The Brockenhurst Guide - November/December 2017

The Brockenhurst November/December 2017

Guide

Professional Tree Care Throughout The New Forest

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Free no obligation quotations

T: 01590 690644

www.westbeams.co.uk

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The Jose family have been master bakers since the 1890s and here in the New Forest area since 1905.

At The Bakehouse, we hand make our white bread which has been matured for 30 hours and is additivefree, providing a wonderful flavour and long lasting freshness.

To complete the process, the breads are then baked in authentic stone ovens for their traditional taste.

And if the thought of these hand made breads and pastries are making your mouth water, then why not drop in to The Bakehouse today for a made to order mid-morning or lunchtime treat?

Fresh breads and baguettes baked on the premises can be filled with all manner of wonderful fillings ranging from simple salads to fresh hog roast and apple sauce to create the sandwich of your dreams!

CALL IN or PHONE YOUR ORDERS

TEL: 01590 622155

45 Brookley Road, Brockenhurst

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

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Welcome...

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The Brockenhurst Guide

Dear Brockenhurst, Beaulieu, Setley, East Boldre, Hill Top and surrounding villages,

Edition 51

I do love November and Bonfire Night. It is as special today as it was when I was young. The family fun atmosphere, the burgers, hotdogs and burning wood smells in the air. The cold, wrapped-up darkness with bright lights suddenly appearing all over the night sky. Oh yes! I do hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Please keep the pets safe though.

Published by:

Nellie, the Hampshire Publications Campervan, has been very excited this month after purchasing a new friend at “Rockley Park”. What an adventure that has been. Do have a read.

Stephen & Debbie Corney at Hampshire Publications

Telephone:

023 8065 9309

Your little Guide is full of useful local information info@brockenhurstguide.co.uk as well as good local trades people who just love Copy deadline for the to help you. Stephen and I really appreciated you January 2018 edition: calling them when you need their services. We have been promoting local businesses for over 11th December 2017 Disclaimer: Whilst every care has ten years now and are still as passionate as ever been taken to ensure that data to keep the local community thriving. in this publication is accurate, the

Email:

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 publicati on. No par t of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher.

The winner of the September edition prize wordsearch was Moira Beckett. Very well done to you! Who will be the lucky winner this month?

If you would like a copy of Nellie’s little book which is full of fun puzzles and stories, please give me a call! It could be a great Christmas stocking filler.

Wishing you an exciting month of November!

Best Wishes,

Debbie & Stephen Corney

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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CO N V E YA N C I N G | W I L LS | P OW E RS O F AT TO R N E Y | L A N D LO R D & T E N A N T | P R O B AT E

T: 01590 689500 | 01425 610078

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Are your automated gates an open or shut case?

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• CAME Safe approved installers • Automatic gate installations & repairs • Regular service schedules or one off We are also fully qualified electricians and can undertake all kinds of electrical installations, inspections and repairs.

Tel: 01425 477943 1 Stag Business Park, Christchurch Rd, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 3AS www.gle-uk.co.uk

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Community News

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Celebrity Interview:

Michael Caine

By Tim Saunders Surrey resident Maurice Joseph Micklewhite is one of the most famous English actors. More commonly known as Sir Michael Caine CBE, he has appeared in more than 115 films since he was 20 years old and they have grossed more than $4bn.

Aged 84, the Oscar winner, who is worth an estimated $75m, is as energetic as ever but fears for the future. “I know my days are numbered and that’s the main worry,” he told The Sun on Sunday.

“I’ve had to cut back on the drinking and I’m always looking up what’s the best thing against cancer, so I’ll eat that or do this or not do that.

I’ll probably drop dead talking to you but you know I’ve lost 13 kgs just because I want to see my grandchildren. They’re twins of six and a boy of seven. I’d like to get to 17 for the boy.” His wife Shakira, who he has been married to since 1973, has helped him stop heavy drinking and he enjoys a very healthy lifestyle which includes no sugar, salt or gluten. The secret of a long marriage according to Michael is two bathrooms!

This healthy regime has helped the veteran actor, renowned for his distinctive cockney accent, to tackle his latest project; the film of the Hatton Garden robbery, expected to be released in 2018. It portrays the audacious £200m safe deposit robbery of 2015, planned and executed by four elderly men. Michael, who takes a leading role in the film, acts alongside Ray Winstone, Jim Broadbent and Tom Courtenay. Six members of the actual gang were sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

However, a seventh member remains at large and £10m of gems remain missing. Often as actors

become older they fret about whether any roles will still come their way. But when Michael read about the robbery in the newspapers he said he would love to star in a film about it if somebody would only write it.

