The Test Valley Gazette - January 2022

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January

Edition of your local Test Valley Gazette Community Magazine!

Dear Residents, A Very Happy New Year to you! We may well be entering yet another year of uncertainties, but I am a big believer in creating our own futures and doing what we can do, that we enjoy doing. Whenever I am stopped in any way, I look and see what I can do, and do that. This makes me feel much better than looking at what I cannot do, or all the problems there are. It works for me, so if you are feeling effect of situations, give it a try. We moved and bought an ice-cream parlour. Outrageous I know, but fun too. Daichi, the Modern Magazines Campervan, will tell you all about it in due course…

So, let’s create 2022 despite what is going on ‘above us’. Oh yes - and switch the news off! Why not try having a go at making Mary Berry’s Raspberry & Apple Muffins!

We also have wonderful local trades and services here to help you create your environment and make it what you want. Do you need a new kitchen or bathroom? Is the roof covered in moss and needs a power clean? Does the car need fixing, so you are fully safe on the road this winter? Are your windows steaming up and need replacing? Please have a look through these pages and see what you would like to change or upgrade, then give the company a call to advise you. They love to hear from you and please do mention us when making those all-important calls. We love to hear that too!

So, here’s to a successful 2022! Let’s look back on this year and know we did all we could to make it the very best for us.

Have fun!

Debbie & Stephen with their son Hayden

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

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IN THIS ISSUE...

6 8 12 14 16 20 25 28 34 36 40 42

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Councillor’s Column Platinum Jubilee plans The 2022 All Saints Lectures Interview: Vivienne Westwood Community Car scheme news Kevin McCloud Column Prize competition Stargazing in Hampshire Puzzle Answers Quirky Facts about Hampshire Pets: Outdoor Rabbits Mary Berry’s Raspberry and Apple Muffins 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 Happy New Year! Whilst 2021 was much better than 2020 (it could hardly be worse!), I hope 2022 will continue our steady road back to normality. Unfortunately, at the time of writing the government have just announced further measures to try and limit the impact of the Omicron variant but with the rapid booster rollout, I hope it won’t be too long before the situation is looking much happier again. After all, in the first two months of 2021 when the vaccine programme was in its infancy, 83 people in Test Valley sadly died of Covid (within 28-days of a positive test). From March to December that figure was 14. Vaccinations work. So, if you haven’t had your booster yet, please do make arrangements to get it.

We have lots to look forward to this year.

Not least the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with the 6th of February marking seventy years since Her Majesty acceded to the throne. Celebrations will take place throughout 2022 with Test Valley Borough Council holding and supporting a wide range of community events including waiving road closure fees to enable people to hold their own street parties. I also think it’s incumbent on us to mark this moment in history with a longer-lasting reminder of Her Majesty’s incredible service that she continues to show. This is why we plan to commission two new pieces of public artwork for both Andover and Romsey - funded by New Homes Bonus contributions. It’s my hope that generations to come will be able to enjoy these pieces of art and be reminded of this unique moment in British history.

much more of a place for leisure and living as well as retail – and Covid has only sped up that change. Thankfully, we’re ahead of the game in Test Valley having already adopted masterplans for both Andover and the South of Town Centre in Romsey.

We’ve seen good progress already with the Market Place improvements in Romsey and the delivery of the new Riverside Park in Andover. Myself and my Deputy Leader Nick Adams-King hope to be able to set out the next steps in the early part of this year – with some really exciting changes to come.

Finally, just before Christmas we made an amendment to allow much more flexibility for the Community Car Schemes that exist across the Borough, which transport older people who don’t have access to their own personal transport. In April 2020, as part of the council’s emergency response to the pandemic, the Car Schemes were permitted to also claim from their grant for journeys used to assist people who were self-isolating or shielding, enabling food or prescription deliveries to them.

This measure was really welcomed by the schemes, so we decided to make it permanent. This will enable claims to be made for transport where the primary client is either unable or too unwell to make the journey themselves but the purpose of the journey is to collect things on their behalf.

Cllr. Phil North Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council

2022 will also see further progress on our town centre aspirations. Town centres are fundamentally changing. They’re becoming 6

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Platinum jubilee plans in Test Valley Two new inspiring pieces of public art in Andover and Romsey alongside a number of events are set to commemorate Her Majesty The Queen’s platinum jubilee next year in Test Valley.

In February, The Queen will be the first British monarch to celebrate the milestone of 70 years’ service.

To commemorate this, and the Royal Family’s connections to the borough, new artwork is being considered by Test Valley Borough Council for locations in both Romsey and Andover, with artists across the country being invited to apply.

Funding for the artwork will come from the council’s New Homes Bonus.

Those pieces of public art will be joined by a number of local initiatives and events, which will be supported by TVBC. In addition, the authority is also aiming to waive the fee for those applying for a temporary road closure to hold street parties celebrating the jubilee.

The proposals are subject to the approval of full council.

Leader of the borough council, Phil North, said: “The Queen’s commitment to her country and the entire commonwealth over seven decades is absolutely remarkable.

It is only right that we celebrate her achievements and thank her for this service.

