Itchen Valley Forum - Issue 169 January 2021

Forum

ISSUE 169 JANUARY 2021

ITCHEN VALLEY

Life in your Community

FEATURE BEAN AND GONE

YOUR COMMUNITY

ON YOUR HIGHSTREET

HAPPY NEW YEAR

By Lucia Foster-Found

All your local news and features

Shop local and catch the Sales

To all our readers and advertisers

STYLE ˙ INTERIORS ˙ HEALTH & BEAUTY ˙ INTERVIEWS ˙ FOOD & DRINK ˙ ENTERTAINMENT ˙ EVENTS

Your friendly garage with a personal touch Quality Service & Repairs

Your vehicle will be looked after by qualified technicians with many years of experience. Receive a dealership level service at local garage prices.

MOT centre

Receive complete attention to detail and thorough safety checks in our MOT centre.

Child friendly customer waiting area

Stay warm, dry and keep the children entertained in our relaxing waiting area. Coffee and tea making facilities available and clean toilets with child changing area.

Free local collection & delivery service

Don’t fret about getting the car to us if things go wrong. Just give us a call and let us make the arrangements for your car repair stress free. (vehicle recovery is chargeable unless covered by your insurance policy).

While you wait service

We are more than happy to have you wait for your car. Take advantage of our warm, dry and clean customer waiting area.

Tyres & Exhausts

Extremely competitive prices on all exhausts. Tyres supplied direct from the leading suppliers. Order Online. Why travel and join a queue when you can simply pay us a visit. We are also an award winning GT radial dealer.

Free courtesy car (by appointment)

Don’t let your breakdown or service cause problems. Take full advantage of one of our clean and reliable automatic or manual courtesy cars.

Computer 4-wheel alignment Check

We have recently invested in one of the latest computer Wheel- Alignment systems where we can carry out full alignment checks and adjustments, increasing the life of your tyres and improving your driving experience!

Mention this advert to get £10 off your next MOT

Call today: 01962 736343 www.phoenixautoservicesltd.co.uk Free local collection and delivery service

PHOENIX AUTO SERVICES LTD, PROSPECT ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QF

ITCHEN VALLEY FORUM JANUARY 2021

CONTENTS 04 Property Management

Buying, selling, letting?

Find local estate agents and property management services

33 Motoring

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36 Education

07 Professional Services

From photographers to solicitors - every professional service you need

13 The Garden

Make your garden dream come true.

Or visit local beautiful country gardens

Local services to keep your vehicle running smoothly

Find local schools and educational experts

37 Lesiure & Entertainment

Discover local events and days out in

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Bean and Gone

by Lucia Foster-Found

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Eat out, stay in: food, drink and dining in Hampshire

18 Wellbeing

Lucia Foster-Found www. luciafosterfound.com Gill Grant gill@forumpublications.co.uk

Forum Publications Offices Unit 8A, Shelf House, New Farm Road,

21 Retail/On Your Highstreet

Alresford, SO24 9QH Tel: 01962 735137 www.forumpublications.co.uk

Our regular retail feature, Unique, Bespoke, Eclectic and Local shopping

23 Home

Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk

Get in Touch

Looking after your health and yourself!

Director of Marketing Rob Harrison rob@forummedianddesign.co.uk

Contributors

18 Food & Drink

Director of Advertising Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

South Downs National Park

16 Feature

Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk

Design Manager James Curtis james@forumpublications.co.uk

14 Feature

The Team

Trades, services, designers, All you need for your home

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The Itchen Valley Forum contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine.

Itchen Valley Forum takes reasonable efforts to include accurate, current information on its pages, but make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, safety or value of the published items that are displayed. No liability or responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions in magazine content. Itchen Valley Forum magazine content does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or recommendations of its creators and any reliance upon its content is taken at the user’s sole risk. Adverts designed by Forum Publications remain the magazine's legal ownership. Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household © Forum Publications Ltd, 2021

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Sales | Property Management | Lettings

A name you can count on in a changing world…

11 Broad Street, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9AR | alresford@hellards.co.uk www.hellards.co.uk | Tel. 01962 736333

Sales | Property Management | Lettings Sales | Property Management | Lettings

A name you can count on in a changing world…

A name you can count on in a changing world…

Distinctive homes in demand locally 2020 was a busy last year for us selling and letting homes of quality in the Alresford area.