The London born actor, who incidentally voted for Brexit because he wanted freedom, has appeared in numerous blockbuster films including the Batman trilogy, Going in Style, Get Carter, Youth, Alfie, Harry Brown, The Italian Job and Zulu.

He also played Ebenezer Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol in 1992. He has two children.

All of this is a long way from where he started as an assistant stage manager who would also perform small walk-on parts for the Horshambased Westminster Repertory Company who were performing at the Carfax Electric Theatre. By 1954 he found himself in London. And two years later he was starring in his first film A Hill in Korea.

Michael Caine is one of only two actors nominated for an Academy Award for acting in every decade from the 1960s to 2000s (the other one being Jack Nicholson; Laurence Olivier was also nominated for an acting Academy Award in five different decades, beginning in 1939 and ending in 1978).

In 2000, Caine was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his contribution to cinema.

Michael is a fan of chill-out music and released a compilation CD called Cained in 2007. He provided vocal samples for the Ska-pop band Madness for their 1984 hit “Michael Caine” as his daughter was a fan. He has sung in film roles as well, including Little Voice and for the 1992 musical film The Muppet Christmas Carol.

It is possible to rent a holiday home Michael owns, a fancy 4,154sq ft luxury Miami Beach apartment in America for just $29,000 a month. Or it’s yours for a mere $8.7m.

Michael shares the same birthday as my wife, Caroline, March 14. www.michaelcaine.com Tim Saunders is an author, journalist and businessman.

He meets celebrities, goes on holiday and road tests cars.

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

7 Made in our Dorset workshop 25 year guarantee Family run business

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11

ADVERTORIAL

Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.

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!

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 Mins!!!

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Community News

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Marathon Effort for the JTYAF An amazing team of 22 supporters completed an epic ‘Marathon Effort’ to raise funds for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF).

Joe Barnett, JTYAF Trustee, organised the walk which started at Sandbanks and finished 26 miles along the coast path, in Lymington. Although they headed off in glorious sunshine they battled wind and torrential rain at times, many picking up injuries too.

They all accomplished what they had set out to do, showing great courage, determination and plenty of cheerfulness in adversity reflecting the true spirit of the charity.

Pete Thornton, Charity Chairman, commented, “We can’t thank Joe and his team enough for taking part in this fantastic event. Thanks, must also go to all the friends and family who have supported them so generously. They

Joe and Sally arriving in Lymington after 26 miles from Sandbanks

are aiming to raise an incredible £2000 which will make a huge difference to the opportunities that we can make available to local young people in the year ahead.”

If you would like to support Joe and his team in their ‘Marathon Effort’ it’s not too late. Visit their online fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ marathoneffortforJT

Joe Barnett and his Team, ‘Marathon Effort complete’

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

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Brockenhurst Funeral Home Your local Funeral Directors in the village

Our promise is to help you arrange and plan a funeral with care, respect, clarity and reassurance. We are here to understand how difficult this can be and we will be with you every step of the way, helping to make the funeral for your loved one unique.

We provide you with the comfort of knowing that your loved one is resting in our private chapel of rest where you can visit as often as you like.

We can also assist with Monumental Masonry, Floral Tributes, Printed Funeral Stationery and offer you a full Memories Range.

Fully guaranteed funeral plans are available for peace of mind.

Call in for a coffee with Sharon for a chat and further information.

Serving families in Brockenhurst, Lymington, Lyndhurst and the New Forest.

Part of the Co-op Funeralcare Group

Sharon Hayter Funeral Arranger For complete peace of mind and personal attention anytime, day or night.

Telephone 01590 624345 • Email hallum.brockenhurst@letsco-operate.com Caro Cottage, 54 Brookley Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, SO42 7RA

BRAMSHAW VILLAGE HALL

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WEDNESDAY at 9:30am BROCKENHURST Brockenhurst Village Hall Highwood Road Brockenhurst SO42 7RY Tel: Tina 01425 277946 or 07775 993433 slimmingworld.co.uk

0344 897 8000

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Community News

14

Travel

Deux Sevres, France

By Tim Saunders – www.travelwriter.biz

Vous or tu? The polite and informal ways of saying ‘you’ that can cause social difficulties in France. In English we just have to contend with a simple ‘you’ and do not need to worry about offending anyone. But it’s different in France and we debate this after our game of boules with Tim and Ellen Weir at Les Hiboux in Crezieres, Poitou-Charentes.

