The Test Valley Gazette - May 2021

The

TEST VALLEY

G e e

Connecting your local community LOCAL DIRECTORY Easily find local businesses & services COMMUNITY NEWS Unity helps to launch Charity, Health and Wellbeing Directory Abandoned wildlife REGULAR FEATURES Councillor’s Column Puzzles and games

MAY

2021

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IN THIS ISSUE...

8

May

Edition of your local Test Valley Gazette Community Magazine!

Dear Residents, We have some freedom again at last! Daichi, the Dashing Dude, our beloved campervan was ecstatic that he could get out and visit the family! We had a great trip to Adderbury in Oxfordshire, where we met the new Lockdown puppy, Lottie. You can read all about it inside.

Have you also visited long lost relatives? Have you been shopping? Have you managed to get to the pub for an outside drink and maybe a bite to eat? It is so good to see the Highstreets livelier again. What times! Some events are also getting ready for the summer, so do look out for these and support them where you can. Let’s make the most of our times together, but do wear those masks inside and keep the distance for now. We will benefit from it and not create more problems, which let’s face it, none of us want. So, enjoy and stick to the rules for now.

Of course, we have our loyal and wonderful trades and businesses inside our pages, as well as local information, puzzles and articles for you to read. We are happy to hear from you, so if you have anything to say to improve your local magazine, or just tell us what you like about it, please email me at debbie@modernmagazines.co.uk.

If you have used a local trade or business and want to give us good news about them, we can print it in the magazine. Let’s shout about good works done locally!

Stephen, myself, Hayden and the excited Daichi wish you a wonderful May. May you enjoy the outdoors with family and friends!

Take Care and Stay Safe ,

Debbie & Stephen with their son Hayden

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

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10 12 14 16 22 24 26 28 30 36 40 42

Unity helps to launch Charity, Health & Wellbeing Directory Pub Quiz Park Proms 2021 Andover town centre reopens Councillor’s Column Crossword Puzzle What is a nature reserve?

Famous Words The Adventures of Daichi Puzzle Answers Stargazing in Hampshire Pets: Abandoned Baby Wildlife Monthly Walk: Winchester to Chilcombe

Advertise with us Take your business to new heights with our affordable advertising packages!

Supply your own artwork or use our inhouse design and brand expert.

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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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The Great Dame Acting icon Dame Judi Dench who, at 86, continues to proves that age is but a number.

Dame Judi Dench exists in the upper echelons of British acting royalty. She’s enjoyed a 65-year career cartwheeling between stage and screen, is a favourite of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and has received an incredible seven Oscar nominations.

Dench ultimately took home the Best Actress in a Supporting Role gong for her performance as Queen Elizabeth in John Madden’s Shakespeare in Love – the fact that she did so with only eight minutes screen time is credit to her dramatic expertise.

After joining the Bond franchise in 1995 as M, the only woman 007 will answer to, Dench has said goodbye to spies, villains and saving the world after Skyfall, though has embraced the power of the grey pound and continues to lead the charge of colourful older characters on the silver screen.

Dench is undeniably box office gold, and always in demand.

She appeared in no fewer than five new TV and film projects in 2020 but concedes that, as an actress, job security is always at the back of her mind. “Trevor Nunn once came to wish me

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luck on a first night and said, ‘why are you always in tears on a first night?’. I said, ‘It’s because I never think I’m going to be employed again!’”

Fear may keep this actress on her toes, but one thing about the industry does irk Dench.

“What I don’t like is when you play something and then after

vocabulary – “I don’t use it, I don’t use ‘retire’.”

that, you get sent scripts just like the thing you just played, which is the last thing you want to do, the very last thing. I don’t want to play somebody like last person I’ve played, I want to play a person who’s as different as possible.”

The actress has struggled with the eyesight problem macular degeneration in recent years, but despite that she’s eliminated the R word from her

The evidence is laid out in front of us – in 2021 she entertains two new projects – Off the Rails, in which a group of friends look to fulfil a coming of age inter-rail trip across Europe; and Belfast, where she plays the grandmother in a family experiencing the bruising working class realities of Northern Ireland in the late 1960s.

Away from the cameras, Dench recently found love for a second time, with conservationist David Mills.

The actress had previously enjoyed a happy 30 years with her husband, Michael Williams, who passed away in 2001.

Now well into her octogenarian years, both Dench’s personal and professional lives show that new beginnings abound at any age.

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At Lowen Dental Spa we want to place an emphasis on making our visitors feel comfortable and relaxed, and we understand that this is a mixture of smell, sight and sound. We have taken special care to try and incorporate different elements around Lowen to help nurture the feeling of calm, from our scent diffusers to our new fabulous Log shelf!

Most importantly though, we want to create an environment where Dental health is valued as an important part of our overall wellbeing. We seem to have a funny habit of viewing our mouths as something quite separate and often less of a priority. Yet we use our mouths and teeth for most of our fundamental day to day activities…eating, drinking, talking, singing, SMILING…to name a few.

