Test Valley Gazette - January 2023

Dear Residents,

A Very Happy New Year to you! 2023 here we are. We cannot say that the last three years have been uneventful, that is for sure. Here at Modern Magazines with your local Gazette, we sincerely intend this year to be successful for all of us, despite anything the news may try and tell us. I hope you have made some good New Years’ resolutions and that you feel you can create and have some fun. Our local trades and businesses inside really want you to call them. Please use their services for the help you need in the home, for the car, your business or even for yourself. Do tell them that you have seen them here, as this makes all the difference. I just love to hear you found their details in “My Gazette”. The index at the back is a quick guide to find who you are looking for. There are local groups and societies that also wish to hear from you, so please give them a call too and join in with their activities. There is nothing better than getting together with like-minded people. It is very uplifting and may be the ‘therapy’ we all need to watch less TV. If you know of a club that needs more support, let them know of us. We can help spread the word. In a number of recent editions we have carried a column that was associated with Martin Lewis. We have since found out that although they were taken from interview answers that he had given, it was in fact not written by Martin Lewis himself. For the most up to date guidance and personal finance information, visit MoneySaving Expert.com. Stephen, myself (Debbie), Mel, Julie, Steph, Tracey, Pippa, Beth and Jaidan, our new graphic designer, all wish you a fantastic 2023! May you expand in all areas of your life and laugh a lot. Best wishes, Debbie, Stephen & the Gang!

Andover swim club awarded

£1000 council grant to make a splash with new equipment

The Andover Swimming and Water Polo Club successfully applied for a Councillor Community Grant for the Winton ward of £1,000 to purchase new equipment to support the development and growth of the club.

The club supports a small but dedicated group of children and young adults who compete in swimming and water polo. After Covid restrictions were lifted the club has been trying to build numbers to help them to compete with other larger swimming clubs in around the South of England. The grant will enable them to purchase new goggles and fins for those children that cannot always afford to have these key items of equipment to help them grow and develop their swim technique.

To store kit safely they are purchasing a lockable wire cage. When the old pool was knocked down, they had to get rid of the old podium and want to purchase a new one, so that they can celebrate the children’s successes at local time

trials and galas.

Speaking of his support for the club Councillor Rowles said: “I am pleased we can offer the grant to help the club to purchase the new equipment required to further develop and grow our local swimming opportunities for young people.”

The grant will also help towards purchasing new stop watches, counters, and clipboards for the volunteers, who had been supplying their own. The new kit will enable the club to have a professional presence at events and training.

Councillor Rebecca Meyer said:

“The Andover Swimming and Water Polo Club is a great asset to Andover in supporting and developing young people’s swimming. I am delighted to offer this grant to help develop the club further.”

The Test Valley Borough Councillors Community Grant Scheme aims to support local people to establish their own priorities and deliver local solutions to local issues. It also aims to encourage community led initiatives, supported by Borough Councillors who can play an active part in helping their communities deliver their ambitions.

For more information about the council’s grant schemes, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk

Ganger Farm Sports Park officially opens its doors

The brand new Ganger Farm Sports Park officially opened its doors on Saturday 19 November, with a little help from 369 Parkrun participants and others making use of the new sports facilities.

Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Alan Dowden, was joined by local councillors for a ribbon cutting ceremony, which had been delayed due to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September. And to mark the day, the local Parkrun team, which had been unable to meet since lockdown forced the closure of its previous route, launched a brand new 5k course at the site.

Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Alan Dowden, said:

“It was an absolute pleasure to officially open this new facility, which will no doubt be well used by sports clubs and residents for years to come.”

Community and leisure portfolio holder, councillor David Drew, added:

“Though the sports park technically opened its doors a few weeks ago, we were keen to mark the completion of the site with an official ribbon cutting ceremony, and tying this in with the first Ganger Farm Parkrun event felt like the perfect opportunity. “This is such a fantastic facility and it is already proving to be popular, so we hope that it will continue to go from strength to strength and become a treasured local asset.”

The sports park includes adult and junior football pitches, as well as rugby and hockey pitches.

Mayor of Test Valley, councillors and council staff gather to mark the opening of Ganger Farm Sports Park

The pavilion houses an exercise studio, community room, changing rooms and showers, café facilities and balconies overlooking the pitches.It is host to regular fixtures, training, the new weekly Parkrun and other indoor and outdoor clubs.

Pegg in Paradise

Not long ago, Simon Pegg was co-writing low-budget British comedy. Now he’s tasked with preserving the legacy of not one, not two, but three of cinema’s most beloved sci-fi franchises.

