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April

Edition of your local Romsey & Wellow Gazette Community Magazine! Dear Residents, It is with great pleasure that we give you the April issue of your local community magazine. We are really pleased that the magazine is so well received and used by yourselves each month and that you continue to support your local trades and services. At this time of increasing costs and some uncertainties it is as vital as ever that we back up our local companies and keep the economy in our areas thriving. If you know of a company that needs help with their advertising or a local club or society that needs some good local promotion, then please let them know of us. We are here to help them, help you, whether that is in the home, work or for yourself personally. We are here. The April issue is our Anniversary in fact. It is 17 years this month since we published our first edition! I cannot believe it. We are very proud to have helped so many companies, some of which have expanded hugely due to all your calls and bookings. Stephen, myself and all the girls in the office want to thank you for your support. It means everything to us, that you pick up the phone or walk into the office and let the advertiser know that you found their details due to all our hard work. This is hugely appreciated by us and the advertisers themselves! Wishing you a wonderful Easter. May the sun shine and we all get out and have some fun! Best Wishes,

Debbie, Stephen & Daichi

Contact Debbie: debbie@modernmagazines.co.uk or Tracey: 07500 592584 tracey@modernmagazines.co.uk

6 10 12 14 18 22 24 26 28 30 32 38 44

In this issue

Romsey & District Railway Modellers Society Puzzle Page Interview: Kenneth Branagh Councillor’s Column Kevin McCloud Column Romsey Loves: Hilliers Money Matters: Martin Lewis Wildlife: Seagrass The Adventures of Daichi Building on Digital Success Alan Titchmarsh Column Monthly Walk: Bursledon Recipe: Rachel Khoo’s Chocolate Bark

Advertise with us Take your business to new heights with our aﬀordable advertising packages! 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...

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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.

Modern 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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Romsey & District Railway Modellers Society News Romsey & District Railway Modellers Society, after a two year break due to Covid, were pleased to welcome the Mayor of Test Valley: Councillor Mark Cooper to our 42nd exhibition in the Crosfield Hall. Thanks to the wonderful support from families, friends and the general public we were able to host a very successful weekend. This will enable us to make donations to local charities. We were pleased to have members of the Mountbatten School railway club with their

‘Thomas’ model and teacher Andy Smart. Being affiliated members of our club, they assisted in greeting the public at the door with exemplary manners and behaviour. They were a credit to their parent and the school. The whole weekend was a tremendous success and we look forward to greeting visitors to our 43rd exhibition on the first weekend in March next year, same place it is already booked !! Contact our secretary at: www.rdrms.com

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What is a Digital Asset? When people consider the assets they might leave behind to loved ones, digital assets are commonly overlooked. A recent survey by the Law Society revealed that a staggering 93% of people who have made a will have not included digital assets. Considering your online footprint when making provisions for your will, will save your executors a lot of hassle and headaches. What is a digital asset? A digital asset is anything that is stored in a binary format and encompasses any account that you open online ie: • Cryptocurrency (virtual wallets) • Paypal, Spotify • Amazon, Ebay, Shopify • Facebook, Twitter, Instagram • Online photos If you fail to leave instructions to your executors or family members then the winding up of these accounts can be nearly impossible for them, virtual wallets (cryptocurrencies) will be lost if secure access

has not been provided to a trusted executor. If you have any of these digital assets, we strongly recommend that you collate your usernames and passwords and arrange for your executors or attorneys to have access when needed. You might wish to store such information with your will. At the very least, it is sensible to have a list of such assets that your executors/attorneys can investigate. For those who are particularly computer savvy, you can also store all of this information in one private online document and provide the single password to access it to your chosen person before or after it is required. This is intended for general guidance only. In all cases specific advice should be sought. Bells are a specialist Wills, Probate, Residential and Commercial Conveyancing Practice. The office is open five days a week Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm (prearranged appointments only). Our professional service is right on your doorstep.

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Puzzle Page Quick Crossword Across Clues:

13. Dishearten (11)

1. Parallel games (10)

15. Spread (7)

8. Slayer (8)

17. Boil (4)

#014 3

7 8

9. Large brass instrument (4) 20. Disappear (4) 10. Be paid (4)

21. Yellow spice (8)

11. Written account (7)

22. Straightforwardness (10)

Down Clues:

7. Island (4)

2. Changing order of word (7)

12. Associated with eastern Asia (8)

3. In addition (4)

13. Duke (7)

4. Aloof (8)

14. Snake (7)

5. Terrace (5)

16. Symbol (5)

6. Part human, part machine (7)

18. Pause (4)

11 12

19. Crocodile (4) 20

Word Ladder

Make your way from THAW to MELT by changing one letter on each step to make a new word!

THAW

Egg Head 1. What day of the week is Easter traditionally celebrated on? 2. What was the name of the apostle who betrayed Jesus? 3. And how many pieces of silver did he trade for Jesus’ life? 4. In which country did the easter bunny originate from? 5. What is the traditional ﬂower of Easter? 6. What colour was the ﬁrst easter egg dyed? 7. Name the Sunday before Easter

MELT

8. How many chocolate bunnies are produced each year? 9. Easter Island belongs to which country? 10. What is the Egg a symbol of?