We understand that it has been an exceedingly difficult time during COVID for many people, and it is hard to imagine a world where we are not hidden behind our masks or smiling through the screen on Zoom. But we are ever hopeful of brighter days to come and want to express our enthusiasm for helping you to care for your smile.

At Lowen we will soon have routine and emergency Dental appointments to book on line through our website. A wide range of aesthetic, therapeutic and laser treatments will be available as soon as Covid restrictions allow.

We are available on the phone or email should you have any questions or requests.

We are really looking forward to meeting you soon.

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Does the Tower of London lie on the north or south bank of the river Thames?

British stamps are different to any other stamps in the world as they are the only ones to not bear what?

Which UK motorway links the M5 with the M40?

What number is positioned between numbers 2 and 3 on a dartboard?

How was Nelson's body preserved during his return from the Battle of Trafalgar?

Can you place the following rivers in order of length, beginning with the longest first: Great Ouse, Thames, Severn, Trent, Wye?

Who wrote the famous poem 'The Tyger'?

What colour jacket is worn by the dog in trap one in British greyhound racing?

What is the largest lake in England?

Which famous English drummer continued to play following the amputation of his left arm in 1985?

Can you name the seven Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms of England?

Which motor car company uses the bonnet ornament 'The Spirit of Ecstasy'?

In a game of bingo, what number is known as Kelly's eye?

Which English country appears first in the alphabet?

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What musical instrument was taken by Sir Francis Drake on his final voyage and is now on display at Buckland Abbey?

Which UK city is known as 'The Square Mile'?

Which famous male once quoted, 'There is a forgotten nay almost forbidden word, which means more to me than any other. The word is ENGLAND'?

Which 5 letter English word has 4 useless (unpronouced) letters?

Where is Blackpool Sands located?

In the Monday's child rhyme, which child is full of woe?

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PARK PROMS - Friday August 27th 2021

Enjoy live music once again in the great outdoors with your loved ones! Park Proms is an unmissable experience featuring world-class artists and spectacular events in an outstanding location. Taking place at the beautiful Broadlands estate in Romsey, Hampshire, the event promises to be a wonderfully British spectacle featuring prolific artists and entertainment for you and your family.

Night one of the quintessential experience features performances by the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and special guests: The Welsh baritone, former boy soprano; Aled Jones & English mezzosoprano, Laura Wright. Conducted by Pete Harrison the 78-piece Orchestra will play a “Last night of the Proms” styled concert with a number of pieces from some of the greatest films including Harry Potter, James Bond, Star Wars & Superman.

Headlining their night of pure British pop on Saturday 28th August will be James Morrison, and also performing will be special guests Pixie Lott, Scouting For Girls and Eliza and The Bear. Playing exclusively at Broadlands this summer, we can’t wait to see these incredibly talented,

Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra

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popular British artists take to the stage proving this to be the ultimate summer show of 2021.

The local team behind Park Proms has made sure that there really is something for everyone, making this truly one of the best things to do this summer as we jump back into live events and experiences. The team maintain their ‘Support Local’ ethos and have delivered everything from boutique Fish and chips and artisan pizza to sweet treats from Joe and

Seph’s popcorn, a partnership with Jude’s Ice Cream and a very special Pimms Garden!

Tickets are available from the Park Proms website:

www.parkproms.com Park Proms also assures all customers that their tickets are safe.

If the event cannot take place, they offer a ‘ticket promise’ – You may receive a full refund or carry your ticket over to 2022.

popular British artists take to the stage proving this to be the ultimate summer show of 2021.

The local team behind Park Proms has made sure that there really is something for everyone, making this truly one of the best things to do this summer as we jump back into live events and experiences. The team maintain their ‘Support Local’ ethos and have delivered everything from boutique Fish and chips and artisan pizza to sweet treats from Joe and

Seph’s popcorn, a partnership with Jude’s Ice Cream and a very special Pimms Garden!

Tickets are available from the Park Proms website:

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If the event cannot take place, they offer a ‘ticket promise’ – You may receive a full refund or carry your ticket over to 2022.

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Andover town centre reopensfrom after lockdown A fresh walk Following the third national lockdown, Andover Town Centre businesses have enthusiastically started to reopen following the easing of government lockdown restrictions allowed from midApril. Non-essential retail, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries and museums, also outdoor hospitality pubs and restaurants with households or rule of six joined the essential businesses that had remained open throughout the lock down period. From 17th May, the fourth stage of easing comes into effect and outdoors most social contact rules are lifted, whereby groups of up to 30 people can meet and indoor pubs, cafes, and restaurants along with cinemas, soft play centres and the rest of the accommodation sectors, hotel and indoor exercise classes can also return. InAndover, the brand name for the Town Centre from Andover BID has worked closely with businesses supporting and helping them through the whole lockdown period. Steve Godwin, BID Manager says

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“the resilience of our local town centre businesses is remarkable and the determination to survive and flourish has never been greater. We have great businesses in our town with over 100 established and independently owned companies fiercely fighting back against national online giants. There are several recent additions with Andover Aesthetics, Home World Products, Fireaway Pizza’s & Fone Wiki all opening in the town since lockdown. Some of the great attributes to Andover over other places are that we are SAFE with our wide and uncluttered pedestrianised high street and town centre an important factor in being covid friendly, EASY, accessible and congestion free and CONVENIENT with adequate low-cost parking. At the beginning of lockdown, BID introduced Free WiFi to the town centre and just last September the uniformed town centre Rangers who have become a familiar and welcome feature of the town helping businesses and people to feel safe and reassured. With the population of around 50,000 and growing, and the surrounding villages, Andover is the place to pop into”.

