of the national lockdown following the huge increase in infection rates, driven by the new Covid variant. The priority now is to get vaccinations rolled out as quickly as possible and with the goahead of the Moderna, as well as the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines I expect the programme to be ramped up quite considerably. We do not have enough evidence yet to know if the vaccines can stop transmission, but we do know it reduces deaths. That is why the priority is to first vaccinate those people for which the virus is much more likely to be fatal, which is largely driven by age. The government wants as many high-risk people as possible to be vaccinated by this coming half-term – and the early figures are promising. In the meantime, I want to repeat my thanks to all the key workers who continue doing their necessary jobs – especially those working for Test Valley Borough Council – who are keeping services going as well as paying out crucial grants to local businesses.

Another part of our work that I want to focus on in more detail this month is the support we give individuals who are homeless. This is especially important considering the ongoing pandemic. We have made a pledge in Test Valley to ensure that no local resident who approaches us as homeless will have to sleep rough, without first being made an offer of emergency accommodation. We proactively make that offer to individuals we know are sleeping rough too. Unfortunately, though, the reasons for homelessness are often very complex - especially if there are health and addiction related problems involved - and some individuals affected will simply not engage with the council or accept accommodation. Any visible presence of rough sleeping can make it seem like the council aren’t supporting vulnerable people.

Nothing can be further from the truth though and I can assure you that we’re constantly working hard alongside our partners offering mental health and

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Photo: visit-hampshire.co.uk

addiction support, to try and get people inside and for them to stay inside.

Ensuring that people experiencing homelessness have access to accommodation is only a tiny part of the solution though. Preventing homelessness in the first place has to be our mission. Last year our hardworking housing team prevented 224 households from becoming homeless and relieved homelessness for another 118. We have also developed Personalised Housing Plans for every individual who is homeless or, crucially, threatened with homelessness, which will include actions that we as a housing authority will undertake to solve the situation along with steps that our customers will need to take for themselves. Our Flexible Homelessness Prevention Fund also helps with this to target payments to prevent homelessness.

Tackling the causes of homelessness is undoubtedly complex but it is our objective to ensure that as far as practicably possible, no-one should ever have to sleep rough in Test Valley.

Cllr. Phil North Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council

cllrphilnorth

@mlggazettesnews

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heard offriendly a Prenuptial Thank youallforyour all your questions Thank you for legal legal questions over the lastI’ve month.

Our team ofAgreement experts randomly but someone told me recently over the lastthe month.

Ourquestion: friendly team chose to answer following of experts randomly chose to answer the that there’s also such a thing as a “I have been with my partner for 25 years and we Postnuptial. recently bought property Is athis correct, and if so, following questions: together. At the time of the purchase, we could not obtain joint mortgage, are they alegal?

“There have lot of reports so the property is been in my apartner’s sole name. I did however pay part of the Most people recently about taxthe avoidance. am deposit and I help with mortgage Irepayments.

I now worry nowadays what wouldknow about Prenuptial Agreements. They are concerned thatand my Ichildren happen if my partner split up orwill if henot dies before me.” agreements prepared in advance inherit much of my money due to a Firstly, if you donewhat so, you may wish consider that preparing of atomarriage seekato regulate large taxhave bill,not butalready not sure I can Declaration of Trust towards financial affairs in thethe unfortunate do to avoid this.”to reflect your financial contributions property both in terms of the deposit and the mortgage repayments.

This event that the marriage breaks down.

There has been much focus in the document will confirm the true ownership of theThey property mustnotwithstanding be prepared very carefully media recently of complex, high risk, that your partner is the sole owner of the property the advice Land Registry’s withon legal but, more and more, strategies employed by companies records. the Courts are taking them into and individuals for tax avoidance consideration. Post Nups (Postnuptial It will be upare to you andlabelled your partner to decide how you set out your contributions, i.e. the deposit, which being as “immoral”.