ANSWERS: (THAW, THAT, TEAT, TELT, MELT)

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All the World’s A Stage One of our greatest creative filmmaking forces, Kenneth Branagh, looks back over three decades of big-budget production. Kenneth Branagh is a behemoth of the major film project – a man who subscribes to the ‘more is less’ principle of movie-making, and who has absolute faith in the essence that big budgets make successful movies. That alone, offers a peculiar contradiction. After all, the 61-year-old is someone so creatively and artistically enriched, from within, that a script and a stage would all but suffice given the Belfast-born actor, producer and director’s ability to connect an audience to an idea. How else can you explain his effortless excellence across so many Shakespeare projects, from Henry V (1989) – for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor

and Best Director – through to Much Ado About Nothing (1993), Othello (1995), Hamlet (1996), Love’s Labour’s Lost (2000), and As You Like It (2006). And yet, his big-screen work away from the Bard goes the other way, with high-quality, mass-scale projects that refuse to be held back by budget – consider Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Valkyrie (2008), the blockbuster superhero film Thor (2011), Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014) and Murder on the Orient Express (2017) (2017), and of course Death on the Nile, this year. “Death on the Nile is an immense project and I have always been confident that all the investment and commitment would pay itself back, both financially and artistically. “It’s one of those films that could have been made on the cheap, but it’s the fine details that really begin to shine when you have a bigger budget to play with. It’s the luxury of doing

something really good and knowing you have the time to go back and take another look at something if it hasn’t quite come through the way you had expected. It’s quality control. “Ultimately, I feel extremely lucky to be making the sorts of movies I have over the past couple of decades, and to find the backers who believe in these projects, because it’s not always been like that,” he says, referencing the industry’s lack of money and interest in filmmaking when he was first getting started. “It was a real famine back in the Eighties - so few movies were being made. These days there are sets the size of Soho and investment in filmmaking is so huge, and I would like to think the output validates that; but as ever, it’s the audience who are there to judge, and that’s the way it should be.”

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Councillor’s Column I can’t remember the last time I cried whilst watching the news. But as a dad to a little girl, those pictures of a Ukrainian father saying goodbye to his daughter, quite possibly for the final time, have had me in tears on several occasions recently. His family were fleeing Kyiv whilst he was being conscripted into the Ukrainian army. That’s the problem with war. It tears families apart. And Putin’s evil actions are having the most horrendous of consequences.

At our Full Council meeting recently, I used my opening remarks to announce that I was sure I spoke for everyone who lives in the borough by saying that we stand with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their hour of darkness. I also said that I know that the people of Test Valley will want to do all they can to help. And whilst our government is providing valuable weapons to help that Ukrainian father defend his country and coordinating the toughest set of sanctions Russia has ever seen. I pledged to use the council’s communications channels to publicise ways in which people can help those who have been displaced. I know there are many local businesses and organisations doing their bit and I’m grateful for that. I was also pleased to join both Andover and Anton Rotary clubs collecting money in Andover town centre that International Rotary will spend on the frontline.

After the initial flurry of money, they need further funds to continue their great work. So, if you are able to donate you can do so at donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukrainecrisis-appeal or www.dec.org.uk. I have also committed to help and house our fair share of refugees in Test Valley. Just like we’ve done with those evacuated from Syria and Afghanistan. I know many people have already made very generous offers under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. We’ve been talking to the Home Office and the South East Migration Partnership ever since the crisis began and are also in contact with our local housing associations. I pray that in the future if the attempted Russian invasion continues to stall, that those displaced will have an opportunity to return to their homeland and families can be reunited. Although the road might be long, let’s hope that in the not too distant future the missile-fire of war will once again be replaced by the flame of freedom. For now though Slava Ukraini. Glory to Ukraine.

Cllr. Phil North

Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council

I have also been encouraging people to join me in contributing to the Red Cross and the Disasters Emergency Committee, who are working on the ground in eastern Europe. 14

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Slimming World in Romsey Let’s face it, how many of us gained weight during the pandemic? And how many are still struggling to lose it? We know there are many health benefits to being a healthy weight, apart from reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, some cancers and diabetes, did you know that you can reverse the early onset of Type-2 diabetes and with increasing numbers discovering they are already pre-diabetic, there’s no better time than now to start your weight loss. Public Health England estimates, on average, people have gained around half a stone, (21% reporting a stone or more) since first lockdown. As we enter the ‘endemic’ phase, many people are looking to lose unwanted pounds, but doing this alone can be difficult to sustain. The pandemic has had a negative impact on access to weight management services, ......but not anymore. We are back! And we’re ready to help you lose that excess to reach your dream weight! New Year sees many of us making promises to lose the extra weight, but then find motivation waning as time passes. This is where Slimming World, the UK’s largest slimming club absolutely can help support your weight loss, through an unrivalled weight loss management and support system. 16

We’re already helping people to lose weight and joining us now, could see you achieving a weight loss that you can be proud of, to face a fabulous summer ahead. Our Slimming World Groups have re-opened and are already growing again and with a new consultant, Sally in town, you have even more flexibility to fit it into your life, so come along to see what it’s all about. Sally lost weight through Slimming World and cannot stress how much more successful attending a group can be, from her own experiences. Sally also comes with a nursing background so is keen to help you lose that extra weight, improve your health and reach your own goals, and will be there all the way with you. The new group based at Woodley Scout Hut, Braishfield Road, opens Thursday 21st April so give Sally a call on 07971 255846 or pop along at 9am to see what it’s all about and secure your seat on your own weight loss journey! There’s lots of support, tips and advice to help you on your journey to your dream weight, with recipe ideas, raffles and lots more! Make this is your time to lose weight ....for life!

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A Design for Life… The 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 talks about taking ownership and responsibility for the villages, towns and cities in which we live. I think people sometimes look at me simply as someone focused on developing and building houses, yet I feel much more passionate about the idea of making places; I ﬁnd it is much more important to make communities and to see people ﬂourish in where they live. For years and years development has been top down - it’s been an industry where people have bought and sold land, upping its value through the planning process only to build rather crappy homes and buildings in the end. I’m much more interested in the Gandhian approach, which is from the bottom up. It’s a democratic approach whereby people and communities work together to empower themselves to take control.