Another initiative from Andover BID has been its InAndover brand as a one stop Digital High Street and marketing platform for the town centre offering a great potential for the developing town centre. At a presentation attended by over 30 stakeholders, in Andover’s Digital High Street initiative was launched to compliment the physical presence that Andover is returning to following the easing of lockdown and to help the town compete against the online giants of Amazon, eBay & Etsy.

Cllr North, leader of TVBC and one of the stakeholders present said –

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“The Borough Council are delighted to be working closely with Andover BID to support our High Street and we endorse the launch of In Andover’s Digital High Street as a one stop local platform to complement physical trips to the town centre. We will also continue to work with the BID to support the great and growing number of independent businesses. Aside from the planned physical changes and the coronavirus support grants that we’ve administered. We’ve also cut service charges in the Chantry Centre; provided space for pop-up shops so businesses can test the market at a very low cost; reduced parking charges; provided free tables and chairs licences so hospitality business can cater for more customers outside and increased our independent retailer grants to encourage new businesses to set up and improve their chances of survival. We are also working with the BID in other initiatives such as the shortly to open shared retail incubator unit and an exciting programme of town centre events aimed at encouraging people into the town centre safely as covid restrictions ease.

Further information visit: www.inandover.co.uk E-mail: info@andoverbid.org.uk

“The Borough Council are delighted to be working closely with Andover BID to support our High Street and we endorse the launch of In Andover’s Digital High Street as a one stop local platform to complement physical trips to the town centre. We will also continue to work with the BID to support the great and growing number of independent businesses. Aside from the planned physical changes and the coronavirus support grants that we’ve administered. We’ve also cut service charges in the Chantry Centre; provided space for pop-up shops so businesses can test the market at a very low cost; reduced parking charges; provided free tables and chairs licences so hospitality business can cater for more customers outside and increased our independent retailer grants to encourage new businesses to set up and improve their chances of survival. We are also working with the BID in other initiatives such as the shortly to open shared retail incubator unit and an exciting programme of town centre events aimed at encouraging people into the town centre safely as covid restrictions ease.

Further information visit: www.inandover.co.uk E-mail: info@andoverbid.org.uk

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COUNCILLORS COLUMN As the ongoing success of the vaccination programme leads to the further easing of restrictions, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons learnt from lockdown and how we can continue to improve the quality of life for people who live in Test Valley. If lockdown has taught us anything, it’s that people value high-quality green spaces more than ever. Our parks and nature reserves were a real haven for all of us when we were confined to our homes and I’m sure that new-found appreciation for nature will only continue.

Thankfully, we already have so much great access to beautiful countryside in Test Valley - and that’s not just confined to our rural areas. In Andover we have two nature reserves in Anton Lakes and Rooksbury Mill right in the middle of the town, alongside places like Watermills Park, Vigo Recreation Ground, Ladies Walk and Charlton Lakes. Not to mention the more local informal green spaces. In Romsey, aside from the fantastic War Memorial Park, the Council has relatively recently delivered public access to Fishlake Meadows in conjunction with the Hampshire Wildlife Trust.

I also recently visited the new Mill Lane Meadows in Sherfield English. Delivered by the Council as Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace, using developer contributions to take the pressure off the New Forest. Although we already have an abundance of green space across our borough, there’s always more we can do, so as well as protecting and improving what we’ve already got, it’s our ambition to identify new areas of land for local people to enjoy and interact with nature. The need to offset nitrates to ensure we

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don’t become victims to speculative development has also given us the opportunity to deliver more land for public access. Watch this space.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the same attitude to preserving our beautiful borough and in recent months the council has had to deal with several instances of fly-tipping. I want to reiterate to those people who dump their rubbish in Test Valley that we take a zerotolerance approach to this criminal behaviour. We have had a good success rate in prosecuting fly-tippers in the recent past and will always seek to take legal action. You can also help us by checking that any business you use to remove waste is a registered waste carrier. Please do report any suspicions you have to the council and together we can help tackle this problem.

Cllr. Phil North Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council

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Using the clues, write the correct words in the grid.

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What is a nature reserve?

If you’ve ever visited a nature reserve, you’ll know how special they can be.

Nature reserves are treasure troves of wildlife wonders, often hosting exciting rarities which have sadly become uncommon in the wider landscape.

They enrich our lives, are essential for wildlife, and form part of our natural heritage.

