My Test Valley Gazette - October 2022

Dear Residents,

September 2022 has certainly been a month to remember. The loss of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II of seventy years reign, with all her stability and dedication, always with an appreciative smile has been a sombre time. We look forward however to helping Charles fulfill his role and the huge legacy that his dear mother has left. We are sure he will be as dutiful and devoted, as has proven so successful over the last seven decades. Long live the King.

This month we have many, many trades and services who would absolutely love to hear from you. With some uncertainty in these incredibly changing times, your calls, enquiries and better still bookings are very appreciated. I thank you most sincerely for all your support to these local companies, for keeping them busy and our local economy thriving. This makes all the difference.

If you are aware of a local company that could benefit from more business, please let them know about us as we would love to help them. Equally if you know of a charity, club or society that needs some support, we are here for them too.

With the October issue we await with pleasure the autumn and those wonderful golden leaves. How beautiful our countryside looks at this time of year. Please grab a cuppa this October and have a read of your local Gazette, with all our businesses, editorials and stories. Keep smiling!

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Edition of your local Test Valley Gazette Community Magazine!

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BEFORE AFTER

The Longest Legacy

From the 15 Prime Ministers she swore in, to the modernisation of the Royal Family and the styling of a public perception that ensures we remain committed to the pomp and pageantry of the House of Windsor, Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy is impeccable and elegant. We reflect on some cherished moments along the way.

The Heir Apparent

Born in April 1926, Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was third in line to the throne behind her uncle, Edward, Prince of Wales, and her father, Albert, Duke of York. However, her ascension was accelerated when, in 1936, following the death of King George V, her uncle relinquished the crown so he could marry the American divorcee, Wallis Simpson.

Now heir apparent, during the war she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, learning how to drive and maintain vehicles; and on her first oversees visit, to South Africa in 1947, gave a speech dedicating herself to the Commonwealth – a promise Her Majesty kept to the very end.

By the time of her beloved father’s death in 1952, Princess Elizabeth had become a wife, to Prince Philip, and mother to Prince Charles and Princess Anne. Yet on undertaking the crown aged in her midtwenties, she was acutely aware of how monumental the task was that lay ahead of her.

In her prime Queen Elizabeth II made a truly modern Head of State. Her Coronation at

Westminster Abbey was the first to be televised, and on her gruelling first tour of the Commonwealth, alongside Prince Philip, she made every effort to win over the hearts and minds of all those she encountered.

Naturally, over the decades there was much political and social tumult. Her Majesty’s reign saw 15 Prime Ministers come and go, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss.

There too was drama from within her family. In 1955 it became necessary to intervene in her sister Margaret’s planned nuptials to Peter Townsend; though the most significant upset during her reign was surely the dissolvement of Charles and Diana’s marriage, and the Princess of Wales’ untimely death in a car crash aged 36.

Among the stars

In her twilight years, the Queen cemented her legacy through continued work and devotion, travelling extensively and hosting countless high-profile and sometimes controversial guests and Heads of State, including Mugabe, Mandela and Trump.

The final two decades of Queen Elizabeth’s life and reign undoubtedly brought both joy and sadness in equal measures - the weddings of six of her grandchildren and the birth of 12 great-grandchildren, yet also the deaths of her beloved mother and sister Margaret and the passing of the king of her heart, Prince Philip.

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Councillor’s Column

“Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away.”

Henry Francis Lyte’s great words always seem to resonate at this time of year - with the leaves falling off the trees and the evenings drawing in. But in this deeply moving moment in our nation’s history - with the recent passing of Her late Majesty, they seem even more poignant. Mourning The Queen feels like saying goodbye to things we always knew. A constant presence in our lives. Gone forever.

Her life though was one of unwavering service. To our country, the Commonwealth and to us all. It is telling that just two days before her death she appointed her 15th Prime Minister - such was her sense of duty and commitment to her Coronation vows. I’m sure I speak for everyone who lives in Test Valley by saying that our thoughts remain with the rest of the Royal Family at this awfully sad time.