Agreements) can be made during yourThere respective in theopportunities house, and how much each of you pays towards the mortgage etc., but are,shares however, the marriage and again to regulate the Declaration Trust will help you to protect your financial interest if the property needs to be available toofindividuals who wish to finance and property in the event of sold.minimise an IHT liability which are a divorce. They are unusual but, in straightforward and carry little or no Secondly, if you and your partner have not prepared Wills, we would properly recommend thatmore you do so as fact, if prepared even risk of being challenged by HMRC. soon as possible. If anything should happen to youlikely or your and you do valid Wills to partner be considered by not thehave Courts in place, as angifts unmarried couple,individuals your Estates would be adistributed accordance they with rules Making to charities, than Pre Nup.inSometimes are which applyand/or if you have died without a Will (referred to as “intestacy rules”).

These intestacy rules trusts during lifetime can be prepared by parties who have had do not list unmarried partners as potential beneficiaries soproblems, if you do not have valid Wills in place, you may a simple and inexpensive method perhaps even separated, get nothing. of reducing a potential IHT burden. and decided to get back together Generally, an outright gift (i.e. one again – on terms.

If you plan on marrying in the future, this will put you in a much stronger position than you are in without any conditions attached to now and it comes with certain tax advantages asIfwell.

Whether or touch, not, it please is still worth you would likemarried to get in it) to an individual person does not considering preparing Wills so that you can decide contact who should oversee distributing your Estate and us on 01264 333336 or email attract a charge to lifetime IHT and how your Estate should be distributed. sborek@middletonssolicitors.co.uk. if the person giving the gift survives You canoffice send questions post to:or email dateinformation, of that gift by sevencall years, For the more please our Andover on 01264 by333336 sborek@middletonssolicitors.co.uk.

Real Life Law, Middletons Solicitors, the value given is likely to fall outside 24-32 London St, Andover, SP10 2PE of their estate. If you would like to DO YOUthe HAVE SEND US YOUR LEGAL QUESTIONS discuss possibility of reducing your personal IHT liability, please contact A LEGAL sborek@middletonssolicitors.co.uk us on 01264 333336 forE-mail: advice.

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Famous Words

Do you know who uttered these famous words?

1

2

In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.

If life were predictable it would cease to be life and be without avor.

You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.

5

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

3

Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.

4 6

Who said it?

Life is never fair, and perhaps it is a good thing for most of us that it is not.

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Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.

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The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.

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iSpy Game

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New Economic Strategy Launched in the Face of Pandemic Recovery Test Valley Borough Council has launched a new interim economic development strategy for the next two years to help the local economy recuperate following the Covid-19 pandemic. Last night, at a cabinet meeting, councillors voted to approve the strategy, which sets out how the authority will help support businesses, boost the economy and look to the future for its town centres. The strategy, which will run until 2023, highlights the environment, tourism and the UK’s complete departure from the European Union as significant factors to consider for the years ahead. With the borough’s economy enduring a difficult year due to the restrictions of the pandemic, the authority’s plan includes continuing to support local businesses through funding and encouraging those in the town centre to boost their online presence.

The council’s Independent Retailer Grant, first introduced in 2013, has been upgraded to £1,200 to businesses who are eligible. The strategy also highlights the need to build a stronger relationship with the EM3 for projects around Andover and Romsey, including the ongoing Town Mills scheme, and developments at the University of Southampton Science Park in Chilworth.

As well as the immediate support for businesses, the strategy includes how the masterplans for Andover and Romsey could help grow the economy

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in years to come. These plans for Andover include a new theatre, a riverside walk and the redevelopment of the centre itself. For Romsey, there’s the potential for new restaurant space, the enhancement of the Fishlake stream and community space, all of which could help increase footfall.

The council’s plan also looks to build on the clean growth that took place during 2020 with more staff at various business working from home. The authority will also look to build on its environmental targets in the economy alongside the EM3 over the next few years. Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, councillor Phil North, said: “We are all aware of the frank circumstances that our economy is currently facing, and there’s no denying this is a difficult time. However, Test Valley is uniquely placed to recover from the current circumstances and we are determined to help our businesses in any way we can.

“With many looking to holiday in the UK this year, it is important that we focus our efforts on our tourism offering with some beautiful countryside and the River Test flowing through our borough.

On top of that, our work ensuring our environmental standards only increase, and our ambitious visions for both of our town centres mean businesses can still look forward to a bright future in Test Valley.”