The Wildlife Trusts collectively put a great deal of time and resource into protecting the rich and diverse habitats in our nature reserves – part of our effort to create a thriving natural world.

By caring for these unique, ecologically valuable sites we safeguard them, and the wildlife that depends on these places, for the future. The Wildlife Trusts manage around 2,300 nature reserves across the UK, ranging from an entire mountain in Scotland to a single ancient hawthorn tree in Norfolk. Locally, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust manage over 50 nature reserves, including expansive moorlands, ancient forests, stretches of coastline, wildflower meadows, and small patches of wildness in urban areas. In our nature reserves wildlife is the top priority. You may notice that they differ from your standard country park, in some cases certain areas may be closed to the public, or dogs might not be allowed or have to be kept on leads. Some species are highly sensitive to disturbance – if you see a ‘no entry’ sign, it could be because ground nesting birds, vulnerable to trampling, are just beyond. If we ask for dogs to be kept on leads, it might be that wetland birds are roosting nearby, or cattle are grazing.

Our Reserves Officers are responsible for looking after the sites in the Trust’s

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care. They are experts in their field, and they manage their reserves sensitively to benefit specific species or improve habitats. Sometimes, old-fashioned methods like coppicing and hay cutting are employed, or conservation grazing takes place to encourage certain plants.

This will often be explained in signage as you enter the nature reserve. We want all our nature reserves to reach their full potential, so while you’re walking tin them and enjoying the wildlife, take note of any signs you see, and encourage those you’re with to behave responsibly. With the cooperation and support of local communities, our nature reserves can create invaluable opportunities for wildlife, and people, to flourish.

To find out more about our nature reserves visit our website: hiwwt.org.uk/nature-reserves"

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Famous Words Do you know who said it? Find the answers on P30

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27

The Adventures of Daichi

The Modern Magazines Camper Van The Grand National had nothing on Daichi coming out of the gates last month when he was finally allowed to visit the family! He darted out like Minella Times (winner of course of this year’s Grand National) when the shot was fired, and the race was on. Oh, what excitement. Oh, what freedom.

He bounced his way to Adderbury, in Oxfordshire, to see Stephen’s Dad and sister. It was a good day with some sunshine and not only that, but Rachel had a new ‘Lockdown puppy’, a beautiful black cockapoo named Lottie.

We had seen videos and photos, but as we now know, this is nothing like the real thing or seeing and hearing something in person. This was definitely something to get excited about. After all, Daichi loves to run around, so this was a fantastic excuse.

We have never owned a dog and Hayden would love a black Labrador, but I have never managed to summon up the courage to get him one. Life is busy and I really do think you have to

Lottie gets to know Hayden...

28

Daichi admires the new school... have the time, for the benefit of the dog. If you do, I honestly think they can be the best companions. A friend of ours got a wonderful sausage dog called Ralph and she told me it is the best decision she has made. Her Mum who lives with her and her two grown up children have been brought together as family and they get on even better as a result. They are all smiles. The minute we arrived Lottie was all over us and particularly Hayden who wasted no time in running around the garden with a ball. I am not sure who was having the most fun. Lottie loves to grab something of yours and go and hide it.

You can see the mischievous look in her eyes. So playful.

A walk was in order. Alan, Stephen’s Dad, has a walk he really likes at this time of year as the ground is good under foot despite any rain. We went to Longford Park in Banbury a short drive away. The new build houses reminded me of Poundbury, Dorchester which was developed by Prince Charles and is

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still growing. Daichi parked outside of the primary school, which fortunately was closed, or we could have lost him in the play area…

Here there is a park, with walks down to the Oxford Canal. Young trees have been planted in their hundreds, so it will be interesting to see how the whole area develops. Having never visited before or know anything about long boats and cruising the gentle waters, I was thrilled to be learning something new. The 78-mile narrow canal stretches from Oxford to Coventry I believe. I am sure some of you know it well and could tell me all about it.

Maybe you have even ‘sailed’ it yourself?

I find the longboats fascinating and I would really like to try a holiday onboard. A friend who is actually very active did take a holiday with friends of theirs on one of these serene looking floating houses and I think it took her a few days to ‘calm down’ to the rather slow, meandering pace of life, but once she did, she thoroughly enjoyed it and of course loved the lock-changing and all that entailed. From what I am told this is quite energetic and a real highlight of canal cruising. Since visiting this area, I have looked on-line and

A narrow boat on the Oxford canal

...and soon they are running mates! found hundreds of boats you can hire in various locations, so we may just have to try this. I am not sure Daichi, the Dashing Dude, is happy about it though, as he is way too playful to be trusted on a narrow boat, and would have to sit on the side-lines and watch!

It was a wonderful walk. Hayden ran around the whole time with Lottie who had no signs of running out of energy. She grabbed our trouser legs a few times to merrily remind us she was there. Spirits were high. Fresh air, all that catching up. Oh how we had missed the company and oh how we appreciate real conversations, discussions, smiles and outdoor fun together as a family.

Lottie was a total hit with Hayden. I now want to go on a canal boat to enjoy the gentle waters and more importantly Grandad finally got to see us all again.

