The Brockenhurst Guide - January 2021

January/February 2021

Promoting your local area

THE

BROCKENHURST

Guide

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Your Local Specialist.

Windows & Doors • Conservatories Garden Rooms • Repairs & Renovations Providing a comprehensive selection of beautiful, energy efficient windows and doors.

Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling, adding-on or simply renovating, we will work with you, your architect or your builder every step of the way to ensure your utmost satisfaction.

All products are available in either timber, aluminium or uPVC.

01590 682269 info@coastaldoorswindows.co.uk www.coastaldoorswindows.co.uk

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W H AT A R E YO U WA I T I N G F O R ? various memberships available Applemore

Claypits Lane SO45 5TN

Lymington North Street SO41 8FZ

New Milton Gore Road BH25 6RR

Ringwood

Parsonage Barn Lane BH24 1PX

Totton

Water Lane SO40 3GX

newforest.gov.uk/leisure

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Welcome...

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The Brockenhurst Guide Edition 68

Published by:

Stephen & Debbie Corney at Modern Magazines

Telephone:

023 8065 9309

Email:

enquiries@modernmagazines.co.uk

Copy deadline for the March 2021 edition: 8th February 2021

Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

The Brockenhurst Guide does not officially endorse any advertising material included within the publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher.

Dear Brockenhurst, Beaulieu, Setley, East Boldre, Hill Top and surrounding villages, Here at Modern Magazines we sincerely hope you had a good Christmas and were able to meet with some family and friends. We will certainly remember these times and really appreciate it when we have less restrictions and are able to go out and about more freely again. Inside your local community magazine Daichi, the Dashing Dude family Campervan, looks back at 2020 with some fond memories, despite all the setbacks.

We made the most of the times we did have and are now looking forward to some new and exciting places to visit in 2021! Do you have any plans? You cannot go wrong with a good old British ‘staycation’ - no matter the weather.

Whilst it is still a bit chilly, why not sit by the fire and have a read of your local community magazine from cover to cover? There are things to do such as a wordsearch, a sudoku, as well as a quiz, a poem and many articles to hopefully interest you. There are also of course our wonderful local businesses and trades people. They really appreciate your calls. 2020 was a challenge let’s face it, so let’s make 2021 the year we help our local shops, trades and businesses thrive like never before! Here at Modern Magazines with your local Guide, we intend to do everything we can to help them. I know you are with me on this.

I really appreciate all that you do to help keep our neighbourhood businesses alive.

We wish you a great 2021. May we move forward from this past year with new enthusiasm and a spirit of helping one another.

Very Best Wishes,

Debbie, Stephen, Hayden & Daichi

Useful Numbers Brockenhurst Police Southern Electricity Transco Gas Emergency Southampton Gen. Hosp.

0845 045 45 45 08457 708090 0800 111999 023 8077 7222

Train Enquires First Bus Company Wessex Water Lymington Library

08457 484950 023 8058 4321 01225 526000 01590 673050

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6

Wild Winter Larders, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust The sight of your fridge or cupboards full after a trip to the shops can be very satisfying, but did you know humans aren’t the only ones who like to keep a wellstocked larder over the winter months?

All sorts of animals have been seen hiding food away, ready to eat in the depths of winter when other food sources get scarce.

Under the ground: Perhaps more unexpectedly, some British subterranean species also keep food stores in winter.

Moles keep stores of earthworms at this time of year, in preparation for the ground freezing and becoming too hard for them to feed. A mole’s storage method is rather gruesome; they bite the heads of worms, immobilising them and then keep their meal in chambers off their tunnels. In areas where flooding is likely the moles might also store their prey in a ‘fortress’ above ground. Some worms have a lucky escape, if they haven’t been eaten by the time the weather warms up, they can heal their heads and tunnel their way out.

Helping wildlife stock up for winter can be really simple. Putting out food for birds and letting your garden grow wild, with log and rock piles provides food and places for wildlife to wait out the cold.

PHOTO BY DAVID WILLIAMS

In the woods: Some of the first animals that we might think of when we hear the words ‘winter larder’ are squirrels. These furry mammals hide high-fat food in a scattered fashion, either burying their hoard or stuffing it into hollows in trees. Their stash often includes nutritious meals like acorns and hazelnuts, but red squirrels have also been seen keeping fungi in dry spots between branches to eat later.