It’s a sizeable distance from the suburbs of North London to the final frontier of space, but Simon Pegg has made the journey without breaking sweat.

In 1999, Pegg first made his way into the British public’s consciousness as slacker Tim Bisley in Spaced, the sitcom he both starred in and cowrote. The show not only set a precedent for much of Pegg’s early career, it also helped him catch the eye of Hollywood’s elite movers and shakers. In 2006, just five short years after wrapping up the low-budget British hit, and at a time when the writer feared he may have to pen a third series, Pegg was approached by one of Los Angeles’ leading directors, J.J. Abrams.

With Abrams in the director’s chair, Mission: Impossible III saw Pegg appear alongside cinema royalty in the form of Tom Cruise as the nerdy Benjamin ‘Benji’ Dunn.

“When J.J. Abrams asks you to be in one of his movies, you don’t think, ‘Will this pigeonhole my range’ – you say, ‘When do you need me?’” the 52-yearold laughs.

Pegg and Abrams teamed up again as part of Star Trek, the cinematic re-boot of the much-loved sci-fi story. Add in his cameo as Unkar Plutt in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and this largely unassuming creative comedian has strolled almost effortlessly into the A-list franchise elite.

“Being handed the keys to these universes has been such a privilege and an honour. They are daunting prospects and I’ve always appreciated the importance of doing them justice.

“You have to tread a fine line between the two different types of

people who watch franchise movies – on one hand you have the super fan, and on the other, the newbie who knows nothing about this world,” he explains. “You want to appeal to someone who says, ‘what’s this Mission: Impossible business?’, and then goes back and discovers 20 years’ worth.”

“Yet at the same time you don’t want to alienate old fans and move too far away from the core model,” he continues.

With two new Mission: Impossible movies in motion –Dead Reckoning Pts 1&2, for release in 2023 and 2024, the size of the task doesn’t get any smaller.

“I feel like I’ve had a really nice run of smaller films before all this – with Hector, Man Up, Absolutely Anything and others. I’ve had a run of blockbusters, then balanced back into movies such as Lost Translations, Inheritance and others. It’s a nice mix. It’s keeping me away from having to write another series of Spaced!”

Councillor’s

Column

Happy New Year!

Regular readers will already be aware of Test Valley’s Cost of Living Grant scheme, which I mentioned in my December column. At the time of writing, there have been 17 awards, distributing over £22k of funding to local groups including the foodbank, Citizens Advice, schools and other charities working with those who need it. I’m keen to support even more organisations though, so if you know a not-for-profit group that would be interested, please encourage them to get in touch. More information at www. testvalley.gov.uk/costoflivinggrantscheme.

Test Valley have also teamed up with Unity and the local Citizens Advice Bureau to redistribute Winter Fuel Payments. In short, we are mirroring a scheme that has been successful elsewhere whereby those who receive a Winter Fuel Payment but don’t necessarily need it, are able to donate it locally to support those most in need. I have also arranged for Test Valley to match fund donations, initially up to £5k.

All residents who are over the age of 66 before September 25, get an annual payment from the government of between £250 and £600, depending on their age and living situation. This year there’s an extra £300 for all households. Anyone wishing to donate some of their Winter Fuel Payment is asked to contact Unity at 03304 004 116 or visit their website www.unityonline. org.uk.

Anyone in need of additional financial support is also being urged to contact Citizens Advice as soon as possible at 0808 178 6882 or go to their website www.testvalleycab.org.uk.

I must stress that we are not asking people to donate any money if there is any doubt

whatsoever about whether they need it. We don’t want people to cause themselves financial difficulties while trying to support others.

Finally, I was pleased to join the Mayor of Test Valley, representatives from the Upper Clatford Parish Council & Andover Trees United as we planted the first oak in a new wood we are creating at Bury Hill. Before Christmas, hundreds of school children from in and around Andover helped plant over 1,000 trees at the site. The Borough Council purchased the land last year, using money secured from developer contributions to help improve access to the countryside. The aim is to create a new nature reserve for the public to enjoy - with an official opening in the spring. Works to create a small car park are due to get underway shortly - with the site also accessible on foot from Rooksbury Mill out to Watery Lane and using the footpath that runs alongside Anna Valley. Meaning Andover’s growing green spine, which currently links up Anton Lakes, Town Mills, Watermills Park & Rooksbury Mill will be extended to Bury Hill. Again, a huge thanks to Andover Trees United for facilitating the planting at this site - boosting biodiversity and countering climate change.