The day was a total success. Daichi drove us home smiling from headlight to headlight, and so did we. Well ear to ear anyway! With the Lockdown lifting even further and more excitement ahead, I wonder where Daichi will take us next? We do hope you are fit, well and smiling too.

By Debbie Corney

still growing. Daichi parked outside of the primary school, which fortunately was closed, or we could have lost him in the play area…

Here there is a park, with walks down to the Oxford Canal. Young trees have been planted in their hundreds, so it will be interesting to see how the whole area develops. Having never visited before or know anything about long boats and cruising the gentle waters, I was thrilled to be learning something new. The 78-mile narrow canal stretches from Oxford to Coventry I believe. I am sure some of you know it well and could tell me all about it.

Maybe you have even ‘sailed’ it yourself?

I find the longboats fascinating and I would really like to try a holiday onboard. A friend who is actually very active did take a holiday with friends of theirs on one of these serene looking floating houses and I think it took her a few days to ‘calm down’ to the rather slow, meandering pace of life, but once she did, she thoroughly enjoyed it and of course loved the lock-changing and all that entailed. From what I am told this is quite energetic and a real highlight of canal cruising. Since visiting this area, I have looked on-line and

A narrow boat on the Oxford canal

...and soon they are running mates! found hundreds of boats you can hire in various locations, so we may just have to try this. I am not sure Daichi, the Dashing Dude, is happy about it though, as he is way too playful to be trusted on a narrow boat, and would have to sit on the side-lines and watch!

It was a wonderful walk. Hayden ran around the whole time with Lottie who had no signs of running out of energy. She grabbed our trouser legs a few times to merrily remind us she was there. Spirits were high. Fresh air, all that catching up. Oh how we had missed the company and oh how we appreciate real conversations, discussions, smiles and outdoor fun together as a family.

Lottie was a total hit with Hayden. I now want to go on a canal boat to enjoy the gentle waters and more importantly Grandad finally got to see us all again.

The day was a total success. Daichi drove us home smiling from headlight to headlight, and so did we. Well ear to ear anyway! With the Lockdown lifting even further and more excitement ahead, I wonder where Daichi will take us next? We do hope you are fit, well and smiling too.

By Debbie Corney

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29

Answers Page PUB QUIZ 1. North 2. M42 3. In a cask of brandy or rum 4. William Blake 5. Red 6. Lake Windermere 7. Rick Allen 8. East Anglia, Essex, Kent, Mercia, Northumbria, Sussex and Wessex 9. Rolls Royce 10. Number 1 11. Bedfordshire 12. The name of the country 13. 17 14. Severn 354km, Thames 346km, Trent 298km, Great Ouse 230km, Wye 215km 15. Drum (Drake's Drum) 16. The City of London 17. Sir Winston Churchill 18. Queue 19. Dartmouth, Devon FAMOUS WORDS 1. Henry David Thoreau 2. Wallace Stevens 3. Sylvia Plath 4. Kenny Chesney 5. Ralph Waldo Emerson 6. Jennya Han 7. F Scott Fitzgerald

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Don’t leave it too late to put your affairs in order People often talk about putting their affairs in order but then sit on their hands until it is too late. The serious consequences of delay in seeking legal advice were underlined by a case in which a woman waited until she was resident in a hospice, terminally ill with cancer, before instructing a solicitor to prepare her will.

The woman signed her will 10 days before her death. Her main asset was a house she jointly owned with her mother, who survived her by about four years. An issue of great significance, however, later arose as to whether they owned the property as joint tenants or as tenants in common.

If they held the property as joint tenants, the principle of survivorship applied and, on the woman’s death, her half share passed automatically to her mother. In that event, the property formed part of the mother’s estate when she died and the entirety of the proceeds of its sale - more than £400,000 - fell to be distributed in accordance with her will. If, on the other hand, they held the property as tenants in common, the woman’s share of the property fell into her own estate.

On the same day that the woman made her will, she signed a notice which purported to sever her and her mother’s joint tenancy, thereby converting it into a tenancy in common. A letter containing the notice was sent to her mother by registered

post. A few days after the woman died, however, the letter was returned undelivered.

Against the background of those unfortunate events, the executor of the mother’s estate launched proceedings. Half the proceeds of the property’s sale were held in a solicitors’ account pending a judicial resolution of the matter.

The High Court noted that the non-delivery of the letter meant that the mother had not been served with the notice. That deficit had not been cured by a letter sent to the mother by the Land Registry four days before her daughter died. The joint tenancy had therefore not been validly severed and the Court ruled that the entirety of the proceeds of sale formed part of the mother’s estate.

This is intended for general guidance only. In all cases specific advice should be sought.

Bells are a specialist Wills, Probate, Residential and Commercial Conveyancing Practice. The office is open five days a week Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm (prearranged appointments only).

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31

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WRITTEN BY KATE EARL

STAR GAZING kateearlastro@gmail.com Welcome to the May Stargazing Page. Highlights this month include many opportunities to see the ISS, a chance to spot all terrestrial planets in one evening, and locating the North Star.

