My Romsey & Wellow Gazette - November 2022

Dear Residents,

We are very excited about our new project to be as eco-friendly as possible. The new paper we are using is definitely a step in that direction. We also have lots of articles this month that align with our view of helping the planet ‘one page at a time’. If you have any ideas locally, or know of a business that is doing all it can to stay environmentally safe, please let them know of us, as we can help spread the word. Let’s keep our planet clean and healthy. This is in fact the November issue and I for one am so surprised how the time is flying by! I wonder if that is to do with my age? Quite likely! Are you in the Christmas spirit yet? … I cannot say I am as I write this, but that could change at any moment. Maybe a spot of Christmas shopping will do it? Well, it is a good excuse anyway. Stephen and I did manage a few days away last month and you can read all about it inside. It is good to take some time out that is for sure. We do wish you a very happy November and hope you have good plans to spend time with family and friends for the holiday season coming up. Oh yes and please use the advertisers inside to help with anything you need.

As ever, if you have any data to pass on to me, I am happy to talk or receive an email. Wishing you all the very best, Debbie, Stephen & Daichi

Cover photo by Philip Clewer –Viewfinders of Romsey Camera Club

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Councillor’s

As temperatures continue to drop, I know many residents will be worried about their energy bills this winter. The government’s £150bn support will help - limiting the unit price for gas and electricity and giving everyone an additional £400 discount - but with the cost-of-living rising Test Valley Borough Council has also been putting together local support. At our Cabinet meeting recently, we agreed a £50k grant pot to help organisations that are working with vulnerable people in our borough. This follows a special meeting of the Test Valley Partnership that I jointly hosted with the Leader of the Opposition in August, recognising that the current challenges are too important not to work cross-party. The grants will help organisations such as foodbanks, charities or parish councils to deal with extra demand. This style-scheme worked extremely well during Covid - and is designed to be flexible with minimal paperwork. These grants are in addition to the help and support Test Valley is already providing. Such as £815k to the Citizens Advice Bureau over the next three years to provide advice on benefits, debt reduction and other practical support; the work our housing service does to get people into accommodation and support them to stay there; paying out the £150 energy rebate payments; administering food vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund; and providing council tax and housing benefit support. If you’re struggling this winter, please do contact us or look at our cost-of-living support hub available at -www.testvalley.gov.uk/cost-of-living. A huge thank you to the 1,500 people who responded to our public survey over the summer which will help shape the council’s priorities for the next four years. We are taking resident engagement a step further this time though

as we put our new Corporate Plan. Building on our learnings from the Romsey Citizen’s Assembly and the Andover Youth Assembly, around 120 people will be taking part in special workshops in Andover, Romsey and Kings Somborne this month. These sessions will involve exploring people’s experiences, hearing from experts, testing new ideas and shaping recommendations. Helping us to analyse the survey responses we have already received. Everything from town centres and community facilities, to the countryside and green spaces are in the mix. Ensuring we focus on the priorities that will improve the quality of life for people living in Test Valley.

Finally, I’m pleased to report that Test Valley has received a Silver Award as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The certificate was presented by the Lord Lieutenant to our Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Nick Matthews at a ceremony in Portsmouth recently. Recognising all the work we have been doing to support serving and former military personnel and their families. After securing the Bronze Award in 2021 and Silver this year, we’ll be going for Gold in the futureensuring we continue to go above and beyond our obligations set out in the military covenant.

Cllr. Phil North

Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council

Game for a laugh?

How luck and laughter have kept comedian, novelist and actress Jenny Eclair at the top of her game as she soars into her seventh decade.

You’ll often hear pop stars, entertainers and comedians complaining about life on the road – the travelling, the hotels, the constant and aching repetition of each live show… but not Jenny Eclair.

The husky-voiced fashionfervent 62-year-old doesn’t buy into all that. To her, touring is a chance to meet new people and see new sights – in many respects, it’s a holiday… even if she can’t pinpoint on a map where her destinations are...

“The more I tour, the more grateful I am to be doing this,” she begins. “I do realise how lucky I am, to have people still turning up. That’s pretty special

for me, because there’s a lot of competition out there and it’s quite tough.

“It’s easy to moan about this and that, but you come to realise this is actually a dream job. I get to show off for 90 minutes on a nightly basis. That’s not bad!

“And I love the travelling,” she continues. “There are the places you know, and they are ones that you look forward to. Then there are the surprises: Aberdeen, so friendly; Fowey, in Cornwall, beautiful; and Telford… fantastic! On any normal day you’d think ‘Where the hell is Telford?! Well, I know now!

“The mentality is, ‘I might never be able to come to this place again, so why not do that river trip, why not have that cheesecake?!’ It’s just taking advantage of where you are more than just laying in a hotel room worrying about the gig.”

That Jenny views touring as a holiday

means audiences get the very best out of a comedian who is, ironically, most notably recognised for her sour-spoken rantings on Grumpy Old Women, Loose Women and more.

Her 2022 tour, entitled Sixty! (Ffs!) should have happened two years ago, but Covid saw to its delay. The sentiments are, however, all the same, even now she has ascended to the ripe old age of, well, 62.

“Stand-up is an interesting concept in itself. You’re never totally in control – making people laugh can be tough, after all, but when it goes well it’s like getting into a big bath every night – it’s comforting and it’s comfortable.

“Ultimately, I love feelgood comedy – for me, it’s about performing to women of a certain age… an audience who are experiencing a lot of similar things; but good comedy should be about anything that makes us smile. I think we all need a dose of that right now!”

A Potted History of the World Cup

As Qatar prepare to host the 22nd edition of the World Cup, we look back on the heroes of the past the organisers are excited to emulate.

The first World Cup stretches all the way back to 1930, where the inaugural hosts also turned out to be the winners as Uruguay came back from 2-1 down against Argentina in the Montevideo final (the only city to be used in the competition), to prevail 4-2.

La Celeste (The Sky Blues) have reached one other final, in 1950, where they were also victorious, beating Brazil 2-1 on their own patch, in Rio de Janeiro. However, the runners-up there were, in time, to embark on a successful run of their own.

Italy, albeit amid some controversy, would win backto-back Jules Rimet Trophies in 1934 and 1938, keeping that trophy for a further 12 years, due to the outbreak of the Second World War, before the aforementioned 1950 edition.

Arguably, the best side never to have won the World Cup may have been Hungary, who went 49 matches unbeaten between 1950 and 1956, yet their 3-2 defeat by West Germany in the Bern final in 1954 is their best tournament performance.

As for Brazil, it was the discovery of a certain 17year-old named Edson Arantes do Nascimento – otherwise known as Pele – that would inspire them to three wins in four tournaments (1958, 1962, 1970), with England, in 1966 of course, breaking the sequence.

Back to West Germany and they would win on home soil in 1974, beating the great Netherlands side of Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens. Argentina would repeat the trick as hosts in Buenos Aires four years later, and the Germans again succumbed when Italy got themselves back

on the winners’ rostrum in Spain in 1982. Finally, a Diego Maradona-inspired Argentina won their second title at Mexico 86.

West Germany gained revenge at Italia 90, before Brazil reached three finals in a row winning on penalties against Italy in the USA (1994), losing to the hosts in France (1998) and regaining the trophy in South Korea and Japan, against a reformed Germany in 2002.