Cllr. Phil North

Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council

Family

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 returns to the subject of sustainability, both in terms of what we make our homes with, and what we place inside them.

To me, the relationship between making things and sustainability is essential, and I fear, as Western society, we’ve lost touch with the value of made things… with the value of raw materials, of the energy required. I don’t just mean fossil fuel energy, but also the human energy that goes into the process.

I’m very struck by seeing people producing lighting out of bits of recycled industrial stuff, or those who can put together and sell furniture they’ve handcrafted in small workshops all over the country.

A fabulous trend in the past couple of decades has been the

encouraging of home production creation –

everything from picture frames to jewellery – and how the internet has given these people a platform that is truly global.

When you meet someone who has made something in their workshop, you get the opportunity to sample their passion, influences, their own inspiration for doing what they do.

People talk a lot about sustainability using words like carbon and energy consumption – all that technical stuff – yet sustainability also comes in the form of the value of the objects we place inside our homes too.

After all, we are five times less likely to

throw away something we have made compared to something we have bought.

It’s also true that the longer we have something the less likely we are to bin itthere are records from the Seventies that I’ve still got; there’s a belt I’ve had all my life. We’ve all got stuff we love that we don’t want to let go of!

Sure enough, when we see our friends we talk about these things, we share the stories. I can bore people into infinity talking about my belt, or my old leather chair, and that’s the exciting thing: stuff as it gets older, gets better; it attracts more stories.

What I’m saying is we need to continue to keep creating homes that are rich in their fabric, but that are filed with things of value as well, so that we can share those stories with people, make friends, and embed ourselves into a community. That to me is actually a big part of what sustainability is about.

Eco-Co ee

How to ensure your morning beverage isn’t brewing up an environmental storm.

When, in the mid-Nineties, the likes of Costa Coffee and Starbucks began opening on our high streets, so too did there begin a coffee bean revolution that has transformed our drinking habits.

However, such pleasure has come at a cost. With 95 million cups of coffee slurped down in the UK every single day the resulting waste and environmental impact has also increased significantly. A colossal 2.5 billion coffee cups are dumped every year (with only 0.25% currently recycled), while 30,000 coffee pods end up in landfill every single month. And that’s before you even consider the global resource and human costs of what has become the most traded commodity after crude oil.

Fortunately, there is much you can do to ensure your caffeine kick is not compromising the planet. As with most products, knowing the origin

of what you’re consuming is vital, and many supermarkets are keenly aware of their responsibility to offer ethically sourced coffee. Check for sustainability certifications that ensure things are being done to help make production better for both the environment and the farmers involved. Associations like Fairtrade and the Rainforest Alliance are great examples of this, so look out for beans that feature their logos.

Even fans of pod machines can also lower their coffee carbon footprint. Many appliances are now compatible with foil pods which can be recycled using a very simple and nifty pod recycling device that separates the used coffee grounds from their foil casing. The grounds go on your compost heap, while the accumulated foils

head for the recycling bin. You can also source pods that are compostable in their entirety.

When it comes to drinking ‘on the go’, the obvious solution to limiting waste is to switch to a reusable coffee cup, and many cafes will offer a discount on your beverage when you proffer your own vessel. You can also upgrade to beans that are organic; and if your focus is on the imprint being made on the dairy industry, cow’s milk alternatives such as soy, almond, rice or oat have never felt closer to the real thing.

In other words, you don’t have to let your coffee consumption become a burden on your conscience.

With an abundance of options available in an industry that is positively booming, it’s actually very easy to make the right choices. It means if you still give in to the temptation of the odd instant coffee – and why should you not? – the assault will be only on your tastebuds, not the planet!

Man ordered to pay £3k and narrowly avoids prison sentence for fly-tip

A man from West Yorkshire has been ordered to pay almost £3k after pleading guilty to fly-tipping a large amount of waste spread over two locations near Romsey earlier this year.

Ryan Lelliott of South Kirkby, Pontefract, dumped storge heaters, cardboard boxes and plastic packaging near Lee Lane on 11 February 2022.

His vehicle registration was picked up by a covert camera installed by Test Valley Borough Council. Officers were then able to track down the defendant and invited him to an interview under caution, which he refused. But he did admit in an email to the council that he was the person in control of the vehicle at the time of the offence.

At Southampton Magistrates’ Court on 30 November 2022, Lelliott stated that he was selfemployed and running late and couldn’t offload the heaters for the next day. He said that he had Googled landfill sites and left the waste near Lee Lane in the hope that someone would take it to the nearby site.

