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December

Edition of your local Test Valley Gazette Community Magazine!

DearResidents, It has been an unusual two years, that is for sure and here we are in December 2021. I have to admit that I have had some difficulty ‘gearing up’ to the festive season, but I think I have finally decided to let my hair down and enjoy some time with family and friends, which is after all what this holiday period is all about for many. Good company, good food, time to laugh and appreciate each other. Our loyal local trades and services certainly appreciate all your calls and bookings. Each and every one of them wants to wish you a Happy Holiday Season and thank you for all your support over this particularly challenging time. Without you, some of these companies would have struggled much more, so a big appreciation from all of them! In the new year we are looking to add more local clubs and societies again, so please let us know if you would like some promotion. We are here to help you. If you have a business that would benefit from our thousands of magazines which go out every month, please give me or call or send an email. I would love to help you. Stephen, myself, Julie, Mel, Tracey, Steph, Chris and Jannike wish you a really special Christmas. May you eat, drink and be merry. Very Best Wishes,

Debbie & Stephen with their son Hayden

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

IN THIS ISSUE... 6 8 10 12 14 20 24 28 30 34 36 40 42 44

Councillor’s Column Springing up across Test Valley Pub Quiz The 2022 All Saints Lectures Interview: Keanu Reeves Kevin McCloud Column Christmas Thank You Feature Monthly Walk Spot the Difference Puzzle Answers Next steps for Local Plan Pets: Santa Paws Recipe: Festive Biscuits Alan Titchmarsh Column

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Our magazines are printed in a factory that is FSC & ISO 14001 certiﬁed. Sustainable and environmentally friendly printing is part of our ethos. Using vegetable-based inks and recycling nearly 100% of our paper waste means you can be conﬁdent that this publication is not harming the planet.

Modern Magazines Ltd reserves the right to accept or reject any article or material supplied for publication or to edit material prior to publication. The opinions expressed or advice given in this publication are the views of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the publisher. Every care is taken when compiling this magazine, however we cannot accept liability for misprints or mistakes. Dates and information quoted are believed correct at the time of going to press, but are subject to change and no responsibility can be taken for loss, damage or omission of material due to error. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they have permission to use any artwork which they supply to us or request for us to reproduce. Unless prior consent of the publisher is given, no part of this publication is to be reproduced.

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Councillor’s Column This year has certainly been a better one than 2020, even though Covid hasn’t left our community - and probably never will. The good news though is that we are learning to live with it now that the successful vaccination programme has broken that link between infections, hospital admissions and deaths. At the time of writing, 11 people have died from Coronavirus in Test Valley since the beginning of March compared to 83 in the first two months of the year when the vaccine programme was in its infancy. I’m really proud of the work Test Valley has done this year providing the venues for vaccine clinics at The Lights Theatre & Chantry Centre in Andover and at Crosfield Hall in Romsey. It’s absolutely crucial that those eligible take up their booster jab to reduce the risk yet further – and my ongoing thanks go to the doctors, nurses, surgery staff and volunteers who are delivering this lifesaving service. As we look to the future, it’s also important we don’t forget the events of the pandemic and those who sadly lost their lives. To mark this moment in time, I was pleased to help the Mayor plant a tree in the Garden of Remembrance at St Mary’s Church in Andover recently. It’s one of a number of trees that have been planted across the Borough - with Test Valley making a tree available to every Parish - as a symbol of hope in their communities. This followed a poignant service in church attended by the families of those who lost loved ones. May they take strength from the new life people up and down the Borough have planted into the ground. 6

At Full Council last month, we considered our Medium Term Financial Strategy. A good opportunity to reflect on the £800k worth of reserves we’ve used in the last 18-months to help us through the cost of Covid. Meaning we could keep tax increases to £2.50 on an average Band D this year (broadly in line with inflation) rather than the assumed £5. Obviously, reserves can only be used once though, so it’s important we have a strong financial framework to deliver a balanced budget in this coming year. Talking of Budgets, I was pleased to see the Chancellor commit to another reduction in business rates for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. A great boost for the High Street as we move into 2022. On that note and at this time of year, I do hope you’ll join me in purchasing at least some of your Christmas shopping from the many small businesses that operate right across Test Valley. Small Business Saturday is on Saturday the 4th of December - and although it’s important we support our local enterprises all year round - at this time of year especially, I hope you can send some trade their way. Finally, I’d like to wish all readers a happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year..