Of course, Her Late Majesty had a strong connection with our borough. It was The Earl Mountbatten of Burma (Baron Romsey) who first introduced the then Princess Elizabeth to his nephew Philip Mountbatten in 1939 - and they honeymooned at his Broadlands estate in 1947. For those of you who have watched The Crown, you will have seen that The Earl was also a strong influence on the now King Charles until he was

assassinated by the IRA in 1979. After his ceremonial funeral in Westminster Abbey, Mountbatten was brought home and buried in Romsey Abbey. That sense of family loss at the hands of Irish terrorists makes The Queen’s visit to Northern Ireland in 2012 even more incredible when she shook the hand of IRA commander, Martin McGuinness in an extraordinary act of reconciliation. Cementing the peace process. Not only did she give us the stability of a head of state above party politics, she was also our greatest diplomat. Using the crown to heal divisions.

The scenes across the country following her death show just how much Her Majesty was loved and how much she will be missed. An inspiration to us all. Our longest reigning monarch and one of our greatest ever Britons.

As this great Elizabethan age sadly ends, let us also pray for our new monarch and the heavy burden of responsibility he now bears. May his reign be a long and happy one. God Save The King.

Phil North

Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council

Out on Bale

Christian Bale is the cool, calm, understated and effortlessly edgy actor famous for his roles in everything from American Psycho to Terminator: Salvation, Vice to The Machinist.

He sways between bloated bureaucrat and paper-thin introvert, between deranged narcissist and supercharged superhero; yet through it all, he carries with him a brand of perfectionism that permeates every project and every script, and an intensity, both on and off screen.

“Being a perfectionist does come across to me as a battle, but it’s a battle I want to invest in; and it’s one I don’t want to conquer,” he begins. “Sometimes the conflict is the thing that keeps you going in life, and that’s definitely the case with me.”

Already three decades into a brilliant career, which has taken him from the very simple surrounds of Haverfordwest, Wales, through and beyond LA and the global film market, he now occupies an iconic place where art and culture collide. He sits in a space where you doubt he could ever make a bad movie again.

“I’m not sure about that,” he cuts back, returning to the subject of the standards he sets himself. “Ultimately, I believe my own battle with perfectionism is something that will play itself out over the years to come. I’m not completely constricted by it, nor do I think I have conquered it, so I guess I must be somewhere in the middle.”

Diversity has also been a big part of Bale’s makeup – even his reacquaintance with the superhero genre sees the 48-year-old taking invention forward, as Gorr the God Butcher in 2022’s Thor: Love and Thunder.

about a great story is a sense of fatalism - that’s usually what draws me to a project.

“It gives me a drive and focus because I know there is a destructive, uncomfortable endgame.

“Ultimately, once you are on that track to what is usually a sense of implosion, it opens up a pathway to what I consider my best work.

Whether Bale’s voyage back into CGI turns out to be as profitable as his portrayals of Bruce Wayne, or as artistically satisfying as Patrick Bateman, remains to be seen, but the notion of success is one that Bale has his own definition for anyway.

“It doesn’t matter to me what the genre is, what the subject matter is, who the character is or what the era is. What I love

Gorr what love

“Success is relative. Success in the movie world isn’t necessarily success in life. Success comes about when you choose the things that make you and those around you happy – it’s being confident enough to forge your own path.”

Under the skin of actor Christian Bale, who combines versatility with a permanent drive for perfectionism.

Off to a flying art for Andover project

Test Valley Borough Council has awarded community group Bringing Together Andover CIC £300 through the Councillor Community Grant scheme.

Bringing Andover Together CIC is a community organisation focused on uniting Andover and surrounding villages/towns through events and shared experiences.

Volunteers have attended the town’s Four Fun Fridays events this year, encouraging residents to take part in their latest community activity. Dubbed the ‘Our Guildhall’ project, this venture has allowed more than 300 people from across the local area to contribute to a community-based piece of art.

Visitors to the town’s Four Fun Fridays events have been invited to place a thumbprint of paint onto a line drawing of the Guildhall. Residents also have the opportunity to learn about the history of the Guildhall, with old photos and documents being displayed under the gazebo as discovered and sourced from the local archives in Winchester.

Dmitrijs Meiksans, the Director of Bringing Together Andover CIC said: “This has been a lovely project to work on. I have really enjoyed playing a part in bringing together the community through this shared goal.

“The Guildhall is an iconic building that has been at the heart of the community for centuries, and this project is a way of honouring its history”.

St Mary’s Ward councillors

Iris Andersen, Jan Budzynski and Victoria Harber approved the grant. Councillor Iris Andersen said: “We are so pleased to support this wonderful project.

“The Guildhall is a landmark to the town and it’s a brilliant idea to create art for the community, by the community.”