Squirrels hide so much food in preparation for winter that they inadvertently help woodlands to grow, with many of the forgotten seeds germinating in spring.

Looking to our feathered friends, acorns are also a firm favourite with jays. They cache their food in a similar way to squirrels, scattering it throughout the forest and often

forgetting some of the piles. If not buried or hidden well, their stores may be eaten by mice before the jays ever get the chance.

To advertise in The Brockenhurst Guide, please call: 023 8065 9309

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From minor aches to chronic pain, injuries or simply relaxation, we offer chiropractic and complementary healthcare treatments for all CHIROPRACTIC • SPORTS MASSAGE HOLISTIC MASSAGE T: 01590 624883

E: hello@brockenhurstchiropractic .co.uk 3 Courtyard Mews, Brookley Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7RB (Behind the Post Office) www.brockenhurstchiropractic.co.uk

Let’s Sudoku!

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

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3 9 7 8 1 2 5 3 3 9 7 2 1 6 9 1 2 7 3 1 3 5 9 2 1 5 3 9 7 3 1 5 9 2 5 3

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4 1 5 9 2 4 8 1 8 2 2 4 7 9 8 3 2 1 5 4

2 5 1 8 9 4 8 5 9 4 1

9 8 4 2 6

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Answers on Page 30

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?

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1. Which famous English poet and novelist used the pen name Ellis Bell?

2. Over 99% of the world’s what comes from Hevea brasiliensis?

7. Before emptying into the Dead Sea, which sea does the River Jordan flow through?

8. How many types of chocolates would you find a box of Quality Street?

3. Which musical features the song ‘Memory’?

9. What is a mochachino?

10. Edward Teach is believed to be the real name of which famous pirate?

11. Can you name 2 American states consisting of only 4 letters in their name?

4. A work shift known as a ‘dog watch’ is related to which industry?

5. What does the German word ‘Meister’ mean?

6. Which famous Italian painted ‘The Last Supper’?

12. Which male artist performed ‘Somebody To Love’ at the Freddie Mercury Tribute concert at Wembley Stadium in 1992?

13. Who invented blue jeans alongside Jacob Davis?

14. In which ocean was the Mary Celeste discovered?

15. Which Jessie J song begins ‘It seems like everybody’s got a price, I wonder how they sleep at night?'

Want to see how you did? Answers on Page 30

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11

advertorial

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Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing

company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Brockenhurst area and

manager Justin Friel agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Justin a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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QUIRKY

BY MICA BALE

As the new year gets underway. Hampshire begins another chapter in a great line of historical moments and events. From the marriage location of Henry VIII himself to a castle whose prisoners staged theatre shows, here are five more interesting facts from around the county.

It does not take a historian to appreciate Hampshire’s impressive history, in fact throughout the county are many hidden gems that provide snapshots into this treasure trove of heritage. The Fox Pub in Bramdean is one such gem. Dating back more than four hundred years, the pub has witnessed arguably one of the most significant battles of the Civil War and amazingly, the Prince of Wales, later to be George IV, once visited this Hampshire inn for refreshments for himself and his companions. Even more remarkably, the future king even allowed the pub to display his coat of arms, which remains proudly on display in the inn today.

TWO

Have you visited the Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum?

Believed to be the only Victorian steam-driven brickworks left in the UK, the brickworks date back to 1897 when the Ashby family saw the potential for a lucrative brick trade due to the rich supply of clay in Bursledon. Amazingly, just a few years later, in the early 20th century, more than twenty million bricks were being produced by this Hampshire enterprise! Through the years however, the brickworks saw less and less demand until 2015 when this slice of Hampshire’s industrial heritage was given a new lease of life as a museum open to the public.

Have you tried any of Hampshire’s own Gorilla Spirits? As well as producing a wide range of different spirits including gin, vodka, spiced rum and coffee liqueur, Gorilla Spirits, based in Upton Grey, also donates £1 from every bottle to the Gorilla Organisation which works to preserve endangered gorilla species for future generations. Founder Andy Daniel commented, “My vision for Gorilla Spirits Co. is to move with the market by creating a range of the highest quality spirits and liqueurs that people love to drink. Our commitment to donate £1 to the Gorilla Organization for every bottle that we sell lies at the heart of what we do but we look beyond this to find many other ways of making a positive contribution too”. That’s the ape-eal of Gorilla Spirits!