Interna onal Space Sta on The ISS is visible nearly every night during the month of May; early in the morning at the beginning of the month, gradually moving to our evening skies by month end.

Even though the nights are shortening, the Space Station overhead passes are much brighter at this time of year, and more frequent. This is because the Sun never sets too far below the horizon, increasing the likelihood of its light being reflected off the Space Station’s huge solar panels. 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 home town.

Mercury Low on the northwestern horizon, Mercury is best viewed in the first half of the month, above and to the left of dazzling Venus. A two-day old Moon joins the party on the 13th for a lovely planet-scape setting in the west (see figure). At around 8.45pm on the 3rd and 4th, Mercury appears very close to our old chums, The Pleiades open star cluster.

Venus Venus is currently showing off, blazing at magnitude -3.9 low in the northwest (in astronomy, the more negative a magnitude value is, the brighter the object. For example, the Sun has a magnitude of -27). At the start of the month Venus is setting by 9.30pm, but by month end it remains in our sky until 10.30pm.

Mars

Object of the Month The North Star is a moderately bright star that always points towards north: if we were to live at the North Pole it would be directly above our heads. Numerous explorers, including Christopher Columbus, used the North Star to navigate and find their way home.

Known also as Polaris, the Pole Star, and Phoenice amongst others, the North Star can easily be found using the familiar Plough asterism located in The Great Bear constellation, Ursa Major. Two of the stars in the ‘bowl’ of the Plough point towards the North Star (see figure). During the month of May the Plough is easy to find as its handle lies almost directly overhead before midnight. The current North Star hasn’t always been, nor will it always be, our North Star. This is because the Earth’s axis wobbles and tilts, eventually pointing to different stars over timescales of hundreds of years. 11,500 years from now the North Star will be Vega, a bright star that denotes one of the corners of the Summer Triangle asterism, quite far across the sky from the current North Star.

The Plough Asterism

North Star

Face North and look directly up until you find the Plough Asterism.

Use the two stars that mark the bowl’s edge to find the North Star.

The red planet can still be seen in the western sky around 10pm, and is joined by the Moon on the 15th.

Jupiter and Saturn

Mercury

The two gas giants can be seen between 3.30 – 5am in the southeast. They are joined in the early morning dawn by the Moon between the 3 – 5th May.

Moon This month’s full moon occurs on 26th May, and is traditionally known by a variety of names, including Flower, Milk, and Corn-planting Full Moon. Two descriptive Native American terms for this month’s full moon are, ‘Moon when ice is breaking in rivers’, and, ‘Moon when the horses get fat’.

36

Venus

W

13th May 09:30PM

NW

Object of the Month The North Star is a moderately bright star that always points towards north: if we were to live at the North Pole it would be directly above our heads. Numerous explorers, including Christopher Columbus, used the North Star to navigate and find their way home.

Known also as Polaris, the Pole Star, and Phoenice amongst others, the North Star can easily be found using the familiar Plough asterism located in The Great Bear constellation, Ursa Major. Two of the stars in the ‘bowl’ of the Plough point towards the North Star (see figure). During the month of May the Plough is easy to find as its handle lies almost directly overhead before midnight. The current North Star hasn’t always been, nor will it always be, our North Star. This is because the Earth’s axis wobbles and tilts, eventually pointing to different stars over timescales of hundreds of years. 11,500 years from now the North Star will be Vega, a bright star that denotes one of the corners of the Summer Triangle asterism, quite far across the sky from the current North Star.

The Plough Asterism

North Star

Face North and look directly up until you find the Plough Asterism.

Use the two stars that mark the bowl’s edge to find the North Star.

Mercury

Venus

W

13th May 09:30PM

NW 37

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Abandoned baby wildlife - don’t touch!

Every spring, Vets and wildlife rescue centres receive a lot of phone calls from concerned members of the public who believe they may have found an orphaned wild animal and are unsure what to do. In many cases the parents could be nearby searching for food and will return after you have gone, especially deer fawns and fox cubs which can be left alone for up to 8 hours at a time. However, it is much more common to find young birds.

For adult birds there is a rule of thumb; if you can catch it, it probably needs help (but always ask for advice first)! So, is it injured or abandoned? Most commonly, neither...! If the baby appears to be in good condition and too young (a 'nestling') to leave the nest, then the first thing you should attempt to do is locate, and if possible, return the baby to its correct nest. The parents will generally not reject the bird because it has 'human' smell on it. A 'nestling' is a bird not yet fully covered by feathers and has some skin showing. It cannot yet stand on its own. We human 'good Samaritans' have to remember birds naturally look after their families.

Finding a baby on the ground (a 'fledgling') is not always a sign of distress. 'Fledgling' birds are fully covered with feathers even though the wing and tail feathers are still short and partially encased in sheaths as they continue to grow. Baby birds often hop around the ground for up to 2 weeks while the parents continue to look after them and until they learn to fly. Parent birds leave their offspring for brief periods of time to search for food. If you interfere then, the adults may return to find their chick has been taken unnecessarily when in fact they were looking after everything just fine.