Cllr. Phil North Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council

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Springing up across Test Valley! Urban meadows are springing up across the borough and look set to grow in numbers after a successful first year trialling the project by Test Valley Borough Council. In spring, a change to the frequency of mowing grass was made across seven hectares of green space to encourage the growth of wildflowers and plants. The aim of this change was to help to reduce the number of visits, reducing the amount of CO2 into the atmosphere, and begin to improve the spaces’ biodiversity value. The sites across the borough include spaces at Picket Twenty, Smannell Road and Beech Hurst Park in Andover, Whitenap Open Space and Abbotswood in Romsey and a number of areas around Valley Park and North Baddesley. Volunteer recorders from Romsey and District Society, The Anton River Conservation Association (TARCA) and a number of local naturalists have been monitoring the sites over the summer and recording what species have popped up. Now, the council is assessing the sites and looking to increase the area of urban meadows over the next two years with the aim to have a total of 18 hectares of urban meadow space across the borough. Climate emergency and 8

countryside portfolio holder, councillor Alison Johnston, said: “The work creating these urban meadows has really given a wilder more natural feel to some of our green space. I’m delighted to say that the communities benefitting from these meadows have been positive about this change in management, and we are working to increase the area of meadows over the next two years. “The benefits are clear to see from an aesthetic point of view, as well as our work on the climate emergency action plan. Reducing our mowing is a step to changing the way we manage our spaces with the climate and environment in mind. “We are keen to work with communities who have ideas on where mowing could be relaxed to improve biodiversity. Please send ideas for new sites to nomowinfo@ testvalley.gov.uk.”

Urban meadow at Picket Twenty

Live and Local at the Lights

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1. What is the opening line to 'Let it Snow'? 2. Which Christmas carol was originally written in Latin as 'Adeste Fideles'? 3. What type of pudding do the carolers sing about in 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas'? 4. Which carol includes the lyrics, 'Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis'? 5. How many types of birds are mentioned in the Twelve Day of Christmas song? 6. In the words of the famous carol 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing', to whom is glory proclaimed? 7. Which Christmas carol is commonly known by the title 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire'? 8. Which famous Xmas song sends 'tidings of comfort and joy'? 9. Which Christmas carol was composed by Rector Phillip Brooks following a pilgrimage to the Holy Land where he had felt mesmerized by the town in which Jesus was born?

11. Which famous Christmas carol was written as a poem by C. F. Alexander, the same inspirational poet credited with having composed the hymn 'All Things Bright and Beautiful'?

12. The famous song 'White Christmas' originally featured in which 1942 musical ﬁlm starring

Bing Crosby, Fred Astair and Virginia Dale? 13. Which Christmas carol includes the lyrics, 'They looked up and saw a star, Shining in the east beyond them far, And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night'? 14. Christina Rossetti wrote a poem that was to become the basis of which famous Christmas Carol? 15. What is the ﬁnal line of the famous 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer' song? 16. Which carol was originally composed by James Pierpoint in 1857 for Thanksgiving? 17. In the words of 'Away in a Manger', what was the Lord Jesus asleep on? 18. Which Christmas carol begins with the lyrics, 'Sleigh bells ring are you listening'? 19. What type of tree is mentioned in the Twelve Days of Christmas song? 20. Which Christmas carol includes the lyrics, 'From now on, our troubles will be out of sight'?

10. Which song repeats the catchy lyrics, 'pa rum pum pum pum'?

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The 2022 All Saints Lectures 31 January 2022

Blick Mead: The first permanent settlement in the Stonehenge Landscape by Dr David Jacques

Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world and recent archaeological investigations have revealed stunning details of the monuments that sprang up during the 4th and 3rd millennia BC. The discovery of a permanent settlement at Blick Mead about 2.5 km from Stonehenge with well preserved and substantial archaeological evidence, potentially transforms our understanding of what we know about the pre-Stonehenge landscape 12,000 years ago. David Jacques, Fellow of the Society of the Antiquaries, has led a dig exploring this site 1 mile from Stonehenge beside a spring called Blick Mead.

7 February 2022

A life of Service to Queen, comrades and country by Lt Gen Sir Freddie Viggers Lieutenant General Sir Freddie Viggers had a professional career in Germany, Northern Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina and was deployed as the most senior British Officer to Baghdad in 2003. His evidence at the Chilcott enquiry in 2009 was highly critical of the Government's strategic handling of the situation. Freddie was Adjutant General (20058) and often locked horns with the Ministry of Defence over resources to improve the lot of the Soldier and their families. Having retired in 2009, Freddie was appointed Black Rod. Freddie was forced to retire one year later after a life-changing stroke and his talk will draw out how his life’s lessons prepared him for both the anticipated and unanticipated events in his life.

14 February 2022

Re-shaping the future of UK Farming by Dr Alison Field Emerging post Brexit UK agricultural support aims to link objectives across the environment, the climate crisis, biodiversity, water quality and community wellbeing. How does the farming community adapt to the loss of European markets, changes in home food consumption and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, whilst at the same time playing his part in restoring the health of our soils, the wildlife and our countryside and local landscapes that we cherish? Alison, Facilitator to a farm Cluster Group of 40 farms on 15,000 hectares on Hampshire downs between Winchester Andover and Stockbridge, will draw out how such contradictory objectives are shaping word future farming could be like.