“Basically I stick to ‘vous’ unless with close friends or family,” says Ellen, adding: “Some French people prefer to use ‘tu’ after only a few meetings. When we’re invited to a meal Tim and I like to compare notes as to whether the hosts both refer to us as ‘vous’ or ‘tu’ and sometimes ‘tu’ will be used for me and ‘vous’ for Tim,” she smirks. It’s a good way of meeting our hosts during our week’s stay at La Vieille Maison, a charming three bedroom stone cottage that is one of three at Les Hiboux. It’s a luxurious break in an extremely peaceful part of the country and one where guests feel privileged to stay. With its three acres of gardens that include a sunken trampoline, swings, a slide and playhouse, our children, Harriett (3) and Heidi (1) are in their element. There are two boule or petanque pitches (“boules and petanque are one of the same, much like soccer and football,” says Tim) and a swimming pool.

“So what brought you to this part of France?” I ask Tim. “I was a scientist in London and wanted a challenge,” he replies, adding that his father has lived in the country for many years. “He doesn’t get as much sun though and greater amounts of sunlight drew us to the DeuxSevres region, which is famous for its melons, sunflowers and wine.

It’s five hours from Cherbourg so within easy reach of the UK

Photo: Kevin Mitchell

and five hours from the Alps so we can enjoy skiing in the winter.”

It takes us a little longer, closer to seven hours in fact, to travel from Cherbourg, because the sat nav in the Kia Sorento I am driving refuses to take us on the toll roads. On our return I understand why because the three tolls we pass through total 40 euros. Bear in mind that a tank of fuel is 60 euros (gazole is just 1.29 euros a litre) it makes more sense and is far more enjoyable to avoid the toll roads, if you’ve got the time to spare. It is far more sensible to stop half-way and stay in a gite overnight for the same price.

On our arrival we are shattered and it is a joy to be met by really comfortable beds and we all enjoy an extremely good night’s sleep. There are six of us in total because Caroline’s mum and dad, Lin and John, join us. That first night we spy a baby owl in one of the trees and later learn that Les Hiboux means Owls.

That first day we all enjoy a meal in ChefBoutonne, a place that we find ourselves returning to throughout the course of our break.

An evening stroll there introduces us to Chateau Javarzay with its large lake and pleasant grounds.

We find that the French bread tastes nicer from a boulangerie than a supermarket and this is often enjoyed with Camembert for lunch. Good French drinking wine is available from under three euros upwards. We enjoy a lovely bottle or so of Chardonnay for just four euros that would have easily cost three or four times that in the UK. For more information visit: www.leshiboux.com.

Tim Saunders is an author, journalist and businessman.

He meets celebrities, goes on holiday and road tests cars.

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

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What’s happening at Foxlease

www.philiptrimcontractors.com Email: info@philiptrimcontractors.com

Our Facilities include: Swimming Pool • Forest Walks Pétanque • Children’s Outdoor Play Area Conference Facilities • Wedding Facilities Traverse Climbing Wall • Abseiling • Archery Tunnelling • High Ropes • Low Ropes Crate Stacking • Canoeing • Raft Building ‘A Tribute to Meatloaf & Whitney Houston’ Saturday 9th December Evening tickets-concert only £10.99. Evening tickets with dinner included £15.99. Dinner at 6:30pm followed by concert.

My life My home My best friend Home and live in care from Bluebird Care

Victorian Christmas - 3 Nights Full Board Friday 15th – Monday 18th December

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now available £5.00 per person (minimum of 2) Activity Days also during the school holidays for children 7-17 yrs. £19.99 per participant which includes four activities and lunch. Call for details.

Tel: 023 8028 2638

Or email foxlease@girlguiding.org.uk

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

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Complete Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Service ALL LEATHER CLEANING AND CONDITIONER Stain Reduc�on , Sani�sing, De Odorising Eco Products Available MATTRESS CLEANING AND SANITISING Local Family Business Free Quota�ons and advice Call Zita and Peter

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18

Auto Biographies Motoring

2017 Seat Leon FR

By Tim Barnes-Clay, www.carwriteups.co.uk

I’ve just spent seven days behind the wheel of the newest Leon – the three or five-door hatchback from Spanish automaker, SEAT. The contemporary model isn’t groundbreaking in looks – more progressive – and that is no bad thing. After all, why take a scalpel to an already fetching face?