That is often just down to a handful of individuals having a conversation with a landowner or a local authority or a local organisation and ﬁnding that, yes, they could do something. It’s discovering the fact they can take matters into their own hands, and there’s nothing more exciting than seeing people taking control for where they live. We’ve all got used to this idea that if the

paving stone outside our house is broken then it’s the council’s fault; or perhaps if the light doesn’t work it’s someone else’s fault; whereas actually, no, where we live is ours, and we should be taking responsibility. We should be taking ownership and we can do this through Community Land Trusts and kinds of other ownership models and initiatives; and I think it’s fundamental that we do this because that way we create

a much more sustainable, coherent civic society. We create a world we are living in that can be shared, for the good of the people who invest in it and live in it, not for the faceless developers and entrepreneurs who are using the concept of home merely as a vehicle for making money. It’s important because we are now seeing transition towns across the UK really ﬂourish. These are places that have adopted this concept and are now moving on with a practical, architectural and community vibe and approach that knits together and unites so many different and important facets of what it is to live somewhere. So next time you see something broken or tatty or perhaps just a bit shabby in your street, step forward, pick it up, take it into your workshop, or do whatever it is that’s needed to replenish it and make good.

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Scratches and scrapes Five road features that are causing abrasions to your car without you knowing it. 1. Weather You may consider that weather is one thing that’s seemingly unavoidable when you run a car, but keeping it out of the elements (either in a garage or covered) can actually prolong your paintwork lifespan by a considerable amount. That’s because rainfall in coastal areas can carry high salt levels, which leave awkward and challenging water stains; while excessive sun may cause paintwork to fade and look worn. 2. Cleaning techniques It may always seem like a good idea to keep paintwork looking pristine, but there are number of abrasive cleaning techniques that, in the long-term, will do your prized possession more harm than good. These include the use of inappropriate brushes and jet

wash tools, as well taking your car to professional washers who do not wash grit away from the ﬂoor between each vehicle. And if you’re cleaning it yourself, check there is no loose dirt on the cloth you’re using. 3. Bird poo Removing any cemented animal matter or dead bugs from your car, as soon as possible, is a must - that’s because the acidic element of this sickly white stuff eats away at your car paintwork with genuine ferocity. Keep a microﬁbre cloth close so you can wipe away any nasties soon after they arrive. 4. Curbs and pavements It sounds obvious, but a variety of scrapes, particularly on front and back bumpers, as well as alloy wheels, will instantly make your car look like something out of an old-school Top Gear road trip. Consider spatial awareness and overcompensate for spaces and angles whenever

you are parking – better to navigate a way into a space in two attempts, than achieve it in one but be left with a nasty abrasion as reward for your speedy efforts! Consider how closely you park to other vehicles as well. You might justiﬁably be careful and considerate when it comes to opening the door gently so as not to touch the car next door or brushing against a neighbouring wingmirror, but that doesn’t mean other road users carry with them quite the same sense of moral duty! 5. Trees and branches Hugging the curb may seem like a good idea when you have a car coming towards you, but have you factored in tree, bush, hedge or branch material that juts into the road? Streaks down the sides of cars can often be caused by getting too close to curb-side plant matter; on some occasions it may be better to wait and let another car through.

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ROMSEY L VES

the UK’s “most comprehensive and unrivalled” assortment of plant species. By 1977, having very well made

By progress on his dream, Sir Harold Alex Baxter handed the trusteeship of his

ubs! bs! Hillier Gardens Daffodils are blooming, trees are budding and birds are nest-building. Spring is in the air! So with this lively change in seasons, there could only be one Romsey cherished attraction to celebrate: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum.

Hillier Gardens was originally established in 1953 as a private collection, when Edwin Hillier - an entrepreneur and passionate plantsman, acquired Jermyn’s House and its 180 acres of acid soil rich land. The grounds, as is evident today, provided the perfect conditions for Hillier, who enthusiastically collected seeds and plant specimens from all over the globe. But why did he go to such lengths far and wide you may ask? Well, Hillier’s ambition was simple: to create and cultivate

prized trees, shrubs and flowers to Hampshire County Council. It has been managed as a charitable trust ever since, running purely on donations and superbly looked after by a devoted team of specialists, students and volunteers - all continuing Sir Hillier’s philosophy of ‘horticulture, conservation, education and recreation’. When you first step foot through the visitor centre, you are immediately greeted with that scenic view of Braishfield - and with that the scale of Hilliers. Whether you turn left or right, the winding trails take you on a journey of sights and scents through an evolving landscape of meadow, woodland, border gardens, wild verdure and majestic displays. The Centenary Border for example (opened in 2013 by the Duchess of Cornwall) boasts 30,000 plants along a 250 metre stretch - the longest double border in the UK. Quite a sight in the summer, with the bold swathes of mixed perennials and grasses in full bloom. Just one of the many remarkable examples of designs that can be found; each motivated to experiment whilst consciously enrich wildlife. Like all gardens big and small Hilliers is an indefinite work in progress, constantly redeveloping