40

By John Chitty - Anton Vets

Human care or rehabilitation is only a substitute and is generally much less successful (most hand-reared orphans die). Parental care is by far the best for a baby bird. Careful and patient observation of the young bird will prevent unnecessary separation of families or 'bird-napping'. If you can see any obvious wounds or broken bones consult the organisations listed below for advice on the best way to handle and contain the animal, or they can direct you to the nearest veterinary clinic for advice. If it is absolutely necessary to handle the animal, the main point to consider is minimising stress and human contact as much as possible. Catch the animal using a large, thick towel. Thick gloves can be worn if handling a larger bird (unfortunately wildlife won’t appreciate your best intentions and will bite, scratch, kick, claw or flap to defend themselves!), restrict human contact to a minimum and keep them contained in a quiet, dark, warm place. A lot of animals will break out of a cardboard box with ease so bear this in mind when choosing a container and location!

If you think you may have found an orphan or injured animal and are concerned, have a look at our website (http://antonvets.co.uk/exotics/injuredwildlife/) which has lots of information on what to do.

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pass a beautiful thatched cottage on the left,

A ramble from Winchester to Chilcomb

Wrien by Malcolm Price This month’s walk embarks on the biggest challenge so far with a 6.5 mile outing that starts from the Water Meadows at St Cross, Winchester and involves some 170 metres of climbing in two doses. With that is mind, it is likely to take between 2 and 2.5 hours depending on energy used on the outing. The suggested parking is the zone beneath The Handlebar Cafe, Garnier Road, Winchester, SO23 9PA.

1

As that car park can be very popular there are several options off road nearby. On leaving the car park we must aim directly across Garnier Road, beside the Itchen Navigation Towpath, up to and round the tennis courts on the right then leaving those fields to head left up the service road. Shortly afterwards this joins a local road where we go straight ahead and as we veer right start a little climb past The Black Boy pub, ( a pub that can trace part of the building back to the 1600th century),

42

2

then onwards to meet and carefully cross the main road into East Hill. From here we must keep straight on for almost 800 metres, climbing steadily all the time and joining the Petersfield Road which would ultimately take us over the M3, but just before the bridge on the right is our next path. This path runs downhill beside the M3 Twyford Cutting, then veers right and in 50 metres offers us a left turn at a small T junction, now we can work towards a footpath arrow for The South Downs Way and a left turn over the footbridge that crosses the M3. Once over ; all walkers on this famous Long Distance Path (Winchester to Eastbourne) are directed across a vast field, keeping to the left hand hedge, but with expansive 360 degree views over the Downs. At the end of around 800 metres we drop down onto a local road that leads into Chilcomb, a village of 91 occupants at the last major census. Our next significant destination is Chilcomb St Andrews Church, which dates back to Norman times (1120 – 1140 AD). It is possible to cross directly over here and take a footpath, known to locals as the Five Fields Footpath but our chosen route will take us left along the road through the village to follow the South Downs Way for around another 400 metres up to a road T junction where we need to turn right, leaving the National Long Distance Walk to aim up towards the church. On the way we

then arrive at the bottom of the churchyard.

4

3

Since this marks the halfway point, it might be a good time to rest, take in the stunning views and maybe visit the church. Once ready to resume our walk, we need to select the designated walk at the top of the churchyard, and take due notice of any Chilcomb Range shooting warnings. From here onwards for a good kilometre this path climbs fairly steadily in a deep gully, that eventually clears a hilltop, and then crosses the Morestead Road, and continues slightly downhill but more generally uphill for 1.5 kilometres until reaching the outer perimeter of Hockley Golf Course on our right. On our way we pass a cross path that should be ignored but finally we meet our own turn for home on the right

5

which is fully signed to take us across the golf course. During the playing day, please keep a good lookout for golf balls that may be flying by and stay alert until climbing up a hill and across a stile that takes us away from the potential missiles. This stile leads across a field, which when fully grown up resembles a sea parting for the walkers and it soon takes us out through a gate and once again walking parallel with the M3 Twyford Cutting (Northbound). On reaching the bottom of this slope, we pass through a gate and then directly left over the M3 bridge, with another left again through a gate Bull Nature Reserve. At the relevant time of year it is possible to view as many as 25 different species of butterflies on this reserve. As we sweep down the wide valley it is advisable to look up to the right and see the brow of St Catherine’s Hill, all 65 metres of climb up a set of steps. If you have the time and energy, why not escape to the top to take in the views over Winchester? Meanwhile, back down in the valley we clear two gates

6

FINISH (used to keep cattle and sheep inside)

pass a beautiful thatched cottage on the left,

then arrive at the bottom of the churchyard.