The Leon’s cousin is the VW Golf – and that, too, has been fine-tuned of late. The Spaniard is better looking than the German, but then beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. It’s less pricey to purchase, as well. I drove the FR Technology five-door variant, equipped with a 1.4 TSI 150 petrol unit.

What’s different? Well, the Leon’s lights and grille have been given a slightly sharper look, but you’d have to really squint to notice. Then the FR model has been given full LED headlights, and its twin tailpipes denote that it has more spirit than the Leon’s below it.

The hatchback’s six-speed manual transmission is easygoing and meticulous in finding the correct gears. The steering is nicely responsive, too. Might stems from the 1.4 petrol turbo powerplant – a smart unit that locks off half the cylinders, which helps conserve fuel. The Leon, in FR guise, is not a hot-hatch, but it’s a warm hatchback, with zero to 62mph realisable in 8.0 seconds. Additionally, due to that cylinder shut-off ingenuity, you can squeeze 57.6mpg out of the tank.

The Leon FR Technology’s strength is tallied with good handling, and the SEAT adheres to apexes like epoxy resin. This is due to the FR’s 17-inch alloys and dropped suspension. The only disadvantage is the hard ride, which is perceptible on pitted road surfaces. Luckily, well-padded seats help make up for the car’s rigidity, and they’re

fantastic at keeping you supported when entering and exiting tight bends.

The SEAT Leon’s cabin is well-judged, with ample room in the front and rear. Natty touches, for example: piano black trim, a touchscreen system and an electric handbrake, make the car’s interior feel chicer than the preceding model’s. The touchscreen tablet-esque media system kicks most of the buttons that used to be in the Leon to the kerb.

This tidies the instrument panel up no end. Regrettably, regularly having to hunt for a function on the touchscreen can prove a little disrupting at times.

The FR gets surplus kit packed into it as well, comprising: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; sat-nav; rear parking sensors; dual-zone climate control and cruise control.

Furthermore, the boot is more than adequate, with a load capacity of 380 litres. It’s not the largest, but it equals the Golf’s – and it trounces the popular Ford Focus’ boot, which only offers 316 litres.

So, yes, there is far more to the new SEAT Leon than its looks.

It’s unquestionably less conformist than a Volkswagen Golf or a ubiquitous Ford Focus, and you happen to get a lot of motor for your money. Also, the 1.4 TSI 150 powerplant offers more ‘oomph’ than lesser petrol-propelled Leons.

Plus, it’s quicker and less costly to buy than the 150ps diesel version..

Pros ‘n’ Cons • Fine-looking √ • Cost-effective √ • Performance √ • Equipment √ • Stiff Ride X

Fast Facts • Max speed: 134mph • 0-62 mph: 8.0 secs • Combined mpg: 57.6 • Engine: 1395cc 4cyl petrol turbo • CO2: 114 g/km • Price: £21,350

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

19

MEADENS, YOUR LOCAL ŠKODA RETAILER. VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM IN BROCKENHURST. DISCOVER AN AWARD WINNING ŠKODA

DRIVEN BY SOMETHING DIFFERENT Meadens ŠKODA

Sway Road, Brockenhurst SO42 7SH

01590 623344

www.meadens.co.uk

Official fuel consumption for the ŠKODA range in mpg (litres/100km): Urban 31.0 (9.1) to 72.4 (3.9); Extra Urban 44.1 (6.4) to 88.3 (3.2); Combined 38.2 (7.4) to 80.7 (3.5). CO2 emissions for the ŠKODA range are 170 to 90 g/km. Standard EU test figures are for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

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Visitors staying at Christmas this year... is your spare room up for the challenge?

It is ages away Christmas… But at the back of your mind you know you’ve agreed to have friends and family stay and you know your spare room is not looking it’s best. Mismatched furniture, old fashioned designs, creaking drawers, wonky doors…

How about considering a new fitted bedroom from Swan Systems Furniture? We specialise in hinged and sliding wardrobes and matching furniture.

From design visit to placement of order to installation, it takes around 6 weeks. So the room could be ready for early December, giving you plenty of time to focus on interior designing the room to your own style. And buying Christmas presents and planning nice things for Christmas.

We have 4 ranges: Classic and contemporary, Cygnet and Luxury fitted bedrooms and our unique and wonderful brand of Swan Sliding Wardrobe Doors. Our prices are competitive and our quality sets us apart from any competition.