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arrangements and adding instalments to expand our curiosity. The Art in the Gardens in particular really makes the gardens such a fascinating space. The synergy of art and nature turns the grounds into one big living exhibition. With the embedded sculptures enhancing wonder and peculiarity in a unique and thought-provoking way. There is always something interesting and new to see. As a visitor you need not wait any specific month to visit. There is a continuity of colour and texture with each season. The autumn looks just as spectacular in its red and orange vistas as it does in full technicolour fruition in the summer. It is perhaps no wonder then why Hilliers have so many awards and titles, such as (to name a few) Heritage Garden of theYear and International Grower of the Year. And of course I’d be remiss not to mention their track record at The RHS Chelsea Flower Show - where they have won gold medals for 72 consecutive years. Impressive trivia that rivals the single spotlighting moment when the nursery was given the task of supplying over 2,000 trees and 50,000 shrubs and herbaceous plants for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2012. However, what good would this horticultural excellence be if it were only about competition. No, Hillier’s also has a serious international reputation for the conservation of critically endangered species. Over 70 years the gardens have raised 658 Champion Trees - the largest

collection to reside in any garden in Britain (The Tree Register), thus playing a pivotal role that roots Hilliers in league with the likes of Kew Gardens and the Eden Project. Furthermore, Hilliers has also proven to be an invaluable resource hub of inspiration to young people by providing hands-on horticultural engagement. I can remember as a child visiting on many school trips long before there was a treehouse or playground. For us we’d run to see the pond and play in the bamboo maze. This was when the education centre was fairly new and the Education Garden was just opened by the biggest icon of natural history: David Attenborough! Hillier Gardens is truly a rare rose in Hampshire’s vine of outstanding attractions. There is no other place quite like it: an inviting setting of botanical beauty that fills your lungs with fresh air while you explore and connect with nature. Hosting both recreational and educational events and activities non-stop. From Summer concerts and art workshops to wildlife and botanical themed talks. I’d say Sir Hillier’s vision has definitely been achieved.

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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 budgeting. Here’s an uncomfortable fact for you - many people are appalling ‘budgeters’. We all know what we earn, but we don’t know what we spend, and you cannot balance the see-sawing budget without being clear on both. The biggest problem that people have is they look across the month at what they typically pay for things. So, they’ll look at their food bills, their utilities, their mortgage, car lease and all those things, and that’s all good and well. But you know what, the average family in the UK spends £600 on Christmas, which is £50 a month. They buy a new sofa every three or four

years for maybe £1,000. They buy a television that is £300. They go on holiday, and so on. The fact is, rarely are these costs factored into monthly spend, but they should be. We need to break down those big amounts into a monthly cost, across the whole year, and add that to our monthly ﬁgures. I have a tool called the ‘Budget Planner’ which is free to use on my website – have a look. Ultimately, the way I suggest people manage their money is by using a system I call ‘Piggybanking’. It involves moving things into hypothetical ‘accounts’. So, let’s say you have your ‘Standard Bills’ account, which is all the regular bills you need to pay each month; you have your ‘Holidays’ account - you know you spend £1,000 a year on a holiday and that’s about £85 a month. You have

your ‘Christmas’ account and you have your ‘Big One-offs’ account. Those are examples, but use whatever is personal to you. Each month when you get paid, you siphon the right amount of money into the Bills account, you put the right amount of money into the Holidays account, the right amount of money into the Christmas account, and so on. So your Holidays account will categorically confirm to you that you have, say, £512 to spend. If you’re spending more, you cannot afford it, so you have to cut your cloth accordingly. Many people swear by this technique, lots of people swear at it too, but it truly works! In the current climate, we can’t compensate for what’s around the corner, but being equipped to confront it will make you feel good about your finances, your life, and your prospects of overcoming that financial bump in the road.

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Seagrass: The Solent’s superhero Beneath the waves of the Solent are hidden underwater gardens of seagrass. These marine flowering plants are known for increasing biodiversity in our coastal waters. However, they are now beginning to gain widespread recognition for their potential to reduce the effects of climate change and what better time to celebrate this superstar marine plant than during Seagrass Awareness Month, which spans all of March. Seagrasses typically occur along shallow, sheltered marine coastlines and estuaries, from the Tropics to the Arctic Circle. They have roots, grass-like leaves and produce flowers and seeds. Under the right conditions, these plants can grow to form flourishing, green underwater meadows which provide food and shelter for an array of wonderful marine life. The seagrass meadows in the Solent are of international importance. They support rich biodiversity, including amazing species such as sea anemones, stalked jellyfish, sea slugs, pipefish and seahorses. They act as nurseries for commercially important fish species, such as cod and sea bass, the latter of which spend up to seven years growing in the Solent before joining the migratory adult population. Cuttlefish visit the seagrass meadows to breed as well, attaching their black eggs known as ‘sea grapes’ to the seagrass leaves. Seagrass also provides a major food source for brent geese, which make the 3000-mile journey from Siberia to the Solent every year for a milder winter. Seagrasses are incredibly important allies in the fight against climate change. They

absorb massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the surrounding seawater and their long leaves slow the flow of water, which encourages settlement of carbon-rich sediment down into the seabed where it is then buried and locked away. This amazing plant also improves our water quality and protects our shores from coastal erosion by slowing wave energy with their leaves and by stabilising soft seabed sediments with their roots. Sadly, seagrass is disappearing. We’ve lost over 90% of our seagrass meadows in the UK over the past century. Disease, physical disturbance from dragging anchors and chain moorings, as well as human-induced threats such as pollution are putting seagrass under significant pressure. At Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, we’re working to protect and restore our seagrass meadows. By monitoring and surveying existing seagrass beds and planting sustainably collected seagrass seeds, we hope to restore these amazing habitats towards their historic levels and create a wilder Solent, for both people and wildlife. To learn more and find out how to get involved, visit: hiwwt.org.uk/seagrass-restoration Photo: Seagrass bed by Paul Naylor

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Governor Vacancy - Are you interested in being part of a thriving school community and making positive contributions to enrich children’s journeys through their very first years at school? - Do you have a few free hours a month?