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The Adventures of Daichi The Modern Magazines Camper Van Oh, my goodness what incredible times we are living in! Daichi the Dashing Dude, our fun-loving campervan was driving us mad, instead of driving us off to exciting places to visit. I am sure you can only imagine how he felt when Boris said it was ok for him to go out on the road again, especially after the very first Lockdown! Did you ever imagine we would now be at Lockdown three?

Well wild horses wouldn’t stop Daichi each time he did have permission to go out. In fact, on one occasion that is where he took us… to see the wild ponies, horses and cattle in the New Forest. This area is so beautiful… the space, the greenery, the wildlife. Just gorgeous.

We packed Daichi with a healthy picnic and off we set. All smiles, including the Dashing Dude with his ‘bright white teeth’ all shining.

By chance it was a lovely day with the sun ablaze. I think the horses

Mare and foal in the New Forest

26

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Daichi is all smiles at the seaside

were quite astounded at the amount of people walking around and disturbing the land that had become their own, and theirs alone, recently. I am sure a few looked at us curiously, as if to say, “Could you leave us to it please?” There were many foals too, all looking rather healthy, staying close to the safety of their mothers. Such a delight to watch. The expanding space of our very special New Forest is such an inspiration.

The rolling heathland has a calming effect. Everything seems in control, tranquil and suddenly the stress of the news and the negativity falls away. Things do not seem so bad after all. Daichi highly recommends a therapeutic trip (when we can) to blow away any pessimistic doom and gloom. Switching off the news on the TV is also a good idea.

Dancing our way through the winding New Forest lanes we arrived at our destination, Lepe Beach. We discovered this rather beautiful area some time ago. Lepe itself is a hamlet on the Solent in South-West

@mlggazettesnews

Hampshire. Lepe Country Park, adjoining this wondrous dog friendly beach, is known for its delightful walks, swimming and birdwatching with wildflowers and historic remains from the D-Day Landings. We did not venture there this time, but for any keen walkers, or families with children this is a great place to visit.

We had arrived at a different view now. One with breath-taking sea views and the Isle of Wight, which seemed so close. There was even an ice cream van! After weeks of being ‘locked up’ it is amazing what we can suddenly get very excited about. I have not felt like that since I was six and wanted an ice cream! It is the small things in life that make a difference and how we appreciate these even more now. Oh yes, and the toilets were open too! We were safe, how funny is that and probably proves I am no longer six! It is a good job us Brits have a sense of humour.

A picnic in Daichi was a must. His little fridge comes in really handy and though we had prepared a flask of coffee this time, his whistling kettle will come in useful again very soon.

Quality family time!

Relaxing on the beach...

So, there we were, the three of us, with stunning sea views and good food. Finally. The campervan-life really has its perks, and we love it.

Of course, we had to get out and sit on the sand and watch the rolling waves gently cruising towards us. In point of fact, there was a majestic cruise ship slowly moving out to sea, having been moored in Southampton harbour. Another sign of the current restrictions and ‘not able to do’ that we are all living with at the moment.

We will be back to some semblance of normality in the not-too-distant future, and wow will we appreciate it. I do not know when that will be, but in the meantime, we have our wonderful Daichi The Dashing Dude who is delighted to ‘sail’ us away to wherever we want to go, or wherever he decides to take us. Staycations, as we now call them, will become even more popular. In fact, if you have any ideas of where to visit, then we would love to hear from you. Family fun is what Daichi is all about. We do hope you are able to get out and about again soon. It is so good to do! Where will Daichi take us next? See in our next issue…

By Debbie Corney

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Let’s Sudoku!

Do you love numbers? Enjoy 2 new Sudoku challenges in every issue!

Answers on Page 30

28

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@mlggazettesnews

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Answers Page PUB QUIZ 1.

Eighty-eight 2.

Welcome 3.

Midge Ure 4.

A thousand words 5.

Roald Dahl 6.

Birmingham 7.

PG Tips 8.

Helen Fielding 9.

The Elizabeth Tower 10. U-534 11. Abu Dhabi 12. 2011 13. 1912 14. Nine 15. M42 16. Carry On Sergeant 17. Sky 18. White, black, green, yellow, red, blue 19. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor 20. First time you score 100 in a match

WHO SAID IT 1. Eleanor Roosevelt 2. Abraham Lincoln 3. Waldo Emerson 4. Maya Angelou

5. Babe Ruth 6. Oscar Wilde 7. Albert Einstein 8. Tony Robbins

iSPY

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5

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Be sure to check out the next issue for more game pages!