Penalties would again be needed to give Italy their fourth success, against France in Germany 2006, while Spain’s golden generation recorded a debut victory in South Africa 2010 (either side of two European Championships wins).

Germany destroyed a sorry Brazil 7-1 in the semi-final of their second time as hosts, on the way to also denying Lionel Messi and Argentina in 2014, before France beat Croatia 4-2 (which is the most popular final score) in Russia 2018.

We all know that we need to do our bit to help save our planet, whether that might be changing our diet, reducing electricity usage or using eco-friendly alternatives. Products that are ecofriendly are products that do not harm to the environment.

Eco-friendly products are usually turned down by buyers because of their higher costs. Making a product for pro ts with no care for the environment allows large corporate companies to sell their products at a cheaper price while creating all kinds of damage to our planet. However, many of the cheaper products we buy from corporate businesses are designed to be less sustainable and durable, making us purchase them again and again. Eco-friendly products although pricier initially do not just help our planet but also tend to be more durable. is means that, in the long-term, choosing a more sustainable product can save you money.

Debbie Goes Green: Project Planet

In contribution to save our planet and give consumers an environmentally friendly alternative to household items, toiletries and many more, Debbie Goes Green began in 2019 designed to help local people nd better, and trusted eco-friendly products. Buying eco-friendly products is also safer for you as a consumer, other products are usually made with harmful chemicals. Bigger corporate companies usually use manufactures that use pesticides for cheaper costs, these chemicals can have a bad a ection your health. Eco-friendly products are made organically and manufacturers rarely use harmful chemicals. Debbie Goes Green is a business that makes it easy for you to nd eco-friendly products without having to spend hours researching and spending a fortune. e products on the website are all against animal testing. Use sustainable alternatives and help save our planet. To nd out more, take a look at the website at: debbiegoesgreen.uk Or email: hello@debbiegoesgreen.uk

By Amelia Hartley-Baker

Funding now available to make homes more energy efficient

Test Valley Borough Council residents can now get help with their rising energy bills by applying for a grant of up to £25,000 for sustainable home improvements.

The new Sustainable Warmth scheme funded by the Government is managed by City Energy working in partnership with Test Valley Borough Council. The grants will cover up to 100% of the costs for various energy-saving improvements such as installing insulation, heating system upgrades, energy efficient hot water solutions, solar panels and energy efficient lighting (among other improvements).

The funding is targeted at residents who are most likely to be impacted by the high cost of rising bills, it will help towards decreasing their energy bills and in turn have a positive impact on climate change by helping residents to reduce their carbon footprints,

which will contribute towards meeting the UK’s target to become net zero by 2050.

Grants range from £5,000 up to £25,000 depending on various factors, including household income and the property’s Energy Performance Certificate and the current fuel source. The grants are for homeowners and those living in private rented properties. If the property is rented, then the landlord may be required to contribute towards the cost.

Residents can find further information and check if they are eligible at www. hampshire-applications.co.uk/ , or telephone City Energy on 02921 680951 and press one for scheme applications. City Energy is the supply partner and will manage the process.

Housing and Environmental Health Portfolio Holder, Councillor Tracey Tasker, said: “This is great news for Test Valley residents at a time when so many are struggling with the rising cost of living. These grants will help support homeowners and those in private rented properties who meet the eligibility criteria to make their homes more energy efficient. And, of course, making your home more energy efficient is also fantastic news for the environment! I would urge people to take a look at the scheme as soon as possible and hopefully residents across the borough will be able to benefit from the grants available.”

Kiki Dee acoustic show being brought to the stage in Romsey

West End Theatre Producer returns to his roots, presenting singing legend KIKI DEE in an intimate concert at the Plaza Theatre in Romsey.

Steve Ward who has produced a number of shows and concerts in prestigious venues around the globe and by day runs the Aldwych Theatre in London’s West End, home of Tina, The Tina Turner Musical started out as a member of the Romsey Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society (RAODS) at the Plaza Theatre when he was a teenager.

“The Plaza Theatre gave me an invaluable insight into all areas of the theatre, from backstage and technical to treading the

boards, which inspired me to follow a career in the business.”

Nearly 30 years later, having recently moved back to Ampfield, Romsey, Steve intends to produce a series of concerts on home turf.

For almost two decades, Kiki and Carmelo have been touring their spellbinding acoustic live show across the UK and Europe.

Performing in this stripped back fashion allows each of their exceptional talents to shine through and create a wonderful and warm sense of intimacy for the audience.

Join Kiki and Carmelo for an acoustic journey of stories and song which include unique covers of songs by artists such as Kate Bush and Frank Sinatra and of course Kiki’s own hits “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”, “I Got The Music In Me”, “Loving & Free” and the stunning “Amoureuse”.

Kiki Dee & Camerlo Luggeri, Plaza Theatre, Romsey Friday 31 March 2023, 7.30pm

To book tickets, call the box office on 01794 512 987, in person at Romsey Visitor Information Centre or on-line: www.plazatheatre.com

All tickets £22.50, subject to booking fee. Book early to avoid disappointment.

A Design for Life… e Kevin McCloud Column

Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the affable architectural business owner returns to the subject of truly making our home into a home.

It’s becoming more and more difficult to get on the property ladder. We are living through an incredible ‘cost of living’ crisis, and that throws the whole housing market into disarray. Should people buy now in fear of things getting even worse? Should they look to rent and wait for things to calm down? Or perhaps if the bubble is going to burst, should they sell up, keep their money to one side and buy something when the property sector crashes?

Through all the worry and uncertainty there is always the

factor of making wherever we do live as happily and as homely as possible.

I feel that sometimes we are so keen to move, so keen to head on to the next place, that we lose sight of the day-to-day joy, satisfaction, security and homeliness of our spaces, and really these things are worth more than any amount of money in the bank.

I have always thought that, right back to the first house I ever bought - an old two up, two down in East Dulwich in London. It was small and not worth a lot, but it meant and still does mean an awful lot to me. It was where I started out, and I look back with huge fondness.

So this is why, when we have so much worry and concern

over the way the market is going – and let’s be honest, for several years now it’s only been going in one direction – we can sometimes lose sight of the contentment and happiness that a property brings us. Perhaps it’s the garden, or the cellar, or just the hour or two you get to sit in the front room and relax on an evening.

My point is we are always trying to move on and aspire to the next thing, when in reality so much of what we should do is about sitting still, looking around, being in the moment and saying to ourselves, ‘you know, this is okay – in this moment, I am happy’.

Make the most of your home’s best features, because adding value isn’t always about money and it never has been. Wherever you find yourself, just enjoy your time there.

No knead for bread: keep our duck and chalk streams healthy

As we head into autumn, many of us are looking for ways to support our wonderful wildlife. Out on our local chalk streams, waterfowl like ducks, swans, and geese will be filling up in anticipation of the colder months. If you love to feed your local birds, then it’s important to do so in a safe and healthy way.

Did you know, for instance, that bread does more harm than good? While it fills them up, the lack of nutrition can cause them to become malnourished. The same goes for things like crisps, pastries, popcorn, and cereal. What’s more, uneaten food attracts pests and encourages algal blooms that damage the streams.