Buying your tickets – all funds raised will go to All Saints’ Roof Restoration Tickets are £12.00 each. Please book ONLINE if you can, by using the QR code or typing this link https://forms.office.com/r/QYYcksFvj3 into a browser. You will find details of all the Lectures along with payment instructions for bank transfer or payment by cheque. Tickets can also be purchased at the Clatford Village Store, Greenfields Farm Shop or Abbotts Anne Village Shop.

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Reimagining the Matrix Another excellent – if familiar – adventure on the way for Keanu Reeves. Keanu Reeves doesn’t subscribe to cancel culture, and besides, there aren’t too many sins to account for! In fact, if skirting back over past behaviour is a determination of popularity in the years to come, then the 56-year-old Beirutborn star has stored up enough credits to last well beyond retirement. From queuing in the rain outside his own party because he didn’t want to make a fuss to bouncers, to redistributing his movie fees around support staff and special effects workers, through to acts of random kindness to strangers, such as giving up his seat on the New York subway. Add in charitable donations thought to exceed $100m, and the star clearly goes well beyond what is expected of him. “I don’t do things for any other reason than they feel right,” he says. “And that makes me no different to 99% of people out there – good people who give up their time

or their energy for something that doesn’t directly beneﬁt them.” While his behaviour onset is no less community spirited, it’s accurate to say the actor’s feelgood vibes haven’t directly translated into big hits in the past couple of years – his most recent movie being the semi-successful reprisal of Ted ‘Theodore’ Logan in the Bill & Ted franchise last year, and John Wick in 2019. “I think I’ve really taken a new view to it all in the past decade,” he says. “I don’t subscribe to the fanfare and the glamour. You’ve seen the way I live – I like basic things, I love motorbikes; I’d rather be out on a gravelly road getting mud on my boots than sat in the back of a limo. That’s just then person I am now. “Of course, I respect in others a desire to go after the bright lights, but I’d rather have a conscience that is more about people and worthwhile experiences, so I guess that leads me to do a lot of the things that I do. I’m not

doing it for any other reason than I want to.” For all the Speed, 47 Ronin and The Day the Earth Stood Still actor’s protestations, he might well be advised to prepare for a bit more press intrusion very soon with an expected triumphant return to form as the character of cybercriminal-turned apparent superhero Neo in the fourth instalment of The Matrix series of ﬁlms. “I am absolutely happy - I always feel I have to be totally committed to doing a role justice, particularly on a sequel, as you run the risk of sullying everything that went before it unless you get it right.” There seems little danger of that…

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Thousands awarded to boost energy efficiency A successful bid from Test Valley Borough Council has seen the authority awarded just over £30,000 to provide information, advice and assistance to private landlords who rent out properties in the borough which fall below the legal requirements in terms of their energy efficiency rating. Earlier this year, the borough council put in a bid to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for funding to train staff as domestic energy assessors. Now, the authority has been awarded just over £30,000, which means certain housing officers will be able to advise landlords on property improvements to make their building more efficient in saving energy. The training will also help to upskill council staff on enforcement action when it’s required. The Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations set a minimum energy efficiency level for domestic private rented properties. Since 1 April 2020, landlords can no longer let or

continue to let properties covered by the MEES Regulations if they have an EPC rating below E, unless they have a valid exemption in place. It is estimated that there are around 400 properties in Test Valley rated between F and G for energy efficiency, and it will be the landlords of those properties who will be approached and offered advice and assistance. The funding will also go towards an additional technology and database resource, which will enable property details to be automatically updated with energy efficiency standards. The system will also provide landlord guidance, letters and enforcement notices for the team to use. Housing and environmental health portfolio holder, councillor Tracey Tasker, said: “For us to be awarded this funding from central government is fantastic and will really help bridge the gap in the efficiency of our properties in Test Valley to ensure everyone is getting value for money in heating their homes, all while protecting the environment.”

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A Design for Life… The Kevin McCloud Column Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the affable architectural business owner discusses the beneﬁts of mixing formal and contemporary, to great effect. Where two or more interior design styles meet, it can be for a number of reasons. Sometimes it’s down to ‘making do’ on a budget – there was perhaps never a more popular time for such contrasts of ideas, side by side, than after the Second World War. That necessity to get the country back on its feet in any way possible meant, in design terms, a whole new set of rules were laid down, where the beauty of aesthetics or the complementing of materials and fabrics could, frankly, wait for another day. It was more important to get our spaces back in a liveable condition. On other occasions where very polarised looks are worked in together, it can be because the person with the brief wants

to create something unique, or shock people, or just rip up the rulebook to do something different. In more recent times, I’ve noted that same acceptance to mix things up when it comes to sustainability. Where the environment and eco matters are concerned, there is an understanding that not everything is perfect; not everything needs to, or even should, ﬁt together with precision.

On Grand Designs, we have had both ends of the spectrum - people who are seeking to thatch their roofs, then others looking at solar panels. So when people ask me if there are going to be more futuristic looking buildings in the future, or if the traditional will stay in fashion, for me I think straight away about a whole band of architects who are there trying to evolve a style of architecture that does both. And when you drop in the word sustainability, I think there’s much more leeway, much more margin to perhaps do things that don’t ﬁt as well as we might want them to in the sense of everything matching up to the last piece of fabric.