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“We’ve never seen a Platinum Jubilee in this country before – and as well as taking part in the various celebrations next summer – I also think it’s incumbent on us to mark this moment in history with a longer-lasting reminder of Her Majesty’s incredible service that she continues to show. It’s my hope that generations to come will enjoy the artwork that we hope will be put in place in the borough as a reminder of this unique moment in British history.

“I’m sure many residents will also be celebrating in their own way, and I’m glad that we have been able to waive the fee for those wanting to mark the occasion in the traditional British way!”

Community and leisure portfolio holder, councillor David Drew, added: “There will be year-long celebrations throughout the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world with Her Majesty The Queen celebrating 70 years of service, as communities come together to celebrate her historic reign.

“The four days of celebration will provide an opportunity for people to have some fun and hopefully reflect on the Queen’s service to the Kingdom and Commonwealth, through a range of activities and events.”

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1. Whose debut studio album is called '19'?

12. Who is the author of the children's book 'Gangsta Granny'?

2. Which animal's name translates to 'River Horse' in English?

13. Which US President briefly passed out after choking on a pretzel?

3. How many boroughs is New York City composed of?

14. How many varieties do Heinz state on their advertising slogan?

15. What is the most expensive spice in the world?

4. What are the three largest countries in North America?

5. Which car manufacturer released a TV advertisement in German in 2019 featuring the song 'Blinding Lights'by The Weeknd?

16. What were the first names of the English comedy double act the 'Chuckle Brothers'?

17. What year was the London Eye opened to the general public?

6. Which country held the 2010 FIFA World Cup? 7. What year was the American television series 'Prison Break' released?

8. What are the two main ingredients of a Dark 'N' Stormy cocktail?

9. Who became the first football player to score one goals in the Premier League?

10. What is Elvis Presley's best selling single of all time?

12. Which country does the Shinto religion originate from?

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18. What type of gas is the sun mainly made of?

19. Which actor is known as Marky Mark?

20. Which 80's girl band released a song called 'Robert De Niro's Waiting'?

Find the answers on Page 34

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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.

Enquiries Please contact Charles or Nicki Crosthwaite Eyre on 01264 352530 / charles.c.eyre@btinternet.com if you have any questions on the Lectures or problems in making and paying for bookings.

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Westwood Bound Our ultimate fashion visionary on the influences that have shaped her career.

Dame Vivienne Westwood is an icon who needs little introduction, yet it was from such humble beginnings that Westwood found a voice.

Her father was a former greengrocer; her mother a simple housewife exposing all the clichéd Cheshire charm of village life in Tintwistle, in the Peak District.

80, had fled the rolling hills and moved in with Malcolm McLaren in his council flat in Clapham, her desire to “be someone, be anyone”, as she puts it, was unrelenting.

“Despite that, I always had creative passion in me,” she begins. “It was a desire to be different, to go about making things and designing stuff. I think I first noticed it when I was 13 or 14. Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley and the Comets was top of the charts, and there were all these ‘Teddy boys’ mooching around, some of them in my village – we were, by then, living in Derbyshire.

Despite the couple having a child, Joseph, their mutual pursuit of fame led McLaren into managing the Sex Pistols as his effortlessly stylish partner capitalised on the ‘anything goes’ attitude in the punk era by putting together collections that were sharp, edgy, brave and nonconformist.

“Not only did they look good, but they were overturning buses and ripping the seats out and we wanted some of it.”

By the time Westwood, now

“I started making clothes and quickly realised we were where it was at.

Malcolm wanted to rework the fifties and I had some really nice ideas about how fashion could be embedded in music, because no-one was really

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doing that, hence the Johnny Rotten influence.”

Westwood’s iconic shop on King’s Road soon doubled as a cultural reference point for punk era fashion, and even when the Six Pistols imploded in the aftermath of Sid Vicious’s death in 1979, her ability to craft styles that were reflective, forward-thinking, and yet completely in touch with trends saw her stand alone in contemporary London fashion throughout the 1980s.

“For me, I’ve always felt I had a ‘sixth sense’ of what is going to sell - you just know,” she says. “You do that little corset, and it gives that something that nobody has seen since the 1800s, and you just know that you are onto something. Sadie Frost was the first person to wear that on the catwalk and the photographers just died!” she laughs. “But it’s always been like that for me. I don’t doubt I have been incredibly lucky along the way, but I know I have something in me that really spots this stuff.”

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Community car changes made permanent after Covid-19 A grant change for those using their vehicles to help the community has been made permanent after a change came in following the Covid-19 pandemic last spring.

At a cabinet meeting last month, Test Valley Borough Council’s portfolio holders made an amendment to allow more flexibility to the Community Car Scheme that is in place across Test Valley.

During the pandemic, as part of the authority’s emergency response, car schemes were permitted to also claim from their grant for journeys used to assist people who were shielding or isolating.

Now, that alteration has been made permanent, meaning claims can be made for transport where the passenger is unable to make that journey themselves, but with the purpose of their travels to

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collect items, such as prescriptions, on their behalf.

The change will come into place as of January next year.