Lelliott was ordered to pay an £1,800 fine reduced from £2,700 for an early guilty plea, a £180 victim surcharge and £935 costs.

Portfolio holder for environmental services, Councillor Nick AdamsKing, said:

“This was a great result made possible thanks to the proactive work of officers. This was a sizeable fly-tip and the judge made clear that it was a serious offence which meant the defendant narrowly avoided a prison sentence.”

“If you’re thinking of dumping waste in Test Valley then just remember that you never know if there is a camera about. And if we catch you in the act, then you will have your day in the dock.”

“Fly-tipping is an utterly despicable crime, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every single person who flouts the law is held to account and punished for their actions.”

Going Green...

So much is being said about the need to protect the planet and use more eco-friendly material, but it is the small steps that each of us can do that will really make the difference.

Take the EcoEgg Laundry Egg... the innovative laundry solution. It replaces laundry detergent and fabric conditioner, reducing both harmful chemicals used and also single-use plastic packaging.

Dermatest has rated it excellent for use on sensitive skin, giving a kinder wash on both your skin and your pocket.

The mineral pellets in the egg, which are refillable (saving even more money!), work together in the water to effectively draw dirt from your clothes and softens them by changing the pH. Therefore leaving your laundry clean and fresh.

EcoEggs are available in Fresh Linen, Spring Blossom and Fragrance Free.

Recently, they have also released the EcoEgg Dryer Egg, which can be used when tumble drying. They reduce the drying time by up to 28%, saving you both time and money.

“I’ve been using mine for over a month now and I absolutely love it. It saves money, there’s no mess from washing powders and liquids. Also easy to use, and is better for the environment. Helps cut down on single use plastic and doesn’t use harmful chemicals.” KD

If you would like to know more about these products and many more, please feel free to visit my website at debbiegoesgreen.uk or email me at hello@debbiegoesgreen.uk as I would love to hear from you. Let’s look after ourselves and our environment!

Debbie Corney

New Year, New Book!

This month, four books that will lead you into 2023.

A Nation of Shopkeepers: The Unstoppable rise of the Petite-Bourgeoisie by Daniel Evans

Lifting the lid on the UK’s modern class structure, Daniel Evans’ forthcoming book, A Nation of Shopkeepers: The Unstoppable Rise of the Petite-Bourgeoisie, focuses on the class of people existing between the working class and the bourgeoisie – those shopkeepers, small-time landlords and self-employed artisans who were expected to be swallowed up by monopoly capitalism, but who’ve actually grown in recent years.

Referring to them as a “mysterious class”, he investigates what their seemingly unstoppable rise might mean for the Left.

Published by Repeater Books on February 14th

You Are

Not Alone

by Cariad Lloyd Cariad Lloyd losing her father at 15 inspired her awardwinning podcast, Griefcast, in which she talks to celebrities about navigating their own experiences of loss.

In You Are Not Alone, the comedian and writer explores society’s reluctance to talk about death and its impact. Amid stories from those she’s interviewed,

including Stephen Mangan, Sara Pascoe, and Adam Buxton, are Lloyd’s own thoughts on therapy and friends as, amongst other things, she debunks ‘the five stages of grief’ in appraising loss and heartache in all its unexpected forms. Published by Bloomsbury on January 19th

8 Rules of Love by Jay Shetty

Jay Shetty, author of the no.1 New York Times bestseller Think Like a Monk, offers a revelatory guide to every stage of romance, drawing on ancient wisdom and new science.

Instead of presenting love as an ethereal concept or a collection of cliches, Shetty lays out specific, actionable steps to help you develop the skills to practise and nurture love better than ever before.

He shares eight rules, each teaching and empowering, detailing how to win or lose together, how to define love, and why you don’t ‘break’ in a breakup, and more. Published by Harper Collins on January 31st

The latest breakneck thriller from powerhouse writer Linwood

Barclay introduces us to Sandra Montrose, who hasn’t been the same since her husband died after he fell asleep at the wheel of his car, leaving her a single mother to Archie and Katie.

When, in an experiment, the cars on Garrett Island are switched for driverless vehicles called Arrivals. Sandra is hesitant. Sure enough, as the day of the big reveal gets underway, a member of the press has gone missing and there are rumours of industrial sabotage.