The Test Valley Borough Council Councillor Community Grant scheme helps to fund community-led initiatives up to two-thirds of the overall cost. Local councillors allocate up to £1,000 to projects that they identify as meeting a need in the community based on feedback and ideas from residents.

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A Design for Life… e Kevin McCloud Column

Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the affable architectural business owner talks about the evolution of design and design trends in 2022, and beyond.

It’s over 20 years since Grand Designs first appeared as a concept, and in marking that anniversary I’ve had a number of people ask me how new design and of-the-moment architectural planning has changed over that period, and what evolution we might see in future.

Well, with tongue firmly in cheek, I’ll begin by noting that these days there is an unending appetite for bifold doors! Also, a significant movement from tones of brown and black to the real on-trend colour of the moment, which is grey. I’ve always thought there is a real

versatility to grey and that seems in evidence.

Perhaps another thing I have noticed is the prominence of multiple toilets in new homes being built. It seems we have almost as many toilets now as we do bedrooms!

As for the future design trends, well there is that saying, “architecture is so slow there is no point trying to be fashionable with it because by the time you’ve built something it’s already out of date!”, and I think there is a lot of truth in that.

Certainly, a good building will always fulfil the needs and loves of the people who inhabit it. It’s a place that needs to be responsive to the people. The very first part of that must always be shelter, and security, in all conditions. Once you’ve solved that you can start experimenting and having a bit of fun.

With that in mind, I think entertainment

space is rapidly becoming a priority; and with the cost of living continuing to increase, this will be even more the case going forward, where perhaps we’re swapping eating out for eating in.

For similar reasons, workspaces at home are vital, with a decrease in the need or willingness to commute; while the connectivity of our technology is something I don’t think we will ever regress from, and certainly makes our lives easier, which is great.

Speaking personally, I would love to have a covered deck where I could just sit, sheltered, and just enjoy the view… perhaps with a glass of wine, and the guarantee of a sunset!

When you factor in all these things it makes you realise having all those toilets really doesn’t matter after all…!

Top Tech Firms

The four most sustainable tech companies in the world.

1. Fairphone

As the name suggests, Fairphone has been striving for a fairer and more sustainable electronics industry since its inception in 2013. Though a less-known brand in the UK, this Amsterdam-based manufacturer has achieved an enormous amount in a short period of time and has sold around 400,000 devices globally.

Currently on the fifth imagining of their eponymous smartphone, the folk at Fairphone have managed to extend the average life of a device from 2.7 years to around five: which reduces greenhouse gas emissions per year of use by around 30%.

The back of the phone is made from 100% recycled plastics, and no parts of the body are sealed meaning it is easy for the consumer to change the battery if necessary.

In other words, this once-social enterprise is leading the way for other phone manufacturing giants to follow.

2. Apple

Despite having set the smartphone gold standard back in 2007 with the original iPhone, Apple have been playing catchup when it comes to their ethical and sustainability standards.

Yet under CEO Tim Cook, the tech titan has risen through the ranks to become one of the most committed and proactive in the world.

Not only have Apple decreased their overall carbon footprint by 40% since 2015, using efficiency efforts and incentives throughout their supply chain; they have also made a concerted effort to use recycled plastic across their products.

Most impressive though is their pledge to become a closed-loop supply chain, meaning every single device would be made entirely from recycled material - an effort Steve Jobs would be proud of.

3. Dell Dell aims to use 75% renewable source electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2040; and while their efforts are perhaps not as admirable or ambitious

as Fairphone or Apple, this tech stalwart publishes a detailed breakdown of its major suppliers along with transparency over product components, citing which parts are recycled (and which aren’t!).

They also use closed-loop materials in over 91 products, with materials sourced from their own takeback schemes.

4. HP

As one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of PCs, Hewlett Packard have been under great pressure from eco zealots who expect them to do their bit for the planet… and they haven’t disappointed.

Not only have the Palo Alto innovators shown a great willingness and transparency regarding their carbon output, they have also led the way in sustainable innovation, including tablets that are easier to repair and upgrade.

Inevitably, such steps lead to lower profit margins, but such are the expectations from household brands such as HP.

Chelford

Chilcomb

A New Dawn

We look at the changing elements that will soon play themselves out in a very public way, as the Elizabeth II era assumes its cherished place in history.