Mostly, sustainability for me means people are looking both forward, in the sense of caring for and planning for the future, of course. Yet at the same time they are upholding traditional aims, often using an existing template. And that could be anything from the footprint of the house to the setting it is in.

It’s okay to incorporate natural materials with contemporary. It’s okay to mix gothic with country kitchen if what is represented is personal taste and style. And where sustainability is concerned, perhaps we should even be encouraging this new brand of diversity.

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QUIRKY FACTS by Mica Bale As the nights have drawn in and autumn is on the cusp of being retired in favour of the winter weather, what could be better than enjoying a delve into Hampshire’s quirky facts from the comfort of your own armchair? From an interesting zoological connection to Queen Victoria herself, here’s another handful of quirky facts!

Although the notion of English sparkling wines is hardly a new one, Cottonworth Vineyard has been established since 2005, with origins on the farm dating back several generations of the Liddell family. Alongside Cottonworth Vineyard is Hattingley Valley, another well-respected English wine producer. Historically France has always had the upper hand as regards to wine production however in recent years, English wines, especially those grown in Hampshire, are not only being recognised for their taste but are also making waves to the point of being not only renowned but respected.

Originally commissioned by King Charles II Lainston House became the scene of a society scandal years later when sweethearts Elizabeth Chudleigh, a court favourite and Navy commander Augustus Hervey were married at this regal palace. Neither bride nor groom could afford to allow their secret marriage to be revealed for fear of losing PHOTO: MANGOPEAR their positions. The marriage was not a success however due to the nature of its secrecy, there seemed little point in an official annulment until such time came that Elizabeth wanted to remarry, thus bringing a charge of bigamy against herself and throwing Lainston House into scandal. Today the palace is a five star hotel and hosts many weddings, thankfully none bringing such scandal as in the past!

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Did you know that it was 170 years since Osbourne House was completed for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert? The Isle Of Wight royal retreat has often been remembered as the place that both Queen Victoria and her husband could enjoy away from prying eyes and was largely designed by Prince Albert himself. The house took several years to complete and yet the husband and wife were only to enjoy the house for a relatively short time together owing to Albert’s death just ten years later.

Have you heard of Dr. Philip Sclater, the Hampshire born lawyer and zoologist? The secretary of the Zoological Society of London for more than 40 years, his work as a progressive ornithologist saw him greatly hailed and respected in his profession and even today, his legacy has seen several species named after him as well as his initial identiﬁcation of zoogeographic zones still being in use today!

ENJOY THIS FEATURE IN EVERY ISSUE!

ENJOY THIS FEATURE IN EVERY ISSUE! Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

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12 Days of Christmas Wordsearch Words to ﬁnd: PARTRIDGE DOVES HENS BIRDS RINGS GEESE SWANS MAIDS LADIES LORDS PIPERS DRUMMERS Can you sing the full song? Here are some hints

10 11 12

FIND THE ANSWERS ON PAGE 34 26

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Input Joinery - Portrait ad 2015 - outlined.indd 1

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04/11/2015 09:18

A clover leaf style of walk AROUND THE FRINGE OF TEST VALLEY This walk conjures up a great variety of terrain and covers woodlands and reserves in a remarkable area. At around 4. 5 miles this outing should take the regular walker about 90 minutes, but add more for halts at photo calls. There are 9 road crossings involved so care should be taken at these points. The meeting point is at The Hilt, Hiltingbury Recreation Ground, Hiltingbury Road, Chandlers Ford, SO53 5NP

1 where there is ample, free parking, servicing a variety of sporting venues at the ground (tennis, football, leisure centre and community centre).

By carefully crossing here we adopt the path that is directly behind the fence and weave gently downhill between a myriad of gardens to halt at North Millers Dale in around 600 metres. We actually cross this road and veer left to then enter Flexford Meadows after 100 metres. The path here can be wet and muddy, being part of the stream’s ﬂood plain; however we venture along for only 200 metres when we take the right hand wooden bridge that crosses part of Monks Brook and once again follow this path beside the brook and soon move away, heading through a gate then over a wooden bridge to ultimately re-emerge along North Millers Dale. A careful crossing here will take us into a path through more woods and ultimately veers left to halt at Flexford Road with another careful crossing into a gravel road.

On leaving the car we need to aim towards the perimeter path away from the entrance and turn right threading our way around the playing ﬁelds. Once at the T junction we take the right turn underneath the trees for 300 metres up to Hiltingbury Road. From there it is left along the footpath up to the main Hursley Road traﬃc lights. 28

3 This gravel track threads between houses, crosses a local road, and resumes it’s journey as far as Hook Crescent. We keep to the left down

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the Crescent until it takes a sharp right hand turn, which is the point where we aim directly forward into a nicely hidden footpath.