FOUR

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Marwell Zoo is home to more than one thousand animals, from zebras and giraffes to snow leopards and pygmy hippos.

Interestingly, as well as helping with vital conservation work, the site of the zoo is itself an historic area. Rumour has it that the Marwell Estate which dates back to the 14th century, was the actual site where King Henry VIII married Jane Seymour whose family then owned Marwell Hall.

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As one of the county’s greatest strongholds, Portchester Castle has been a beacon of fortitude since the times of the Romans and has played an important role in many fascinating eras of history. A large section of Portchester’s story includes acting as a gaol for various prisoners of war, most notably in the Napoleonic skirmishes, often holding thousands of foreign prisoners at a time. Amazingly, in 1810, Portchester was transformed into a theatre when French prisoners decided to amuse themselves by redecorating one of the castle’s many rooms and staging shows for fellow inmates and locals who would pay to see these shows!

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Property Protection Trusts PPTs are by far one of the most common types of trusts included in wills.

The PPT is designed to take the deceased’s share in the home and give someone else (usually your spouse) a life interest in the property which will give them the protection of living in the property for the remainder of their lifetime or earlier if the trust specifies i.e. until remarriage. It also ensures that if the survivor requires long term care, at least half the property is preserved for the benefit of their beneficiaries who are normally the deceased’s children.

These types of trusts are generally used for married couples or civil partners to ensure the share of the home will ultimately pass to your children at the end of the trust period whilst still ensuring the interests of the surviving spouse are protected.

For example, a married couple, who have not been married before want to leave their share of their house to their children. They currently own the house as joint tenants. Dorset and Wight would sever the tenancy on the property registering them each as 50% owners. They then have their wills written to represent that if one died, their half of the property would be held on Trust for the

benefit of their children but allowing the survivor to live in their share of the property for life or a specified period of time.

So, what is the point of a PPT? The main reason for a PPT is the protection it provides for the beneficiaries i.e. your children, to ensure they are protected and ultimately receive a share of the home.

If the share of the home is simply gifted to your partner directly, this could cause a number of issues – the main one being that the whole value of the house could be assessed towards payment of care fees.

Another is sideways disinheritance i.e. the surviving partner remarries and the house passes to their new spouse under the Will. A PPT will enable the partner to stay in the home and will avoid the risk of the partner potentially disinheriting your children.

Dorset and Wight are your local trusted provider of affordable Lasting Power of Attorneys and professionally drafted Wills.

You have undoubtedly heard of us Now is the time: to call us.

Telephone 01264 252900 or 01983 623900 or visit:

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Wills in Hampshire Your Local Experts in also providing Affordable

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16

• Local family run business catering for all your vehicle needs, specialising in 4X4’s.

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A truly independent Funeral Directors and Monumental Masons

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18

CARPET & FABRIC CARE Residential & Commercial

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19

With over 55 years experience in the window furnishing industry, and as a local family run business, you can be assured of the highest standard in professionalism and quality. We specialise in all types of blinds, shutters and external awnings.

Adding blinds or shutters will greatly improve the appearance of your home whilst providing real benefits to you, such as privacy, thermal insulation and light control. All of our blinds are available in an enormous variety of colours, styles and materials along with motorisation to match your home’s decor.

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20 CGM Solicitors (Totton) 7 Salisbury Road, Totton, SO40 3HW

023 8087 1144 www.c-g-m.co.uk

Conveyancing Services, Commercial Services, Business Services, Wills, Probate and Power of Attorney and more...

Visit our other CGM Solicitors offices

CGM Solicitors (Southampton) Enterprise House, Ocean Village, Southampton SO14 3XB

023 8063 2733

CGM Solicitors (Hythe) 2a & 4a High Street, Hythe, Southampton SO45 6YW

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21

Forest Park Roofing is your local family roofer in the New Forest.

With over 30 years’ experience we undertake all aspects of roofing driven by first class service and highly skilled workmanship that’s fully insured and guaranteed. From a small roof repair to a complete roof renewal or new roof, please contact us for free advice and estimates.