Shortly afterwards, the sleek driverless cars stop taking orders. In fact, they have rules of their own and start targeting the trusting residents of Garrett Island. Published by Harper Collins on February 3rd

Look Both Ways by Linwood Barclay

Dear Readers, Here at The Test Valley Gazette we want to Wish you a Very Happy New Year! All of our advertisers would like to thank you sincerely for your support throughout this last year and look forward to your calls in 2023. Keeping the work local and backing up our local trades and services is vital in maintaining our economy and helping businesses survive. The advertisers on this page are huge supporters of your local magazine here in Test Valley. We would love you to call them and Wish them Happy New Year and book them in for their services.

Andrew Opens Club’s 2023 Programme

Appearing at the Fairground Hall in Weyhill on Thursday 19 January is popular electronic keyboard player ANDREW VARLEY from Southsea.

Andrew become a full time professional in 1991, after spending a number of years in the musical instrument retail trade. Since then he has been playing for dancing, private functions, electronic keyboard clubs and festivals throughout the UK.

He can also claim international status, having performed in Germany, Italy and Dublin. He has made numerous recordings on a range of electronic instruments and several tracks have been broadcast on national and

regional radio stations.

The concert commences at 7.30 p.m., with doors opening at 7.00 p.m. Tickets are priced at £6.00 and are available at the door, while refreshments can be obtained during the interval. Everyone who enjoys melodic, easy listening music is sure to enjoy the evening and newcomers are especially welcome. For further details visit: www.andrewvarley.co.uk and

The Adventures of Daichi

The Modern Magazines Camper Van

London! Daichi has never been to London. Many years ago I was at university there, so this was a real adventure for me. A trip down memory lane. The easiest and cheapest way to get there was to park Daichi in the car park at Richmond. A mere £8.50 for the day. The Richmond train station is just a ten minutes’ walk away and we were on our way into the Capital! It was 25th November and Hayden’s 19th Birthday so what a great excuse to book a show for the evening and wander around our wonderful city for the day. Hayden has never seen Buckingham Palace so that was a must. St James’s Park is one I remember well. Having spent three years at Goldsmiths College and regularly taking the train to Charing Cross then walking from there, it was a place I recall with fondness. We stopped in the park for a coffee and sandwich, looking at the ducks on the water and enjoying the sunshine – Yes, in November! The palace was surrounded by people taking photos. I heard one European sounding accent say, “Oh that is where he comes out on the balcony!” I smiled. Isn’t it incredible how well our late Queen passed over her duties so smoothly, after all that time on the throne, and how well we are recognised for the good work we do as a nation.

I really enjoyed being there. The King was there too – the flag was up! I would have gone in to say ‘Hello’… but we were a little short on time.

Next was a trip to Camden Market. You see, owning a Waffle place, it is good to get ideas and we set off there all determined to see what we could do, to lift “Wafflicious” in Weymouth even further. Lindsey, a friend, came with us as she is a chef and is full of great ideas of her own. Camden Market is not a place I frequented much at all when I was living there. It is an amazing place. We immediately saw lots of street food vendors and lo and behold there were two very colourful and popular I have to say, waffle sellers! Wow. They looked amazing. Of course, we all had to try one. They tasted as good as they looked. So… if you are ever in Weymouth this coming spring or summer you can come and see our own version of the delights that we relished. Let’s see how we do! After dessert, we had lunch (obviously) outside, under the canopy, of a bar overlooking the Lock. Fabulous! Smoked salmon salad this time, so healthier, but not nearly as much fun. A barge even floated by for us to watch.

Hayden has joined a ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ group recently. This is a fantasy tabletop

First stop... Buckingham Palace!

Sampling the delights of Camden

role-playing game where you create your own character and can enact it while you play. How exciting! We found a wonderful leather book at a bargain price, with a dragon on the front. All ready for him to take notes and plan his manoeuvres. This world famous and iconic market really does live up to its reputation. We spent a few well–spent hours there, looking at clothes, games, toiletries, food stalls galore, paintings, decorations, in fact anything you could think of to buy. Daichi would have loved it, if he wasn’t too expensive to drive into London itself!