Transport portfolio holder, councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “Last spring was an immensely challenging time for our communities, but, as we have said many times, the shining light was how everybody came together. The Community Car Scheme is a great example of that collective spirit, and it’s only right that we make this change a permanent one.

“This will benefit those who went out of their way, and continue to do so, for those who need assistance.

It’s a very commendable act and I’m pleased that this change sees them fairly compensated for their efforts.”

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An Island Nation It’s 80 years since the first Desert Island Discs was broadcast on BBC Radio 4, and the music and chat castaway combinations remain as popular now as it has ever been.

In the fast-paced, cut-throat world of modern entertainment, it often seems that projects, shows and personalities leave as quickly as they arrive.

That makes the mainstays all the more valuable and cherished, and few have stood the test of time as long as Desert Island Discs, the Radio 4 show that now celebrates eight decades on the airwaves.

It was January 29th, 1942, when the programme was first broadcast, on the BBC Forces station, which was set up during World War II to assist in reporting the war effort. It was to be the first of over 3,000 shows, across BBC Home Surface, BBC Light Programme and finally on to Radio 4, its home since 1967.

Creator Roy Plomley was the show’s long-time host, overseeing matters for 43 years before passing away in

1985. Michael Parkinson, Sue Lawley and Kirsty Young followed suit, with Lauren Laverne’s appointment in 2018 offering the show a modern slant.

The concept, of course, is simple – what eight records would they take with them if they were to be taken to a desert island, and in the early days, guests brought their own gramophone records with them to the studio! These records then give way to a broader conversation about the subject’s life, experiences and events.

Guests are also given The Complete Works of Shakespeare, a Bible or equivalent religious or philosophical tome, plus a third book of their choosing; and are permitted one luxury item as well.

Even though Desert Island Discs is now approaching octogenarian status, it hasn’t been afraid to break from the norm from time to time.

Dame Judi Dench’s macular degeneration

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meant she was allowed to select an audiobook, while Sue Lawley allowed John Cleese to take Michael Palin with him to the island, on the condition that he was dead and stuffed!

From Arthur Askey to Kenneth Williams, Terry Wogan to Stephen Fry, Adele to Morrissey, Desert Island Discs has displayed as much versatility and diversity in its guests as it has its music.

Interestingly, the ever-popular theme music – By the Sleepy Lagoon, by Eric Coates – has the sound of herring gulls played over it to denote a coastal feel; yet the species is non-equatorial. Perhaps the few episodes in 1964 where the sound of tropical birds was used instead was as close as Desert Island Discs ever got to reality.

Regardless, we’ll allow the fantasy of escaping with a collection of cherished records immerse us, hopefully for another 80 years or so.

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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 reveals some of his favourite buildings.

It’s a funny thing when being asked for a list of favourite buildings, and I think, over time, most people will struggle to stick to a top three because our passion for architecture can really depend on what sort of mood we are in.

There are certainly some days I wake up and crave the blunt, smooth, contemporary elements of the Tate Modern.

Other times I might be minded to cross directly over the Thames and take in the majesty of St Paul’s Cathedral and all its ornate splendour.

I think it’s important we allow ourselves that level of variation without getting too focussed on one path. It’s the same reason we can bask in sunshine one day and love the feeling of rain on our faces the next – humans, by their very design,

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sway between emotions and preferences, and the places in which we live and work and exist should do likewise.

That’s why I think King’s Cross station is such a perfect blend of architectural styles, of personalities, of eras, all blended so elegantly into one.

The incredible side extension envelops the existing station and all its Victorian architecture in a way that flits between different styles. It probably shouldn’t work, but does.

for whom it was lost under concrete and plastic.

Elsewhere, I’ve always loved the Royal Festival Hall on Southbank. I know people hate it for its brutalist, modernist concrete exterior, for the mass and maze of concrete that surrounds it on all sides, and for the fact it feels like a big, aching open space once you step inside; but those are actually all the things I love about it.

For something more traditional, so many of the buildings around Greenwich – from the observatory to the university – are very special indeed. The way they sprawl out onto the Thames speaks wealth and intense discovery, and you can see that within the devilish detail of the brickwork.

King’s Cross also represents the classic architect’s secret – namely that you don’t always have to build something to make it better. Sometimes just removing a building – or in this case, the 1970s front canopies – can reveal all the existing splendour lurking underneath; to re-present to a generation

For a newer building, The Gherkin is astounding. I can’t think of a single piece of architecture that feels as engaging and lucid as this. It guides the eye and glistens in the early morning sunlight. It’s very special.

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21

omy and rvive. The ge are huge al over.

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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 2022. 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.

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We would love you to call them and Wish them Happy New Year and book Dear Readers, them in for their services. l Alterations l Extensions l Renovations l New Builds l Insurance Work l Home Improvements

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FREE ESTIMATES T: 01264 790500

Unit 4D, Fitz Gilbert Court, Castledown Business Park, Tidworth Road, Ludgershall, Wiltshire SP11 9FA.