4 By following this narrow path for 300 metres we ﬁnally arrive at Hook Road and another careful crossover. Our next path enters Hook Woods and is about 100 metres across the road on the left and provides a steady climb amongst damp mud and shingle for some 400 metres until it levels out and we pass a wood stock compound on the right. Obviously stacked to season for future use. Shortly after this the gravel road meets a gate at which point we once again turn right into the woods to zig zag between the trees, over another crossing of Monks Brook (more a bog), before a steady climb and then coming back out beside Hook Road. This should mean we are now facing the crossroads into Hocombe Road, which is our next destination and the penultimate road crossing and a very busy junction so do take care. Keeping to the footpath we pass number 131 Hocombe Road and select the next delights of Hocombe Mead Nature Reserve on the right hand side.

We now descend into a truly boggy zone, cross a stream then turn left using the raised duckboards wherever possible up to a wide gate, pass through this and work round left, passing another entrance to the Reserve, then following right and uphill. Once on top of the hill we drop down again taking care across the slippery steps, aiming towards the bog and a section of further duckboards. Before that section do pause to view carvings in a tree trunk on the right,

6 then continue long the path that will eventually curtail at Hiltingbury Recreation Ground. We are now faced with just one more road crossing, then a trip around the playing ﬁelds in the reverse direction from much earlier – and retrieving the car. The nearest coﬀee house or refreshment lie a short distance along the main road heading towards Chandlers Ford, within a parade of shops. WRITTEN BY MALCOLM PRICE

the Crescent until it takes a sharp right hand turn, which is the point where we aim directly forward into a nicely hidden footpath.

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Spot the Difference Can you find all 7 differences?

Find the answers on Page 34 30

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Property Fraud : Protect yourself with property alerts A fraudster can pretend to be anyone involved in a property transaction such as the owner, buyer, borrower, lender or conveyancer. Property fraud can be very attractive to fraudsters if they successfully persuade a buyer, their conveyancer or a lender into believing they are the true owner. They can then sell or mortgage the property to get cash from either the purchase monies or the mortgage advance. This often involves the impersonation of the registered owner and we highlight below who might be most at risk and what properties are seen as desirable targets. Owners at greater risk are: • unregistered owners • absent owners (eg. abroad, in hospital, in care homes) • landlords • beneficiaries of owners who have died • long-time owners with more equity in their property • sole owners Properties at most risk are: • high value properties • empty properties • properties without a mortgage • tenanted properties The Land Registry are encouraging people to set up a property alert in order to warn them if someone attempts to alter key details of their property online. • Scammers attempt to transfer your property into their name using false documents, or stolen identities, in some cases, even whilst you are living there. • The scammers then raise mortgages against, or sell, your property without you knowing.

• Victims can find that they have to leave their home as there is nothing that can be done to get the property back. • Victims are left with having to claim compensation from the Land Registry to replace their home. Whilst the Land Registry have been able to stop some cases where fraudulent documents have been submitted, not all cases are stopped, so it is important to help protect yourself against property theft. To protect yourself against the risk of property fraud, you should consider the following: • Register your property on the Land Registry if it is not already registered. • Sign up for the free Land Registry Property Alert service. You can get alerts for up to 10 properties, meaning you can help protect vulnerable family or friends as well as yourself. • Put a restriction on your title: this will stop the Land Registry registering any sale or mortgage on your property unless a conveyancer or solicitor certifies that the application was made by you. This simple process can help avoid you or someone you know being victim of property fraud. Tell your friends, family, neighbours, and clients. If you would like further information regarding property alerts, please contact us. Bells are a specialist Wills, Probate, Residential and Commercial Conveyancing Practice. The office is open five days a week Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm (prearranged appointments only). Our professional service is right on your doorstep.

Tel: 01794 513328 E: bells@bells-romsey-solicitors.co.uk

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Property, Wills, Trusts & Probate? Call us today

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A ﬂavour of Christmas - Concert Preview 16 Dec 2021

Performing for the WEOS Christmas concert on Thursday 16 December is Steve Hubble from Broadmayne in Dorset, making his ﬁfth appearance for the Club. Originally from Birmingham, Steve is particularly noted for his musical arrangements and orchestral style of playing and

has performed many times on radio, including BBC Radio 2 and Radio WM. He is constantly in pursuit of top quality sounds, having worked with many of the leading instruments of the day, and was one of the ﬁrst artistes to use multi-keyboard set-ups. The concert commences at 7.30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) and tickets are available on the door at £6.00. Further information about the Club can be obtained by phoning (01264) 323213 or by visiting www.weyhill-eos.co.uk

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www.dorsetandwight.co.uk

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Answers Page PUB CHRISTMAS QUIZ 1) Oh the weather outside is frightful, 2) O Come, All Ye Faithful, 3) Figgy pudding, 4) Ding Dong Merrily on High, 5) Six types of birds: Partridge, Turtle Doves, French Hens, Calling Birds, Geese, and Swans 6) Newborn King, 7) The Christmas Song, 8) God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 9) O Little Town of Bethlehem, 10) Little Drummer Boy 11) Once in Royal David's City, 12) Holiday Inn, 13) The First Noel, 14) In the Bleak Midwinter, 15) You'll go down in history, 16) Jingle Bells 17) Hay, 18) Winter Wonderland, 19) Pear tree 20) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