Please get in touch via the phone 01329 843636 or email info@swansystems.co.uk

Image credit: bellway.co.uk

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Puzzle Corner

Pop the kettle on...

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7. Camisole (6) 8. Inhabit (6) 9. Talon (4) 10. Kin (8) 11. Plod (7) 13. Prophetess (5) 15. Booth (5) 17. Squad (7) 20. Secluded (8) 21. Née (4)

1. Ke�le (6) 2. Vista (4) 3. Dishearten (7) 4. Thin Material (5) 5. Jazz Sounds (8) 6. Ghostly (6)

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22. Status Quo (2,2,2) 23. Casket (6)

12. Lag (8) 14. Art movement (3,4) 16. Maintain (6) 18. Impede (6)

19. Collec�on (5) 21. Expert (4)

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23

Expert Service for Domestic Natural Gas & LPG Appliances Installation, Maintenance And Cover Plans Our Services Include: • Homeowner Cover Plans • Annual Servicing • Fault Finding & Repair • Installation of New Systems • Landlord Safety Inspections • LPG fired boilers and systems • Plumbing & Bathrooms • Free, No Obligation Quotations

Contact us: T: 02380 283161 M: 07717 848522 E: gtec@gas-technique.co.uk W: www.gas-technique.co.uk 9 Oak Close, Lyndhurst, SO43 7EF Follow us:

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24

Community News

James

WALKER 'R <RX +DYH WKH (QHUJ\"

Every time an energy company raises its prices, my phone doesn’t stop ringing! I tend to get the same questions from people, largely around why prices are rising when costs are going down (still no clear answers to that one!) But lately I’ve noticed that I’m being asked more about switching providers – and specifically, why more people aren’t doing this.

Thought the number of people switching energy companies is increasing, the fact remains that millions of us aren’t budging. When I ask people why, the answer I get is usually “what’s the point, they’re all the same” – followed by “it’s far too complicated and I don’t have the time / energy”.

I really understand this. The way energy costs are calculated is fiendishly complicated, so it’s really hard to know if you’re getting a good deal or not. But honestly, switching isn’t that hard as you think - and there’s loads of free advice out there.

Here’s a few tips: • Avoid comparison sites as they don’t always show all the best deals. Plus, you’ll sometimes find that you get tons of calls from random companies trying to flog you things. While I can’t even begin to explain the complexities about how the energy market works, there’s tons of information on Money Saving Expert’s website on how to get a good deal so you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. You could save a whopping £300 a year!

you owe than to bury your head in the sand.

And the firm might offer you a better rate to stay.

And it’s not just energy providers you should switch. Staying loyal to your bank won’t get you any benefits.

Others are offering better interest, services and cash for switching to them – there’s loads of good deals on at the moment. Don’t just go for the free cash.

Look at interest rates if you’re having your wages paid in to your account. And when it comes to switching, the new rules mean that the banks have seven working days to swap you over along with all your regular payments.

Don’t forget to review your insurance providers too. General insurance is a yearly contract and often goes up on renewal. The insurer must let you know about the new contract in advance but those letters are easy to overlook. So, stick the date the contract ends in your diary and make sure that you don’t get automatically signed up to another year with the same insurer. Watch out for leaving an insurance contract early though, you’ll have to pay a fee for doing so and it can sometimes be quite weighty!

• The most important thing is to think about how often you’re using energy during peak times. And be realistic about being tied down to longer term contracts. Yes, you’ll pay less, but you might be stuck on a bad deal.

Searching around on the internet for a good deal can be daunting. And as I mentioned before, comparison sites don’t always show the best deals.

So, one of the best things you can do is speak to friends and families about the businesses they use – and what good or bad experiences they’ve had. Peer recommendations really are the best you’ll find.

• Another key thing to do – and I’m stating the obvious here – is to send a meter reading. If we’re being honest, we all hate doing this, as there’s a fair chance your bill will shoot up if the estimates are off. But better to know what

Consumer Champion – the man who helps you resolve your consumer complaints! www.resolver.co.uk/

And remember – if something goes wrong, Resolver can help.