Then consider joining Cupernham Infant School’s governing body! - We are a thriving infant school in Romsey with vacancies for volunteers to join our governing body. - Governors work with school leaders to support the school’s strategic direction to drive improvement and make a noticeable difference to our children, their families and the wider community. - Being a governor is a commitment and a responsibility but is extremely rewarding!

You do not need any prior knowledge of the education sector, nor previous governor experience as all training and support will be provided.

To express your interest, or simply to find out more, please visit our website www.cupernhaminfant.com/governors or contact us at adminoffice@cupernham-inf.hants.sch.uk with the subject GOVERNORS You could also call us on 01794 514494 Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

The Adventures of Daichi

The Modern Magazines Camper Van Daichi is delighted to have bought an Ice-cream parlour! Seriously we did not see this on the cards. Here we are in Weymouth with a wonderful sea view, a holiday flat we rent out on the first floor, with equally magnificent views, and an American style parlour we have renovated. Fuchsia pink benchlike diner seats, American juke box, delicious waffles, sundaes, milk shakes, thick shakes, ice-cream, cornets, organic coffee, cake and deluxe hot chocolate. What more could you want from a beach front location? It has been an exciting if nerve racking experience. With no previous knowledge or skill in this area, taking on a new challenge is both exhilarating and all consuming. Fortunately, we have Emma working with us who has done this before and she has developed the mouthwatering menus and has been able to train Hayden into a connoisseur (well not quite yet…) of what makes an inviting and tasty sweet treat. Daichi of course loves the seaside. His image of swimming with dolphins and diving through white capped waves is what

Proud Biker Grandfather feels 20 again! 28

Beautiful view... and amazing waffles! this is all about. There are indeed dolphins in Weymouth Bay, but we have yet to see one. There is time yet… Apart from living the beach life and all that excitement entails, what is also good is that we now understand ‘Retail’ and ‘Hospitality’ so much more. The joys of customers coming in and liking what you sell cannot be underestimated. One biker gentleman, who tells me he will definitely be back with his biker friends (and with parking right in front of us for bikes - it could not be easier), came in with his grandson. It was a total delight to serve him his Banana Splitz and a Knickerbocker Glory for the young boy. To then be told, with a huge, delighted grin, that he felt 20 again was just the icing on the cake! Or should I say the whippy ice-cream on the top? Two couples staying in a local hotel came back for more the second day and devoured our delectable apple pie waffle as well as succulent strawberry sundae. There were smiles all round. Dog friendly as we are, it is a delight to see the four-legged friends come

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bouncing in with their very happy owners and be given a well-deserved doggie ice-cream as well as a dog biscuit. The Marshfield Ice-cream for dogs is actually good for them! That was a revelation for me. So, meeting and greeting puppies, mature dogs, middle aged dogs as well as two legged very young, old and middleaged holiday makers is fun to say the least! You can see their cheery, beaming faces on our Facebook page @WaffliciousWeymouth. Serving all of them has been a sheer delight! Then there are those days when it pours with rain, there are storms, sand blown in everywhere… and no-one on the beach! Yikes that is totally different. We shut the door, kept the “closed” sign out and were pretty miserable. That is a seasonal business for you, and it takes some getting used to. The veterans around here, those that have had holiday businesses for some time, don’t bat an eyelid. They know the score, they are completely calm. That was not me or Daichi! Oh no, time to panic, worry and wonder what on earth have we done? Sat watching palm trees swaying in the gusts of flying air, sand springing energetically in the air, the very few people we did see, fighting to walk, the white topped waves desperately pushing against

Takeaway Bubble Waffle!

It is ‘my’ Scoops treat! the ongoing wind looking like scared people running away from a ghost. It was quite exciting really and I am smiling while writing this, so please don’t be too alarmed on my part. It is part of life’s learning - and patience is a virtue… so I have been told! The people will be back, the jumping puppies will return, the appreciative and wideeyed children will come bounding in, the sun will once again shine and the world, at least here in Weymouth and along our amazing south coast, will once again be vibrant and highspirited. We are so looking forward to a busy, and electrifying summer, as John Travolta sings to his hearts content on our wonderful juke box which I absolutely love! With Easter just around the corner, I am told it all starts with a vengeance! We await with sheer pleasure, to be able to serve you. Daichi has certainly not had far to travel recently as it is all too exciting at home! He would love you to come in and say “Hello” and perhaps sample one his new delights. Mention the magazine and his name and you will receive a free whippy ice-cream! I wonder what he will do and where he may go next month? Let’s see… By Debbie Corney

Takeaway Bubble Waffle!

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Building on Digital Success The Test Valley charity, Unity is celebrating this week with the news that they have been successful in securing £179,840 over three years from The National Lottery to provide digital literacy projects for communities across Test Valley. Their digital literacy work goes back to the beginning of the pandemic when they started helping to improve the digital skills of vulnerable people many of whom relied on community groups for much of their daily support. A digital expert was employed by Unity and volunteers recruited, veterans offering the IT skills learned during their time in the military and people who had either lost their jobs or were on furlough during the pandemic. With the help of these volunteers, Unity tested the idea of enabling vulnerable people to develop confidence in their use of technology. This was well received, and the charity is now planning to scale up to offer services through the borough.

need help to build the confidence to use it, perhaps to shop online or even complete an online form. This money will help us to extend our reach across the length and breadth of Test Valley so that we can help individuals and local organisations to learn new skills.” Various community initiatives will be devised throughout the threeyear funding term, and these will be offered through Unity’s website and social media platforms. If you are interested in finding out how Unity could help you, your charity or community group, or if you think you might like to volunteer, please contact us through the website www. unityonline.org.uk or call 0330 4004 116 and a member of our team will help.