Whether you are considering a move this year, or would just like some advice on your property, we would be pleased to assist. Working exclusively from our centrally located Broad Street office, our dedicated team of property professionals takes pride in offering a personal service that is second to none Please call us, or pop into our office to talk to us in person. We hope to hear from you soon!

11 Broad Street, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9AR | alresford@hellards.co.uk 11 Broad Street, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 | 736333 alresford@hellards.co.uk www.hellards.co.uk | Tel. 9AR 01962 www.hellards.co.uk | Tel. 01962 736333

PROPERTY / COMMUNITY All to look forward to The signs are positive for the property market in early 2021. The governments edict in 2020 to ‘Keep the Country Moving’, backed by the stamp duty holiday, low interest rates and an unprecedented desire to successfully combine living and working in a more rural environment, kept the property market consistently active throughout the year.

As we enter 2021, we expect this trend to continue; full or part time working from home is becoming the norm and as a result the exodus from the cities to the country, and particularly, from London to The South continues creating an exceptionally high demand for properties; rental and sales.

Kate Porter, Head of Sales

Kate Morton, Head of Lettings

The new generation of rural re locators are driven by a desire for a better life, of green spaces, bigger gardens, pet friendly houses, and the benefits of a supporting community. They still need access to commuting networks and the comfort of knowing that supermarkets will deliver, all of which is offered by the glorious villages in this region.

Join with us on:

As we start the New Year take a moment, while the demand for houses continues, and call us to discuss your opportunities.

Kate Porter for sales or Kate Morton for lettings opportunities on 02392 632275

East Street, Hambledon

Alresford Rotary News

EQDC The Granary, Whitedale Farm Hampshire, PO7 4RZ Tel: 02392 632275 countryhousecompany.co.uk

lockdown frustrated plans this time. The boxes are currently securely stored in a central depot and should be on their way by mid January so, more likely to be, “Easter shoeboxes” this time round!

Looking Ahead Rotary is a worldwide voluntary organisation of men and women who are dedicated to “service above self” helping others throughout the world promoting all that is good in society and its aim is for peace the world over. In Alresford we often say our aim is to do good whilst having fun at the same time. With Covid vaccination under way Rotary hopes that it will be satisfied it will be safe to hold its 10K run in June, its bonfire and firework display on November 5th and to sell Christmas trees in December.

Christmas Shoeboxes Once again the local community of all ages made a magnificent contribution to Rotary Wessex’s annual shoebox scheme, making up boxes of presents for disadvantaged children in eastern Europe. Not surprisingly the unprecedented circumstances of 2020 resulted in there being fewer boxes than in recent years but through Alresford Rotary more than 220 boxes have been contributed towards a Wessex District total of in excess of 20,000…and that means that many young children in Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Romania will in early 2021 receive a present… for the first time in their lives!

In normal years boxes leave the U.K. in mid November to arrive by Christmas but restrictions and in particular the second national

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All these events and other Rotary activities are for the community and Rotary wants and needs your support. If you like having fun and helping other people at the same time why not find out more about Rotary?

Have a look at our website www.alresfordrotary.co.uk or contact us by email rotaryalresford@gmail.com.

PROPERTY / PROFESSIONAL

Experts in property Sales I Lettings I Management Across the South

Selling, Letting & Managing properties in the Itchen Valley 02392 632 275

sales@countryhousecompany.co.uk  lettings@countryhousecompany.co.uk management@countryhousecompany.co.uk countryhousecompany.co.uk

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Andrew Bevis

Architectural Designs & Drawings Alresford, Hampshire & Much Wenlock, Shropshire

Tel: 01256 389919 Mob: 07775 524891

Catherine Paget catherine.paget@pagetwillwriting.co.uk MA (Cantab) Law Member of the Society of Will Writers Affiliate Member of STEP

Tel: 07786 626979 www.pagetwillwriting.co.uk

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COMMUNITY

JOB VACANCY

Octopus Required!

''Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth:for I am God, and there is none else'' Isaiah 45:22 ''......for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh'' James 5:8

We need a motivated team player who can converse with customers, lift heavy items, sweep up in the warehouse, make the tea, assist with deliveries and more!

We are a small team, passionate about giving the best customer service and exceeding expectations of our clients You will need to be enthusiastic, willing to learn on the hoof and happy to roll up your sleeves and muck in.

This is a full time position, 5 days per week to include Saturdays Apply in writing to Kingsworthy Foundry with your current CV Start date early January 2021

Your help is needed now to stop Solar Panels covering forty-acres of beautiful open countryside nearby.

NEW FARM CHAPEL New Farm Road, Alresford, Hampshire Sunday Services 10.30am and 4.30pm Tel:07447 158058 For any who wish to zoom, please ask for the zoom link via our website www.newfarmchapel.org.uk

In October Anesco made an initial assessment to erect solar panels across the whole of this area of beautiful open countryside with its fine views over the chalk downs. A planning application is now expected in 2021.

Please email me if you would like to be advised immediately if and when this happens.

Dave Ramm, Open Spaces Society Local Correspondent for Hampshire daveramm@hotmail.co.uk

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PROFESSIONAL

“Words cannot do justice for the excellent service we have received from Mike. His expertise, professionalism, honesty, communication skills and passion to ensure that we got, and understood, the right product for our circumstances is 2nd to none. We cannot recommend Mike highly enough’’ Taken from a client Google review

Alresford Financial 3 East Street, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9EE

UNIQUE AND BESPOKE We recognise that every life and therefore every funeral is unique.

We have been providing bespoke, personalised and affordable funerals for over 160 years.

SINCE 1860 The Steel family have proudly served the communites of Winchester, Alresford and the Itchen Valley for four generations.

DEDICATED SUPPORT Along with our experienced and dedicated team we are personally here to help, support and guide you 24 hours a day.

winchesterfunerals.co.uk

01962 862333

Forum_180x126mm.indd 1

23/09/2020 17:52

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COMMUNITY Walking Women: A conversation with Kerri Andrews at Chawton House In her most recent book, Kerri Andrews provides intimate and incisive portraits of some of the women who have, over the past 300 years, found walking essential to their sense of themselves as women, writers and people, despite social restrictions, assumptions about what women could do, and a failure to value women’s accounts of their walking. In this conversation, followed by a live Q&A, Kerri discusses the impulses behind the book, and some of the remarkable women contained in its pages. Kerri Andrews is a Reader in Women’s Literature and Textual Editing at Edge Hill University. She

Alresford Chamber Project – Lighting up Alresford

Alresford looked the part with 120 Christmas trees lighting up the centre in December. This much loved event always lifts the spirits of residents & visitors. Thank you again to volunteers from Chamber members and The Alresford PIGS for all the hours which went into Lighting up our beautiful town.

We learnt how to run the project in small teams, to ensure everyone’s safety whilst adhering to all the guidelines our thanks to the generosity of residents purchasing the trees, which were supplied by David Payne. We will restore the full complement of trees for next year Market Town Events We will resume market town events once we are able to. These will be posted on the event boards in town and a full list on our events page (https://www.alresfordchamber.co.uk/alresford/ AlresfordEvents/) Any businesses or individuals wishing to participate, sponsor or generally assist with any of our projects please do email us.

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is a specialist in Romantic-era women’s writing, and is the Editor of Nan Shepherd’s letters. Kerri is also a keen hill-walker and a member of Mountaineering Scotland. Her book, Wanderers: A History of Women Walking was published by Reaktion Books in 2020.

Tickets £5. This is an online event. Ticket holders will be emailed links to access the talk on YouTube and the live Q&A on Zoom.

Kerri’s talk, pre-recorded to ensure quality, will premier on YouTube at 7pm but will be available to watch for those with the link afterwards.