4

3

Since this marks the halfway point, it might be a good time to rest, take in the stunning views and maybe visit the church. Once ready to resume our walk, we need to select the designated walk at the top of the churchyard, and take due notice of any Chilcomb Range shooting warnings. From here onwards for a good kilometre this path climbs fairly steadily in a deep gully, that eventually clears a hilltop, and then crosses the Morestead Road, and continues slightly downhill but more generally uphill for 1.5 kilometres until reaching the outer perimeter of Hockley Golf Course on our right. On our way we pass a cross path that should be ignored but finally we meet our own turn for home on the right

5

which is fully signed to take us across the golf course. During the playing day, please keep a good lookout for golf balls that may be flying by and stay alert until climbing up a hill and across a stile that takes us away from the potential missiles. This stile leads across a field, which when fully grown up resembles a sea parting for the walkers and it soon takes us out through a gate and once again walking parallel with the M3 Twyford Cutting (Northbound). On reaching the bottom of this slope, we pass through a gate and then directly left over the M3 bridge, with another left again through a gate Bull Nature Reserve. At the relevant time of year it is possible to view as many as 25 different species of butterflies on this reserve. As we sweep down the wide valley it is advisable to look up to the right and see the brow of St Catherine’s Hill, all 65 metres of climb up a set of steps. If you have the time and energy, why not escape to the top to take in the views over Winchester? Meanwhile, back down in the valley we clear two gates

6

FINISH (used to keep cattle and sheep inside)

43

Eton Mess Tray Bake Introduction

The classic twist on the quintessential pavlova gets reimagined once more in this mouthwatering traybake - ideal for outdoor summer soirees, classic cream teas or even just your afternoon coffee.

Ingredients

(Approximately 12 servings) For the sponge

• 200g unsalted butter, softened • 200g caster sugar • 180g self-raising flour • 1 tbsp vanilla extract • 4 medium-sized eggs • 100g ground almonds • 5 tbsp double cream • 200g mixed berries (strawberries must be hulled and sliced) For the topping • 250g double cream (whipped) • 4 shop-bought meringue nests (broken up) • 200g mixed berries Icing sugar to decorate

Top Tips • Though the final cake has fresh elements, you can prepare the sponge a few days before: simply let it cool and wrap tightly in clingfilm before storing in the fridge.

44

Method 1. Grease and line 20x30cm brownie pan with baking paper.

Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/ gas 3. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla essence and then the eggs, one by one, mixing as you go. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and ground almonds. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet until you have a thick batter. Finally, gently stir in the double cream and the berries.

2. Pour the batter in to the prepared tin, distributing the berries as evenly as you can across the cake. Bake for 35• If summer berries are not to your taste, you can adapt the recipe as you wish. Passion fruit, mango and coconut cream would make a delicious tropical traybake, or you could even try a seasonal version in

40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave your sponge in the pan for ten minutes before tipping out onto a wire rack to cool.

3. Once cool, spoon over the whipped double cream and meringue pieces before decorating with the berries.

Dust with icing sugar before cutting into 12 even pieces to serve. If not eating immediately, the decorated Eton Mess traybake can be stored in the fridge for a few hours, but be sure to take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving. the autumn with plums and blackberries.

• Why not get your kids to help decorate the traybake? After all, an Eton Mess is never meant to be perfect.

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Appliance Repairs

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

T.A.Spacagna 27 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

AH Cheater & Sons 35 ...........................................................................................................

Painters Direct 45

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Hampshire eBikes 20 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

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Garolla Holdings Limited 27 ...........................................................................................................

Foxcotte Veterinary Group 18 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

Skandoor 5

Builders

G.S.L. Metalcraft .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

27 Plumbers .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

JS Building Services 38 Garage Services ...........................................................................................................

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Paul Jones & Co 45 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

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SB Renovations 23 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Willmont Building Services 38 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

Scratched Cars 23 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

Test Valley Car Breakers 34 Property Maintenance

Cameras

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Abbotts Ann Fencing and Property 18 Services .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Rocky Rock Cameras 39

Garden Services

Abbotts Ann Fencing and Property ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

18 Services Roofing Services ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

Andover Patio Centre 35 ...........................................................................................................

Bespoke Roofing 17 .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Input Joinery 2 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

Pillbrook Joinery 19 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

Barker & Geary Ltd 5 .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tucker Joinery 32 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

Romsey Stump Grinding, Landscaping &23 Solicitors Tree Surgery ...........................................................................................................

Bells Solicitors 31 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Handyman & Garden Co Ltd 45 ...........................................................................................................

Middletons Solicitors 41 Charities .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Unity 35

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Apex Cars 7

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Toast (Southern) Ltd 45

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Carisma Vehicle Solutions Ltd 19 .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Andover BID 14-15 ...........................................................................................................

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9 .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Water Lane Dental 32

Memorial Stonemasons

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41 ...........................................................................................................

Dorset & Wight Wills 25 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

M.J.Sly Monumental Sculptor 45

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NO.1 PHD 21

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11 Electricians ...........................................................................................................

G S Windows Ltd 3 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

Greenspace Uk Ltd 33 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

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RG Electrix 39 ...........................................................................................................

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

Romsey Electrical Services 41 ...........................................................................................................

Outlook Window Systems Ltd 47

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46

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