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office@willmontbuilding.co.uk

Here at The Andover Gazette we want to Wish you a Very Happy New Year! All of our advertisers Cosyfeet Stockists • Walking Aids• Daily Living Aids would like to thank you Walking sincerely Electric Wheelchairs • Scooters Aids Wheelchairs Rise Recliners for yourManual support throughout Electric BedsService and Repairs this last year and look forward to your Scooter and Wheelchair Hire Now Available calls5 Swan in 2022.

Keeping the work Court, East Street, Andover SP10 1EZ local and backing our local T: 01264up 748120 E: info@dfmobility.co.uk trades and services• www.dfmobility.co.uk is vital in

maintaining our e helping businesse advertisers on this supporters of your magazine here in A

We would love you and Wish them Ha and book them in services.

390

All the Very Best to you for 2022!

All the Very Best to you for 2022!

May you keep fit and well and have the success that you deserve.

• Extension us here…

Debbie, Stephen, Tracey,that Julie, Mel, Steph Cosyfeet Stockists • Walking Aids• Daily Living Aids May youFrom keepallfitofand well and have the success you deserve.

From all•Alterations Insurance Work • Hom Electric Wheelchairs • Scooters Walking Aids and Chris.

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FIND THE ANSWERS ON PAGE 34

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T O

PAUL T ONSPARK. CO. UK 24

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The Test Valley Gazette Prize Wordsearch

N O I T U L O S E R C N C A J

O C V X G W B I Y K Z Z Z A T

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A L V M X N E Y Y U P G O N K

Y D O K H T A F E F F R I S V

S A Q Q R E M Y B R F H S I W

T F D R O R U R R N P V J Y N

A X X Z J X Q F A L S B T M S

R W W J Y F I Q E R W B H W V

T Q T K U U Z Q Y Z R J K L W

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SNOW FROST COLD LEAP YEAR WISH CELEBRATION START RESOLUTION WINTER FUTURE

This month, the prize is a Family Day Pass to Paultons Park, so please complete this page by 31st January 2022 and send to: January Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ The Test Valley Gaze�e, Address: ______________________ 14a Westham Road, ______________________ Weymouth, ______________________ DT4 8DH Telephone: ______________________

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Wordsearch

Can you find all 20 positive affirmation words?

GENEROUS BELIEVE OKAY INNOVATE HOPE KIND COURAGEOUS OPTIMISTIC

ACCOMPLISH POWERFUL LOVE STRONG SUCCESSFUL TRUST THRIVING HARMONIOUS

FIND THE ANSWERS ON PAGE 34 26

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JOYFUL GENUINE BRAVE CELEBRATE

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04/11/2015 09:18

27

STAR GAZING WRITTEN BY KATE EARL

kateearlastro@gmail.com

Welcome to the January Stargazing Page. Highlights this month include an opportunity to see four planets in our evening skies, and the Quadrantids meteor shower.

International Space Station The ISS can be spotted early in the morning from the 1st - 7th. Viewing then switches to the evening skies from the 18th, with sightings between 5pm – 8pm. To establish exact timings please refer to www.heavens-above.com or a similar webpage for up-to-date information, remembering to set the location to your observing area.

Mercury The innermost planet can be seen low in the southwest after sunset for the first two weeks of the month.

Venus Venus is also visible just after sunset, but is lost in the Sun’s glare after the first week of January. It will reappear in our morning skies in mid-January.

Mars Mars can be seen just before dawn, rising around 6am.

Jupiter and Saturn As the Sun sets both gas giants are visible in the southwest. Saturn sets by 6pm, and Jupiter by 8pm. They form a spectacular line of bright planets with Mercury and Venus early this month (see figure).

Moon January’s full moon occurs on the 17th. A crescent Moon joins the quad of planets in a line on the 6th.

Did you know?

All the features on the surface of planet Venus are named after female goddesses from ancient religions and cultures, as well as famous (but deceased) real-life women, with three exceptions. Two locations are rather unimaginatively named Alpha Regio and Beta Regio, whilst the tallest mountain on Venus is named Maxwell Montes, after James Clerk Maxwell, who predicted the existence of radio waves (radar is the only way we can ‘see’ through to the surface of Venus through its dense atmosphere).

Moon

Events The annual Quadrantid meteor shower peaks on the night of 3/4th January.

The constellation that they are named for, Quadrans Muralis, is now obsolete, but was located where the constellation Boötes is today. The dust that causes these meteors may come from an old comet that is now classed as asteroid 2003 EH1. Unfortunately, the meteors are best seen after midnight, but it is worth having a look a few hours earlier to see if you can spot any. They originate from a point towards the north-northeast near the handle of the Plough, but will be visible throughout the sky if the weather is fine.

On January 4th the Earth is at its closest point to the Sun, known as perihelion.

28

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Jupiter

Saturn

Mercury Venus

NE

NW

View SW on 6th January 2022 at 4.45pm

Mercury The innermost planet can be seen low in the southwest after sunset for the first two weeks of the month.

Venus Venus is also visible just after sunset, but is lost in the Sun’s glare after the first week of January. It will reappear in our morning skies in mid-January.

Mars Mars can be seen just before dawn, rising around 6am.