Date: 11th Jan 2021 - 11th Jan 2021 from 7pm-8:30pm Price: Range from £5 visit: chawtonhouse.org

iTalk service and mental health The festive period can be a really difficult time for people and general feelings of loneliness and isolation are enhanced. 2020 has been a difficult year for many people, but there is help available for anyone struggling with their mental health.

What is iTalk?

• iTalk, our local talking therapy service, is the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service for most of Hampshire, which is a partnership between Solent Mind and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust • iTalk supports people to improve their mental wellbeing through education, guided self-help tools and talking therapies • All treatments are available free on the NHS for people aged 16 and over and have a registered GP and live within the Hampshire area What services does iTalk offer?

• Wellbeing Classes – Currently on hold due to Covid-19, however there are a wealth of wellbeing videos and resources available online • Support – If you are feeling down or overwhelmed, they offer guided self-help options to help you get back on track • Managing Moods Webinars – A six-week online course, to help you to learn proactive ways to get your motivation back, manage stress and think more clearly • SilverCloud – Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programme available 24/7 • Telephone Guided Self-Help – A pack is sent in the post and then you will received a call every two weeks to offer support and help you to move forward • Therapy – Talking therapies to help with depressions, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and phobias

Covid-19 Our thoughts are with everyone for the most challenging past nine months. Thank you to all those who supported the town by shopping locally. To those businesses that could, and did do everything to find alternative ways of working through the lockdowns. Local deliveries, take-aways along with click & collects sprang up for the town.

How do I get help from iTalk?

There are several ways to get a referral for help from iTalk: • Self-refer by phone – call 02380 383920 • Self-refer online https://www.italk.org.uk/self-referral/ • Your GP or health care provider can refer you Even if you don’t feel that you need support from iTalk, the website contains some useful resources, such as videos to promote mindfulness, which are useful to everyone in these busy and stressful times – visit https://www.italk.org.uk

Together we are stronger Keep track of our events, follow us on Facebook Twitter & Instagram @AlresfordChamberofCommerce / AlresfordCofC / info@alresfordchamber.co.uk /www.alresfordchamber.co.uk

Alternatively, contact your local Village Agent, Denise on: 07969 376023. Village Agents are volunteers who can help you find information and local services that will enable you to stay living safely and independently.

P RO U D TO N OW O F F E R T H E P E O P L E O F A L R E S F O R D O U R S E RV I C E S • Traditional & Dignified Funerals at Affordable Prices • Funeral Plans at Fixed Prices, Why Pay More?

We are a local independent family run business which operates on a 24 hours basis.You will always have a personal continuity and we will go through all the arrangements and look after you throughout.

You are an extension of our family when in our care.

Direct Cremation: £1075 inclusive Bespoke Cremations from £1995 inclusive Traditional Burial from £2195 plus Cemetery fees

C O N TAC T U S 24 The Dean, Alresford, SO24 9AZ Tel: 01962 388470 (24 hour) Email: info@wessexfuneralservices.co.uk 106 Battery Hill, Winchester, SO22 4BH Tel: 01962 855773 (24 hour) Email: winchester@wessexfuneralservices.co.uk www.wessexfuneralservices.co.uk Also located in Eastleigh & New Milton

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USEFUL LOCAL

INFORMATION Emergency Services (Ambulance, Fire, Police) Tel: 999

Non Emergency Medical Services Tel: 111

Electricity Emergency 24hrs, 7 days a week Tel: 105

Gas Emergency

24 hrs, 7 days a week Tel: 0800 111 999

Water Emergency 24 hrs, 7 days a week Tel: 0330 303 0368

Police

Non-Emergency Services Tel: 101

Citizens Advice Winchester Citizens

Offers free, confidential advice to everyone in the community.

