The Brockenhurst Guide - September/October 2014

The Brockenhurst

Guide

The independent directory of local businesses serving the residents of Brockenhurst

Delivered FREE around the village In this issue: Photo Competition results from New Forest Wildlife Park Ann Montini meets the Stars: Nigel Harman Local Business Directory Win a meal for two at Bistro 26 Martin Lewis: Credit Scoring Adventures of Nellie

September/October 2014

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023 8065 9309

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OFFICES ACROSS THE NEW FOREST...

BROCKENHURST

BURLEY

LYNDHURST

WINCHESTER

ROMSEY

LONDON

STOCKBRIDGE

BISHOPS WALTHAM

TITCHFIELD

01590 624775 BROCKENHURST@PENYARDS.COM

01962 860300 WINCHESTER@PENYARDS.COM

01264 810863 STOCKBRIDGE@PENYARDS.COM

01425 403600 BURLEY@PENYARDS.COM

01794 516613 ROMSEY@PENYARDS.COM

01489 890006 BISHOPSWALTHAM@PENYARDS.COM

The BrockenhurstWWW.MAYFAIR.COM Guide

WWW.PENYARDS.COM

02380 284697 LYNDHURST@PENYARDS.COM

0207 467 5330 MAYFAIR@PENYARDS.COM

01329 844812 TITCHFIELD@PENYARDS.COM WWW.EQUESTRIANANDRURAL.COM

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Welcome...

The Brockenhurst Guide Edition 29

Published by:

Stephen & Debbie Corney at Hampshire Publications

Telephone:

023 8065 9309

Email:

info@brockenhurstguide.co.uk

Copy deadline for the November 2014 edition: 25th October 2014

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, We certainly have had some fantastic weather this year, so I do hope you had a great summer and are now all ready for the autumn and the cooler temperature.

Nellie, the Hampshire Publications campervan, took Hayden our son for his first flying lesson at Compton Abbas Airfield. You can read all about our day in “The Adventures of Nellie” this month. I am also planning my first little book, all about places to go, days out, ‘campervanning’ and generally having family fun, all based around Nellie. If you have any suggestions, ideas or requests for what you would like to see in the book, please call or email me! I will let you know in the next Guide how it is going.

This September issue of The Brockenhurst Guide edition is full of local traders, businesses and groups who would all like to help you. Stephen and I thank you for continuing to support them. Do mention the Guide when making any calls. This makes all the difference and makes all our work worth while. I love to hear the local businesses are hearing from you! There are also articles for you to read, so why not take half an hour out, pour a cuppa, sit down and have a read?

Don’t forget to fill in the prize wordsearch. The lucky winner last month of the Family Portrait voucher was Vicki Salmon. Well done to you! This month you can win a meal for two at Bistro 26 in Brockenhurst.

Just to let you know, The Brockenhurst Guide is now posted to you by Royal Mail every other month. If you have a club, society or event you would like the residents and local businesses to know about then please tell us and we will print this for you. If you have a business and would like to be included, our rates are excellent so please give me a call.

Stephen and I wish you a great couple of months.

All the best,

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

023 8065 9309

08457 484950 023 8058 4321 01225 526000 01590 673050

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• All aspects of roofing services • Chimney repairs & leadwork • Guttering & Fascias • Gutter clearing, roof cleaning, blocked downpipes cleared • Velux windows • Re-pointing & painting • Property maintenance • Work fully insured & guaranteed Your local family roofer - call us today for free estimates & advice.

T: 01590 624661 M: 07402 034847 mail@forestparkroofing.co.uk www.forestparkroofing.co.uk

22 Fathersfield, Brockenhurst, SO42 7TH

The Brockenhurst Guide

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What do %HHV Need?

by Kizzie Henderson

Did you know that wild bees are responsible for one third of the food we eat?