Jupiter and Saturn As the Sun sets both gas giants are visible in the southwest. Saturn sets by 6pm, and Jupiter by 8pm. They form a spectacular line of bright planets with Mercury and Venus early this month (see figure).

Moon January’s full moon occurs on the 17th. A crescent Moon joins the quad of planets in a line on the 6th.

Did you know?

All the features on the surface of planet Venus are named after female goddesses from ancient religions and cultures, as well as famous (but deceased) real-life women, with three exceptions. Two locations are rather unimaginatively named Alpha Regio and Beta Regio, whilst the tallest mountain on Venus is named Maxwell Montes, after James Clerk Maxwell, who predicted the existence of radio waves (radar is the only way we can ‘see’ through to the surface of Venus through its dense atmosphere).

Moon

Jupiter

Saturn

Mercury Venus

NE

NW

View SW on 6th January 2022 at 4.45pm Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

29

Matching Pair 2 Of the images are exactly the same, the other 2 have only 1 difference. Can you find the matching pair?

A

B

C

D

Find the answers on Page 34 30

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31

Increasing numbers of homeowners are choosing to hold their properties as tenants in common to reduce inheritance tax and help protect their share from care fees The Property Protection Trust Will package is based around how you hold the ownership of your home. All good estate planning nowadays considers the difference between owning your home as joint tenants or as tenants in common.

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

There is an alternative.

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

Firstly, it allows you to legally leave your share of the property in your Will to whoever you wish.

A properly written Will can ensure that your half of your house will eventually pass to your children even if your widow re-marries.

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

It can also help with long-term care costs. If one of you is still living in your home the Local Authority can’t include its value in the means test if one of you has to go in to long-term care.

This also applies if the husband or wife still living at home dies while the other is in care as their share will go into the trust.

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

32

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LASTING POWER of ATTORNEYS Probably the most important documents you will ever own.

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34

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35

QUIRKY FACTS

by Mica Bale

3

Were you aware of Hampshire's silk-weaving heritage?

Although the county may not always be quickly associated with this lucrative trade, the Whitchurch Silk Mill is a wonderful example of the county’s silk heritage. Already a working mill, it was in 1817 that Will Maddick, a notable silk merchant from London, acquired the mill.

Despite a somewhat chequered history and many changes of ownership, in the 1910s, this Hampshire mill rose to greater prosperity and even wove silk for the likes of Burberry!

Welcome to 2022! As January has once again come around to herald another new year, what could be better than delving into our county’s quirky history for a glimpse of times gone by while so many of us are thinking of the time ahead. So, why not make yourself a cup of something and curl up with the latest handful of quirky facts from Hampshire?

1

Although not the oldest university in the country, were you aware that Winchester College’s heritage dates back millennia to 1382 and this year will celebrate its impressive 640th anniversary?

Winchester was the home city of William of Wykeham, Chancellor of England and Bishop of the county’s capital, was also responsible for founding other such education strongholds as the New College, Oxford before he also founded the college at Winchester.

2

Did you know that Hampshire is home to the oldest pier in the country?

Opened in the July of 1814, Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wight is the oldest pier in Britain and perhaps even further afield, hailing the heyday of seaside towns long before the Victorians made them forever popular.

36

PHOTO: DAVE FAULKNER

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4

Remarkably, it is approaching 200 years since the Beauworth Hoard was found. Thought to have belonged to the very first Norman bishop of Winchester and a relative of William the Conqueror, this treasure trove was discovered in the late 19th century by four school children who had been playing in a local field. The hoard was certainly an incredible find, with at least hundreds if not thousands of coins bearing William’s profile being uncovered after hundreds of years!

5

Did you know that the last survivor of the Titanic died in Hampshire?

At just two months old, Millvina Dean was among the youngest passengers aboard and, it would appear, she was also among the youngest to be rescued from the tragedy before becoming the very last remaining survivor years after the event. As a young family, Millvina, her older brother and parents were travelling to America when her father felt the great vessel strike the iceberg. Devastatingly, Millvina’s family did not survive - an unthinkable ending for a young family who, but for coal strikes changing their original passage plans, would never have boarded the unsinkable Titanic…

ENJOY THIS FEATURE IN EVERY ISSUE!

3

Were you aware of Hampshire's silk-weaving heritage?

Although the county may not always be quickly associated with this lucrative trade, the Whitchurch Silk Mill is a wonderful example of the county’s silk heritage. Already a working mill, it was in 1817 that Will Maddick, a notable silk merchant from London, acquired the mill.

Despite a somewhat chequered history and many changes of ownership, in the 1910s, this Hampshire mill rose to greater prosperity and even wove silk for the likes of Burberry!

4

Remarkably, it is approaching 200 years since the Beauworth Hoard was found. Thought to have belonged to the very first Norman bishop of Winchester and a relative of William the Conqueror, this treasure trove was discovered in the late 19th century by four school children who had been playing in a local field. The hoard was certainly an incredible find, with at least hundreds if not thousands of coins bearing William’s profile being uncovered after hundreds of years!

5

Did you know that the last survivor of the Titanic died in Hampshire?