Terry Bishop, Unity Chief Executive said, “We would like to thank The National Lottery players for granting this funding. With technology taking over all our lives, we know that there are people across the community who may 30

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Greenfingers… the Alan Titchmarsh column He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about the advent of spring, and how our gardens are beginning to open back up again. There is something about spring that just feels like the world is alive and fertile and rich again. You can usually sense it on a particular day – that day when you can smell the season has arrived; when you see those first shoots breaking on an apple tree branch or a hawthorn hedge.

Where the garden is concerned, there are a few basics to look on and check you need to remind yourself of your plot in terms of sunshine and shade, and its capabilities. Remember, poor soil isn’t a barrier - you can grow all kind of things in tubs and pots and troughs. And just because what you have may be small, it doesn’t mean it’s hard to find things to grow in it. It’s easy to grow salads in a small space, or tomatoes in summer. Even dwarf fruit in large pots. No, you won’t be self-sufficient, but you know that you grew it.

It’s like all those months of dampness, coldness and struggle have just flitted away on the breeze – the world feels like a different place. And as a gardener you always have a little moment in February when you think maybe this year it won’t happen, but it always does, and I love it when the first green haze comes across the horizon. Of course, that’s the signal to formulate plans and consider the things you want your garden to represent this year, and that’s very exciting. A big part of that is anticipation, which is an underrated commodity. People want everything instantly now because they are able to go into a supermarket and have what they want, when they want it. I quite like looking forward in life, I enjoy anticipation because, of course, when it does happen, it’s that much more enjoyable.

Personally, I’m looking forward to the first sight of asparagus in April. And from this point forward, there will be something new poking its head out every few weeks – the garden is like a theatre production playing out in front of you as things gradually come into their natural season… from winter snowdrops through to daffodils, then tulips, summer strawberries into autumn raspberries. It’s all there in front of you, so make the most of your garden this year by planning for each month now.

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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.

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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.

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Monthly Walk:

waters edge for now. Firstly we meet the river pontoon (photo 4) that was formerly opened by Princess Diana in 1983, along

Burseldon This month’s walk offering moves East of Southampton to Bursledon, for a classic outing that traces large elements of the River Hamble as well as passing through a popular visitor park location.

The suggested start point is Bursledon Station, Station Road, SO31 8AA (photo 1), which is a very popular drop off point for both walkers and cyclists. During the week this free car park tends to fill quickly, but over the weekend there is likely to be plenty of space.

The walk is just under 5.5 miles (9Km) with only a little climbing and excellent paths along the entire way; thus a 2 hour trip beckons the regular walker and as a bonus the vast majority of the walk is good for dogs (and their owners)!

2 38

Heading out from the car we turn right along Station Road, which, sadly lacks a footpath for around 200 metres, going up as far as the A27 (Bridge Road). We need to cross this very busy road, very carefully, to enter Blundell Lane opposite and aim down towards the boatyard with the evident footpath sign (photo 2), just after the road itself turns sharp left.

In a while the road passes under the 8 lane M27 with it’s massive girder bridge construction as we aim towards Brixedone Farm, but turn right over the footpath stile (photo 3) just before reaching their border and traverse across a field that skirts some of the river marshes. Once across this field we clear a stile and enter the River Hamble Country Park. It would be wise to recall that early route as we will be returning that way in a while for the return journey. By turning right we now follow the shores of the river for some time until moving into the other half of this Nature Reserve at Manor Farm later. Along this route there are a myriad selection of footpaths to select, but we maintain contact with the

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with other disabled facilities on site. In another 500 metres we turn right down a slope, then up again and in approximately 400 metres we drop down right over a narrow footbridge clearing a muddy gully. Once through the gate we should select the right hand path option that eventually takes us over a railway sleeper style bridge and veers uphill as it goes leftwards. Pushing on for a further 400 metres we come to the top and drop down right at the corner. This is a fairly muddy stepped path that leads to another narrow footbridge and then steps up the far side (photo 5). We are now moving away from the Hamble shores as we pass a wooden gate, move on for 200 metres with a hedgerow on our left to meet a path T junction, where we turn left and trace the well used path as far as Manor Farm. At this point it is possible to halt briefly for a coffee (take out or stop in) before taking the left hand track back towards the neighbouring park.

In around 600 metres we greet a double gate across the way, but please do not take this, instead take the right hand that crosses the entrance road to Manor Farm and step out up the slope towards a gravel road that eventually becomes Tanhouse Lane. Just as the road improves underfoot, after some 600 metres, we should take the metal gate on the left; immediately before the riding stables (photo 6).

This path combines both gravel and mud as it drops down slowly, passes buildings on the right and then meets the entrance road to both Parks. This road we cross and with a slight veer to the left, pass through a gate on the right and progress straight ahead aiming towards the River Hamble once again. In another 600 metres we once more see the marsh flats and the exit path on our right, which brought us into the park a while earlier. Provided the earlier passage is not forgotten the return trip should be simple; over the field, under the M27, through the boatyard, out onto Blundell Lane, then up to and carefully across the A27; followed by a short trip down Station Road; taking the left hand fork in 200 metres then up into the station car park. The final bonus on this walk is a trip for refreshment to the Jolly Sailor, the iconic pub that featured in the 1980s soap, Howards Way. This pub is only 300 metres away from our car up the waymarked path at the rear of the car park and will offer the perfect end the outing.