Bees are amazing animals that play a vital role in our eco system. There are dozens of species of wild bee, and together with domestic honeybees they form a large workforce responsible for pollinating 75% of the world’s food crops so they are essential for our health and livelihoods. +\YPUN [OL [O JLU[\Y` THU` VM V\Y ^PSKÅV^LY YPJO meadows started to decline due to other land uses, HUK HNYPJ\S[\YHS PU[LUZPÄJH[PVU ;OPZ OHZ JVU[PU\LK HUK [OL KL[LYPVYH[PVU VM ÅV^LY YPJO NYHZZSHUKZ UV^ Z[HUKZ H[ HYV\UK SVJHSS` :\JO SVZZLZ OH]L had a huge impact on some of our insect pollinators, ^OPJO HYL UV SVUNLY HISL [V ÄUK [OL MVVK HUK ZOLS[LY [OL` ULLK ;OPZ TLHUZ ^L MHJL H JVU[PU\PUN THZZP]L KLJSPUL PU V\Y ILL WVW\SH[PVUZ +H]PK 9\TISL VM [OL /HTWZOPYL HUK 0ZSL VM >PNO[ >PSKSPML ;Y\Z[ Z[YLZZLZ [OL PTWVY[HUJL VM JYLH[PUN OH]LUZ MVY ILLZ! ¸3VJHSS` ^L OH]L HU PTWYLZZP]L selection of wild bees including bumblebees, honeybees and mining bees, but many species HYL KLJSPUPUN >P[OV\[ LUV\NO YLM\NLZ ¶ TVYL and connected wildlife habitats across the SHUKZJHWL ¶ ^L TH` MHJL H M\[\YL ^P[OV\[ ILLZ with serious consequences for crops and the wider LU]PYVUTLU[ ¹ ;OL +LWHY[TLU[ VM ,U]PYVUTLU[ -VVK HUK 9\YHS (ɈHPYZ OH]L [LHTLK \W ^P[O ;OL >PSKSPML ;Y\Z[Z 7SHU[SPML HUK [OL 9HYL )YLLKZ :\Y]P]HS ;Y\Z[ [V address this and are calling for action to help protect wild bees, and because a few simple changes to land management can make a big KPɈLYLUJL :V ^OL[OLY `V\ HYL H MHYTLY H NHYKLULY or a manager of urban or amenity spaces, there is ZVTL[OPUN `V\ JHU KV [V OLSW [OLZL ]HS\HISL PUZLJ[ WVSSPUH[VYZ ;OLZL Ä]L HJ[PVUZ JHU YLX\PYL HZ SP[[SL LɈVY[ HZ TV^PUN [OL NYHZZ PU `V\Y NHYKLU SLZZ MYLX\LU[S` ;OL` HYL LHZ` [V KV PU [OL Z\TTLY HZ [OLYL HYL HU HI\UKHUJL VM WSHU[Z H]HPSHISL MVY ULJ[HY I\[ PU [OL ^PU[LY P[ PZ SLZZ VI]PV\Z 0UJS\KLK PU +LMYH»Z V[OLY MV\Y HJ[PVUZ PZ ZVTL N\PKHUJL MYVT /HTWZOPYL HUK 0ZSL VM >PNO[ >PSKSPML ;Y\Z[ VU OV^ [V WYLWHYL `V\Y NHYKLU V]LY [OL ^PU[LY! .YV^ TVYL ÅV^LYZ ZOY\IZ HUK [YLLZ ;OLZL WYV]PKL ULJ[HY HUK WVSSLU [OH[ ILLZ HYL YLSPHU[ VU HZ [OLPY MVVK ZV\YJL ;OL TVZ[ \ZLM\S [OPUN [V KV PU ^PU[LY PZ [V NYV^ WSHU[Z [OH[ ^PSS WYV]PKL WVSSLU HUK ULJ[HY PU [OL LHYS` ZWYPUN 9LJVTTLUKLK WSHU[Z in late autumn and early winter include Crocuses, .YHWL /`HJPU[OZ HUK :UV^KYVWZ 6[OLY JVTTVU examples of bee friendly plants include winter ÅV^LYPUN QHZTPUL HUK ^PU[LY ÅV^LYPUN ,YPJH :WLJPLZ

3H[L ^PU[LY LHYS` ZWYPUN HYL H NVVK [PTL [V TV]L VY WSHU[ ZOY\IZ ;OLZL PUJS\KL *HLUV[O\Z MVYZ`[OPH HUK ^PU[LY OVUL`Z\JRSL 3LH]L WH[JOLZ VM SHUK [V NYV^ ^PSK MVY L_HTWSL KHUKLSPVUZ ^PSS WYV]PKL V[OLY MVVK sources and breeding spaces. (]VPK KPZ[\YIPUN ULZ[Z HUK OPILYUH[PVU ZWV[Z, as bees need these areas to nest in safety so that [OL` HUK [OL UL_[ NLULYH[PVU JHU Z\Y]P]L PU ^PU[LY :VTL ILLZ ULZ[ \UKLYNYV\UK PU WSHJLZ Z\JO HZ abandoned rodent holes, under sheds and in JVTWVZ[ OLHWZ 6M [OVZL [OH[ ULZ[ HIV]L NYV\UK some make nests in thick grass, while others make ULZ[Z PU IPYK IV_LZ HUK PU [YLLZ -VY [OVZL [OH[ ULZ[ PU IPYK IV_LZ `V\ TH` VM[LU ZLL ºZ^HYTZ» VM ILLZ Å`PUN HYV\UK [OL ULZ[ ;OPZ PZ WLYMLJ[S` UVYTHS HUK [OLZL HYL THSL ILLZ ^OPJO VM[LU Å` HYV\UK ULZ[Z waiting for queens to come out so that they can TH[L 4HSL ILLZ JHUUV[ Z[PUN ZV WSLHZL KVU»[ IL HSHYTLK PM `V\ ZLL [OPZ @V\ JHU JYLH[L OPILYUH[PVU ZWV[Z I` KYPSSPUN OVSLZ PU H ISVJR VM ^VVK [V WYV]PKL ULZ[SPUN ZWHJL MVY ZVSP[HY` ILLZ ;OPUR JHYLM\SS` HIV\[ \ZPUN WLZ[PJPKLZ ;OL JOLTPJHSZ PU WLZ[PJPKLZ HYL [OV\NO[ [V IL WHY[ VM [OL WYVISLT [OH[ PZ [OYLH[LUPUN ILL U\TILYZ *VUZPKLY WO`ZPJHSS` YLTV]PUN WLZ[Z VY JYLH[PUN IHYYPLYZ [V KL[LY [OLT

Contact us

/HTWZOPYL HUK 0ZSL VM >PNO[ >PSKSPML ;Y\Z[ ^VYRPUN for a better future for wildlife and wild places in /HTWZOPYL HUK [OL 0ZSHUK phone us 01489 774 400 LTHPS \Z MLLKIHJR'O^[ VYN \R ]PZP[ V\Y ^LIZP[L ^^^ OP^^[ VYN \R VY ^YP[L [V \Z /HTWZOPYL HUK 0ZSL VM >PNO[ >PSKSPML ;Y\Z[ )LLJOJYVM[ /V\ZL =PJHYHNL 3HUL *\YKYPKNL /HTWZOPYL :6 +7

023 8065 9309

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                         

 

 The Brockenhurst Guide

 

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023 8065 9309

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enquiries@heppenstalls.co.uk www.heppenstalls.co.uk

Are your affairs in order?