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25

CLASPS

YEASTS

We Offer A Free No Obligation Quotation, So Please Feel Free To Give Us A Call Or Send Us An Email

01202 877481 - 07710 083 560 whiteandsonstarmac@yahoo.com

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Adventures of Nellie

26

The Adventures of Nellie

The Hampshire Publications Camper Van Nellie, our aging, playful campervan has a new friend! Age is a funny thing isn’t it. We all grow older yet we do not necessarily feel any different. Of course times change and we have to try and keep up where we can, and as nellie knows we get various aches and pains, but fundamentally we stay young at heart. Well Nellie likes to think so.

Hayden’s grandparents live all the way up in Hull and Nellie was getting concerned about this.

Grandma does not want to move from the house she has lived in for 53 years (who can blame her) and Hayden is settled in school, air cadets, surf life-saving etc etc here in the South. So how do we solve this ‘problem’ of moving times for the best of everyone? There is not an easy answer and what maybe good for one family may not work out for another. Here’s what Nellie did...

She got Grandma and Grandad to buy a wonderful caravan on “Rockley Park”! Nellie had taken

Nellie can relax there too...

Debbie with Grandad at “The Retreat”

us a few times to have a look around the site, so when Grandad suggested that the house was getting a bit too much for them, but Grandma did not want to sell or move, this seemed like a great solution - and it is! They can visit whenever they want, they have their own space with now a wonderful view of the sea, a beach with a cafe, the owner’s club, swimming pools and a gym. Not that we have used the latter yet... But what more can you want? There is a fishing lake for Dad, water sports facilities for Hayden, entertainment in the evenings, restaurants, fish and chips, pizzas that can be delivered to your door, a mini market and even crazy golf, archery and climbing.

The yearly ground rent is quite sizable, but if we rent out the caravan for several weeks of the year we can hopefully cover some of those costs. Nellie had it all figured out.

After the purchase Nellie took

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27

Stephen, myself and Hayden to try it out. Well, it had to be done didn’t it! Stephen bought a 3 man blow up canoe from an advert on Facebook and off we set. We really do love it.

The van is one row back from the front with a wonderful little balcony which is perfect for that cup of coffee, and a biscuit in Grandma’s case, whether the sun is shining or not. Which is just as well in November! A lazy morning was had by all and then we had the ‘bright idea’ to take the canoe out. That is where the fun started. I was all geared up in a life jacket and rather unflattering wet suit. How come Hayden looks so the part in his wet suit and I look something like a beached whale? Nellie found that funny too... But then she would.

I would like to see her in one!

Anyway off we trotted.

It all seemed fine, leisurely, peaceful and just what we needed. Then, I saw the water - in the boat! “There is water coming in.” I voiced.

“Don’t be silly Mum, it is just the splashing of the paddles.” was the rather unperturbed response from Hayden. “There is water coming in!” I expressed more loudly, “There is water coming in!” I repeated even louder. After the fourth, rather

Tea for two... with a view!

Ready to go exploring on the water!

agitated attempt I was finally believed! There were now at least three inches of water indeed IN the boat. Stephen and Hayden paddled like billy-o and we just made it to the shore before sinking entirely.

I must have looked like an injured whale now, desperately trying to get out of a rubber boat almost totally submerged under the water.

Stephen looked at me, “Oh yes, about that bung at the back...”

He declared with an apologetic, appealing grin. It was all pretty funny really and I am sure the people on the beach found it rather amusing, to say the least. Maybe we should take some of those water sports lessons before embarking on anything more adventurous.

The rest of the day was spent calming down and reading in the van. “The Retreat” we call it and it certainly is that. Grandma and Grandad have now been to stay too and have absolutely loved it. “I could live here.” Grandma smiled.

Grandad smiled too. Maybe, Nellie has found that perfect solution for us, to a problem we did not think we could find. Good old Nellie!

Whatever will she do next?

By Debbie Corney

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Food & Drink

30

Tastes so good...

Parkin cake

A Northern England cake often associated with Bonfire Night, ideally made at least a day in advance.

Ingredients 100g butter 100g soft brown sugar 100g treacle 100g golden syrup 225g plain flour ½ tsp mixed spice ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda ¼ tsp salt 1 egg 200g oatmeal 140ml milk

1. Preheat oven to 180c/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a approx. 20cm/8-inch square tin.

2. Gently melt the sugar, butter, treacle and golden syrup in a pan – allow to partially cool.

3. Add the sifted, dry ingredients and mix well.

4. Add the milk and egg and beat well until combined and smooth.

5. Tip into the tin and bake for about 40-60 minutes until firm and a skewer comes out clean.

6. Store in an airtight container for a day or so before slicing and eating for a moist and tasty autumn cake.

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31

Building

Landscaping

DIY

SOUTHAMPTON 02380 865046

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32

You’ve always known you had potential.