• Pitched roof repair & replacement • Flat roof repair & replacement • Single Ply/EPDM - Certified RubberBond FleeceBack Installer • Roof windows - Certified VELUX Installer • Chimney repairs, removal, caps • Leadwork and much more Forest Park Roofing, Unit 7, Barnes Farm Bus. Park, Barnes Lane, Lymington, SO41 0AP

0 1 5 9 0 6 7 9 0 7 4 / 0 7 7 40 6 2 3 6 4 6 www.forestparkroofing.co.uk

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WRITTEN BY KATE EARL

STAR GAZING Welcome to the January Stargazing Page. Highlights this month include Mars shining brightly high in the south, the wonderful winter constellation of Taurus the Bull and his nearby companions the ‘Seven Sisters’, better known as the Pleiades star cluster. ***Warm shoes with thick socks, layers of clothes, a hat and a flask of hot tea are recommended during winter viewing!***

Interna onal Space Sta on

The ISS will be visible early in the morning between 1st and 8th January.

From the 18th January it is visible in the early evening, often twice per night before 8pm. To establish exact timings please visit www.heavens-above.com or a similar web page for up-to-date information, remembering to set the location to Southampton.

Events The Earth is closest to the Sun (a term known as ‘perihelion’) on 2nd January at 1.50pm. So why isn’t it hotter than 5°C outside?! Surprisingly, the distance between the Sun and Earth has little bearing on the Earth’s temperature. It is the 23.5° tilt of the Earth that dictates the temperature we feel – currently the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, therefore the Sun’s rays hit the Earth at a shallow angle and their strength, which we feel as heat, is spread out over a wider area. We experience this reduction in energy as the cooler temperatures of winter.

Mercury

Visible in the evening sky, never straying far from the Sun, Mercury is tricky to spot. However, a pretty grouping (conjunction) with a sliver-crescent Moon, Jupiter and Saturn is visible to those with a clear, uninterrupted view of the south-west horizon on the 14th January (see figure). Looking out of a first-floor window may help, as will the use of binoculars to spot Saturn hidden in the twilight, but remember to only use them once the Sun has set.

Venus The ‘Morning Star’ is visible low in the south-east before sunrise, around 7.30am. Although extremely bright, it is close to the Sun and therefore hard to spot in the breaking dawn.

Mars Mars is still shining brightly in the constellation Pisces, but as it moves into Aries at the end of the month it fades rapidly. Look high in the south at 7pm on a clear night and search for a bright, orange-red ‘star’. For those with binoculars or a telescope there is an opportunity to see it close to Uranus on the 21st.

Saturn & Jupiter Both planets lie very low in the south-west and are only visible for a brief period just after sunset.

Moon This month’s full moon occurs on 28th January, and is traditionally known as the Wolf Moon.

Object of the Month Winter is the time when some of our most famous and well-loved constellations are at their best. It is often worth a quick look outside on the coldest evenings as these are typically those with the clearest skies.

The constellation of Taurus the Bull is one of the oldest constellations, and although it is most often associated with a number of legends pertaining to the Greek God Zeus, there is evidence to suggest that Stone Age peoples saw this particular group of stars as a bull over 12,000 years ago. The ‘head’ of the bull is the most prominent grouping in the shape of a ‘V’, with the eye of the bull marked by the red giant star, Aldebaran (‘The Follower’ in Arabic). Aldebaran is a massive star – it is 44x bigger than our Sun, and if it were placed where our Sun is today its surface would extend almost to the orbit of the planet Mercury. The Pleiades is a familiar star cluster lying close to the head of the bull. Often called the ‘Seven Sisters’, this group of noticeable stars has many legends and stories associated with it from a variety of different cultures, but interestingly many suggest the brightest seven stars in the cluster represent seven women. The Japanese word for the Pleiades cluster is Subaru, meaning ‘united’, and a logo containing six stars can be seen on the badges of Subaru vehicles.

Seven Sisters

Eye of the Bull Aldebaran

SE

Head of the Bull Constellation Taurus

High in the sky January 8PM

S

Mercury Jupiter

Saturn

SW Horizon 14 January 4.30PM

24

Winter Word Search Can you find all 20 words?

Hint: Horizontal, vertical, diagonal and backwards words makeup this winter word search.