We can advise on...

“Serving the New Forest for 120 years”

Wills Trusts 3RZHUV RI $WWRUQH\ &DUH +RPH )HHV &RXUW RI 3URWHFWLRQ Probate ,QKHULWDQFH WD[ 3URWHFWLRQV RI DVVHWV LQ 6HFRQG PDUULDJHV ,QFRPH 7D[ 5HWXUQV

Contact us on 01425 610078 or by email enquiries@heppenstalls.co.uk

Solent House Dental Centre A fresh approach to dentistry Our team of registered specialists, dentists and hygienist offer a complete range of dental treatments in our friendly, caring environment.

Our services include: • Teeth straightening • Bridgework • Dental implants • Veneers • Gum treatment • Crowns • Teeth whitening • Hygienist • High quality general dental care and much more…

Call 01590 672986 to book an appointment or visit

www.solent-dental.co.uk to find out more.

Cannon Street Lymington, Hants SO41 9BR

Incorporating

Donald F Mackenzie BDS MSc Yvonne T Mackenzie BDS MSc Dip Orth

The Brockenhurst Guide

Don’t wait till winter to fit your fireplace!

Ringwood Road Netley Marsh, Southampton Hampshire, SO40 7GY

Tel: 023 8042 4274 Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 10am to 4pm Closed Wednesday & Sunday

www.stovesandfireplaces.org

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. . . s r a t S e h t s t e e m i Ann Montin

This month’s star is

Nigel Harman Actor and director Nigel Harman is best known as Dennis Rickman in Eastenders, roles in West End theatre and a stint in Downton Abbey followed, and now he is busy directing the musical “Shrek”. He tells Ann Montini all about his career to date.

Ann - Tell me about the Simon Cowell musical “I Can’t Sing” Nigel - “I loved it, and really it was a good show, and so much fun. But in reality, I think maybe hype helped close it too early. We should have started small, and then built up to the Palladium... but hindsight you know.”

Ann - What was Simon like to work with?

Nigel - Again good fun, but he basically left it all to the creator Harry Hill. It was his dream and Simon backed it, and helped with his profile really – I would say, he was a great boss because we never saw him really.” (laughing) Ann - You have a great ABBA connection?

Nigel - “I do I was in the original West End version of their hit musical “Mama Mia” and yes I sing on the cast album too... I loved it as they are such clever songwriters, and they really know how to craft a song, and make you believe in the song without a doubt.”

Ann - Is it true, when in Eastenders you turned down a record deal from Simon Cowell?

Nigel - “Well, again the story was embellished somewhat, but in principle yes. But at that time I was keen to focus on acting, and being a pop star was not my thing really, I think he forgave me. I always thought pop star / actor, a bit cheesy and not quite for me, but each to their own you know.”

Ann - Shrek - this time as producer Nigel - “It’s a great show and being on the other side of the lights, well you understand what you want from the actors and so forth - it’s been a great experience to do, and I think our audiences are loving it.“ Ann - Does this mean less acting?

Nigel - “Not at all, but it means I can be diverse and do other things. Acting will always be my first love, and I won’t ever give it up, but I love the idea of combining the two together and having duel careers. You can rely totally on one thing, only you have to branch out.”

More details on the show check out the website: shrekthemusical.co.uk/tour-dates

Ann - Your role in Downton Abbey - bit of a bad boy again?

Nigel - “Just a bit, but then I like to think interesting too, the show is great, and just to appear in it was a wonderful experience... I would like to go back, but I can’t say too much he met a grizzly end, but then you never know, it could have all been a bad dream you know.”

Ann - Dennis in Eastenders, ever go back?

Nigel - “Well he was killed off, but then its soap, so because of the genre who knows. He could be like Dirty Den and appear again and shock Sharon... You never know do you?”

Ann and Nigel Harman pictured in London

023 8065 9309

Photo: C Maycon Pictures

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





The Brockenhurst Guide

!

Mange-Tout Catering welcomes you to

!

Setley Ridge Local Produce Farm Shop and Vineyard ! !

Lymington Rd Brockenhurst Hampshire SO42 7UF 01590 622020

!

WWW.setleyridge.co.uk

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For all your catering requirements

!

Keeping Produce Local

! !

Our ethos is to provide as much locally sourced produce as possible.

!

Approximately 70%of our produce is supplied from within a 30 mile radius.

!

The Vineyard here at Setley Ridge produces the wines sold in our shop.

!

We also make cakes, ready meals,pastries, preserves, fudge and much much more in our purpose built kitchens.

!

Our Friendly Farm Shop is Open,

!

9.30am - 5.30pm mon - saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm Sunday

!

www.setleyridge.co.uk

! andy.mangetout@gmail.com ! !

We look forward to seeing you soon

!

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Money Saving Tips

Martin

LEWIS Credit Scoring Credit scoring has become a key part of our financial lives. It impacts far more than most people think. It’s not just about whether you can get mortgages, credit cards and loans, but can also effect contract mobile phones, monthly car insurance, bank accounts, even if you can pay energy bills the cheapest way.

1) Get on the electoral roll. If not, getting credit's tough.

Check if you're on it and apply via www.aboutmyvote.co.uk. If you're not eligible, write a notice on all the credit files that you’ve proof of residency.

Even if you're accepted, we live in a 'rate for risk' world, so credit scoring then dictates what you pay too. Many people get unstuck by this. They apply for today's record cheap rates, but find they're charged more. So here’s what you need to know…

2) Stability's good. If possible, put a landline, not mobile, on applications.