The good news is that there are many other affordable and accessible options. Got leftover lettuce or wilted greens? Iceberg, rocket, kale, chard, and cabbage are all great choices. If your salad bin is empty, raid the freezer for peas – just be sure to defrost them fully. Tinned, defrosted, or fresh sweetcorn will be welcome too. In small amounts, rolled or porridge oats, plain cooked or uncooked rice, and bird seed provide nutritious nibbles. Alternating them with vegetables creates a balanced diet of fibre, vitamins, and fatty acids.

But always steer clear of onion, spinach, avocado, and citrus fruit, which can give the birds digestive problems. When out on your adventure, there are a few more things to remember. Make sure your snacks are in bite-sized pieces, since waterfowl don’t chew their food. Remove any packing and take it home with you. If the birds seem disinterested or stop eating, keep your remaining food so it doesn’t get left to rot.

Following these simple tips will help our feathered friends – and their chalk stream homes – to thrive throughout the seasons. If you’d like to learn more about these precious wildlife habitats, and get involved in shaping their future, the Watercress and Winterbourne scheme is a great place to start!

Check out our projects at: www.hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes Or email us at: winterbournes@hiwwt.org.uk

Photo: Duck on river © Bertie Gregory

Romsey Town Council

Mayor's Winter Message

Dear resident

I am writing this one third of the way through my mayoral year – and what an eventful four months! As expected, I‘ve met an astonishing range of individuals and organisations during that time. I knew that Romsey was a place filled with, and driven by, enthusiastic and committed people. But between our choirs, scouts, accountancy firms, relaunched hotels, foodbanks, cancer charities, dementia charities, dog festivals, Romsey Show, Plaza theatre, bed races, carnivals, Beggars Fair, council meetings, almshouses, religious services, care homes, orchestras, fire service, and rotarians (I am certain to have missed some…) – there has been quite a lot going on!

Looking back exerts a strong pull at this exact moment, most of all, at 70 years of the reign of our late Queen. An historic reign which drew to an end just as our post lockdown world was coming fully awake – the fantastic Platinum Jubilee celebrations making that abundantly clear. If there was a better Jubilee street party than Romsey’s, then I never saw it. As a tribute to an outstanding monarch – and an outstanding person – it was perfect.

Looking forward to the new Carolean age – it is clearly going to have a tough beginning for many.

I know it is early days, but I really do feel that our new King will help the country in the difficulties that we will face. There will also be good times of course – not least Christmas, which Romsey does so very well. I am so looking forward to switching the Christmas lights on, and I will be

joined by two colourful guests. You will have to come along to see who they are!

Finally, as the early months of a new monarch’s reign, there are certain to be many ‘firsts’. For Romsey – specifically Romsey Extra – there will also be a ‘last’. Romsey Extra has been a separate parish to Romsey Town ever since both were created in the 19th century. But March 31st 2023 will be the last day of its existence. Instead, Romsey Town will take over all but a very small part of Romsey Extra parish. The name will be retained though, as one ward of the expanded Romsey Town. It is an historic change, and warrants some event to mark it – which there will be!

Cllr Neil Gwynne Romsey Town Mayor

Credit: Keith Bamber of Viewfinders

Romsey Town and Romsey Extra set to merge

by Cllr John Parker, Tadburn Ward and Chair of Romsey Extra Parish Council

Ever since Romsey Extra Parish Council (REPC) was established in 1894, newly built areas in the parish have gradually been moved into the Romsey Town Council (RTC) area. In July last year Romsey Town Council felt it was time to reassess whether new developments at Abbotswood, Cupernham Lane and Ganger Farm would be better served being part of Romsey Town. Consequently, a request was made to Test Valley Borough Council to conduct a Community Governance Review. The Borough Council has completed that review together with two periods of public consultation and has published its proposals. RTC and REPC have both agreed to these proposals.

Subject to final agreement of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, the following changes will be made with effect from 1 April 2023. REPC will cease to exist. Most of Romsey Extra will transfer to RTC. Stanbridge Earls and houses close by will transfer to Awbridge Parish Council.

RTC will then comprise four wards: Abbey, Tadburn and Cupernham wards will be enlarged so that the boundaries are the same as the Test Valley wards. Abbotswood, Ganger Farm and the new developments along Cupernham Lane will all become part of the larger Cupernham ward. The remaining parts REPC will form a new sparsely populated ward called Romsey Extra. The elections scheduled for May 2023 will see four councillors elected for each of Abbey and Tadburn wards, six councillors for Cupernham ward and one for Romsey Extra ward.

The merging of the two councils will present a more powerful, unified voice for Romsey and will allow the benefits from the new developments to be shared across all of Romsey.

A suitable event is being planned to mark these momentous changes. Details will be published when the arrangements have been finalised.

The Chief Officer can be contacted by phone: 01794 512837 or email: chiefofficer@romseytc.org.uk www.romseytc.org.uk

RTC Newsletter layout by The Studio, Romsey 1 Dukes Mill, Broadwater Road SO51 8PJ www.thestudioromsey.co.uk 01794 511800

Foreign Pension Requests

If you have a pension form that requires a signature, please contact Romsey Town Council office on 01794 512837 or email: info@romseytc.org.uk to arrange an appointment with the Chief Officer to verify your pension form. A donation to the Mayor’s Charity for this service would be appreciated.

Being a Town Councillor

by Cllr Simon Wilkinson, Abbey Ward

First Impressions

When I was asked if I’d consider being a candidate to be a Romsey Town Councillor I was a bit daunted. I didn’t know what this involved. I didn’t even really know what the Town Council did.

On the other hand, I didn’t think, “I can’t do that”. My mum had previously been a Town Councillor (not of Romsey), so how hard could it be?

There is, of course, the business of standing in an election. This is scary and exciting at the same time. You hope that you will win, and preferably not by a narrow margin, but all you can try to do is increase people’s awareness of who you are and what you stand for; they then have to decide for themselves if they like the sound of that, and you representing them.

The ‘Job’

There are the Committees. People can be cynical about these and they can be the subject of jokes. However, this is how democracy works – in the main, it isn’t just one person that decides things, but instead a group people, and so you have to have a mechanism for collectively making decisions.

Romsey Town Council has 3 main Committees. These work closely with the staff of the Town Council, being responsible for some of the decisions and setting policy.

There is one that considers planning applications in the town and surrounding district. These can range from changing just the front porch on a home, to a major housing development with dozens of houses. It also includes changes to businesses and industrial units. This Committee is very busy and very lively! Romsey Town Council cannot veto planning applications however, it can draw attention to real concerns, things that the Borough Council Planning Committee or officers might have missed.

There is also the Finance and Resources

Committee whose job is to pore over the figures to help make sure that the Council manages its finances. This isn’t just staying within the budgets, but also making the best use of the small amount of money per household coming to it from the council tax. From time-to-time it also has an involvement in matters related to staffing.

Finally, there is the Building and Town Committee. This has an impact on lots of aspects of the town, practical things that replacing noticeboards, and benches; and also things affecting the profile of the town, like boosting/supporting tourism and helping the shops. The committee also helps with decisions regarding the running of the town hall itself. Sitting above all 3 of these is the Full Town Council meeting. This usually approves the decisions of the Committees or sometimes needs to make a decision that a committee has recommended and takes care of matters that do not sit well in these Committees.