2 4 3 5 9 7 1 6 8

5 7 6 8 2 1 4 3 9

1 8 9 6 4 3 5 2 7

4 9 8 2 1 5 3 7 6

3 1 5 9 7 6 8 4 2

6 2 7 3 8 4 9 1 5

9 6 2 4 3 8 7 5 1

7 5 4 1 6 9 2 8 3

8 3 1 7 5 2 6 9 4

9 7 2 6 5 3 8 1 4

8 3 4 1 2 9 6 5 7

6 1 5 8 4 7 3 9 2

4 5 8 9 1 6 2 7 3

3 9 1 2 7 4 5 6 8

2 6 7 3 8 5 9 4 1

5 8 3 7 9 1 4 2 6

1 4 6 5 3 2 7 8 9

7 2 9 4 6 8 1 3 5

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Plans in place for next steps in Local Plan The timeline for putting together one of the borough’s most important planning documents has been agreed as Test Valley Borough Council gears up for public consultation early next year. The Local Plan sets out the policies and guidelines for planning up and down the borough, and helps to look after the environment while making provision for the facilities and services that the community needs. Now, the next step in putting this plan together has been agreed, with a timeline now in place for the council to follow, and to consult with the public. An updated Local Development Scheme has been approved by the authority’s cabinet which outlines the timeline, with this next stage being undertaken in two stages. Early next year, the public will be asked to have their say on the Local Plan’s vision and objectives, housing and economic needs and how it supports our town centres, delivering masterplans for both Andover and Romsey. Other areas for consideration include the overall scale and broad strategy for the distribution of growth and the delivery of sustainability and design. Then, later in 2022, a consultation will be launched with the public on the full draft plan 36

which will have taken into account the first stage’s responses. Settlement boundaries and site allocations for housing and commercial development will also be open for discussion during this phase. Deputy leader, councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “I know that planning and its policies can be a complex system and often the first interaction around planning policy that residents can have is when they hear of an application. “We would love residents to get involved now, and tell us their opinions about all things to do with how we should shape our communities going forward. I made a commitment that our Local Plan consultation would be as accessible and wide ranging as possible, a two-stage approach means we can lead on evidence, while ensuring the public’s view is incorporated at every turn.”

What do all the numbers mean in a glasses Prescription When you have an eyesight test you will be given a copy of the prescription. This is the lens correction that your eyes need to see clearly. It is usually presented in the form of a table filled with positive and negative values.

Sph (Sphere) The sphere power is measured in Dioptres. It shows how strong the correction needs to be. A ‘-‘ (minus) symbol alongside the number indicates shortsightedness (difficulty focussing on distant objects) whereas a ‘+’ (positive) symbol indicates longsightedness (difficulty focussing on close objects) Other symbols that can be found in this section are the infinity symbol (which looks like a sideways eight) or the word Plano (or Pl), which are the equivalent of ‘zero’ and are used when no sight correction is required. Cyl (Cylinder) This shows how much astigmatism you have and the number can be negative or positive. Astigmatism is when the front part of your eye is shaped more like a rugby ball than a sphere or football. If you don’t have an astigmatism, there will be no figures written in the cylinder and axis boxes. Axis The axis measured in degrees from 1-180, indicates the direction of the astigmatism and tells the lens maker where to place the astigmatic correction on the lens. Prism This shows if you have a muscle imbalance in your eyes. If the eye muscles are not strong enough to move the eyeball into the desired position, the prism is

incorporated to bend the light entering the eye, so that each eye forms an image in the same place on the retina, therefore avoiding double vision. It’s less common to see this box filled in as it’s fairly rare. The prism is usually written in fractions (for example 1 ½). Base This shows the direction of the prism in your lens, for example IN, OUT, UP or DOWN. This is fairly uncommon so the boxes are normally empty. Add This is an additional prescription adding magnification in the form of a plus power to overcome age related loss of near focus. (Presbyopia) It is usually shown as +2.00 for example and is added to the Sphere power of the lens allowing clear focus on near objects such as phones or reading matter. Intermediate (Inter) Some prescriptions show an intermediate value. This is the also an additional magnification that is added to the Sphere power to allow clear focus of objects at middle distance such as computer screens etc.