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33

The Brockenhurst Guide

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Prize Wordsearch

Prize Wordsearch

BANGERS ROCKET TOFFEE APPLE BONFIRE PARLIAMENT FIREWORKS GUY FAWKES KING JAMES SPARKLER GUNPOWDER PLOT

This month, the prize is a bottle of bubbly, so please complete this page by 13th December and send to: November Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ The Brockenhurst Guide, Address: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, BH22 0JR Telephone: ______________________

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34

Gardening Tips

On Your Plot Feeling Fruity

Few flavours compare with that of fruit freshly picked from the garden. Much of the fruit available in the shops (particularly the supermarkets) has been grown for it’s ability to travel well rather than it’s flavour and may have been picked well before it’s arrival on the shelf. If you fancy apples from your own tree, or a bowl of raspberries fresh from the garden, now is the time to act.

Jobs for November :-

• Start to harvest parsnips after the first frosts.

• Tidy up your greenhouse or polytunnel, wash out pots and seed trays before storing ready for the Spring • Sow hardy peas or broad beans ready for an early crop next year.

• Use netting or chicken wire to protect your broccoli and cabbages from hungry pigeons.

• If you haven’t already done so, plant garlic and shallots.

• If your rhubarb is taking over, lift and divide the crowns before replanting.

If you are anything like me you will spend ages drooling over pictures of bushes dripping with blackcurrants or gooseberries, trees laden with apples, or bowls full of luscious raspberries but struggle to get to grips with the realities of production on your own plot!

Patience is a virtue that is definitely required for growing your own, and this is particularly so with fruit trees and bushes. I have to confess to having an inclination to move on with anything that requires more than a few months to give a decent crop, but with most fruit you just have to force yourself to take the long term view and now being the proud owner of a 2 year old gooseberry bush and raspberry canes I can assure you that the waiting is worthwhile!

Think carefully about where you will grow your fruit. Trees require lots of space (but are a wonderfully attractive addition to your plot) while bushes may be incorporated in your borders, but will probably need some protection if you aren’t going to loose a lot of fruit to the birds.

Late autumn is an ideal time to add fruit to your plot as trees and bushes will be entering their dormant period. It is important to buy healthy plants and to ensure that they are dormant as they will transplant more successfully. If you are ordering from a reputable mail order nursery they are likely to arrange delivery to coincide with the best time for planting. You should also get instruction on how to plant and care for your new tree or bush.

Trees such as apple or plum may be grafted onto a variety of different rootstocks - this sounds complicated but all you really need to know is what effect this will have on the final size of the tree. If you have limited space it is possible to buy dwarf varieties some of which can even be suitable for container growing. Pollination is also an important consideration, some varieties are self-fertile and do not need a pollinator, while others may require another variety planted close by to act as a pollinator. When planting your tree out it may benefit from staking and protection around the base.

One ‘fruit’ that is a little different and very easy to grow is Rhubarb. Rhubarb is actually classified as a vegetable, but certainly tastes good used like a fruit in crumbles and pies. November is the perfect time to plant out dormant crowns.

Although these can be bought from nurseries Rhubarb tends to spread well when established and needs to be divided every few years so it is often possible to obtain surplus crowns from friends or neighbours. Plant your crown with the buds just above the soil and water well the first year. Once the plants have become established you can look forward to harvesting a good crop of delicious pink stems from Spring onwards very welcome as the first ‘fruit’ of the year.

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36

Community News

Rhinefield Probus Club

The Rhinefield Probus Club meets every third Wednesday at 10:00am at the Balmer Lawn Hotel, Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst.

We have a wide variety of entertaining speakers followed by lunch.

New members and guests are always welcome.

For further details please visit our website: www.rhinefieldprobus.org.uk Or contact the Secretary at: secretary.rhinefieldprobus@gmail.com

New Forest

Filling Station

A place to rediscover, renew or explore Christian Faith.

Meetings informal and contemporary style.

Band leading worship.

Talk from inspirational Christian Leader and someone to pray with if you like.

Meetings held on the second Wednesday of the month at:

NEW FOREST

All Parkinson’s sufferers and their carers are welcome to join us for gentle, chair-based exercises specifically tailored to their needs and abilities.