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31

OBESITY

By Emma O’Connor MRCVS - Anton Vets

Sadly this is the time of year when we all think about our size and shape...and it's no different for pets I'm afraid. It is believed that as many as 50% of dogs and cats in the U.K are currently overweight or obese.

This has many implications for their health and leads to an increased risk of Diabetes, Heart disease, Osteoarthritis and even some forms of Cancer.

guideline on the packet. Weigh out daily what is recommended. If treats are to be given during the day, then reduce the amount of food accordingly. It is also important to remember that these are only guidelines, and many dogs and cats will need less than the recommended amounts to maintain a healthy weight. If you have a cat that goes outside and is overweight despite controlling its food, you may need to consider that it is maybe eating elsewhere. It has been known for cats to sneak into other houses via cat flaps or open windows and steal food.

Neighbours with good intentions may also offer food and treats if a cat spends a lot of time around their house.

So what causes obesity?

1. Overfeeding (including Christmas!).

2. Lack of Exercise 3. Neutering is known to be a risk factor for

gaining weight, with neutered animals requiring an estimated 25-30% reduction in calorie intake compared to an unneutered animal.

4. Some diseases can cause obesity.

These include underactive thyroids which decrease metabolism and activity levels, overactive adrenal glands which cause an increased appetite, and osteoarthritis which reduces an animal’s ability to exercise.

5. Some medications can cause weight gain, especially drugs like steroids which will increase an animal’s appetite.

In the majority of cases however it is overfeeding and lack of exercise which are the main factors causing obesity. So how can we change this? Overfeeding is usually the result of too many extra treats as well as not properly measuring out the required amount of food every day. Many people rely on giving what seems to be a reasonable amount of food to their animals, or even just allowing them to eat whenever and whatever they want. It is a common misconception that animals will only eat what they need. Most commercial diets will give a feeding

32

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As with humans exercise plays an important part in maintaining good health and weight. The average dog needs at least an hour walk a day, with many breeds needing more than this. Exercise is also important for cats, so look for ways to encourage your cat to move around more, such as providing climbing frames and toys to play with. If your vet suggests your pet may be overweight, don’t be offended instead see it as a positive step towards changing their diet and lifestyle for a happier, longer life.

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33

A semi urban walk from

The walls inside are decorated with some interesting frescos which are definitely not graffiti.

Thornden around Eastleigh &Allbrook

Start here This month’s walk is taking us into a slightly urban environment, with a walk just under 5 miles that is never very far from housing, but offers real variety in terms of terrain and outlook. The recommended parking is at The King Rufus Pub

135 Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, SO53 2DU, or in a nearby street if preferred.

In order to commence this walk we need to turn left out of the pub car park for only 50 metres, when we cross the busy Winchester Road and aim directly down a well hidden footpath that aims between two rows of houses. This path crosses one estate road (Vesta Way) then starts to slope down as it passes Scantabout Primary School on the left, and drops down still further and goes through the tunnel that spans the M3 Motorway above.

Emerging from the tunnel we climb upwards and keep to the right, where we greet our next turn right in 100 metres, down a long gravel track,

mirroring the lien of high tension cables way up in the sky. The next 1.8 Kms is something of a wildlife refuge, with all manner of bird life, butterflies and wild flowers (depending on the season) and this despite the close proximity of the M3. Our route takes us directly South, avoiding any side path distractions until we reach a T junction, with Peacock Trading Estate just ahead of us, when we turn left and continue through the woods for a while longer.

Finally leaving this woodland path behind we turn left up a steeper slope then sharp right across the footbridge, which will take

us down beside Crestwood Community School, then just beyond their boundary we turn left and commence an unusual sojourn behind many of the houses within Boyatt Wood.

narrow as well. We are now very much on the return journey; as the vast family of allotments start to disappear whence we drop down the path into an often damp, but always wooded section.