Then it was time to make our way to the well anticipated West End Show! We had tickets to see the renowned musical, “Back to the Future”. Seats in the upper circle, second row from the front, and we were ready. It is such a long time since I have taken in the full atmosphere of a truly professional setting like this. It was glorious. The whole show was spectacular. The special effects of lighting and scenery were remarkable. The singing and dancing were outstanding. Ben Joyce who played Marty McFly was brilliant and he only graduated in summer 2021. His list of

Night lights of London across the Thames

already acclaimed credits was much shorter than Cory English who played ‘Doc Brown’. What a fantastic start to his career. All of the performers were perfectly cast, and I have to say that Oliver Nicholas who played the father, George Mc Fly, as his debut West End performance, was excellent. To be able to dance ‘wrongly and awkwardly’ deliberately is a skill in itself! Bravo I say. The finale was totally unexpected and incredible to watch. Having a seat in the circle I do believe was a bonus as we had all the full effects of the lighting, sound and visuals. I will not spoil it for you as you must see it for yourself! All in all, a day trip to London was a real hit. We walked to the Thames before leaving. I looked at the Charing Cross Bridge I used to cross all those years ago and remembered times when I was much younger. Fortunately, I was not sad. I feel I have been leading a full life and those days set me on my path. The lights of all the towering buildings that night seemed particularly bright and were shimmering Thames water. Then there were the opulent boats carrying well dressed passengers for a luxury 4 course meal. Not quite the street food we had been drooling over earlier. London of course is full of diversity and that is why we love it… or maybe you don’t. I love to visit but am happy where we live. I think a day trip to London will be on the cards again soon. It was a great success and Daichi was as happy as Larry to take us home and Hayden was all smiles after his Birthday treat. Where will Daichi take us next I wonder…

By Debbie Corney

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.

Dorset and Wight are your local experts in Property Protection Trust Wills.

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

Museum continues to build on event success

Following on from their successful Autumn season, the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop hopes to continue bringing new audiences through its doors as it announces its first collaboration with The Brick People.

On the weekend of the 4th and 5th of February, the Museum will stage a large-scale event featuring a wide range of LEGO® related activities which is sure to attract enthusiasts of all ages from far and wide. Nestled amongst the historic aircraft in the Museum, visitors will have the opportunity to build super flying machines out of LEGO® bricks, take part in a speed build challenge, complete an anagram trail around the Museum and browse a wide range of models on display. There will also be a LEGO® Duplo® area for younger builders.

Steve Hodges Co-Founder of The Brick People said:

“We are excited to be able to bring our popular events featuring LEGO® bricks, to the Army Flying Museum in February 2023. Having toured a lot of the South of the UK with various brick building opportunities and displays, to finally be able to come to this amazing venue to unite even more LEGO® enthusiasts young and old, is a real privilege and we couldn’t think of a more spectacular museum than the Army Flying Museum!”

The launch of this event follows on from a wide range of events that the Museum has staged this Autumn, with visitor figures above average for both October and November.

Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum Lucy Johnson said:

“It has been wonderful to see so many new faces through our doors, not only to enjoy our wide range of new events, but also to learn about the history of army aviation and enjoy the sights on the adjacent airfield as the Apache helicopters fly by. We are really excited about our collaboration with The Brick People and think the surroundings of the Museum will make this a very special event indeed.”

The event will run across the weekend of 4th/5th February with two sessions per day and bookings can be made via the Museum website at: www.armyflying,com

Green ngers… the Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses his move to incorporate horticulture into the National Curriculum, and a sidestep into novels.

I’ve written three autobiographies and people have expressed surprise that I do sometimes, even now, lack confidence in my work. I always wonder if it stems from my childhood and my parents who were very much realists. I wouldn’t swap them for the world, but in their very blunt Yorkshire way they would say ‘he’s not that bright,’ and I wasn’t then. I suppose it has been a bit of a curse and given my success I probably should have more confidence, but then

again it has made me who I am. When you’re not that good when you’re young, there is the fear that you won’t get better, and it came as a kind of revelation when I did.

Even in the 11 novels I’ve penned, I’ve never had faith in my prose; in secondary school I remember doing ‘when composition becomes essays’. I don’t think my English teacher was particularly convinced about my capabilities; I’ve still got my essay book and it’s got some very harsh comments at the bottom in red ink.

Yet my English teacher, bless her, I was in touch with her a few years ago and she said she felt she hadn’t been a particularly good teacher,

and I wrote back saying ‘well whatever it is you did, I’ve ended up doing the job I do now, writing pretty much for a living, so you can’t have got it all wrong’. I thought it was terribly generously spirited of her to admit that she was wrong.

I think my point here is that I was no more a gardener at school than I was a novelist, and I became both; but I did that through exposure and opportunity, and this is what we need to give our children.

And in my mind, there is no greater exposure to the world than you will find in the garden on a frosty Sunday morning, so get your kids and grandkids out there, and let’s really inspire the next generation!