C O L D A H E B D S N M X I C S S B U L L E W G

G A H M R K N S R T E K N A L B Z N G A X H A B

M R N M H C E H V A E G U N E R A O U A O R I B G T S C O G X P N C H N O C E W K V R I A I Y B

A N H D A D G R Z X T T D E I F B W Y O X Q G Z G W A R E V Z O E O E N R A F F M V V A F J T Z

Y K A Y Y B B R O N E E X F R L I I Z O V N N L

I I N L I K V B N Q P T B O C C T I C I C L E V

Z K C B R S M O S R W S N O W F L A K E E C G E

E S S E A C H I B E R N A T E Y U K E T E A O A

F B C E I R J Q Y C M V U T D J B E F Y A G V N

V R A M V S G W H T F N U K O B J I G L M B C M E D T X E E Z L I Q I C K E J U S W K Z A N P L

L T R Y N U P L U H R Z P X Y I K A N W E Y L B

A A Y V R J N I Y D L H F E L D H Z N N A N B J

A R D C J K Q Z S R M A O K Q I A K K L T N P C

M H C L X G P Z S E V O L G N Z A W Z R E N I U

K P B T I B D A K S A L E T U M K O R W R S G O

L P I N I Y U R D R L S V N A B H X Y T I U F J

Y S N T N C G D H Z W E O I R O Q R B L D V D B

H V M E S I Z M M X M Q H N Z S C Z V Z G K S B

S M K M I O Z K K X T Q B I U V Q J I B Y R N R

Q V E P L B O M S V C R R N G F A V E I M N Y H X N T C F F C I B N M O O Y N G I X N Q O W G B

Arctic • Blanket • Blizzard • Coat • Cold • Fire • Freeze • Frost Gloves • Heater • Hibernate • Ice • Icicle • Scarf • Season • Ski Snow • Snowboard • Snowflake • Snowman

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25 Ref: 22320

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The Adventures of Daichi

26

The Adventures of Daichi

The Modern Magazines Camper Van Daichi the Dashing Dude, our wonderful, playful campervan has been looking back at 2020 and where he managed to take us, despite all the restrictions, lockdowns and worries of this last, unprecedented year.

Yes, it certainly was a year of uncertainties.

Daichi did not take us out every month, as the Government said, “No, there is a pandemic, protect the NHS, stay at home, save lives.”

So, we all did. We sat at home, we did a lot of gardening, Netflix has never been so popular, Disney Plus made a fortune, Zoom calls to friends, family and business associates became the new ‘normal’ and Amazon, one of the biggest companies on the planet got bigger.

Small, local shops closed. What a year.

Well, Daichi is not to be beaten. Nine out of the twelve months of the year he took us to new and exciting places. We started at ‘Slop Bog’ in Ferndown, Dorset. It was a cool, damp day, but the walk was very relaxing. White cows, a curious calf, trees, shrubs, birds and time to chill out and have a chat while taking in our wonderful British countryside. Totally free.

Daichi likes to see how many different types of places he can visit. England has such a wealth of historical sites, it would be amiss

Daichi basks in the sun at Lepe Beach

Daichi on the ferry to the Isle of Wight to not see a British Castle! The old medieval Wardour Castle in Wiltshire was a great day out, all the way back in February 2020. Castles are inspiring places to visit and I am sure we will find another this bright New Year to show Daichi some of our memorable British history.

A firm favourite of mine is the Isle of Wight.

This time the weather was cold, wet and very windy so the wooden house on the cliff top was both a delight and a ‘haunt’. Waking up in the middle of the night to pitch black, then sudden outside lights appearing, was daunting, but the trip itself was pure family fun and crazy golf. Amazing views with such changing skies.

We could have been abroad, but no, we were on a wonderful British ‘staycation’. There is so much to see that is right on our doorstep, or at least not that far away. Osborne House and Queen Victoria’s beach were truly uplifting.

The New Forest and Lepe Beach was our first drive out after the first Lockdown. Boy, wild horses were not going to stop Daichi from getting out of that driveway! He was raring to go and beamed from wheel to wheel at all the ponies, horses, foals and cattle along the way.

He was in his element. Lepe Beach and the ice cream van after months of not getting out were

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27 a sight for sore eyes and we all beamed from ear to ear at this! Delicious. It was a simple trip with coffee and a picnic but most enjoyable.

We were free again and that was intoxicating!

A Treasure Trail was our next adventure. You can buy these online or at Information Centres and some local shops. The one we chose took us all around the Isle of Purbeck where there are Ball Clay Mines. These trails give clues and directions to find out ‘who dun it?’ and where?