My Experiences

Even though I have felt that I didn’t know much about planning regulations I’ve had the opportunity to raise concerns, occasionally spotting something that has been missed by the other members and have been listened to. I have also seen just a few occasions when the Town Council has done its best to object to a planning application only see it approved later on. It doesn’t always have its way. COVID-19 was a difficult time for most of us. The Town Council tried hard to carry on with its business throughout. Events in the Town Hall could no longer occur, but technology did at least allow us to meet up online and in fact the Planning Committee improved the way it works as a result.

During this time, there was the opportunity to finally solve the problem of wheelchair users not being able to get upstairs. This had been looked into before without success, but this time it looked like it might actually work. However, due to COVID-19, there was a note of caution in the air – should we really be looking to spend money on the Town Hall at this time? To me, although COVID-19 was a bad time, there

would be an end to it, and why not have the Town Hall have a bit of a boost for when we were finally to come out of lockdown and there could be wedding receptions etc. once again. They are a good bunch of people to work with, both the staff and the other councillors, with all of us caring a lot about Romsey.

I remember being upstairs in the Town Hall a few times when there was an event happening in the town below. Besides having a good view, it did also feel a bit special!

Thoughts Now

Being a Town Councillor is a lot like doing charity work – you need to care about the

Wilder Romsey

by Cllr Neil Gwynne, Cupernham Ward

Last winter Wilder Romsey - set up by Councillors Neil Gwynne and Janet Burnagehelped organise a number of weekends of work on the Romsey canal, in order to make it clearer for pedestrians and cyclists whilst still retaining its role as a wildlife corridor. That work was undertaken with the support of officers from Test Valley Borough Council and will continue this coming winter.

However, the work last winter means there is less to do on the canal - so further project work is planned for Great Woodley estate (a community orchard and replacement of

Audio-Visual upgrade at Romsey Town Hall

by Howard Brisland, Building Manager

Romsey Town Council have just implemented the second phase of our Audio-Visual upgrade

town, you have to put some time in and there really aren’t many perks. However, if the town develops in a good way, this will also benefit you just a little bit too. There is also a formal side to being a Councillor. Pomp isn’t really me but I really respect the role of representing people as best as I can at Remembrance Sunday. This really isn’t just another event in the diary.

I now have a much better understanding of how the Town Council works – how much it can affect how the town and district develop – and I certainly do not regret the decision to become a Councillor.

some paved areas by wildflower planting), and Abbotswood (tidying up areas that have got too overgrown during the Covid lockdowns). Volunteers will be asked for twice a month between October and February next year (on alternating Wednesdays and Saturdays). More information can be found by adding yourself to the Wilder Romsey group email wilderromsey@googlegroups.com - contact Cllr Neil Gwynne if you would like to do this.

in the Town Hall’s two principal meeting rooms. We can now offer full cinematic, meeting and conference packages in both the 70 person capacity ground floor Court Room and the second floor 150 capacity Council Chamber. With the second floor now being fully serviced by a passenger lift. Both rooms have variable lighting, can be fully blacked out and are fully serviced by bar, catering facilities and accessible toilets.

The Community of Romsey

by Suzi Shilling, Business, Events and Tourism Officer

It is easy to forget how lucky we are to live in a town which has such a welcoming and vibrant community and there is no better time in the year that reflects this than Christmas.

Every year our historic market town is magnificently transformed into a Christmas fairy-tale. The streets twinkle with lights and illuminated trees sparkle above shops whilst their windows are adorned with gifts, not to mention the centre piece of the gigantic Christmas tree which alights the piazza.

This year will be no exception, and our opening extravaganza event is the ‘Big Light Switch On’ and ‘Winter Carnival and Lantern Parade’ on Saturday 26th November from 6pm. In the past this has always been a busy time with many people venturing out, please space yourselves out along the Carnival route. To keep everyone safe please listen to instructions from our marshals and where possible leave any pets at home if you will be based in the piazza area.

Every year poor Santa seems to get stuck up on Romsey Town Hall roof! In anticipation of Santa’s misfortunes, we may need an audience to coax poor Santa down on Friday 9th December and give a friendly cheer to the amazing team at Hampshire Fire and Rescue! Why not come and join in the ‘Saving Santa’ fun and other festivities brought to you by Romsey Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

There is no better way to rouse the Christmas spirit than with a good old sing-along in Romsey Market Place. Romsey Carols in the Market Place will take place on Monday 19th December so come wrapped up in need of a mulled wine or two!

We are lucky to have a thriving Town Centre with many independent retailers, eateries, and a mix of markets throughout the week so please come and support your local traders in the lead up to Christmas, they need your custom to thrive, think of it as an investment in your community.

Many independent pubs, hotels and restaurants feature local produce on their menus. Browse the Visit Romsey website to find places to eat. Romsey Abbey, the largest parish church in Hampshire, also have some fantastic events scheduled in the lead up to and over Christmas with some great performances such as ‘The Snowman’ and a Christmas Fair on Saturday 26th November. Watch out for other seasonal events in our other churches as they celebrate this very special time.

Of course, none of this is possible without the help from our wonderful volunteers and community. Hours upon hours are spent planning these events, many evenings spent in meetings planning and organising, and signing up others to come and lend a hand. Not to mention those on the night who help keep everyone safe by marshalling the roads and crowds, make and sell refreshments and entertain everybody. Having been privy to the planning of these events (and not to mention the ones all year round) I would like to thank each and every one of those amazing people who have given up their spare time so unselfishly to create what makes Romsey so special.

If you have any spare time to help with events throughout the year, whether in the planning or on the day, we would love to hear from you. As they say - many hands make light work! We are desperate to have some more volunteers for marshalling the roads and crowds and without these important volunteers, events will not be possible to go ahead. Please feel free to contact me by email suzishilling@romseytc.org.uk, we would love to have you on the team.

Double design awards for Romsey’s upgraded Market Place

by Suzi Shilling, Business, Events and Tourism Officer

Romsey celebrates a double win at the Solent Quality Place awards winning the ‘People’s Choice Award’ and the ‘Judge’s Choice Award’ against stiff competition for its scheme to upgrade Market Place in Romsey.

Romsey Town Council, in partnership with Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire County Council created a new public piazza in the heart of Romsey to make it a safer, more attractive and inviting place for local residents, businesses and visitors to the town.

Councillor Edward Heron, Executive Lead Member for Transport and Environment Strategy at Hampshire County Council said:

“Through this scheme we have been able to invest in Romsey’s future at a critical time when town centres up and down the country are at risk. The large piazza style space around the

Lord Palmerston statue is also ideal for staging public events that will draw more trade in the town and boost the local economy.”

The high-quality materials used for the scheme were selected specifically to be complementary to the historic town. The improvements included new seating, bins, cycle parking, and planting. Following completion of the scheme, new cafés and a pub have opened in Market Place, increasing the vibrancy of the centre as a focal point in the Romsey community, where regular markets and events are also held. In shortlisting the scheme, the judges agreed that the improvements create an accessible, attractive, cleaner, livelier, and safer town centre with an improved street scene to widen the town’s appeal and increase its economic viability and vitality.

The Solent Quality of Place Awards recognise beautiful and thoughtfully designed developments across the Solent region.

Solent Quality Place Awards are organised by Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH), which seeks to highlight placemaking excellence in developments that contribute to improving the economic, social, cultural and environmental life of those who live, work, learn and relax within the Solent region.

It’s sometimes the small things!

by Cllr John Critchley, Abbey Ward

Sometimes it is quite small things that need doing around the town in order to solve a problem or make an improvement. These can make a real difference to the overall smartness and quality of life in Romsey.