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POETRY PAGE

A visit from St. Nicholas 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!" As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the housetop the coursers they flew With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too— And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The

prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack. His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight— “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” Source: The Random House Book of Poetry for Children (Random House Inc., 1983)

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Santa Paws is coming to town Christmas is almost upon us, time to get excited about trees, decorations, presents and food. Let’s not forget though to make Christmas a fun time for our pets as well. It seems that many of us are already planning on doing this according to an RSPCA survey: • 91% of people were planning on buying presents for their pets. • 26% of pets could expect to have their own advent calendars. • 55% would wake up on Christmas morning to their very own Christmas stocking. • 15% of owners will make a Christmas card for their pet • 26% will have their own special Christmas dinner cooked for them. • 18% of people admitted to spending more on their pets at Christmas than on their Mother-in –law! With an estimated 300 million pounds expected to be spent in the U.K on festive presents for pets, what would make a good gift? There are plenty of innovative and fun toys available for pets these days, many of which provide mental stimulation as well as exercise. Climbing frames for cats with hiding spaces and scratching posts included are great, especially for cats that are mainly indoors. These can help provide activities to reduce stress and increase

by John Chitty BVetMed of Anton Vets

exercise. There are also puzzle toys for both dogs and cats, in which they have to figure out a series of actions to release a food reward. You may want to buy a ball or soft toy for your pet, just remember to chose one that is of an appropriate size and material. Balls which are too small present a choking hazard, and if your dog is a chewer then softer toys may not last too long with the risk of squeakers or stuffing being swallowed as the toy is chewed up. You don’t have to spend a fortune on toys either, you can easily make fun toys from empty kitchen rolls or toilet roll tubes. For cats you can cut holes in them big enough to put a paw through and hide treats inside then stuff the ends with paper. They can then try and get the treats out. For dogs just stuff the rolls with treats then fill the ends with paper to pull out. You can even decorate the cardboard rolls with a Christmas theme! As well as the presents a huge part of getting into the Christmas spirit involves eating festive foods. Unfortunately many of the treats we like to enjoy ourselves are toxic to our pets, especially those containing chocolate or dried fruits such as raisins or sultanas. But there is no need for them to miss out, there are plenty of recipes for homemade biscuits and other treats for our furry friends. If your pet has a dietary intolerance though, be sure to check the ingredients first. Have a Merry Christmas!

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Covering a comprehensive range of construction

Spiced Festive Biscuits Introduction

Rustle up a little festive cheer with these delectable and delicately spiced biscuits, ideal for hanging on your tree or just for brightening up your tea break.

Ingredients

For the biscuits

350g plain ﬂour – plus extra for rolling 200g butter 175g dark brown sugar 1tbsp golden syrup 1tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 large egg ½tsp ground cinnamon ½tsp ground nutmeg ½tsp ground ginger For the decoration 100g white chocolate (melted) OR 100g icing sugar Sprinkles or silver baubles

Top Tips • Turn your biscuits into tree decorations by making a hole into each one before baking, using a skewer then thread through ribbon once cooled. • This dough can be made ahead by placing in the freezer after having been wrapped in cling ﬁlm to chill. Simply defrost and roll out to bake. • Pre-made icing or chocolate that is ready-to-melt in a tube is a great option for those who feel less conﬁdent using a piping bag.

Method

Top Tip

Decorated biscuits will last several days on a tree or up to a week in an airtight container.

1. Gently warm the butter, sugar and golden syrup over a low heat until it has melted. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl making a well in the centre to pour the wet ingredients into. Mix until a workable dough forms. Once cooled, wrap the dough in cling ﬁlm and place in the fridge for at least one hour to chill. 2. Preheat the oven to 190°C, fan 170°C, gas mark 5 and line two baking sheets with baking paper. Meanwhile, roll out the biscuit dough onto a lightly ﬂoured surface to around ½cm thick and cut out your biscuits using festive shapes of choice.

Reroll leftover dough and cut until you have none left. Bake for 10-12 minutes until a golden brown. 3. Once cooled, preferably on wire racks, place either melted chocolate or icing sugar – that has been mixed with water to form a thick paste – into a piping bag and use to decorate the biscuits, adding baubles and other decorations while the icing is still wet. Let dry completely before hanging.

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General Knowledge Crossword #010 1

9 11

25 28

35 36

Across Clues: 2. Gruesome (7) 6. Pain (4) 8. All (4) 9. Flat plastic, narrow pointed teeth (4) 10. Appendage (4) 11. Pair (3) 13. To and (3) 16. Meals served (7) 19. Circular guitar (5) 20. Shoal (5) 21. Fool (5) 23. Beneﬁt (5) 25. Substance like glass, heated, plural (7) 28. Including (3) 30. Ocean (3) 32. Skin condition (4) 33. Formal promise (4) 34. Leaves used for cooking (4) 35. Ivy league college (4) 36. Insanity (7)

Down Clues: 1. Harshness (4) 3. Small quarters, shop (5) 4. Swim (5) 5. Reverberation (4) 7. Environment (3) 8. Fairy (3) 12. Large noodles, wheat ﬂour (4) 14. Competition (4) 15. To rear (7) 16. Laugh, very pleased (7) 17. Arctic toothed whales (7) 18. Excuse (7) 22. Important symbol (4) 24. Bottom (4) 26. Change, improve (5) 27. Disintegrate (5) 28. Culmination (4) 29. Apply (3) 30. Timid (3) 31. Capable (4)