Nurturing a garden can give you a real sense of achievement, and connection to the earth; I always say it is an escape to reality, or a different reality… and for our young people, that’s where real inspiration can emerge.

Older Residents Can Give Up Their Winter Fuel Payment for Others in Test Valley

People in Test Valley who receive a Winter Fuel Payment, but don’t necessarily need it, are now able to donate it locally to support those most in need.

All residents who are over the age of 66 before September 25, get an annual payment from the government of between £250 and £600, depending on their age and living situation.

This year there’s an extra £300 for all households, which will be paid at the same time, to help tackle the rising cost of living.

To support those most in need, Test Valley Borough Council has joined forces with Citizens Advice Test Valley and local charity, Unity, to offer those who genuinely don’t need their full Winter Fuel Payment, and would like to redistribute it locally, an opportunity to donate the money to other pensioners living in Test Valley.

Citizens Advice will then distribute the donated funds to people of pensionable age who are struggling the most to pay their bills.

Anyone wishing to donate some of their Winter Fuel Payment is asked to contact Unity on 03304 004 116, or visit www. unityonline.org.uk/winter-fuel-paymentdonations.

Anyone in need of additional financial support is also being urged to contact Citizens Advice as soon as possible on 0808 178 6882 or go to their website www. testvalleycab.org.uk.

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Cllr Phil North said:

“As the cost of living continues to rise, we’re keen to ensure that those people over the age of 66 who are in need of extra support this winter can get it. We would be incredibly grateful to anyone who is in a comfortable

enough position, to donate part of their Winter Fuel Payment to help others in their community. This kind of scheme works really successfully in other areas and we’re keen to roll it out here. I have also agreed that Test Valley Borough Council match funds donations, initially up to £5,000. I must stress that we are not asking people to donate any money if there is any doubt whatsoever about whether they need it. We don’t want people to cause themselves financial difficulties while trying to support others.”

Chief executive of Unity, Terry Bishop said:

“This is such a challenging time for so many people across the community and we want to do all we can to help those in greatest need. Unity is proud to be able to work with Test Valley Borough Council and Citizens Advice on this initiative, and together we hope to make a real difference.”

Ange Moon, chief officer at Citizens Advice Test Valley, added:

“As the cost of living crisis takes hold we all find ourselves in different situations. Some people who have received the government help may be able to pass it on to others in the community, and we will help to get that money to those who really need it. If you would like to donate and re-gift your Winter Fuel Payment then please get in touch.”

In order to help even more people across Test Valley get the support they need, Test Valley Borough Council has also agreed to match fund any donations, up to £5,000.

Information about the Winter Fuel Payment for this year can be found at: www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.

Pond Life

Water features are back in fashion. Here are five ways to do them right…

1. The free-standing fountain

The look: Consider the breathless, artistic energy of the Italian renaissance, and create your own version with consummate abundance.

The execution: Ideal if you’ve got a small garden or as a welcoming feature for out the front of your house, the freestanding fountain is one of the easiest features to install and maintain. For a minimalist look, select one made from a natural stone, or for something more fabulous choose the classic cherub.

2. The water wall

The look: Imagine your garden as a subtle and secret oasis – your route to perfect privacy may be closer than you imagine.

The execution: Forget Wonderwall: this is a garden ornament that really rocks. Another space-saver, this is for small gardens and equally small budgets. Some also have light options, making them

the perfect centrepiece for alfresco dining and evening soirees.

3. The reflecting

pool

The look: You are the person who wants a touch of Japanese zen in your garden, with echoes of peace and harmony emanating from a garden of process and precision.

The execution: For a feature that requires very little digging and even less maintenance, reflection pools are a surprisingly impressive addition to the more subdued space. Plus, if you install an automatic re-fill system, all you need to do is start them up and shut them down

4. The waterfall

The look: You want imposing and impactful, sinking back into a trickling trip to a place of calm – it can only be a waterfall.

The execution: Don’t go chasing this waterfall because if installed right, this ecofriendly feature will work in a loop, using very little energy and water. One of the bigger and more impressive additions to your garden, it is also surprisingly versatile and doesn’t necessarily need a pond. Tiered cement waterfalls are ideal for a modern aesthetic, or choose natural rocks for a more organic, outdoorsy theme.

5. The outdoor pond

The look: For the gardener who adores everything that is English, with rural resplendence lapping away at the side.

The execution: For all the modern innovations, you still can’t go wrong with the classic pond – though this is only recommended if you don’t have pets or small children. Ponds are fantastic because they are naturally beautiful and attract a diverse array of wildlife to your garden, including frogs, water beetles and butterflies. However, do be sure to install properly with inlay, edging and filters.