Councillors and Town Hall staff are involved in providing the best we can for our town. Often, we liaise with TVBC or HCC to achieve the outcome because we are not responsible for the actual work - or finance. These can take a while to achieve unless there are safety dangers involved but

Some examples are:

Trimming trees over footpaths for the convenience of pedestrians. Tidy and trim back

the vegetation at the old burial ground, a quiet corner of Romsey. A replacement seat for Church Street/Church Place after the oak one deteriorated. Replacing a sign that was knocked over.

We have several other small projects in the pipeline around Romsey, some larger like footpath remedial work, and some small.

Upgrading the Town Hall has also been completed: providing a lift to the large Council Chamber, converting to low energy lighting and improving new audio visual equipment for films and events.

If there is anything that you think could be improved in your area please let us know, because while we try to be aware of issues it is local residents who know best. Contact details for your Ward Councillors and the Town Hall are on the Romsey Town Council website (romseytc.org.uk)

Town Council Supporting Local Groups

by Cllr Nik Daas, Abbey Ward

Over the last year Romsey Town Council have granted over £4,500 worth of cash to good causes across Romsey. Some of these local causes include: Romsey Youth Carers, Romsey Chamber Music Festival, Unity, The Beggars Fair and The Romsey Carnival.

The Town Council recognises the fantastic work that local groups and volunteers do for

Council Meetings

Romsey, and it has supported some great projects with this funding. The funding has gone towards supporting Young Carers in the community have some respite as well as supporting some of the large events, like The Beggars Fair.

If you are a part of a local group that wishes to apply for funding, please visit the grants page of the Romsey Town Council website (romseytc.org.uk) or visit the Town Hall.

All Council and Committee meetings are held in Romsey Town Hall at 7.30pm and are open to the public to come along and watch. A complete list of meetings, along with Agendas and Minutes can be viewed on our website at www.romseytc.org.uk

Full Council 17th January 21st March 11th April 23rd May 18th July 19th September 21st November

Building & Town 7th February 18th April 6th June 1st August 3rd October 5th December

Finance & Resources 3rd January 28th February 2nd May 27th June 22nd August 24th October 12th December

Planning 5th January 2nd February 2nd March 30th March 27th April 25th May 22nd June 20th July 17th August 14th September 12th October 9th November 7th December

Grants

Since the last Newsletter grants have been awarded to the following: Beggars Fair £300.00 Romsey Show £500.00 Unity £700.00 Romsey Charities Fair £150.00 Romsey Male Voice Choir £150.00 Bringing Together Andover £150.00

If you would like to apply for a grant for your organisation please visit our website where you can view application criteria and download the grant application form.

Christmas Events

26 November - 6pm

Light Switch On, Winter Carnival and Lantern Parade

This year the Lantern Parade will assemble at Crosfield Hall along with the Winter Carnival. The Lantern Parade will leave first and make its way down Broadwater Road and Bell Street to the Market Place. It will then proceed down the Hundred to Palmerston Street and then back to the Crosfield Hall. The Winter Carnival will follow but wait in Bell Street until the Christmas Lights are switched on at 6.30pm at which point it will follow the same route through The Hundred and back to Crosfield Hall.

Note: If you are coming along to watch, we please ask that you keep the parade route roads clear for its safe progress through the town.

Lantern Parade and Winter Carnival route.

2, 9 & 16 December – 11.30am to 12.30pm

Romsey Country Market and Community Café

Held inside Romsey Town Hall, this is a wonderful opportunity to buy homemade Christmas food and gifts and to make new friends over a cup of tea and a mince pie.

4 December – 10am to 2pm Hampshire Farmers Christmas Market

Held in the Alma Road car park, this market focuses on Christmas items and is a lovely chance to purchase fresh, local, seasonal foods.

4, 11 & 18 December - 10am to 3pm

Romsey Makers Market

Held in the Market Place and Corn Market, there will be stalls selling handmade Christmas gifts and food from local crafters, makers & bakers.

9 December - 5.30pm

Saving Santa

A highlight for many at Christmas, Romsey shops will open into the evening offering an extra special seasonal welcome to customers. We hear Father Christmas is expected to visit at 6.45 pm and we have Romsey Fire Station standing by in case he makes his usual navigational error, lands on a roof and needs rescuing.

18 December - 10am to 2pm Hampshire Farmers Christmas Market

Held in the Alma Road car park, this market focuses on Christmas items and is a lovely chance to purchase fresh, local, seasonal foods.

19 December - 7pm Carols in the Market Place

Gather around the Christmas tree in the Market Place for a festive evening of carol singing and live music.

Note: A number of town centre roads will be closed for these events, please look for diversion signs.

Romsey Town Council

Romsey Town Councillors

ABBEY WARD

Cllr John Critchley

Tel: 01794 515477

Mob: 07831 870120 Email: cllrjcritchley@romseytc.org.uk

Cllr Ian Culley

Tel: 01794 522298 Mob: 07835 087955 Email: cllriculley@romseytc.org.uk

Cllr Nik Daas Mob: 07443 482919 Email: cllrndaas@romseytc.org.uk

TADBURN WARD

Cllr Janet Cairney

Tel: 01794 503336 Mob: 07840 989722 Email: cllrjcairney@romseytc.org.uk

Cllr Mark Cooper

Tel: 01794 516028 Mob: 07774 638310 Email: cllrmcooper@romseytc.org.uk

Cllr John Parker Mob: 07825 514348 Email: cllrjparker@romseytc.org.uk

CUPERNHAM WARD

Cllr Dorothy Baverstock

Tel: 01794 517552 Mob: 07866 138350 Email: cllrdbaverstock@romseytc.org.uk

Cllr Janet Burnage

Tel: 01794 515815 Mob: 07764 584522 Email: cllrjburnage@romseytc.org.uk

Cllr Sally Lamb Mob: 07793 115944 Email: cllrslamb@romseytc.org.uk

Cllr Simon Wilkinson

Tel: 01794 518240 Mob: 07739 802739 Email: cllrswilkinson@romseytc.org.uk

Cllr Claire Wise Tel: 01794 367492 Mob: 07769 836830 Email: cllrcwise@romseytc.org.uk

Cllr Matthew Southey

Tel: 01794 521379 Mob: 07816 901442 Email: cllrmsouthey@romseytc.org.uk

Cllr Karen Dunleavey Mob: 07977 163198 Email: cllrkdunleavey@romseytc.org.uk

Cllr Neil Gwynne

Tel: 01794 368053 Mob: 07884 023646 Email: cllrngwynne@romseytc.org.uk

Cllr John Ray Tel: 01794 522810 Email: cllrjray@romseytc.org.uk

The Adventures of Daichi

The Modern Magazines Camper Van

Sometimes we have to change plans and apparently ‘make do’ with less than we originally wanted. Life is like that, let’s face it. Last month was an example of that, but we had a great time despite the grandiose plans taking a back step. You see it was our 25th Wedding Anniversary at the end of September. The plan had been to go on a cruise, sailing around Alaska, or some exotic location. However, we had moved house less than a year ago and with it came a brand new business, we now call “Wafflicious” on the Esplanade in Weymouth, that we had had no prior experience with at all. Fitting in a cruise both financially and time-wise was just not on this new agenda. So where did we go…? Lyme Regis! There were less whales and no black bears (fortunately you may say) but we had a wonderful time. We chose a hideaway just north of Lyme Regis, set in lush trees with a hot tub and sauna. Perfect. Daichi pootled his way there all smiles, ready for a relaxing getaway. We stopped off at a farm shop for a delightful full English breakfast en route, which is when I really knew we had actually managed to ‘escape’ for a few

The first day... it rained!

days. On arriving in Lyme Regis, one of my other favourite coastal towns here on the Jurassic Coast, the wind was blowing, the rain was pouring and by all accounts this was set in for the whole time we would be there. Oh dear. I just decided that whatever the weather, we would have a good time. Afterall there was a warm sauna awaiting us, and I had a good book with me too!