The stories are fictional, but the clues take you from one location to another around the area you have chosen. This one was a drive and walk trail so Daichi literally took part as he drove us over hills and winding roads, through beautiful Purbeck villages and even passed the house where the family lived that inspired the James Bond movies. Fantastic, long ranging views of greenery and perfect countryside, whilst educating us along the way. Daichi highly recommends Treasure Trails.

Beacon Hill on the A34 may not seem like an exciting day out, but the views from this very steep hill and 360 degrees of pure space are breath-taking. The sheer exhilaration of climbing the 261 metre incline and then seeing the sheer expanse of hills, trees and the beautiful Highclere Castle, otherwise known as Downton Abbey, in the distance were worth every effort. Again, learning about our history and the ‘Mummy’s Curse’ when the 5th Earl of Carnarvon was bitten by a fatal mosquito after funding the expedition which finally discovered

Daichi admires the sea at Bovisand

Daichi looks over the Isle of Purbeck Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. This story has evoked many a movie since! The Earl’s tomb can be seen at the top of the hill.

Taking my Mum and Dad to Docklow Pools was a real treat. Poor Dad, who is 85 now and Mum’s carer had managed on his own during the lockdown, so fishing at his favourite retreat was a delight for us all. A holiday to remember… and we are hoping to make it again this year!

Finally, our year ended with two fantastic trips, one to Devon and one to Cornwall. Bovisand in Devon with spectacular sea views over Plymouth Sound and the following month a trip to Kingsand and Cawsand literally opposite, across the large expanse of water.

We loved this whole area and Daichi skipped his way around the winding lanes with gorgeous beaches, watching crashing waves on the shores.

It may have been a year of ‘can’t do’ and many inhibitions but in between these trying times of being careful and protecting ourselves, Daichi still found time to take us out, when it was allowed, and have some family fun. His philosophy is very much what can be done, keep a positive view, get some space, get out and about and the world suddenly seems a better place. We hope you have plans to get out and about this year. We certainly have!

Where will Daichi take us in 2021?

By Debbie Corney

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Gardening Tips

28

On Your Plot Planning veg for the year ahead If you’re new to veggie growing then this is the ideal time to start planning for the year ahead. Think about what space you have available for your crops and plan what you would like to grow and where.

Jobs for January:-

• Plan your crops • Protect crops against the cold and from pests such as pigeons • Sew lettuces indoors • Start rhubarb crowns Gardening may be the last thing on your mind in the cold weather but this is the perfect time to plan what to grow and where this season.

It’s easy to get carried away when looking at catalogues or impressive displays of seed packets - but remember that it only makes sense to grow what you are likely to eat! If that still leaves you with a list that exceeds the space available then it may be wise to trim back on crops that take up a lot of space or are easily and cheaply available from local sources (potatoes perhaps?). Think about concentrating on plants that will crop quickly allowing the space to be used again. Remember also that you can use patio containers and grow bags to add extra growing space.

Once you have your list split your available space into 3 (or 4) areas and then group your crops together by family so that they can be rotated around the areas in a 3 or 4 year cycle.

Group the cabbage family together, then the onion family along with the pea and bean family, and finally potatoes, tomatoes and the carrot family.

This is a great time of year to seriously consider making some raised beds, if you don’t already have them. Make sure that they are not too wide for you to easily reach the middle from either side and that there is sufficient room

for easy access all the way around. The deeper you can make them the better and higher beds will mean less bending when you are planting out seedlings, harvesting or weeding.

If you have large areas of bare soil, awaiting planting, then you may like to think about covering them with black plastic, or cardboard, to protect the soil against the harsh January weather. Crops still growing, such as purple sprouting broccoli, will benefit from protection against hungry pigeons - try covering with wire mesh, fleece, or some homemade bird scarers (try stringing up some old CD’s).

For those who are keen to get sowing, you can try a few lettuces. Start off on a bright, sunny windowsill, thinning down when they are large enough to handle. Grow on in frost free conditions such as a shed, or polytonal before finishing off under cloches. If you haven’t already planted shallots then it’s not too late to think about it, but don’t put them in when the ground is too wet or they may rot.

Start saving empty egg boxes ready to chit your seed potatoes before planting. Just pop them into the egg boxes, sprout end up in a cool but frost free place and wait for the shoots to appear. You’ll also find the boxes useful for starting tiny seedlings off in months to come as they grow they can be planted straight out with no disruption as the box will simply rot down.