It is doubtless that with a bittersweet heart King Charles III embarks on his new role as Head of State. Having waited 73 years to take up the post he was literally born for, His Majesty has long dreamed of this historic moment. And yet, the price of power comes at the loss of his greatest love, mentor, and ally: his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

And while Charles assimilates to a new life and role, this is not necessarily the only challenge he has to face, for the opinionated Prince must now become the impartial King.

Having waited in the wings for the past seven decades, it would have been ludicrous for the Prince of Wales to not only nurture opinions on society and the world-at-large, but to express them also. From environmental issues to a desire to revive grammar schools –and most recently a disdain for the government’s Rwanda

deportation plan – the Prince of Wales has not only never shied from letting his thoughts be known, often instigating change via his various charitable and passion projects.

The issue here is that a prince may have such hobbies and persuasions, whereas a king, in truth, must not.

One of the most abiding and best-known rules of the British constitution is that the monarch stays out of politics. This is the foundation on which the monarchy survives in a democratic society regardless of what personal gains may be made from wielding its enormous power, publicly or otherwise.

Thankfully, King Charles is a brave, sincere, grounded member of the royal family,

who takes humility as a cornerstone of behaviour having seen such a lack of it in many of his relations. He understands the next step in the line of Windsor is not in questioning what is right and proper, but more prioritising the elements of society that need his authority and guidance most, during what are difficult times for us all.

As king, Charles is responsible for carrying the weight of not just a nation, but the other 53 Commonwealth countries, across 14 realms, which now fall under his rule. He must be a champion of the people, cultivating pride when times are good, and courage when they are bad.

It is a mighty task, but one he is more than qualified for. He will undoubtedly be a very different monarch, yet what should reassure us all is the fact he has inherited his mother’s values, strength, and sense of duty.

very the come…

Now, a new dawn has come… God save the King.

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The DO has studied the anatomy and physiology of the eye and its focussing system, together with all the anomalies that may occur, as well as the Physics of light and the effect of Ophthalmic Lenses and materials on the path of incident light rays. A DO understands what happens to a ray of light when it has to pass through a lens before entering your visual system and how different densities and curvature of lens, affect the final image that your brain will experience. They will also have an in depth knowledge of all the health conditions that may affect your eyes and treatments for them. They will have studied the physical features of the face and how to take accurate measurements to provide the best fit for each facial characteristic and how to effectively communicate with patients to best understand and advise on their optical needs and much much more…..

Dispensing opticians (DOs) bring to their roles high-quality communication and problem-solving skills. A DO can help you if you have more complex needs for your eyewear

This means that the Dispensing optician is best placed to advise on, fit and supply the most appropriate spectacle frames and lenses for all, including

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The Dispensing Optician is also qualified to:

• Advise on and dispense spectacles for children – children’s faces have different proportions compared to adults so need frames that are designed specifically for kids, not scaled down versions of adult frames.

• Provide NHS Opthalmic Dispensing services

• Provide clinical advice, guidance and monitoring on common eye conditions and identify and refer people who require emergency care.

• Advise children and their parents/carers about myopia (shortsightedness) management and the importance of addressing this as early as possible. They can dispense speciality lenses to control myopia progression.

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• Dispense spectacles to the partially sighted

So don’t leave it to chance when buying spectacles, seek the advice of someone with the qualified knowledge and experience, to provide you with the best solution for your visual needs.

The Adventures of Daichi

The Modern Magazines Camper Van

Wow, what a summer we have had. We did not go away as we now live near the sea and absolutely love it. “Wafflicious”, our new icecream parlour on the Esplanade in Weymouth has been a delight to work in. We have met so many wonderful people and brought smiles to many. Daichi is very happy with his beach life.

One aspect of British summer life we have all missed in the last couple of years has been the summer fayres. How delighted we have been that so many came back this year. There are such a lot to choose from… The Dorset Show, The Romsey Show, which our dear late Queen loved so much, The Great Dorset Steam Fair, The Shaftesbury Show and the Bournemouth Air Festival to name but a very few. Then there are the food festivals which celebrate all that is local. Produce that is locally grown, or produced from the British Isles, and sometimes food from our friendly neighbours abroad too. Hayden and

myself took some time out to go the “SeaFeast - Dorset Seafood Festival” situated in Weymouth next to the Pavilion. We have never been to this one before, but we both love seafood, so it seemed like a good idea. The atmosphere was great. The weather was good, despite rain earlier which is always a relief for these shows and makes all the difference. There must have been well over sixty food stalls from crab and squid to paella and crepes. What an array of ‘cute vans’, sturdy vans and tents all circling in an arena style setting.