That all miraculously changed! The next day was glorious. Really. We walked along the front with glistening blue sea, swimmers and people in bathing suits, walking alongside ladies and gents in coats and boots! Only in England could this happen. We had lunch overlooking the bay with Portland in the distance. The Cobb majestically positioned, that famous harbour wall where “Persuasion” by Jane Austen and “The French Lieutenants Woman” were filmed some time ago. That must have been exciting to watch in the making. Walking slowly along the promenade we continued all the way to the “Ammonite Pavement” at Lyme Regis Undercliffs. What a find! There are fossils here that are huge, just lying around

bathing in the sun… and hundreds of them! All along this stretch of the coast you can see ammonites everywhere. It is so impressive. You really can feel the sense of history, a time well before us and envisage colossal dinosaurs towering above you. I loved it. Sitting on a rock lazily gazing out to sea, watching others anticipating their historic finds, seeing that actually the world is not as the press make it all out to be, was very rewarding. The passing of time and how things used to be, somehow has a calming effect I feel. For our younger readers this may not yet be so real. Live life now is also my motto!

That evening we had to try the jacuzzi of course and watch the thousands of stars above us. Incredible. Just on a practical note, as I have shivered at the thought of these Jacuzzis in Iceland and very cold climates, but they really are very warm, and keep you warm! It was delightful. The stars were utterly inspiring that evening and this turned out to be another thought-provoking occasion. Now, I was wondering who else was ‘out there’, how far is it really to these twinkling stars, planets and ‘other places’? The distance is remarkable and somehow (once again) made me realize that whatever we have going on, there is always a much bigger picture, a much

Well deserved cup of tea at River Cottage

bigger meaning. Amazingly both Stephen and I saw a shooting star! It was all very magical, sitting in a hot tub in October surrounded by trees. It absolutely made up for a lack of cruise and an apparently more luxurious destination. Life is what we make it.

River Cottage, the now famous Farmhouse with cookery and chef’s courses, was also on the menu. Their headquarters was literally a walk through the woods, some 20 minutes away. We strolled through the undergrowth and had a wonderful cup of tea and cake looking over the rolling English Countryside. Another totally unexpected and unpredicted beautiful day!

So, despite the apparent ‘loss’ of a romantic cruise, Stephen and I had the most relaxing and inspiring time. This was all of course on our doorstep. Daichi with his big white grin and skipping steps was able to take us. No airport delays or worries of luggage, just a good old English getaway, with a few extra trimmings. We hope you are making the most of the beautiful country we live in. It is never very far to the coast, or the countryside to get some space and recharge those batteries. Where will Daichi take us next… I wonder?

By Debbie Corney

The jacuzzi and sauna in the garden

Increasing numbers of homeowners are choosing to hold their properties as tenants in common to reduce inheritance tax and help protect their share from care fees

The Property Protection Trust Will package is based around how you hold the ownership of your home. All good estate planning nowadays considers the difference between owning your home as joint tenants or as tenants in common.

If you own your home as Joint Tenants; when one of you dies the ownership of the home passes by the Law of Survivorship and not by your Will. Therefore, the surviving partner will automatically own 100% of the property. This sounds right to most people. BUT should the surviving partner need care in the future, the Local Authority can take everything they own (including their home) to pay for the care fees, leaving just £14,250 to be inherited by children and grandchildren.

There is an alternative.

Nowadays many couples choose to own their home as Tenants in Common where each partner will own 50% of the family home. This provides for many benefits.

Firstly, it allows you to legally leave your share of the property in your Will to whoever you wish. A properly written Will can ensure that your half of your house will eventually pass to your children even if your widow re-marries.

Unmarried cohabiting couples or relatives living together can also use this means of ownership as a way of minimising their Inheritance Tax exposure.

It can also help with long-term care costs. If one of you is still living in your home the Local Authority can’t include its value in the means test if one of you has to go in to long-term care. This also applies if the husband or wife still living at home dies while the other is in care as their share will go into the trust.

Dorset and Wight are your local experts in Property Protection Trust Wills.

The waiting is almost over for the biggest festival of football to begin as the FIFA World Cup breaks new ground with its foray into the Middle East. Qatar is set to host what will be the 22nd edition of the sport’s most famous event, as a planet of football fanatics hold their breath.

This winter, hosts Qatar will kick-off the World Cup in the Al Bayt Stadium on Friday 20th November against Ecuador, hoping not to join South Africa as the only host nation not to advance from their group. Senegal and Netherlands complete Group A.

Group B sees England and Wales, alongside USA and Iran; while Group C contains twotime winners Argentina, as well as Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.

In Group D, it’s defending world champions France paired with Australia, Denmark and Tunisia.

The might of Spain and Germany will clash in Group E, with Japan and Costa Rica seemingly fighting for third place.

Former World number one ranked Belgium are in with

The Teams, The Groups, The Venues, The Coverage show

2018 runners-up Croatia, as Canada and Morocco sit alongside, in Group F.

Record five-time winners Brazil play Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon in Group G, whilst the first-round stage is completed by Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in a tough looking Group H.

The 64 tournament matches will be played over 28 days and in eight different venues, as the sides battle it out to face off in the World Cup final, to be held at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, which is about 20km from the capital of Doha.

In the UK, free-toair channels BBC and ITV share the rights to screen every single match, and both will show the final in full. Globally, the viewing figures

for Russia 2018 were record-breaking, as over half of the world watched at least one minute of coverage. With the Middle East only a few hours ahead of the UK, the majority of matches will kick off in daytime hours. After Qatar’s opener on the Friday evening, there will be four matches a day throughout the group stage from 11am to 8pm start times (GMT).

There will no break between the group and knockout stages. The first hiatus in action will come in the days before the quarter-finals on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th; the semifinals take place on the 13th and 14th, and the third-place playoff is on Saturday 17th December.

The showpiece final, and the crowning of the Qatar 2022 World Cup winners, kicks off at 3pm on Sunday 18th December.

Hold onto your hats –it’s going to be quite a ride!

Money on my mind...the Martin Lewis column

He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert - a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers.

In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at the current energy crisis, and the fact no real solution appears close.

Our energy sector is in a mess, and there is little doubt about that. For too long we have experienced this continual up and down shift of prices and supply and tari s and everything else that, as consumers, drives us bonkers.

The reality of what we have and what’s going on right now has been brewing for a long time. A perfect storm of situations, from Brexit to covid to the conflict in Russia, e ectively means we are being throttled in our desire to heat and light our homes, ensure water comes through our taps and more.