At just two months old, Millvina Dean was among the youngest passengers aboard and, it would appear, she was also among the youngest to be rescued from the tragedy before becoming the very last remaining survivor years after the event. As a young family, Millvina, her older brother and parents were travelling to America when her father felt the great vessel strike the iceberg. Devastatingly, Millvina’s family did not survive - an unthinkable ending for a young family who, but for coal strikes changing their original passage plans, would never have boarded the unsinkable Titanic…

ENJOY THIS FEATURE IN EVERY ISSUE!

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37

Unity Embraces Force for Change Programme Unity, a Test Valley based charity, have been in the thick of the pandemic, co-ordinating the Community Helpline, recruiting and managing the Covid vaccination volunteers programme and providing friendship calls to isolated individuals up and down the Valley.

Through all this work, they have recognised the need for people to be supported with the transition of emerging from lockdowns to the new normal in their local communities.

As a result, Unity is now celebrating as they have been successful in applying for funding through The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and their Force for Change Programme.

The project will be called “Bulford with no boundaries”. It will provide a route for Forces Families stationed in and around Andover, to engage with the local community as we emerge from lockdowns to the new norm.

Families will be able to make full use of the health and wellbeing, leisure, and training facilities as part of a local community. This will be a person-centred service in which skilled and experienced support workers engage actively with individuals to assess their 38

needs, look at all the community resources that may appeal to them, and then connect them to those resources.

Unity Chief Executive, Terry Bishop said, “We are really grateful to The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for supporting this important project that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on people’s lives.”

To find out further information about Unity Services and other projects, please go to: www.unityonline.org.uk alternatively email us on: info@unityonline.org.uk

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39

Keeping Your Outdoor Rabbit Happy in Winter Not everyone moves their rabbit indoors in winter (or keeps them as house rabbits year-round). Rabbits can do really well outside year-round and there may even be some health benefits in allowing year-round access to grass and sun (if we get some!).

However, there are certain problems in winter and, while you can bring them in during the worst of the weather, it is easy to be caught out especially by sudden storms.

Therefore it is worth taking some precautions throughout the winter period, or at least be prepared!

• Food. There is much less grass in winter and it is not of the same nutritional quality. It is therefore important to provide plenty of extra food through winter. This will involve feeding some pelleted ration but apart from the very coldest weather this should not exceed 25g/kg bodyweight/ day. Pelleted food should be given in a dry place so it doesn’t breakdown in the wet and become inedible. Otherwise plenty of hay should be given (and this will double as bedding too!). Hay should be of the best quality and should always smell fresh- this is a mark not only of its basic quality, but of its storage too.

In general, timothy or horse hay mixes are excellent for rabbits. Fresh greens should always be given- mixed green leaves can be given each day. Occasional carrots will provide some extra calories though these should not be regarded as staple. If good quality fresh grass is available this may be picked daily.

• Water. This, as ever, is essential. Rabbits should be given fresh water each day. It i important that this is provided in a manner they are happy with (ie in a drinker or a bowl- if in doubt provide both), and should be given both in the run and in the hutch (as should the food) just in case the weather is poor and the rabbit doesn’t want to venture out! In addition, care should be taken when it is muddy (as water bowls may be easily contaminated) and when it freezes as dehydration may result if all the water is frozen. When freezing, water bowls and drinkers should be defrosted several times a day. Use of insulated covers for drinkers will help a lot, but will not prevent freezing on really cold nights, so checking is still essential.

• Ground. This year a major problem has been pooling of water on the ground. Mud is not pleasant for rabbits and, ideally, their runs should be moved around on the driest areas of the garden to prevent “poaching” of the

40

ground and reduce mud. If the run cannot be moved then putting down woodchips or hay may help make the ground less unpleasant, but will affect grass regrowth, so should be taken up as soon as it dries when the ground can be reseeded.

• Housing. This should be warm dry and sheltered. Ideally, an insulated shed should be used so rabbits can enter/ exit at will. However, most use a hutch. This should be as large a hutch as possible- remember your rabbit may spend much more time inside during the winter months so will need more space. It should be waterproofed and positioned in a sheltered place so the wind and rain/ snow doesn’t blow in. Conditions vary from place-toplace though if in doubt do not have a hutch facing south-west! Plenty of dry warm bedding (hay and/ or paper) should be given and topped up regularly.

The hutch can be covered during the worst weather (a waterproof tarpaulin in wet weather; insulated covers in cold weather).

• Pest control. Winter weather often pushes rats and mice closer to houses and pets, and rabbit food and hutches are a magnet for rats. Therefore good pest control is essential. Remember though that rat baits will also affect rabbits and it is advised to get professional help when controlling rodent pests. Far better is to prevent these problems and clearing away left over food will help a lot.

Making sure your rabbit hutches and runs are secure against rats (including buried wire) is also a great help.

Oddly, fly strike can happen in winter if we get a very warm spell- again regular cleaning of the hutch and run will reduce the amount of faeces and leftover food that attract flies.