You DON'T have a universal credit rating - there's no blacklist. This is a myth. In the UK, there's no universal credit rating or score, there's no blacklist of banned people. Each lender scores you differently and secretly. So a rejection by one doesn’t mean a rejection by all. Their aim is to see if you match their profitable customer wish list. A key part is assessing the risk of non-repayment. If that's high, many won't lend to you; but some specialist lenders will like you more as they can charge you high.

Yet even those who are good risks can be rejected, because the lender thinks you won't make it money. Or perhaps you're applying for a credit card, but it wants to cross-sell mortgages, so scores you on how likely you are to get one.

What they know about you. Lenders assess you with 3 key pieces of information: 1) Your application form. Many underrate how crucial this is. Be consistent on each application form, eg, job title, salary. Regular inconsistencies can trigger rejection as you hit a ‘fraud score’ trigger.

2) Any past dealings with you. A lender you've banked with can interrogate your behaviour far more than others. This can work both for and against you.

3) Your credit reference files. These come from either Equifax, Experian or Callcredit and contain info on the electoral roll, court judgments, what credit applications you've made, products you have and if you've paid on time.

However, they don’t know everything. They don’t know your criminal record, medical history, speeding fines, salary, student loans, declined applications and more – don’t get too conspiracy theorist about it.

How to make yourself more attractive. Getting accepted for credit is like going on the pull - like people, different lenders find different things attractive. It’s more art than science, but there are some cosmetic changes that work for most. Here are 10 tips:

3). Beware over applying. Too many applications for products especially in a short space of time can hurt. So if you’re about to get a mortgage, don’t apply for lots of credit cards just before. One problem though is often the only way to know what rate you’ll get is to apply, so the system is anti-shopping around.

4) Time it right. Problems stay on your file for 6 years, applications for 1 year. So if you can wait until they've lapsed to apply, it should boost your score.

5) Never miss or be late on repayments. Small errors can hurt large. Set up a direct debit to be sure you never miss. Do this even if just for the minimum repayment, then you can call up and pay more on top each month, see it as an insurance policy.

6) Don't let 'paid-for credit scores' overly worry you. In recent years credit reference agencies have started to flog these, but don’t take too much notice. They’re only based on your credit file, not the other info lenders look at, and remember each lender scores differently. One may see cancelling a credit card as good as it reduces available credit, another as bad as it’s closing down a long term relationship.

7) Payday loans can kill mortgage applications. Some mortgage underwriters simply won't lend to anyone with payday loans.

8) Deal with unfair defaults. First go to the firm that put them there and ask it to remove them. If not ask for a ‘notice of correction’ to be added to your credit file where you can explain briefly why it’s unfair and appeal to the Financial Ombudsman.

9) Check for address errors. An old, active, but unused mobile phone registered to your old address could even cause a mortgage rejection.

10) Don't withdraw cash on credit cards. This is both expensive and seen as evidence of poor money management - avoid.

023 8065 9309

@MoneySavingExpert

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The Brockenhurst Guide

Community News

16 16

Rare dragonfly flies into Moors Valley and stays A rare dragonfly is now thought to have bred successfully at Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood.

First recorded in Britain in 1996, the Lesser Emperor (Anax parthenope) is one of several species of dragonfly to have come over from Europe in the last 20 years to set up home in Britain. Two confirmed sightings have been recorded at the Park in the last month.

Dragonflies can spend up to four years of their lives as underwater nymphs before emerging for a few short weeks as they mate and entertain us with their stunning aerial acrobatics.

In southern parts of the continent, the Lesser Emperor has a two year life cycle. Further north this may be extended to 3 years. As one was last seen at Moors Valley in 2011 it is thought that the current sightings are the offspring of a small mass migration three years ago.

Keith Powrie has been recording dragonflies at the Park for the last 12 years, “Moors Valley is one of the best sites in the country to spot dragonflies,” he said. “There are 45 species in the UK and 28 have been recorded at the Park with 26 species having bred in its lakes, ponds and slow moving rivers. Moors Valley offers the perfect environment for both dragonflies and damselflies and I am truly delighted that we can now add the rare Lesser Emperor to its resident population.”

Looking after the environment is an important part of the work of the

Park’s Rangers and income from car parking directly supports a wide range of initiatives including the Park’s water vole reintroduction programme and extensive recordings of dragonfl ies, damselflies, butterflies and birds.

There is no entrance fee to Moors Valley so paid parking is vital to ensuring the continuing success of the Park. Visitors will soon be seeing a series of new posters at Moors Valley explaining a little bit more about how their parking fees are spent, and letting them know that the Rangers and Moors Valley’s wildlife are both very grateful.

For more information on events at Moors Valley, or details of the Park’s many attractions go online to www.moors-valley.co.uk or contact the Rangers on 01425 470721.

The distinctive blue saddled Lesser Emporer

023 8065 9309

By David Sadler

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The Brockenhurst Guide

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Food & Drink

In the Raw..

Ingredients

PASSION FRUIT GINGER BONBONS Method

Healthy and fun with a bit of patience chucked in the bowl...

150g /2 cups desiccated coconut 125g /1 cup cashews 60g / ¼ cup runny honey zest of 1 lemon, lime or orange 35g /3 tbsp freeze dried passionfruit powder 1 tsp vanilla powder or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 20g / ¼ cup organic, grass fed whey powder (optional) 40g cacao butter, melted 100g basic dark chocolate recipe, melted and tempered (can also use Pro Raw Chocolate or Forever Cacao chocolate bars for this )

First of all, make space in your fridge, if you intend to drizzle or dip these in chocolate, so the tray can sit flat.

In a food processor, blix cashews into a fine meal.