And finally, if you have space, you may like to think about starting off some new rhubarb crowns towards the end of January.

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30

Puzzle Answers

Answers Page PUB QUIZ 1. Emily Bronte 2. Rubber 3. Cats 4. Maritime 5. Master 6. Leonardo da Vinci 7. The Sea of Galilee 8. 13 9. A drink made with coee and chocolate 10. Blackbeard 11. Ohio, Utah, Iowa 12. George Michael 13. Levi Strauss 14. The Atlantic Ocean 15. Price Tag

2 4 3 5 9 7 1 6 8

5 7 6 8 2 1 4 3 9

1 8 9 6 4 3 5 2 7

4 9 8 2 1 5 3 7 6

3 1 5 9 7 6 8 4 2

6 2 7 3 8 4 9 1 5

9 6 2 4 3 8 7 5 1

7 5 4 1 6 9 2 8 3

8 3 1 7 5 2 6 9 4

9 7 2 6 5 3 8 1 4

8 3 4 1 2 9 6 5 7

6 1 5 8 4 7 3 9 2

4 5 8 9 1 6 2 7 3

3 9 1 2 7 4 5 6 8

2 6 7 3 8 5 9 4 1

5 8 3 7 9 1 4 2 6

1 4 6 5 3 2 7 8 9

7 2 9 4 6 8 1 3 5

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

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32

A fresh walk from

Crowdhill & Fair Oak Start here This months walk heads out Eastwards of the Test Valley and treads brand new ground around the area of Fair Oak. The recommended parking and start point is from The Fox and Hounds, 3 Winchester Road, Crowdhill, SO50 7GD.

This is a walk of around 5 miles with complete variety of terrain and surroundings, but it is worth recording that the early sections are likely to be muddy, so that a time to complete the outing of roughly 1 hour 40 minutes could be acceptable. Thus, starting out from the car park we take the footpath immediately to the left of the pub, aiming down the gentle slope for about 300 metres; up to a T junction where we must turn right along a nice, wide gravel path, but only for 200 metres as far as the sharp left turn, where we go straight ahead into the woods (Upper Barn Copse).

Instead of aiming down the main bridleway we should veer slightly right here, at 45 degrees, up into the woods for just a short distance to join the perimeter path that runs on the edge of the woods, always keeping the wide open fields in view on the right. This path twists and turns regularly but continues on for some 800 metres before swinging right (still maintaining fields over to the right) and joining a switchback of a trail that includes crossing a truly rustic footbridge before climbing up and out onto a farm gravel track where we turn right.

Once away along the farm track we are weaving a path towards Stoke Park Farm, a thriving dairy farm, and we thread between a food silo and barns,

first turning left, then once beyond the barns, turning right (the blue footpath arrows on the telegraph poles confirm the correct route) and ultimately pitching up along a fully metalled tarmac road going right away from the farm. We are now

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33 aiming towards a new housing estate some 600 metres away, but not before we pass the Carp Fishery Hatchery on the right, then climb a rise and through the houses that are spread lightly around. Once past the far side of this housing we pass Bishopstoke Cemetery on the left then shortly after we take the left turn through a metal gate that leads back into Stoke Park.

always following the central trail. This feature track, drops down hill, does a shimmy, then returns uphill again until reaching another boundary metal gate (the North Eastern Entrance). We exit the park and aim directly up the unmade road for a further 200 metres, join the road and in about 150 metres turn left opposite the Truck and Trailer Factory.

Just after the wooden marker post we need to turn right at 45 degrees to arc round for 300 metres as far as the main entrance to the Park in Stoke Park Road.

Stoke Park is an area of 512 acres that was purchased by the Forestry Commission in 1948, but can trace it’s history back to 1205 when King John used it for deer hunting.

There are still deer living around the woods but they are now safe from hunting. We are now on the main through trail that defines the entire park, by turning left we are joining the regular walkers going uphill, past a large stack of stored logs, and onwards

We are now commencing the finale of the walk, with a gentle 600 metre stroll beside new house on the left and woods on the right, passing a Children’s Nursery, crossing a local road and passing the entrance into Crowdhill Copse on the left, before arriving at our very first turning (now on the right) in 50 metres. The last 300 metres back to the car is the reverse of the start of our walk some time earlier; with the car park appearing above on the right. A welcome rest and refreshment will always be available at The Fox and Hounds after another well earned outing.