By Malcolm Price

waters edge for now. Firstly we meet the river pontoon (photo 4) that was formerly opened by Princess Diana in 1983, along

By Malcolm Price

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Finding a place of peace A voyage into the emotions of the mind this month, with three engaging and intriguing books to look out for.

Be Yourself and Happier by Will Young Will Young has written an accessible A-Z guide on mental health, Be Yourself and Happier. The platinum-selling and double-BRIT Award winning singer/songwriter has long been a mental health advocate, and counts his experiences within the industry as a catalyst for various voyages of self-discovery that have led him to where he is today. “I have been at the coalface of depression and anxiety - a state of mind that’s always under threat, and only by exploring the reasons and causes behind this can we look to make changes.” In the book, Will discusses his breakdown in 2011, and how extensive therapy helped the star to unpick and interrogate everything he thought he knew: how he formed his identity, what he relied on for selfesteem and how he behaved and communicated. Everything he has learnt over the past 10 years is now condensed into this accessible A-Z guide. Published by Bloomsbury on April 21st

A Diﬀerent Kind of Happy by Rachaele Hambleton Author Rachaele Hambleton - a full-time mum to three daughters and one baby boy, step-mum to two boys and married to her ‘birdboy’ Josh – has certainly earned her status as one of the most honest and sincere modern writers out there, largely through the success of her Part-Time Working Mummy, Sunday Times bestseller from 2018. Using the strength of her persona as a trusted parenting personality, she returns with A Different Kind of Happy, a book that explores the trials and successes of a blended family situation. The book is a soaring and purposeful guide to modern parenting, with a few catastrophes thrown in along the way! Published by Penguin Random House on April 14th

A Family Aﬀair by Robyn Carr Anna McNichol knows how to take charge. Raised by a single mother, she’s worked to ensure her three children have every advantage she didn’t. And while her marriage has its problems, she values commitment and believes in ‘till death do us part’. Now an empty nester, she’s at the peak of her career and ready to seize the opportunity to focus on her future. But life can change in an instant, and when her husband dies suddenly, Anna’s carefully constructed world falls apart. The mysterious young woman at the memorial service conﬁrms her husband had been keeping secrets, and Anna is determined to get to the truth. Published by MIRA on April 5th

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The Lord is risen: He is risen indeed

invite you to join us for the Easter journey

Join us in The Cornmarket, Romsey at 12.00 noon on Good Friday 15 April

or at any of your Romsey churches for their Easter celebrations - see their web sites for times of services St Joseph’s Catholic Church: Romsey Methodist Church: Romsey Abbey: Freedom Church: Elim Church: Romsey Baptist Church: Abbey United Reformed Church:

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Greenbuttercup CIC’s Dementia Services Dementia Action Week is in May, and we are planning a Jubilee Tea for those living with Dementia in the area. Dates for the remainder of the year: Dementia Group: Fun Arts & Crafts 10.30a.m. –12.30p.m. Green Room, Plaza Theatre. For information, please contact 01794 501605 May 6th; July 1st; August 5th; September 2nd; October 7th; November 4th; December 2nd. Dementia Group: Reminiscence Activities 10.30a.m. – 12.30p.m. Green Room, Plaza Theatre. For information, please contact 01794 501605 April 22nd; May 20th; June 17th; September 16th; October 21st; November 18th. July and August will be outdoor venues 42

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EXTENSIONS LOFT CONVERSIONS FREE RENOVATION WORKS co ns ultation KITCHEN FITTING and quotation GARDEN GYMS / at competitive GARDEN OFFICES prices • PATIOS • BRICKWORK AND FENCING • ELECTRICS AND PLUMBING With 30 years experience we can help you with ideas and planning in order to achieve your requirements Contact JAMES:Email: jsbs1972@gmail.com Mobile: 07870 606905 A5 landscape advert_Layout 1 20/04/2018 15:15 Page 1 Home: 02381 227652

Andover 01264 337711

uk or.co. o d e garag fix my

Repair Specialists

Winchester

01962 715200

Romsey Rotavating ~ ALL AREAS COVERED ~ Andover

01264 337711

Paddock Topping / Rotavating / Rolling Chain Harrowing with Small Tractor Small Digger and Driver Hedge Cutting / Allotments Rotavated Fully Insured • Free Quotes

01794 501772 or 07712 069544

Family Owned Funeral Directors Serving Romsey and district for over 100 years, and through three generations of the Peace family

122 The Hundred, Romsey Email: peace@ahcheater.co.uk www.ahcheater.co.uk

Tel: 01794 513393 Personal attention from Simon & Michael Peace and their experienced team

5 Rownhams Road North Baddesley Email: northbaddesley@ahcheater.co.uk www.ahcheater.co.uk

Tel: 02382 358860 Fu

Private Chapel of Rest 24 Hour Service

Personal attention from Graham Lusty

ner

a l D ir e

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Rachel Khoo Chocolate Bark Introduction Making your own chocolate bark couldn’t be simpler. Great for a snack, after-dinner chocolates or the perfect edible gift, and it will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Method 1. Put the chocolate into a heatproof bowl and place over a pan of ‘just simmering’ water, but don’t let the bowl touch the water. Stir occasionally until melted. 2. Line a tray with baking paper and pour the chocolate on to it, then spread with a spatula or palette knife into a rectangle about 18x22cm and around

0.5cm thick. 3. Immediately sprinkle the seeds, pistachios and cranberries evenly over the top. 4. Transfer to the fridge to set for at least one hour. Once set, break the bark up into jagged pieces.