• Vaccinations. As with rodents, wild rabbits may be attracted to your rabbit run (or biting flies may appear in warm spells) so it is important that myxomatosis and VHD vaccines are maintained.

Overall, it is relatively easy, with care, to keep your rabbit outside year-round and there do appear to be some health benefits. However, it is impossible to be ready for every eventuality and some rabbits (eg older pets) do need special care. There is no substitute for regular checks to make sure your rabbit is still well and is not losing weight.

John Chitty BVetMed CertZooMed MRCVS

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Full supervision for hospitalised patients Unit 11 Anton Business Park Anton Mill Road Hampshire SP10 2NJ @antonvets search ‘Anton Vets’ 24 hour emergency care

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Covering a comprehensive range of construction

41

Mary Berry’s Raspberry And Apple Muffins Method

Introduction We are lucky to live in a consumer and retail world where fruit and vegetables of every description are available to us all year round, no matter what season we are in.

That means the old rules about using summer fruits in summer months have changed somewhat; so to celebrate this I’d like to bring out a traditionally seasonal recipe – raspberry and apple muffins – in these wintry times where we would, in the past, have had rather flatter, more rustic flavours. This bake is easy to do, really delicious, and is certain to put a smile on the faces of old and young alike.

Top Tip • In order to make a light mixture, stir the wet ingredients into the dry ones quickly, gently, and briefly. Stop stirring as soon as they are combined. The mixture should feel light and soft. Don’t over-mix, as this will result in a tough consistency.

42

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan / gas mark 6). Line each hollow of the muffin tin with a paper muffin case. Warm the butter in a small pan over a low heat until it melts, then set aside to cool.

2. Tip the flour, baking powder, ground almonds, cinnamon and sugar into a large bowl and stir to combine. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and stir in the yogurt, milk and cooled melted butter. Stir this mixture into the flour mixture, then add the raspberries and apple and stir briefly.

3. Spoon the mixture into the muffin cases. Bake for about 25 minutes or until well risen and firm to the touch.

4. Meanwhile, make the glaze: warm the sugar and orange juice in a small pan over a low heat, just until the sugar has dissolved, then increase the heat and let the mixture bubble for about 30secs so it turns a bit syrupy – not too long, or it will get too sticky.

5. Remove the muffins from the

Top Tip Stir fruit through only three or four times, so it retains its consistency and doesn’t disintegrate. In the case of the raspberries, stir only once.

Ingredients • 85g (3oz) butter • 250g (9oz) self-raising flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 45g (1½ oz) ground almonds • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon • 115g (4oz) caster sugar • 2 large eggs • 250g (9oz) plain, full-fat yogurt • 1 tbsp full-fat or semiskimmed milk • 175g (6oz) fresh raspberries • 1 eating apple, such as Cox’s, about 150g (5½ oz), peeled and chopped into 1cm (½ in) pieces For the glaze • 2 tbsp caster sugar • 1 tbsp orange juice oven. Leave them in their tin for 1-2mins, then transfer them to a wire rack. While they are still warm, brush the top of each muffin with the glaze. Leave to cool.

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I need an industrial unit for my business, what do I need to consider?

Here are just a few of the key questions to ask at outset when negotiating the key terms with a landlord.

1. How long do you want to commit to?

Discuss with your potential landlord how long the term of the Lease will be. Your business is likely to evolve over time, so you need to think about how long you want to commit to that particular unit. You will be contractually committed right until the end of the Lease, unless you are able to include a ‘tenant break option’ – usually after a fixed amount of time – which gives you greater flexibility to suit your business needs.

2. What type of space does the Lease cover?

Make sure you agree the exact internal and external areas forming part of your Lease when negotiating terms. It is important to know early on whether your lease is going to include exclusive use of external yard/parking areas for storage, loading etc. Such areas can be demised (i.e. form part of your Lease) or allocated at the Landlord’s discretion.

3. Will my Lease have ‘security of tenure’?

This means whether or not your lease is inside or outside the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954. If it is “inside the Act” then you have security – meaning that when the contractual term of the Lease ends you have an automatic right under statute to renew the lease on similar terms, with your landlord only being able to prevent this on certain limited statutory grounds. If your lease does not have security of tenure, it means you must vacate at the end of the lease, and you have no automatic right to renew. Your landlord is

free to negotiate terms for any new lease with you (or a third party) afresh.

4. What building repairs will you be liable for?

Leases are usually either ‘full repairing’ (meaning the tenant assumes responsibility for the whole of the unit, including walls, foundations, roof etc) or ‘internal repairing only’ (where the Landlord retains responsibility for repairs to the external parts of the unit. Make sure you know which type you are committing to!

Think about the end of the lease term as well – you are usually obliged to hand back the unit in good repair at the end of the lease term, regardless of the state of repair when you take it on – so it is essential that you fully check the condition of the unit before legally committing to a lease, or that you limit your repairing liability so that you only hand back in the same condition as when you take it on. Otherwise, you could be stung for a hefty cost at the end of the lease.