Add remaining ingredients and process to combine.

Using a small ice cream scooper or your hands, form into balls and place in the fridge to set.

Whisk the chocolate until it gets thick, you can also go by temperature and bring the chocolate to approx. 24°c/75.2°f Set yourself up to play a little by placing the chilled/set cookies on your left, the bowl of chocolate in front of you and an empty baking tray lined with greaseproof paper (which will fit in the fridge) to your right.

Once the chocolate is thick enough, either drizzle the cookies, dip them half or fully in chocolate and place them on the sheet to your right. Sprinkle with some desiccated coconut (optional). After you have drizzled or dipped and garnished them all, place them in the fridge to set, about 15 minutes.

Store in an air tight container for a few weeks.

Written by Amy Levin. www.ooosha.co.uk

023 8065 9309

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      New Forest Home Improvements Ltd

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The Brockenhurst Guide

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Tel:07957 023 8020 0567 405781

6 Romsey Road, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7AA

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auto

BIOGRAPHIES Motoring

Alfa Romeo MiTo 875cc TwinAir

By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Writer

www.carwriteups.co.uk

@carwriteups

Someone once said, “What good is an eye-catching new suit if the person inside of it is rotten?”

Now that’s a pretty brave statement — but an assertion, nevertheless, that speaks to the question of style versus substance.

The style over substance debate has been around for a long time, and today the harsh reality is that we, the mainstream, are far more influenced by the “image” - style or outer shell of things rather than what’s on the inside.

So when it comes to cars, what about the 2014 Alfa Romeo MiTO? Where does that fit in the style-versus-substance topic? Well, in my opinion, the arch-rival to the MINI and Audi A1 is a gorgeous little motor, and it lives up to its revised looks.

Externally the latest incarnation of the MiTo benefits from a fresh, chromed front grille; titanium grey headlamp and tail lamp surrounds; tinted rear windows and a sports rear bumper, as well as an altered colour palette that now includes a laid-back “Matte Magnesio Grey” finish.

The interior is thoroughly different to the initial MiTo, first launched in mid 2008. The car now has a changed dashboard, upgraded plastics and an up-to-the-minute fiveinch, touch-screen infotainment system with voice recognition, Bluetooth, steering wheel remote controls, USB/Aux ports and optional satellite navigation.

With just 875cc under the bonnet of the Alfa I tested, you’d think you’d have all the power of an average domestic vacuum cleaner on tap. You’d be wrong. Yes, there’s no denying the TwinAir Sprint model sounds like an industrial sewing machine on tick over, but the little Italian car draws deep from its well of two-cylinder potency when it needs to.

The tiny petrol-powered turbo engine benefits from a 20hp boost in performance – now 105hp – which translates in a 062mph time that’s 1.1 seconds quicker than the previous 85hp version. Despite the additional performance, the Alfa Romeo MiTo TwinAir remains impressively efficient, with a combined fuel economy figure of 67.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.

A wide-ranging array of traction, braking and stability control systems is standard on the mini MiTo too. All this can be adjusted via Alfa Romeo’s trademark Alfa D.N.A. selectable driving mode system. It allows you to choose between three different driving settings: Dynamic, Normal, and All-Weather.

The clever gadgetry controls the character of the car, from the behaviour of the engine, brakes and steering, to the suspension and gearbox. And it works – to an extent.

Dynamic is sporty, making the steering weightier and the throttle more responsive, but that in reality makes the MiTo more of a struggle to drive. If you stay with the Normal setting, the steering is gentle and the car is effortless to weave in and out of city traffic.

The super-mini is also now equipped with fuel-saving Start& Stop; air conditioning; a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob; electric windows and mirrors; seven airbags; front fog lamps; a rear spoiler and alloy wheels.

So, even though prices for the MiTo aren’t going for a song, the miniature motor is well equipped and offers fistfuls of charm. And, no, in my opinion, looks still aren’t more important than content – but they’ve certainly not done Alfa Romeo any harm.

FAST FACTS PROS ‘N’ CONS Stylish√  Max speed: 114mph Economical√  0-62 mph: 11.4 secs Nippy√  Combined mpg: 67.3 Kit√  Engine: 875cc 2 cylinder 8 valve NoisyX petrol

 

Max. power (bhp): 105 at 5500 rpm

 

CO2: 99 g/km

Max. torque (Ib/�): 107 at 2000 rpm Price: £14,350 on the road

023 8065 9309

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The Brockenhurst Guide

Adventures of Nellie

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The Adventures of Nellie The Hampshire Publications Camper Van Well Hayden’s special day finally arrived, where his long awaited Birthday present from November last year could actually be realised!

His first pilot’s lesson. For a long time now Hayden has been telling us that he wants to be a pilot, so we purchased the flying lesson online last year. I was amazed to see that you can be as young as 7 to start flying.

Nellie was extremely excited to be taking Hayden to enact his dream. The views, even from the roads, through those country lanes are just stunning. You can literally see for miles across the pure rolling English countryside.

You can’t beat it. Nellie was in her element. I am not sure that Hayden in the back had the same view, sitting and playing on his computer and occasionally looking up. Maybe it happens more when you get older…

On arriving at Compton Abbas Air Field Hayden was now all smiles. I watched him eyeing up all the planes with sheer delight and anticipated excitement. We had deliberately arrived early to have lunch and build up to a crescendo… our first flight. I say our, as originally we had booked a two seater plane, just for Hayden and the pilot. We had then been given the opportunity for a 4 seater plane, but allowing for only one extra passenger. Thinking this would be a ‘Dad thing’ I suggested Stephen

Nellie with “Charlie Kilo”

“Captain” Hayden at the controls go up in the air. Hayden wanted me to go, though he said he really didn’t want to have to choose, as I hadn’t been in a plane like this before and Dad had. Stephen swallowed his disappointment pretty well I thought.