We meet every Tuesday at 10.30am at Boldre War Memorial Hall, Pilley, SO41 5QG for exercises, chat and mutual support. Join in with the fun and friendly banter as we stretch those unused muscles! Contact Roni on 01590 688887 for more details.

Brockenhurst Village Hall Highwood Road Brockenhurst SO42 7RY From: 7:30-9:15pm Coffee served from 7pm

thefillingstation.org.uk /newforestfillingstation

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37

0% APR finance options available

www.kandbinstallations.co.uk

Complete installation service • All building work and trades covered • Supply only Tile Supplier • Able Bathrooms • Worktop & door changes • Small jobs welcome NEW MILTON SHOWROOM 97 Station Road, New Milton, BH25 6JJ

Tel: 01425 460621

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WEST MOORS SHOWROOM

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Tel: 01202 861972

Furnish with the best... for a good deal less!

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• Opposite New Milton Station, with easy parking at rear of showroom.

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• All furniture delivered assembled or assembled in situ.

• Furniture also made to measure even to fit that awkward alcove.

S & P Furnishers Call or come in and see us today!

www.sandpfurnishers.co.uk

33 Station Road, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 6HR Please mention The Brockenhurst Guide when responding to adverts

38

Index of advertisers

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

Accountants BAS Associates....................................................... 17 Bakeries Bakehouse............................................................. 2 Bathrooms K & B Installations................................................. 37 Bedrooms Custom Creations.................................................. 7 Swan Systems Furniture........................................ 21 Books Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health....37 Builders & Carpenters J H Joinery.............................................................. 8 Building & Gardening Supplies Sydenhams............................................................ 31 Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras.............................................. 32 Car Dealerships Meadens of Brockenhurst...................................... 19 Carpet Cleaning Services New Forest Carpet Clean....................................... 17 Community News Adventures of Nellie.............................................. 26 Celebrity Interview: Michael Caine........................ 6 Consumer Rights: Energy....................................... 24 Filling Station......................................................... 36 Marathon effort for JTYAF.....................................12 Motoring: 2017 Seat Leon FR................................18 On Your Plot: Feeling fruity....................................34 Parkinsons New Forest.......................................... 36 Rhinefield Probus Club........................................... 36 Tastes so good: Parkin Cake...................................30 Travel: Deux Sevres, France...................................14 Driveways White & Sons......................................................... 25 Electrical Appliances Hardys Electrical.................................................... 29 Matthews Electrical............................................... 29 Electricians 247 Electrics.......................................................... 8 Green Light Electrical............................................. 5 Fabric Shops The Forest Mill Shop.............................................. 15 Funeral Directors R Hallum................................................................ 13 Furniture S & P Furnishers..................................................... 37 The Cane & Rush Workshop..................................28 Garage Services Trickett Welding..................................................... 25

Garden Services Proscapes Garden Landscaping.............................31 Gifts & Coffee Shops Mollyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Den............................................................ 17 Golf Clubs Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club................................40 Health & Fitness Slimming World - Tina Fagan................................13 Home Care Services Bluebord Care........................................................ 16 Kitchens K & B Installations................................................. 37 Oven Cleaners Oven King.............................................................. 28 Plumbers Gas Technique....................................................... 23 Property Maintenance DC Home Improvements........................................ 28 Puzzles & Competitions Crossword.............................................................. 22 Kids page............................................................... 10 Prize Wordsearch................................................... 33 Sudoku................................................................... 22 Restaurants Britannia Thai........................................................ 3 Roofing Forest Park Roofing............................................... 28 Solicitors Heppenstalls.......................................................... 5 Stonemasons Lockerley Stone & Masonry................................... 8 Tiles On The Tiles........................................................... 32 Tree Surgeons Apex Tree Surgeons............................................... 35 Westbeams Tree Care............................................ 1 Venues & Events Bramshaw Village Hall.......................................... 13 Foxlease................................................................. 16 Waste Services Philip Trim Contractors.......................................... 16 Will Writing Services Dorset Wills........................................................... 15 Windows, Doors & Conservatories Cloudy2Clear Windows.......................................... 11 Woodburners New Forest Woodburning Centre.......................... 9 Worktops Portman Stone....................................................... 39

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39

GRANITE & QUARTZ WORKTOPS

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GOLF

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Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club Sway Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, SO42 7SG Phoneâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;membership: 01590 623332 option 3 Phone-lessons or visitor bookings: 01590 623092 E-mail: admin@brokenhurst-manor.org.uk

The Brockenhurst Guide Tel: 023 8065 9309