This tarmac path shares the surface with a cycle track so keep a lookout for passing two wheelers. It crosses Broadlands Avenue, twice, but just after the second crossing and approaching another of the myriad greenways, we must keep to the left fork and abandon the right hand option. This path continues with a steady climb until the trail swings gradually around to the right, finally resting at Twyford Road, where we turn left up to the roundabout at Allbrook Knoll, then immediately left down Woodside Avenue (a very busy road). Once it is safe to do so, we need to cross over to the far side, ready for a right turn into Bosville in about 300 metres, then yet another right turn in 200 metres into Boyatt Lane, a no through road to cars, but not walkers or bikers.

Rain water offshoot from the motorway regularly leaves surplus rain along the this path, but this is only temporary as we once again climb the path to emerge beside the motorway tunnel that started our circuit from a while ago.

We take the right turn here, under the tunnel once again, now fully retracing our steps along the first path. Passing Scantabout Primary School and over Vesta Way, along the narrow but sheltered footpath that finally brings us back out opposite The King Rufus Pub once again.

Needless to say, the warmest of welcomes awaits the weary walker within the four walls of the hostelry.

Our progress uphill now also takes us back into the ‘country’, passing a fresh housing estate on the right and then a large entrance to a very substantial allotment on the left and just 100 metres beyond the second entrance we meet our next path on the left

Wrien by Malcolm Price Blink and you could miss this turn, although it is a fully signposted tarmac path, it is fairly

Finish here

Winter Stars

POETRY PAGE

BY SARA TEASDALE

I went out at night alone; The young blood flowing beyond the sea Seemed to have drenched my spirit’s wings— I bore my sorrow heavily.

But when I lifted up my head From shadows shaken on the snow, I saw Orion in the east Burn steadily as long ago.

From windows in my father’s house, Dreaming my dreams on winter nights, I watched Orion as a girl Above another city’s lights.

Years go, dreams go, and youth goes too, The world’s heart breaks beneath its wars, All things are changed, save in the east The faithful beauty of the stars.

Source: Flame and Shadow (1920) 36

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Advertisers Index

Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Directory...

Appliance Repairs Andover Domestic Appliances

Gifts & Collectibles 5

Bicycle Sales Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Winchester Blinds & Shutters

25 37 31

Carpenters Input Joinery Jamie Robertson

11 23

Opticians

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Chimney Sweeps Toast (Southern) Ltd

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Dentists At Home Dental

9

Drainage Services NO.1 PHD

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Farm Shops The Weyhill Farm Shop

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Features Adventures of Daichi Councillor's Column Monthly Walk Poetry Page Quirky Facts about Hampshire

26-27 14 34-35 36 12-13

Funeral Directors S & J Maddocks

40

Garage Doors Fix My Garage Door Garolla Holdings Limited Skandoor

37 23 9 15 15 15 15 15 37

Garden Services Andover Patio Centre Andy Meaden Landscaping & Garden Maintenance Barker & Geary Ltd Matt Townsend Landscaping and Fencing Rob Whiting Fencing Ltd

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Lockerley Stone M.J.Sly Monumental Sculptor Boots Opticians

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40 37 33 15 5

20 24 8 16 28 31 37 21

Painters & Decorators Painters Direct

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Pet Services Anton Vets Foxcotte Veterinary Group

33 17

Plumbers GB Plumbing & Heating LDN Plumbing NO.1 PHD

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Puzzles & Games Famous Quotes iSpy Game Pub Quiz Puzzle & Game Answers Sudoku Puzzles

18 22 10 30 28

Solicitors Bull & Co Solicitors LLP Middletons Solicitors

6 33

Taxi Services 1-2 Call Cabs Ltd Apex Cars

17 5

Tree Surgeons MWU Tree Services

Garage Services Aldridge Vehicle Services Ltd Bodyshop24 Call The Mechanic Millway Vehicle Specialists Motor Parts Direct Andover Scratched Cars

Andover Police Cadets New economic strategy launched New local testing site to open Real Life Law Test Valley Community Helpline

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Charities Unity

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Carpets & Flooring CJ Flooring Wessex Flooring

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Local Community News

Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras

Salon 73

Letting & Estate Agents

Builders Willmont Building Services

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Hairdressers 6

Mark 2

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Vehicle Leasing Carisma Vehicle Solutions Ltd

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