We ordered lunch and sat outside in the glorious sunshine watching planes landing and taking off regularly. Many people were watching and it was such a great atmosphere.

You almost feel like you are going back in time especially with those wonderful open top planes and pilots wearing goggles and flying jackets. Love it!

As we were sitting there I thought I would do the ‘sensible’ thing and warn Hayden that he may not fly the plane himself as much as he would like and not to be disappointed if that was the case, that we would have a great experience anyway. Well, if you have ever had the thought that we have lived before and children know far more than we suspect at times, now was one of those moments.

Hayden looked at me with a glint in his eyes and said casually, “No. Mmm, he might not let me do a barrel roll…” I tried hard not to laugh and invalidate what seemed to be quite some knowingness. “No, maybe not.”

I smiled, playfully back.

023 8065 9309

23 23 The time came for us to take our stance near the plane and wait eagerly for the pilot.

From the data I have the aircraft we flew was a Piper Cherokee Warrior II with the UK registration G-BPCK and probably known as “Charlie Kilo”. She was built in 1980 and is owned by Compton Abbas Airfield. The pilot was a handsome young man and could well take his place in a film. Hayden took to him immediately. Tony was his name and he was perfect with Hayden. As there were many air shows that day we were a little more limited with our air space. The pilot seemed somewhat reluctant to fly with the Red Arrows or the Vulcan, or what ever other big planes were flying that day. With Hayden’s apparent confidence earlier, I didn’t think it was a problem! So, despite the pilot worrying about ‘Mum’ and my possible fear, I reassured him that all was absolutely fine and the best route to take was the one where Hayden could have the most fun and fly the plane. It was decided we would fly South.

As we know the taking off and landing is always the most exciting when we go on holiday by plane. Well this was also the case in Charlie Kilo. Tony showed Hayden the controls gave him a quick lesson and off we flew. Just before we set off, the pilot asked Hayden to shout “Clear Prop!“ as if shouting to his Dad in the viewing area. Hayden misunderstood and at the count of three, shouted “DAD!” very loudly instead. We did laugh. It was all too exciting. Once in the air, the views from the sky were awesome. On such a beautiful day you really can see for

“Charlie Kilo” coming into land Photo courtesy of John Morris

The Brockenhurst Guide

Hayden with his certificate and Tony miles and miles. From the air this time! After only a few minutes, the pilot raised his hands in the air and declared, “No hands, Hayden’s flying!” Hayden was thrilled! He grinned from ear to ear. I was much less nervous than I thought I would be, in fact I wasn’t nervous at all. It was a sheer delight. Hayden was very confident, he turned the plane in a full circle and even, with the pilot’s permission, dipped the plane to make my stomach drop a couple of times. Hayden loved that! It wasn’t quite the barrel roll he wanted, but good enough for now… And certainly good enough for me. Dad and Nellie watched eagerly below.

We had a good half hour in the air and I was suitably impressed that we definitely had our monies worth. I believe the half hour lesson is around £70, so less than you may think. There are also flights to the Isle of Wight or in a Tiger Moth, if you want a real treat. Their website www.comptonabbasairfield.co.uk tells you much more about these exciting trips. You can also see a little video I took as well as other photos on Facebook – “whereisnellie”.

Please ‘like’ them!

So Nellie, Hayden, myself and, this time the cameraman Stephen, had a terrific day out.

I highly recommend you go and visit. Have a tea or coffee, maybe even lunch or dinner and watch the aircraft fly swiftly around. If you are feeling daring, have a go yourself! Where will Nellie go next…?

By Debbie Corney

whereisnellie

@whereisnellie

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Community News

September EVENTS Friday 19 Wildlife Walk at Blashford Lakes 9.30-11.00am Join the Reserves Officer on a walk around Blashford Lakes looking out for birds and other wildlife on the reserve. Meet at the Tern Hide in the main Blashford Lakes car park, Ellingham Drove, near Ringwood (Map ref. SU 151 083). Contact Jim Day on 01425 472760 or e-mail BlashfordLakes@hiwwt.org. uk. Booking essential. Suggested donation £3 per person. Sorry, no dogs.

Saturday 20 ‘Big Beachwatch Weekend’ Beach Clean 2.00pm

Contemporary Cuisine in Brockenhurst, the heart of the New Forest 15% off food w ith

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Come and help us with a litter survey and beach clean at Hurst spit as part of the Marine Conservation Society Big Beachwatch weekend. Meet at Hurst Spit SO41 0TQ. Contact Abbi Scott on 01489 774439 or e-mail Abbi.Scott@hiwwt.org.uk. All equipment will be provided. No charge.

Fri 26 The Night Watch 7.30-9.00pm Family night walk to listen out for bats and tawny owls and look for moths. Meet and park at the Blashford Lakes Centre, Ellingham Drove, near Ringwood (Map ref. SU 151 079).

Contact Jim Day on 01425 472760 or e-mail BlashfordLakes@hiwwt.org.uk. Children must be accompanied by adults. Booking essential. Suggested donation £3 per person.

Sorry, no dogs.

Sat 27 Waders and Wildfowl of Keyhaven and Pennington Marshes 10.00am12.30pm Join Bob Chapman, New Forest and Avon Valley living Landscapes Manager on a coastal walk to see autumn migrants. Park and meet in the Keyhaven pay and display car park (Map ref. SZ 306 915). Contact Theo Jarmon on 01794 514825 or e-mail theokj@hellobroadband.co.uk. The sea wall is exposed so bring windproofs and suitable footwear. Suggested donation £1.50. Sorry, no dogs.