Ingredients (serves 4) • 200g dark chocolate (70%) broken into pieces • 15g mixed seeds (e.g. sunﬂower, pumpkin and sesame) • 15g pistachio kernels • 20g dried cranberries

Top Tip The toppings you can use for this are endless. I usually see what I have left over in my cupboard – from dried apricots, ﬁgs or freeze-dried fruit (great for colour), to hazelnuts, pecans and sugar sprinkles.

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Puzzle Page Answers Quick Crossword Solution #014 Answers: Across: 1. Paralympic, 8. Assassin, 9. Tuba, 10. Earn, 11. Memoirs, 13. Demoralises, 15. Scatter, 17. Brew, 20. Melt, 21. Turmeric, 22. Simplicity. Down: 2. Anagram, 3. Also, 4. Yonderly, 5. Patio, 6. Cyborgs, 7. Isle, 12. Oriental, 13. Duchess, 14. Serpent, 16. Totem, 18. Wait, 19. Croc.

Egg Head answers

1) Sunday 2) Judas 3) 30 pieces of silver 4) Germany 5) Lily

6) Red 7) Palm Sunday 8) 90 million 9) Chile 10) New life and rebirth

Storm Damage Flat Roofs Tiled Roofs Roof Investigations Roof Condition Reports Fascias, Soffits & Guttering Systems Chimney Repairs

Sarah Stokes

MSSCh Dip Pod Med MBChA Member of the British Chiropody & Podiatry Association

Medical Pedicures For hard skin & corns, or just to be pampered, for a home visit call on:

07941 090363

Appointments available Monday - Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Insurance works Asbestos surveys & Removal Planned maintenance Total building refurbishment Commercial/dilapidation works Management & design Garden Rooms & Office Space

Emergency Call Out Service 07809 116605 Contact our office on 023 8073 9259 or 07809 116605 for a FREE no obligation quote or visit our website:

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Advertisers Index

Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Gazette... Accountants

Electricians

Plumbers

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Stone Osmond 33 ................................................................................................................................................................. Gair Gas Ltd t/a Gair Home Services 7 ........................................................................................... G.E Harding and Sons Limited 36 ........................................................................................... Gair Gas Ltd t/a Gair Home Services 7 ................................................................................................................................................................. RG Electrix 15 ........................................................................................... NO.1 PHD 48

Alternative Therapies

Foot Care Services

Residential Care Homes ................................................................................................................................................................. Sarah Stokes Medical Pedicures 45 ........................................................................................... Glenhurst Manor 2

Appliance Repairs

Funeral Directors

Roofing Services ................................................................................................................................................................. AH Cheater & Sons 43 ........................................................................................... Central Point Services Ltd 45 Bathrooms ........................................................................................... Work Smart Roofing 3 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... AHM Installations Ltd 31 Garage Doors

Fix My Garage Door ................................................................................................................................................................. 43 Schools & Colleges ................................................................................................................................................................. Skandoor 9 ........................................................................................... Cupernham Infant School 27 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Homebrite 25 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... JS Building Services 43 Garage Services ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... SB Renovations 33 Solicitors ................................................................................................................................................................. Greatbridge Motor Services Ltd 21 ................................................................................................................................................................. Premier Car Care 36 ........................................................................................... Bells Solicitors 8 ................................................................................................................................................................. Renovo Automotive 11 Carpenters ................................................................................................................................................................. ReversePark 37 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Tucker Joinery 13

Builders

TV Sales & Servicing

........................................................................................... Tass Romsey 36

Garden Services

Charities

................................................................................................................................................................. Hillier Landscapes 13 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Unity 31 ................................................................................................................................................................. Romsey Stump Grinding & 15,43 Weight Loss Groups Landscaping ........................................................................................... Slimming World Romsey 17

Cleaning Services

Will Writing Services

Curves - Romsey ................................................................................................................................................................. 41 ........................................................................................... Dorset & Wight Wills 35 ................................................................................................................................................................. Wellow Fitness Centre 21

Community Groups

Holiday Accommodation

Windows, Doors &

Conservatories ................................................................................................................................................................. The Location Collection 19 ........................................................................................... Double Glazing Repair UK 41 Computer Services ........................................................................................... G S Windows Ltd 5 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Widenet Computer Services Ltd 21 ........................................................................................... Homebrite 25 Memorial Stonemasons ........................................................................................... Outlook Window Systems Ltd 47 ................................................................................................................................................................. Lockerley Stone 41 ................................................................................................................................................................. RGR Memorials Ltd 37 Drainage Services

Driveways

Mobility Products & Services

Cornerstone Paving Solutions ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 ................................................................................................................................................................. A to B Mobility 15 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... County Block Paving 9

To advertise in this magazine, call 01264 316499

The sign of quality, service and satisfaction

Outlook Established over 35 years

WINDOW SYSTEMS LIMITED

TEL: 023

8073 7866

www.outlookwindows.co.uk

20% ofOfWS &

WIND ORS DO

 Tailored-made orangeries, conservatories, windows and doors to suit all properties

 We provide a full service including all building works, floor tiling, electrics and planning when necessary

 Full 10 year insurancebacked guarantee

Unit 5/6/7, Baddesley Park Industrial Estate, Botley Road, North Baddesley, Southampton, SO52 9NW Email: enquiries@outlookwindows.co.uk OPENING HOURS: Mon - Fri • 9am - 5pm / Sat - by appointment / Sun - closed

Reg No 16450

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BLOCKED DRAINS CLEARED FAST Drains Internal / External

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CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAMRodding 24/7 evenings

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