Something I feel we could do more of is buy local produce and shop locally. The stalls at this show definitely deserve our support. “Riverford” with their 100% organic fresh vegetables supplying fresh fruit and veg to our doorsteps weekly would love to hear from us I am sure. There are of course other farms that would supply such good, wholesome food

01264

The crab linguini was delicious!

that we could benefit from. We just need to pick up the phone and give them a call or go and visit to see what they can do for us. I used to get such a box on a weekly basis until we moved, so that is something I am going to look into again. Dorset crab was also on the menu. Many areas have a local fishmonger and I for one certainly could buy more from them. Supporting local fishermen will help keep their livelihood and also provides us with good food that is really healthy. When did we last buy good old English fish and chips from the local ‘chippy’? By the beach fish and chips are a must, but how about in the winter to keep the business going? There were other stalls too of Moules Mariniere, which I absolutely love, but that must be the French teacher in me speaking! Oh, that could bring back some good memories…. But let’s not go there. Much closer to home there was a pretty looking van which I think we have all come to recognise now, and that is “Dorset Tea”. We serve Dorset Tea at Wafflicious and I must say that the peppermint one is particularly tasty… but nothing beats a good-old cup of ‘normal’ British tea! I am sure

Queen Elizabeth II would have agreed, especially with her marmalade sandwich. Portland Pizzas was also available, Suzettes fresh pancakes, a crepe stand and there were even cookery workshops for the kids. With kitchen demonstrations, local beer, cider and wine there was plenty to occupy us for a few hours. This show raises funds for The Fishermen’s Mission which is a charity providing emergency support, practical, financial, spiritual and emotional care to all fishermen, active and retired as well as their families. These shows also do a lot of good for people in need which is another great reason to go and have a good day out while helping a just cause. We left well fed and all smiles having seen all the different catering vans. We are ‘secretly’ looking for one to join Daichi and promote Wafflicious. You never know… you may see us next year having a stall of our own. It looks like hard work but a lot of fun. In the meantime, do shop locally and support your local food stalls. We need them and they need us. Daichi is looking forward to lots more summer shows next year!

By Debbie Corney

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

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

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

There is an alternative.

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

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

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

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

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STAR GAZING

WRITTEN BY KATE EARL kateearlastro@gmail.com

Welcome to the October Stargazing Page. Highlights this month include the Orionids meteor shower and a partial Solar Eclipse.

International Space Station

The ISS can be spotted early in the evening until the 5th, and then before sunrise from the 21st. To establish exact timings please refer to www. heavens-above.com or a similar webpage for up-to-date information, remembering to set the location to your observing area.

Events

Orionid Meteor Shower:

The Orionids, which are caused by dust and gas leftover from Halley’s Comet, are visible on the night of 21/22 October. If the skies are clear, try staying up as late as you can, as the meteor peak is in the early hours of the morning.

Partial Solar Eclipse:

If the sky is clear, residents in southern England will be treated to a partial eclipse of the Sun on the morning of the 25th. The eclipse begins just after 10am and continues until 11.45am. The maximum takes place around 11am depending on your location, at which point the Moon will cover roughly 15% of the Sun (see figure). Various websites, including www.timeanddate.com can provide up-to-date information for your specific location. **NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN** There are several ways to view the eclipse safely, including the use of designated eclipse safety glasses, or making your own pinhole projector camera from a couple of pieces of cardboard. There are many websites available that show you how to construct one safely.

Mercury

The innermost planet can be spotted in the east just before sunrise for most of the month. Be mindful to end your observing session well before the Sun rises.

Venus

Venus is lost in the Sun’s glare this month.

Mars

Mars is brightening daily, and can be seen at the start of the month rising around 10pm in the northeast. By month end, it is rising around 7pm. It is

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currently located in the constellation of Taurus the Bull, and is close to the Hyades star cluster.

Jupiter & Saturn

Both gas giants are visible in the southeast when darkness falls; both set in the southwest early in the morning. Jupiter is the incredibly bright object to the east (left) of less-bright Saturn. The Moon appears near them between the 5th – 8th (see figure).

Moon

October’s full moon occurs on the 9th. Jupiter lies just above the near-full moon on the 8th.