26 Lyndhurst Road Brockenhurst Hampshire SO42 7RL Tel: 01590 622459 bistro-26.co.uk

023 8065 9309

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The Brockenhurst Guide

U Q C X Y C K I E F C V G H E

N Y C M B A S K E T J N E H Y

P J C S A O Q R D A O K O S O

C C E S H X L H A D D L A O R

P H Q A T S E V R A H W B T M

V T F C G K Z V P L E N T Y M

S Q R D X X G S F N F E K Y M

B F U Z E D K C Y N M Q J J L

Z G I M Q A L H B B F U U A O

L W T T R J P O F R Z I T P G

W G C P E B B O N Q Z N M U D

I J R I I M Z L B H M O R W A

E N O Y P E N Q A B R X U N G

C I P A D J O G I L X F T Q V

I Y T K N M E D D G L L Y Z J

Prize Wordsearch

Prize Wordsearch

HARVEST AUTUMN ROALD DAHL PLENTY SCHOOL FRUIT EQUINOX BASKET MOON CROP

This month, the prize is a meal for two at Bistro 26 in Brockenhurst, so please complete this page by 25th October and send to: September Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ The Brockenhurst Guide, Address: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, BH22 0JR Telephone: ______________________

The Brockenhurst Guide

Gardening Tips

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Grass Roots

website for the national professional organizations, who will have a list of designers or contractors, all of whom have been tested and accredited to a certain standard of expertise, professionalism and experience.

In the UK that is the Society of Garden Designers and BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) and in Australia that is the Australia Society of Garden Designers.

HOW TO HIRE A GARDENER

Decide on how you’d like the relationship to be between you and the designer and believe me, I want to get on my soap box here, about all the so- you do have a choice about this. It can be with you called garden designers out there so that you can totally in control and the designer just does what hire a designer who knows their stuff. Garden you ask. Alternatively, you can give total control to design is an unregulated industry and anyone can the designer but the way I have found to work the be a garden designer, with no training whatsoever. best, is to work with the client in partnership. This is where both designer and client work together to Yet there are designers who have spent years arrive at decisions that are based on good learning about plants, how to use them, how to communication and discussion. design a usable space and all the construction knowledge needed to do that, both at college and Look for experience and take references from ‘on the job’. I am one of those designers, with 17 previous clients. No professional designer will years experience, and it infuriates me that clients mind you asking for a couple of references and a get taken in by people who’ve spent a few weeks at good question to ask the referee is “Would you use college and ‘like gardening’, clients who end up them again?” Find out if they are a member of any paying the price both in hard cash and in having to professional organization and if they have any live with a badly designed, built and planted training, though this could be on the job or at garden. Here are a few things you can do to make college. Ask to see photos of previous gardens they sure you get someone who can do what you need completed and find out if they know about plants. doing.

Ideally you want to use a designer that someone you know has recommended to you to because they have used them to create a lovely garden. If that’s not possible, find a garden you like the look of in the neighbourhood and ask the owners who did it for them because no one minds talking about their beautiful garden.

If none of the above are options for you, find the

Never base your decision as to which garden designer to use on price alone because you get what you pay for. The important thing to decide is do you trust them and do you feel the designer is on the same wave length as you because it is the rapport between you that will make or break the success of your garden. Happy gardening!

Written by Sally Tierney MSGD BSc (Hons), award winning garden designer. www.yorkshiregardendesigner.co.uk

023 8065 9309

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• We work with financially focused families and business owners. We help them to clarify and achieve their financial goals and they in turn, trust us to be with them during their own journey through life.

• We are known for taking the complexity and jargon out of the financial planning process and specialise in investments, pensions and estate planning.

• Our major clients receive monthly reporting for fund switching to maximise performance and reduce volatility in their portfolios.

• If your bank or building society has left you without ongoing advice, we are able to help.

If you would like to meet with us:

Contact Steve Chislett on 01202 891852 www.bournemouthinvestments.com Bournemouth Investments Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (584293).

Registered address: 7 Laburnum Close, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9TX

Rhinefield Probus Club NEW FOREST

We get together on every third Thursday in the month at Boldre War Memorial Hall, Pilley Street, Pilley between 2pm - 4.30pm.

Support and information is available to people with Parkinson’s, their carers, family & friends.

All are very welcome.

The Brockenhurst Guide

The Rhinefield Probus Club meets every third Wednesday at 10:00am at the Forest Park Hotel, Rhinefield 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: secretaryrhinefieldprobus@hotmail.com

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NFWP wildlife photo winners are tops Two budding junior photographers are celebrating after coming tops in New Forest Wildlife Park’s wildlife photography competition this summer, held as part of BIAZA’s Love Your Zoo and Wildlife Park Week 2014.

Two adult winners are also thrilled their photos have been chosen as the best of the bunch by the park’s keepers.

Nicola Penny, 12, from Christchurch, was 1st junior winner with her photo of a harvest mouse, taken at the park in May. Second junior prize winner was Ashleigh Richardson, aged 5, from Southampton, who took a photo of two harvest mice emerging from their nest.

1st Junior Winner

By Nicola Penny

May and June. A team of keepers and other Z[HɈ YLK\JLK [OL WOV[VZ [V H Ä UHS ZOVY[SPZ[ VM [LU HUK [OLU [V H Ä UHS [^V ^PUUPUN LU[YPLZ MVY the adult and junior categories.