You may say we have been unlucky to find these factors all colliding in together at one time, yet it is the job of the government – and any sort of decent opposition – to put fail safes in place so that when something

catastrophic result

It’s a disastrous combination and we are

praying for short- and medium-term solutions that will see not just the most vulnerable through the winter, but everyone else besides, because this is a national problem coming at a time of huge inflation and cost of living emergency.

Let’s just go to a basic summary of what we have here – in the UK we’re talking about having privatised energy firms, but we e ectively now have restricted competition and regulated prices in the form of a price cap. You have to ask yourself, what is the benefit of privatisation if you work in that marketplace?

The next price caps – they’re going to be in January and April – will reveal where we go from here.

All I can say right now is energy bills will go down – they will be lower in April than they will be in January, but higher than they are now.

And while we wait for a solution, we will need to ride this out – we have no choice. Yet rest assured the consumer has been sold down the river and the lessons of this will resonate with both current and future governments, as they should.

catastrophic like this happens, the end result isn’t the sort of bewildering increase in bills that really may move a greater quantity of people into poverty than we have ever seen before.

The Greenest Countries on Earth

The top eight countries doing their bit for the planet.

While environmental groups and politicians may make us believe we, here in the UK, are the scourge of the planet’s health, recent research by Oxford University has shown us to be one of the greenest countries on Earth.

Of course, more can always be done, always, but in the meantime, here are the planet’s top eight eco-conscious countries.

1. Switzerland

The most environmentally friendly and greenest country in the world, Switzerland, achieves its status in the way it has led on hydroelectric power, solar energy, wind turbines and geothermal.

2. France

In their 2019 Energy and Climate Act, France gave themselves an ambitious aim of net zero emissions by 2050. In addition, they made it illegal for supermarkets to discard good quality, unsold produce, and they score particularly well on low air pollution as well.

3. Denmark

With half of the electricity on Danish shores provided by solar and wind power and a very efficient policy on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), Denmark’s rating is boosted by extremely good air quality and rich biodiversity.

4. Malta

Biodiversity is also a big win for Malta, while water is as clean in the country as anywhere on the planet, due to excellent sanitation and resources. The country is also helped by great agritourism - local people hosting in rural areas.

5. Sweden

Another Scandinavian country on the list, Sweden has low CO2 emissions, and their utilisation of renewable energy sources mean they aim to be running at 100% sustainability by 2045.

6. United Kingdom

The UK ranks extremely highly on the purity of drinking water and general sanitation levels.

In addition, while our countryside is revered the world over, our eco rating is boosted mostly by the 9,000 wind turbines scattered around the coastline, which allow for clean and sustainable energy.

7. Luxembourg

In 2005, the diminutive country set itself a target of lowering GHG emissions by more than half by 2030, with a goal of net zero by 2050. Scoring high for water and biodiversity and habitat, Luxembourg is succeeding.

8. Austria

With 40% of the country’s money set aside for green projects and 19% of agricultural land now organically farmed, Austria is doing well in the environmental stakes. In fact, that latter figure puts them top of the EU charts.

Leading countries from other continents

Oceania

New Zealand, 17th Asia

Japan, 20th North America Canada, 25th South America Trinidad and Tobago, 35th Africa

Morocco, 54th

Cybercrime - Protecting our clients

Given the nature of the information contained in law firm’s emails and databases, lawyers are particularly attractive targets for hackers. Firms holding client information and funds are increasingly vulnerable to the risk of theft of confidential data which could lead to the loss of monies held in client accounts. Firms of all sizes can be, and are targeted and the effect on the scammed firm and its clients can be extremely detrimental. Like all businesses that store personal and commercial data, we must remain vigilant of the potential of cybercrime.

As hackers up their game and attacks become more common, more varied and more sophisticated, it is being demonstrated more and more, via TV adverts and news stories how you can help and try to protect yourself. One of the most common attacks is the fraudulent email. A firm receives a simple email from a client telling them their bank details have changed; they provide a new sort code and account number in readiness for receiving their monies. The adviser changes its records accordingly. The adviser arranges for the sum to be dispatched to the new bank account. However, it soon turns out the emails have not come from the client and all hell breaks loose. A crook has hacked into the client’s email account (not that hard with the free email services around), impersonated them and stolen the money.

Email impersonation is one of the most straightforward types of cybercrime. Advisers can and should be able to stop it happening to them and their clients by making sure all these types of requests are followed up in person and that the person doing the check knows the client really well or can check on the basis of data that a crook is most unlikely to have captured. Clients should be aware of the dangers; we

suggest that you change your email and other passwords reasonably often. Crooks can easily gather a lot of knowledge about people. There is a surprising amount of information on the internet, especially of those on Facebook or Twitter. ‘Phishing’ is another way crooks can find out a good deal, by impersonating a bank or even HM Revenue & Customs. A phishing operator could pretend to be a product provider, a platform or even a financial advice firm and ask trusting clients for their personal information and for confirmation of banking and other financial details.

It is hard to write about cyber security without scaremongering. However make sure that the law firm that you use has set procedures for asking for such information and warns clients that they would never email about bank detail changes nor would they accept an email with such content purporting to be from a client. Whilst these systems and procedures may seem like a faff and a waste of your time they could end up protecting you.

This is intended for general guidance only. In all cases specific advice should be sought.

Bells are a specialist Wills, Probate and Conveyancing practice. The office opens five days a week Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm and home and hospital appointments can be arranged where appropriate. Our professional service is right on your doorstep.

Join us again next time for another legal insight!

E: bells@bells-romsey-solicitors.co.uk

ROMSEY L VES

By Alex Baxter bs! ubs!

Community Halls

Passing through Abbotswood one evening in August, on the way to the bottle bank, I noticed an outdoor yoga class taking place at Abbotswood Community Centre. My initial reaction was an emotionally positive one - for I was witnessing how well a space can work for people; enabling them to come together, socialise, and engage in an activity. Then my mind turned to the impressive simplicity of the facility because at the same time there was also a dance class taking place inside. Then later on, Table Tennis!

It’s amazing how a building that looks so ordinary can be of such importance. Community centres and village halls, however you refer to them, are almost typically

indistinguishable - a rectangularish building of varying size, with an interior that usually includes one large room and stage, storage for tables and chairs, and a polished hard floor. If modern enough, maybe even a running kitchen and toilets. Yet despite appearances, these buildings are multifunctional templates that provide valuable space for lots of people and events. According to Rural Services Network, many halls were ‘built after the First World War’ as mourning places ‘dedicated to those who gave their lives’. Soon after, their purpose adapted to the ‘national drive to develop social and educational provision’. In other words, they were recognised as a vital component in the infrastructure of a socially cohesive Britain. Independent hubs designed to serve everyone and empower communal spirit and a sense of belonging. Today their purpose is almost exhaustive, being home to: clubs, societies, parties and receptions, community meetings, recreational activities, all the way up to acting as polling stations for you to vote.

With this in mind, we are lucky to have our collection that includes: Abbotswood Community Centre, Woodley Village Hall, Crosfield Hall, Romsey Town Hall, Wellow Village Hall - all of which play a role in providing venues for Romsey’s bustling calendar and social circles. The Town Hall for example hosts Antique Collectibles and Arts Fair, and is home to the Community Cinema - where new films are shown

monthly.