5. What will be my total monthly cost in relation to the Unit?

Consider all cost elements you will have to pay each month – such as annual rent, business rates, service charges, estate charges, buildings insurance, VAT on rental payments, etc. Most landlords will require a rent deposit (usually 3-6 months’ rent) which will be payable at the outset along with the first month/quarter’s rent.

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43

Greenfingers… the Alan Titchmarsh column He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about his favourite things in the garden.

I think if a cross-section of people are asked to name the thing in a garden that gives them joy and a feeling of admiration beyond anything

else, a good number will choose the rose. Think about it, is there anything else that offers such a breadth of colour, such a contradiction of beauty and danger (in the sense of a seductive flower and the prickly thorns that linger just a few inches down), or that offers a bouquet that has melted the hearts of a thousand romantics!

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Okay, so yes, a rose sometimes can seem soand-so, perhaps because we embrace them so fully in our lives, and I accept there is something perhaps even a little cliched about the simple rose these days.

However, I will be so bold as to say this - a garden without a fragrant rose isn’t much of a garden at all!

For other times of the year, I will pick out certain things that give me incredible satisfaction. I look forward to these coming round, and their emergence is always very special. The first snowdrop in January; the first daffodil in February.

These are the types of flowers that mark a change in or a progression of the season, and that always fills me with hope and expectation. You know these beautiful elements will always arrive, but still, it’s a relief when they do!

I have also really taken a shine to the aubrieta in recent years.

It’s that beautiful tumbling purple spray of miniaturecoloured flowers that will

cascade off rocks, boulders and other inhospitable lumps in a way that bring them life and beauty. The flowers almost resemble little four-leaf clovers, and perhaps it’s that expression of happiness and love that makes this such a winner in every way.

Finally, I would look to the sweet pea. They are just so versatile – sow individually in root trainers or in pots filled with seed compost, choose pretty much any colour across the spectrum, are perfect in borders, and you can even get the seeds in the ground in any range from November through to June. For me, they are the ultimate, and a great pleasure.

Of course, tending to a garden is all about personal taste. These are some of my favourites, but I know reading this you may well feel I have it completely wrong.

That’s the beauty of gardening – it’s a landscape that’s entirely yours to do entirely what you will with, and we will all agree that’s wonderful.

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45

Advertisers Index

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

Appliance Repairs

Funeral Directors

Pet Services

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

T.A.Spacagna 19 ..................................................................................................................................................................

AH Cheater & Sons 19 ............................................................................................

Anton Vets 41

Attractions

Garage Doors

Physiotherapists

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Paultons Park 9 ..................................................................................................................................................................

Fix My Garage Door 45 ............................................................................................

PhysioFitness 31 ..................................................................................................................................................................

Skandoor 7

Bathrooms

Plumbers

Garage Services .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

AHM Installations Ltd 17 ............................................................................................

DJ Harris 39 ..................................................................................................................................................................

Premier Car Care 39 ............................................................................................

Humphrey & Crockett 48 ..................................................................................................................................................................

ReversePark 21 ............................................................................................

NO.1 PHD 2 ..................................................................................................................................................................

Scratched Cars 41 Builders

JS Building Services .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

23 Roofing Services .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Paul Jones & Co 45 Garden Services .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

SB Renovations 15 ............................................................................................

Work Smart Roofing 1,3 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Willmont Building Services 22,39 ..................................................................................................................................................................

Andover Patio Centre 21-22 ..................................................................................................................................................................

ATH Machinery 11 ..................................................................................................................................................................

Hillier Landscapes 15 ..................................................................................................................................................................

Novelty Kneelers 35 Serviced Offices ..................................................................................................................................................................

Romsey Stump Grinding & 23 Carpenters ............................................................................................

The Commercial Centre 22 Landscaping .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Input Joinery 27 ..................................................................................................................................................................

Sunset Developments 35 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tucker Joinery 13 ..................................................................................................................................................................

The Handyman & Garden Co Ltd 45

Solicitors

............................................................................................

Bells Solicitors 43

Charities

Hearing Services .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Unity 39 ..................................................................................................................................................................

Winchester Hearing Centre 17 Will Writing Services

............................................................................................

Dorset & Wight Wills 33

Chimney Sweeps

Kitchens .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Toast (Southern) Ltd 45

..................................................................................................................................................................

Silverbrow Kitchens 11

Windows, Doors & Conservatories

Computer Services

............................................................................................

Alpha Glazing Ltd 13 Memorial Stonemasons .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Widenet Computer Services Ltd 21 ............................................................................................

G S Windows Ltd 5 ..................................................................................................................................................................

Lockerley Stone 41 ............................................................................................

KJM 1 ..................................................................................................................................................................

M.J.Sly Monumental Sculptor 45 ............................................................................................

Outlook Window Systems Ltd 47

Drainage Services

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

NO.1 PHD 2

Mobility Products & Services

A to B Mobility ..................................................................................................................................................................

7 ..................................................................................................................................................................

DF Mobility 22 ..................................................................................................................................................................

Inspire Mobility 39 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Peak Electrics 45 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

RG Electrix 7 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Romsey Electrical Services 41

Electricians

46

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THE TEST VALLEY Gazette • www.modernmagazines.co.uk