“I’ve been to the park quite a few times and have really enjoyed it. I am an animal fan and I like taking photos and experimenting with [OL JHTLYH I\[ [OPZ ^HZ H Å \RL 0 [OV\NO[ [OL harvest mouse looked cute. I want to work with animals when I grow up,” she said.

Ashleigh’s mum Kayleigh Richardson said she had to lift Ashleigh up in her arms so she could get a photo of the two mice in their nest. Ashleigh had been due to go on a school trip to the park the previous week but had missed the visit, so her family took her later on.

“She was over the moon about winning,” said 2H`SLPNO ¸0[ ^HZ [OL Ä YZ[ [PTL [V [OL WHYR MVY the four of us and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Ashleigh doesn’t have much experience of photography but enjoys being on the other side of the camera. Her little sister is very fond of animals and Ashleigh enjoys showing her new things.”

First adult winner was Loraine Perry, from Lee-on-the-Solent, with a photo of giant otters Simuni and Akuri looking super relaxed, while second adult winner Karen Pyatt, from Beaulieu, took a charming black and white photo of her daughter Baylee Mae having a close encounter with Freda the fallow deer.

2nd Adult Winner By Karen Pyatt

Their prizes range from a Junior or Adult Keeper Experience to family season and day tickets to the park.

There were over 200 entries to the competition, with entrants asked to post their photos on the park’s Facebook page during

023 8065 9309

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1st Adult Winner - By Loraine Perry Loraine said she was lucky to catch giant otters Simuni and Akuri in a good mood on her visit in June.

“I have never seen the giant otters chilling out and playing together after their feeding time before, so I was pleased to catch this photo.

I love animals and always try to do my bit for conservation and the environment. I feel really happy that my photo was chosen and it has spurred me on to make more time for photography in future.”

the best ones. It illustrates just how much people love looking at and learning about wildlife and that’s really encouraging. The competition was a big success so we hope to run more photography competitions in future so that more people can enter.”

Karen’s 2nd prize winning photo came about because her daughter, who is 14 months old and had only just learned to walk, kept following rescued deer Freda around the enclosure and wanting to stroke her.

“I love animals and I think they are an important part of growing up,” she said.

“I’m not an experienced photographer but I love coming to the wildlife park to see what images I can capture of the stunning animals they have there. I was thrilled to win the second prize.”

NFWP’s Animal Manager Jason Palmer said the team was very impressed with the standard and range of the entries.

“I’d like to thank everyone who submitted photos,” he said. “We had a lot of good entries and it was hard to choose. We took it very seriously and the team really enjoyed sorting through all the photos and choosing

The Brockenhurst Guide

2nd Junior Winner - By Ashleigh Richardson

The New Forest Wildlife Park is at Deerleap Lane, Longdown, Marchwood, Southampton, SO41 4UH. Tel 02380 292408. www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk

30

Index of advertisers

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

Bakeries Bakehouse........................................................ 7

Fireplaces Stoves & Fireplaces........................................... 9

Bedrooms The Kitchen & Bedroom Showroom..................15

Funeral Directors R Hallum...........................................................11

Beauty Salons Latitude 51.......................................................19

Hearing Aids & Services Kellear Hearing.................................................21

Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds..................................................... 5

Kitchens The Kitchen & Bedroom Showroom..................15

Builders & Carpenters New Forest Home Improvements.....................19

Mobility Products New Forest Mobility Services............................15

Catering Services Amuse Bouche..................................................21 Community News Adventures of Nellie.........................................22 Ann Montini meets the Stars: Nigel Harman....10 Grass Roots: How to hire a gardener................26 Hampshire & IOW Wildlife Trust: Bees............. 6 Hampshire & IOW Wildlife Trust Events...........24 In the Raw: Passionfruit Bonbons.....................18 Martin Lewis: Credit Scoring.............................14 Moors Valley: Rare Dragonflies appear............16 Motoring: Alfa Romeo MiTo TwinAir................20 New Forest Wildlife Photo Competition Results.....28 Parkinsons UK: New Forest Branch...................27 Rhinefield Probus..............................................27 Computer Services K W Computers.................................................15 Dentists Solent Dental Centre......................................... 9 Estate Agents Penyards........................................................... 3 Spencers of the New Forest..............................40 Farm Shops Setley Ridge......................................................12 Financial Services Bournemouth Investments...............................27 Rapid Reclaims................................................. 5

Opticians Specsavers........................................................17 Plasterers Absolutely Plastered.........................................31 Plumbing & Heating First Choice Heating & Gas............................... 1 Puzzles & Competitions Kids Page.......................................................... 8 Prize Wordsearch..............................................25 Sudoku..............................................................21 Restaurants Bistro 26...........................................................24 Roofing Forest Park Roofing.......................................... 5 Solicitors Abrams Collyer................................................. 2 Heppenstalls..................................................... 9 Stamps, Coins, Postcards and Collectibles Rushstamps of Lyndhurst..................................19 Turf & Garden Supplies Sherborne Turf..................................................11 Windows, Doors & Conservatories New Forest Home Improvements.....................19 Woodburning Stoves Stoves & Fireplaces........................................... 9

023 8065 9309

31

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www.spencersnewforest.com

An excellent opportunity to acquire this generously proportioned four bedroom detached family home with outstanding views over surrounding countryside to the rear. This well presented property is conveniently located within close proximity to the village and offers further potential to extend, stpp.

Entrance Hall | Kitchen | Breakfast Room | Sitting Room | Dining Room | Family Room/Downstairs Bedroom Suite | Study | Master Bedroom Suite | Three Further Bedrooms | Off Road Parking Double Garage | EPR: Current: 63 Potential: 73

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The Brockenhurst Guide

1 Moorlands Rise, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0JR