In the case of Crosfield, it was originally built for Romsey Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (RAODS) after it was realised a dedicated theatre was needed for their productions. Now that same roomy layout allows popular events to regularly take place. From modelling exhibitions to lectures on art. As for Woodley, Abbotswood and Wellow, they each can be found to hold a daily range of youth clubs and fitness classes.

Together, these halls contribute to sustaining community independence. For instance, they can operate as temporary clinics or host educational events - where basic life saving skills can be taught and learnt. Between 2020 to 2022, our reliance on these buildings was proven once again beyond our imagination. With hospitals and GPs put under strain by the pandemic, halls across the country became vaccination stations, thus demonstrating their ability to transform at a moment’s notice. And lest I forget to bring up how in March to May we saw how they were used as aid collection points for a number of Ukraine appeals.

As significant as they are, it’s crucial to remember these halls are cared for by committees who volunteer their time to ensure the buildings stay maintained and running. Financial cuts and cultural changes brought on by the online world mean their existence has to be justified. Their indispensable value comes not just from their longevity, which is not

all that secure, but how they fulfil their duty of being accessible for allchildren and adults.

People may pass them without a second thought as to what they represent, but to others they can be a part of their daily life. Like pubs or libraries they hold character and facilitate life. “Unexpected experiences can happen and you might end up falling into conversations with complete strangers” as Guardian columnist John Harris once put it in an opinion piece on the diminishing of independent shared public spaces. They can be the lifeline of interaction and social mobility with your locals. Initiatives to tackle loneliness“Coffee Clubs” as they are called, can be reliably located in a local hall.

With that period of winter celebrations fast approaching, it’s a timely reminder of the capacity these buildings offer for mass gatherings. Fetes are beginning to pop up and end of term parties held. The clapper of feet and raised voices will never cease.

Next month I will focus on the clubs and people that interact in these spaces. See you then.

Green ngers… the Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses the next generation of green-fingered gardeners.

You’ll find me talking quite a bit about the new breed of gardener coming through. For me, it’s a natural evolution that presents to me two different things – firstly, the art of gardening is much more interesting and much cooler than it ever was in my day; and secondly, it seems as though I am becoming more and more aware of my own mortality!

Percy Thrower was the one who inspired me most when I was a kid. I watched him on Gardening Club on the box, and as the years have gone by, I have been lucky enough to work with a number of the horticultural greats. Christopher Lloyd was a friend, Beth Chatto is a friend who I really value

and whose work I really admire.

After a while you realise you have progressed from the student to the teacher, and I’ve always been very proud

We need to show people that it isn’t difficult or boring, that is it is exciting, and that most of it is just common sense.

to be that person. Ultimately, I want to inspire everybody to get into the garden, because I think there are so many benefits.

When I am presenting, I never have a set section of society or type of person in mind. I guess, in a way, I am presenting to myself - I want anybody and everybody to start thinking about getting into the garden.

And I do admit, the likes of James Swift, James Wong, Annemarie Powell, Katie Rushworth and Frances Tophill all have a knack of conversing to young audiences that I probably don’t have… and that’s great.

I

We have to keep evolving what we say and who we want to position it to, because as I have said before there are so many other distractions for young people these days.

I want to see our gardens and our outside spaces continue to flourish over the decades to come, despite the noise and appeal of doing other things elsewhere; and you know what, I’m sure they will.

Applications now open for Cost of Living Grant scheme

Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) has launched its new £50k Cost of Living Grant scheme to help organisations that are supporting people who are struggling with rising costs.

It is available to a range of groups, including charities, not for profit and voluntary organisations, parish and town councils, and schools as part of their wider community work.

Groups can bid for up to £1,000, and the applications can be for up to 100 percent of the total cost of a project. Any organisations looking to run larger projects can contact their local community engagement officer by visiting www.testvalley.gov.uk/ CEOfficers

To find out more and to apply for a grant, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/ costoflivinggrantscheme

The move follows a special meeting of the Test Valley Partnership in August, which was hosted jointly by leader of TVBC, Councillor Phil North, and leader of the opposition, Councillor Celia Dowden. The meeting brought together a host of different organisations, including Citizens Advice Test Valley, Hampshire County Council, Department for Work and Pensions, Andover Foodbank and Romsey Community Services.

Following the meeting, the council set up a Cost of Living Support Hub, which

provides useful information and signposts people to the various agencies and groups that can offer a range of help, from local food banks to financial advice. The information can be found at www. testvalley.gov.uk/costoflivingsupport

The partnership also agreed to take forward various other actions and projects over the coming months that will help organisations to provide targeted aid to residents and make it as easy as possible for people to access the support they need when they need it.

Leader of TVBC, Councillor Phil North, said: “It is so important that we all work together to ensure that organisations on the frontline can support those in need. I would urge any groups that are providing cost of living help to take a look at the website as soon as possible.”

Leader of the opposition, Councillor Celia Dowden, added: “This fund will provide critical support to the groups and organisations impacted most by the increasing demand on their services due to the rising cost of living. We are working closely with partners across the borough to ensure that those feeling the strain have access to the help they require, whether they are the organisations providing the services, or those accessing them.”

Family Owned Funeral Directors

Tom Aikens’ Pro teroles

There is something so contradictory about profiteroles that they keep me coming back for more. There is the sweetness of the chocolate against the plain cream; the dryness of the pastry against the moisture that spills from the middle; and a solitary, innocent-looking ball that ends up being filling and extroverted. What I love most about profiteroles is the fact they’re easy to make yet considered luxurious and even slightly opulent; so here’s a recipe that, in a similar way, is simple, yet sensational!

Method

Ingredients (serves 4)

For the profiteroles

- 80g unsalted butter - 25g sugar

- ½ tsp salt

- 150g plain flour, sifted - 4 eggs - 2 handfuls of chopped almonds, to serve

For the crème Chantilly - 1 vanilla pod - 250ml whipping cream - 40g caster sugar - ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the chocolate sauce - 50g unsalted butter - 250ml double cream - 180g sugar

- 1 tsp vanilla extract - 100g cocoa powder

- 50g dark chocolate

1. Put the butter, sugar and salt for the profiteroles in a pan with 250ml of water and bring to a simmer. Add the sifted flour and stir for a good 5 minutes over a low to medium heat, until the paste comes away from the pan.

2. Transfer this immediately to a food mixer or processor with a beater attachment. Add the eggs, one by one, and beat to a smooth, shiny paste. Put this in a bowl, cover with clingfilm and leave to cool.

3. Preheat the oven to 190°C/ gas mark 5. Spoon the choux paste into a piping bag with a plain nozzle and pipe 2.5cm blobs onto a baking tin. Each one should stand up nice and high, and you should get roughly 30 profiteroles in total. Bake for about 15 minutes until golden in colour. Pierce each one to let out the steam and cool on a wire rack before filling.

4. To make the crème Chantilly, add the vanilla seeds, scraped from the pod, to the whipping cream along with the caster sugar and vanilla extract and whip until firm. Pipe into the choux buns.

5. To make the chocolate sauce, put the butter, double cream, 180g of sugar and vanilla extract into a pan and bring to a simmer. Add the cocoa powder and whisk while continuing to cook for 5 minutes at a slow simmer. Break up the dark chocolate and put it into a bowl. Pour over the hot chocolate mixture and stir until the dark chocolate has melted, then pass the sauce through a fine sieve.

6. Drizzle the choux buns with warm chocolate sauce and sprinkle with the chopped almonds.