Green ngers… the Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses the changing seasons, and why he ventures out into his garden in any weather.

I’ve been talking to a number of people over these summer months and it’s always a pleasure. Naturally, it feels like the part of the year where we all come out and celebrate what it is to have a space that is all ours – we all share in the successes and, okay, some of the failures too!

Yet what’s interesting is the fact the longer the summer goes on, the more the chat seems to evolve. There is an unspoken devil in the air, and it goes by the name of winter, where gardeners all across the UK dread not just the hibernation of some of the creatures in their garden, but their own removal or withdrawal from service as

the skies grow darker and rain threatens.

Of course, I can see why so many of us sink

into this mindset of what is effectively a subconscious filling of time before things start to pick up again in early spring. Though as I have said on many occasions, there are still so many plants that flourish across the winter months that we can take real pleasure from, so I would be firm in encouraging people to look at winter as a lot more than just a time when we feel like stepping off the gardening carousel.

Certainly, my routine in those quieter months never changes. Whether rain, hail, sleet or snow, I will always potter around the garden. Okay, so in the winter months it’s a

lot more difficult to sit still in a garden anyway, but just getting out there, soaking up the air and feeling the natural goodness around you, is really inspiring.

I get mucky every day when I’m at home, and if I’ve got a day of work or filming that will take me away from the house, I’ll always make sure I step out and spend some peaceful time alone before I leave – it sort of sets me up for the day.

Ultimately, what it’s all about is being out there, and believing you are making a difference. I’ve always thought however tiny a patch of ground you have, if you look after it well when you shuffle off your mortal coil you’ve paid your rent for your life on Earth.

To leave that space just a little bit better than how it was previously is a very special thing, and no wintry rainstorm should stop us from wanting to achieve that!

More than just a musician!

Performing for the WEOS concert at the Fairground Hall, Weyhill on Thursday 20 October will be DANIEL WATT FLCM, from Shifnal, near Telford in Shropshire, making his sixth appearance for the Club.

Daniel has many years of professional experience as a concert musician and brand ambassador, currently for Yamaha Europe GmbH (UK). Not only is he a familiar name on the UK electronic keyboard circuit but he has made tours

across Europe as well as Canada and the USA. He has his own studio and has produced CDs for many of today’s top keyboard players.

In addition to being a teacher and demonstrator, he also produces music-related software and is involved with stage management at a number of UK festivals, whilst his interest in photography has been combined with many of his various musical capabilities. The concert commences at 7.30 p.m. (doors open at 7.00 p.m.) and tickets priced at £6.00 are available on the night. Refreshments can be obtained during the interval. Further information about Daniel can be found at www.danielwatt.com whilst details of the Club, including a review of the previous concert, can be found on its comprehensive website: www.weyhill-eos.co.uk

Money on my mind... the Martin Lewis column

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

In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at whether it’s possible to still be green at times of real economic restraint.

None of us need reminding how tough this year has been, and while we’re all looking for the green shoots of recovery, that greenness has become another sticking point of late, with environmental campaigners looking to keep their own eco priorities live and real.

As consumers, we’re all pretty aware that products and services that are more organic, or better ethically sourced, or that contain a strong environmental edge, are typically more expensive, so that leads us to a potential conflict of choice – do we look after our planet, or do we prioritise the money in our pockets?

The answer – from research I have been doing on part of

my website, and a collection of other polls that pool data on this subject – is very much that green issues take a massive backseat when our backs are against the wall.

Now that’s not to say I don’t have a green conscience, or the average Joe in the street doesn’t work hard to preserve the planet, but the absolute truth is that in the vast, vast majority of cases – both at times of struggle and even when things are less chaotic – individuals are not willing to make big sacrifices.

What I think is important though is that, in future, it would be nice if people are being incentivised to go green, and doing so means we are given all the support we expect from government. We expect tax cuts on fuel and a decrease in oil price

to be reflected at the pump; we expect utility providers to play by the rules with clear billing and fair price schemes; we expect home insulation initiatives to really add up in the short-term, not 25 years down the line; and we expect new customer incentives to be accompanied by rewards for existing ones.

What’s more, the days of us feeling guilt-tripped into buying a green product over one that isn’t, are probably and hopefully over. Of course, we all want to get back to a place of economic and environmental prosperity, and I’m sure that will come, but our conscience to feed our families has been proven, time and again, to be stronger than anything else.