Wrien by Malcolm Price

Finish here

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34

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Heppenstalls can help. It is important to plan for the future whatever your situation.

We can help you to put your affairs in order, including making your Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney so someone you trust can look after your financial and health affairs if you are unable to.

We are proud to be Dementia Friends, contact our team to discuss your needs for your future.

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Food & Drink

36

Tastes so good...

Bone Broth After the excesses of Christmas and the New Year Cheer, a good dose of bone broth is the perfect antidote.

You can make up a hefty batch of this in one go and add it to soups, casseroles or simply drink it from a mug for perfect gut-healing health.

This recipe is not your regular stock - it’s packed with minerals and healing properties that will kick start your new year diet.

1.

Ingredients 4lbs beef or chicken bones 2.

12 cups water 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 3.

1 medium onion, roughly chopped 4.

3 large carrots, chopped 5.

2 leeks, chopped 3 bay leaves 4 sprigs fresh rosemary 6 cloves garlic 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

6.

7.

8.

9.

Preheat oven to 200c and line a baking sheet with foil. Place the bones on the sheet and roast for 40 minutes. Flip them halfway through.

Once they’re cooked, break them down and place in a large stockpot. Cover with the water and vinegar and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Add the chopped vegetables and add to the stockpot. Bring to a rolling boil and then lower to a simmer.

For the first 2-3 hours make sure you skim off any foamy layer that develops on the top and discard.

For beef bone broth simmer for 48 hours, for chicken 24 hours.

Allow to cool slightly and strain.

Transfer the broth to an airtight container and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight. This will allow the fat to rise to the top and solidify.

Scrape the fat off the top with a spoon. This will leave you with a gelatinous bone broth when cold.

Store in an airtight mason jar or freeze until ready to use then slowly warm the broth over a low heat or drop straight into soups and casseroles.

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Index of advertisers

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

Blinds & Shutters Waterside Blinds.................................................... 19

Garden Services Proscapes Garden Landscaping.............................29

Builders & Carpenters A Willcocks Carpentry............................................ 25 Avon Home Improvements....................................35 RJW Carpentry....................................................... 17 Roberts & Reeves................................................... 16

Health & Fitness New Forest District Council.................................... 3

Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras.............................................. 35

Mobility Services Lymington Ramps.................................................. 31

Carpet Cleaning Services Clean-U-Up............................................................ 18 Chimney Sweeps Oliver Chimney Sweep........................................... 35 Chiropractors Brockenhurst Chiropractic..................................... 8 Community News Adventures of Daichi............................................. 26 Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust: Wild Winter Gardens........................................... 6 Hampshire Quirky Facts........................................ 12 Kids page............................................................... 10 Monthly Walk: Crowdhill & Fair Oak.....................32 On Your Plot: Plan your veg for the year ahead.....28 Stargazing Pages................................................... 22 Tastes so good: Bone Broth...................................36 Driveways County Block Paving.............................................. 18 Education Durlston Court School............................................ 37 Electricians Green Light Electrical............................................. 5 Funeral Directors New Forest Funerals.............................................. 17 Garage Doors Advance Shutters................................................... 25 Garolla................................................................... 29 Skandoor................................................................ 5 Garage Services New Forest Garage Services..................................16

Locksmiths Keytek.................................................................... 25

Painters & Decorators Alan Farrar & Son.................................................. 34 Payne & Sons......................................................... 20 Plumbers Gas Technique....................................................... 40 No1 PHD................................................................ 9 Puzzles & Games Pub Quiz................................................................ 10 Puzzle Answers...................................................... 30 Sudoku................................................................... 8 Wordsearch........................................................... 24 Records Wanted Roger Hunt............................................................ 17 Roofing Forest Park Roofing............................................... 21 Solicitors CGM Solicitors....................................................... 20 Heppenstalls.......................................................... 34 Stonemasons Lockerley Stone & Masonry...................................34 Tree Surgeons Apex Tree Surgeons............................................... 39 Westbeams Tree Care............................................ 1 Will Writing Services Dorset Wills........................................................... 15 Windows, Doors & Conservatories Cloudy2Clear Windows.......................................... 11 Coastal Doors & Windows..................................... 2 GS Windows.......................................................... 7

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