Answers: Across: 2. Macabre, 6. Ache, 8. Each, 9. Comb, 10. Tail, 11. Duo, 13. Fro, 16. Canteen, 19. Banjo, 20. Reefs, 21. Idiot, 23. Avail, 25. Enamels, 28. And, 30. Sea, 32. Acne, 33. Oath, 34. Herb, 35. Yale, 36. Madness. Down: 1. Acid, 3. Cabin, 4. Bathe, 5. Echo, 7. Eco, 8. Elf, 12. Udon, 14. Race, 15. Upbring, 16. Chortle, 17. Narwals, 18. Absolve, 22. Icon, 24. Arse, 26. Amend, 27. Erode, 28. Apex, 29. Dab, 30. Shy, 31. Able.

Greenfingers… the Alan Titchmarsh column He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about making time for your garden to serve you as a place of creativity and contemplation. It was pointed out to me a few years ago that a lot of my novels contain a sort of yearning for something. That led me to think, maybe I’ve

got a deep in-built craving or hankering. Maybe we all have, and in life we’re all looking for something… something more. I think the lucky ones are those who ﬁnd it and know when they have found it. So where am I going with this? Well, I do sometimes feel a lot of those wants and desires can be arrested by going to a place that gives you quiet contemplation. It was John Lennon who said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy

making other plans”. Well stop being busy, stop making other plans, and for goodness’ sake get out in that garden of yours and enjoy it! You see, a real problem for a number of gardeners is the fact we spend hours, days, weeks and months tending to that glorious bit of land. We shovel, trim, cut, prune and pick until our hands are blistered and our knees are sore, yet omit to actually take a step back, or pull up a chair, or just sit on the blessed grass and soak it all in. Satisfaction in your garden sometimes comes in not gardening; it’s in the ability to stop! So as we get ready for when winter morphs wonderfully into spring, perhaps try to do less, not more.

is all those blemishes and ﬂaws that make nature what it is beautiful. I’ve got two gardens of my own and I’m very proud of them one in Hampshire, and a small coastal plot on the Isle of Wight. They are my achievements, my own little bit of land… but they’re only relevant and special if I remember to spend time in them, enjoying them, and sometimes, you know, doing nothing much at all!

I know that can be easier said than done; there are always jobs to do, and there will be those of us who cannot sit still in the garden - we ﬁnd it difﬁcult to stop, to accept a space how it is, always spotting imperfections here and there. In truth, it

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Advertisers Index

Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Gazette... Appliance Repairs

Garage Doors

Pet Services

Blinds, Curtains & Shutters

Garage Services Plumbers ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Winchester Blinds & Shutters 19 ................................................................................................................................................................... Premier Car Care 39 ............................................................................................. DJ Harris 39 ................................................................................................................................................................... ReversePark 35 ............................................................................................. Humphrey & Crockett 48 ................................................................................................................................................................... Scratched Cars 41 ............................................................................................. NO.1 PHD 2 Builders ................................................................................................................................................................... Trickett Welding 35 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... JS Building Services 18 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Paul Jones & Co 45 Roofing Services ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... SB Renovations 15 Garden Services ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Willmont Building Services 25,39 ............................................................................................. Right Roof 21 ................................................................................................................................................................... Andover Patio Centre 25,35 ............................................................................................. Work Smart Roofing 1,3 ................................................................................................................................................................... ATH Machinery 11 ................................................................................................................................................................... Hampshire Rural Management Ltd 45 Cameras ................................................................................................................................................................... Romsey Stump Grinding & 18 Serviced Offices ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Rocky Rock Cameras 39 Landscaping ............................................................................................. The Commercial Centre 25 ................................................................................................................................................................... Sunset Developments 21 ................................................................................................................................................................... The Handyman & Garden Co Ltd 45 Carpenters

Solicitors Input Joinery ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Pillbrook Joinery 17 ............................................................................................. Bells Solicitors 31 Gyms & Exercise Groups

................................................................................................................................................................... Golden Gecko Climbing 19

Chimney Sweeps

Taxi Services

................................................................................................................................................................... Winchester Hearing Centre 17

Computer Services

Translation Services

Lockerley Stone ................................................................................................................................................................... 41 ................................................................................................................................................................... M.J.Sly Monumental Sculptor 45

Drainage Services

Will Writing Services

Mobility Products & Services Electricians

................................................................................................................................................................... A to B Mobility 7 Windows, Doors &

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................................................................................................................................................................... Ringlands Optics 37

................................................................................................................................................................... DF Mobility 25 Peak Electrics ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 45 Conservatories ................................................................................................................................................................... Inspire Mobility 39 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... RG Electrix 7 ............................................................................................. Alpha Glazing Ltd 13 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Romsey Electrical Services 41 ............................................................................................. G S Windows Ltd 5 ............................................................................................. KJM 1 ............................................................................................. Outlook Window Systems Ltd 47 Opticians

Funeral Directors

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