Vets Column:

Remember, remember the 5th of November

Firework season is fast approaching here’s some advice on how to help your pets during the oncoming invasion.

How do I know if my pet has a firework fear?

With some pets it will be obvious however others are more discrete, some common signs of fear include -

• Shaking, shivering or trembling

• Barking, whining, crying or howling

• Hiding behind or under things

• Going to the toilet unexpectedly or in strange places

• Restlessness salivating or panting excessively

Why does my pet get so worried?

Many pets have what on the surface may appear to be an irrational fear of fireworks, do not worry it does not mean you have been a bad parent. When you think about it in more detail the reasoning’s behind the fear are completely logical. Due to the survival instinct inherited from the wild, animals are blessed with senses much stronger than your average human. Therefore the loud noises, bright lights and the smell of gun powder are amplified and some dogs may find this alarming.

How can I prepare for fireworks?

There are some feel good products which can help to relax your pet,

Adaptil

• This is for dogs and comes in a collar, spray or diffuser

• It works by mimicking the pheromone a mother releases when she is feeding her puppies. Therefore reminding the dog of a time when it felt relaxed and protected.

• This would need to be started at least a week before the event.

Feliway

• This is the cat version of Adaptial and it comes as a spray or diffuser.

• If you watch a cat in its house it will rub its cheeks against household items. As they do this they mark the items as their home and indicates a safe and secure place by leaving a facial pheromone behind. Feliway is a copy of this pheromone therefore making the cat feel like it is in a safe secure environment.

• Like with Adaptil this needs to be started at least a week before the event.

Royal Canin calm diet

• This is a pre prepared dry diet made by Royal Canin available for cats and dogs.

• When a mother feeds her puppies or kittens the milk she produces contains certain proteins, some of these proteins are also found in the Calm diet. Therefore when the cat or dog eats it the protein reminds them of the time when they were far more relaxed encouraging a calming influence.

Thundershirts or calming vests

• As the name suggests these are vests/t-shirts for dogs and come in a variety of sizes. They wrap around the dog creating a similar feeling to that of a baby being swaddled.

• If you decide to use one of these vests however it is vital that the vest is put on the dog whilst he or she is calm. Putting the vest on when he or she is already worrying will not help and may cause the dog to associate the vest with fear.

What can I do to help my pet cope on the night?

• The best thing you can do is have a night at home in front of the TV with your pet. The TV will reduce the sound of the fireworks and if you are calm and relaxed your pet will be too. Close the curtains or blinds to limit the bright lights created by the fireworks.

• Behave as normally as you can, do not attempt to reassure your pet and ignore any strange behaviour however irritating it may be. This may seem illogical, but by attempting to reassure your pet or correct unwanted behaviour you are reinforcing the message that all is not well, so it’s time to panic!

• Ensure your pet is indoors for the night and exercise dogs before it gets dark. If you have pets which are housed outside and unable to be moved attempt to sound proof and darken their enclosure as much as possible. A good way to do this is by covering the enclosure in blankets or towels.

Anna Armistead of Anton Vets

Nigella Lawson’s Marshmallow Squares

Introduction

One of our favourite and most inspirational chefs goes back to basics with a treat that appeals to adults and kids in equal measure.

You’d think this was designed to keep the children happy, and while that’s okay with me, it is the adults who seem to find this baked treat particularly irresistible.

If I can find a tub of edible disco glitter in one of my cupboards, I sprinkle some on while the marshmallow is still sticky, but it has a certain pearly, luminescent appeal as it is.

It’s also beautiful cut into squares. Alternatively, you could turn this into more of a pickable pud, by cutting the slab into teeny-tiny squares so that people can pop one straight into their mouth.

Ingredients (makes 24 squares)

- 45g butter

- 300g mini marshmallows

- 180g rice krispies

- edible glitter or sprinkles (optional)

Method

1. Melt the butter in a large, heavy-based saucepan over a low heat.

2. Add the marshmallows and cook gently until they are completely melted and blended, stirring constantly.

3. Take the pan off the heat and immediately add the cereal, mixing lightly until well coated.

4. Press the mixture into a greased 32cmx23cm tin /13x9”

pan; you may have to put on vinyl CSI gloves and press it down into the corners, as it will be very sticky. Flatten the top and then scatter over the edible glitter or sprinkles, if so inclined.

5. Let the marshmallow crispy squares cool completely in the tin and then cut them into 24 squares.

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