However,

Vets Column: Top Tips for Dental Care in Your Pet

Dental disease is perhaps the most commonly seen disease in dogs and cats, but it is not always properly addressed until serious problems occur. Dogs and cats develop calculus more easily than humans, which contributes to the fact that most pets experience some form of dental disease by the time they are two years old. Keeping your pet’s teeth healthy may seem like a less important part of their overall health, but it is not only important for managing quality of life, but pets with dental disease can be shown to have more damage to their hearts, kidneys, and livers due to bacteria gaining access to the bloodstream. It is therefore vital to put in the effort at home to ensure your pet’s health.

Brushing your pet’s teeth is the gold standard of at-home dental care, so I have compiled some top tips:

1. It’s best to start brushing when your pet is around 8-12 weeks old

2. It is not always possible to start young, so if pet is not complying, they may be painful and it may be good to start with a professional clean

3. Take it slow

4. Start by massaging gums so they get used to you touching their mouth

5. Let them lick the pet toothpaste from your finger, then from the brush

a. Do NOT use human toothpaste

b. If your pet is too distracted by the toothpaste, use just water since brushing is more important than the toothpaste

6. Use a soft bristled toothbrush

7. Brush their teeth with their mouth closed at first

a. Hold your fingers in a c-shape over the animal’s muzzle and use your fingers to pull the lips away from the teeth

8. After a while, place the brush in their mouth when they lick

9. When they allow the brush is their mouth, brush back and forth with short strokes and light pressure

10. REWARD THEM

11. Focus on the outside of the back teeth first since this area often has the most plaque

12. Focus on the gumline

13. Only focus on each area for 5-10 seconds

14. Brush DAILY to ensure proper dental health

What else can you do to supplement your pet’s oral health? In terms of diet, dry commercial diets are usually better for dental health than wet food or food prepared at home. Treats and toys can add to dental health if used properly but cannot replace brushing. Use softer toys like stuffed animals, rubber bones, plastic balls, and rope. Harder toys like meat bones can cause damage to your dog’s teeth. Rawhide can be very effective for dental health but must be used with caution so that they do not swallow large pieces.

For more information on diets and products, visit the Veterinary Oral Health Council website at www.vohc.org.

6. Eiffel Tower (330m) 7. Empire State Building (443m) 8. Shanghai Tower (632m) 9. Merdeka 118 (678.9m) 10. Burj Khalifa (828m)

Lorraine Pascale’s Soda Bread

Bread, on its own, is always enough! There is a warmth and simplicity that no other type of food can rival.

Sure, add some butter, some oil, and maybe a dusting of salt, and jam of course; but bread, no matter how you dress it up, comes equipped with such perfection that I don’t feel it will ever let me down!

This recipe is probably the easiest route for baking bread. It’s also quick – and the bread won’t keep for long, so you get the pleasure of scoffing it all on day one!

Ingredients

(serves 4)

• 370g/13oz plain flour, plus extra for dusting

• 130g/4½oz wholemeal flour

• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 40g/1½oz butter, melted

• 1 tbsp black treacle

• 300–340ml/11–12fl oz buttermilk (or alternatively use warm milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6 and ensure the top shelf in the oven is in position. Now place the flours, bicarbonate of soda and salt into a large bowl and stir together. Make a large hole in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the melted butter and treacle, plus enough of the buttermilk to make a loose sticky dough.

2. Tip the dough onto a lightly dusted work surface. The dough will be quite sticky. Knead the dough for one minute, then shape it into a large ball with a taut, smooth top. Place the dough on a baking tray and flatten it a bitI find the easiest way to do this is with a rolling pin.

3. Take a wooden spoon, put some flour over the whole handle, then hold it horizontally over the bread. Put the wooden spoon handle on top of the bread then push it down until you feel the baking tray at the bottom. This mark is the first half of the trademark soda bread cross. Repeat with a line at right angles to this.

4. Dust with some flour then bake in the oven for 30–40 minutes, or until the bread is brown, has risen nicely and the dough inside where the cross was made is not damp.

5. Serve fresh from the oven with butter and jam. Enjoy!

Top Tips

- This recipe calls for buttermilk, which is available from bigger supermarkets. However a homemade version can be made by putting lemon juice in regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.

- Also, the best way to remove treacle from the tin is to run a tablespoon under a really hot tap for 10 seconds before dipping it into the treacle. This ensures the treacle runs easily off the spoon.