Local Callback: 01962 848003

Councils

Alresford Town Council Arlebury Park, The Avenue, Alresford, Hants. SO24 9EP. Tel: 01962 732079 East Hampshire District Council Penns Place, Petersfield, GU31 4EX www.easthants.gov.uk Tel: 01730 266551 Hampshire County The Castle, Winchester, SO23 8UJ www.hants.gov.uk Tel: 0300 555 1375 Winchester City City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester, SO23 9LJ www.winchester.gov.uk Tel: 01962 840222

Hospitals

Alton Community Alton, Hampshire Tel: 0300 003 2196

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Basingstoke & North Hants Basingstoke, Hampshire Tel: 01256 473202

Medstead Primary School Medstead, Alton, GU34 5LG Tel: 01420 562824

Beauworth Village Hall Tel: 07768 807733 bookings@beauworthvillage. com

Royal Hampshire County Winchester, Hampshire Tel: 01962 863535

Perins School Pound Hill, Alresford, SO24 9BS www.perins.net Tel: 01962 734361

Bighton Village Hall Ian Johnson: 01962 736556 bookings@bighton.org.uk

Library

Ropley Primary School Church St. Ropley, SO24 ODS Tel: 01962 772381

Alresford Library Monday 10.00 - 1.00 Tuesday 2.00 - 5.00 (Storytime 2.15 to 2.45) Wed/Sun Closed Thursday 10.00 - 1.00 Friday 10.00 - 7.00 Saturday 10.00 - 1.00 Tel: 0300 555 1387

Alresford and District Neighbourhood Watch Association

Newsletter available at www.alresford.org/ neigbourhoodwatch. To report a crime anonymously call Crimestoppers: Tel: 0800 555 111 contact:

Recycling

Prospect Road , Alresford Open seven days a week Tel: 01962 735422 https://customer.bookingbug. com/?client=hantsrecyclingce ntres#/location You can also call us on 02380 179 949, Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm.

Sun Hill Infant School Sun Lane, Alresford www.sunhill-inf.hants.sch.uk Tel: 01962 732632 Sun Hill Junior School Sun Lane, Alresford www.sunhill-jun.hants.sch.uk Tel: 01962 732801

Surgeries & Chemists Hartog Dental Practice 4 Pound Hill, Alresford www.hartogdental.co.uk Tel: 01962 733580

MyDentist 38 West Street, Alresford Tel: 01962 733580 Alresford Pharmacy Broad Street, Alresford Tel: 01962 732445

Bishop’s Sutton Village Hall Booking Secretary 01962 735644 Bramdean and Hinton Ampner Village Hall Tel: 01962 771261 or Contact us via www. bramdeanvillagehall.btck. co.uk Cheriton Village Hall For more information contact Rosie on: 01962 771611 www.cheritonvillagehall.co.uk Christy Hall, Old Alresford Peter Stokes 07775 434 980 www.oldalresfordvillagehall. org.uk Itchen Abbas and Avington Village Hall Tel: 07947 191229 manager@iaavillagehall.co.uk

Alresford Surgery Station Road, Alresford www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk Tel: 01962 732345

Kilmeston Village Hall Call Di Bye: 01962 771086 www.kilmestonvillagehall. co.uk or email bookings@ kilmestonvillagehall.co.uk

Schools

Mansfield Park Surgery Lymington Bottom Road, Medstead, GU34 5EW Tel: 01420 562922

Martyr Worthy Village Hall Tel: 01962 779701 martyrworthyvillagehall@ gmail.com

Four Marks Primary School Four Marks, Alton, GU34 5AS Tel: 01962 772200

Out of Hours Service Anyone requiring a chemist service out of practice hours will find their nearest point is Sainsburys, Badger Farm, Winchester or Tesco, Winnall, Winchester

Ropley Coffee Room Sue Buckell: 01962 772671 or email: coffeeroom@btinternet. com

Cheriton Primary School Cheriton, Alresford Tel: 01962 771278

Itchen Abbas County Primary School Itchen Abbas, SO21 1BE Tel: 01962 779310

Town & Village Halls Alresford Comm Centre Tel: 01962 733 950

Ropley Parish Hall Contact - Mrs Norma Day Tel: 01962 772267 rph.bookings @gmail.com ww.ropleyparishhall.org.uk

PROFESSIONAL / GARDEN

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY IN LINE WITH COVID19 GUIDELINES WE ALSO OFFER PHONE & VIDEO APPOINTMENTS Accounts & audit • Business advisory • Tax • Bookkeeping • IT & online accounting • VAT • Buying or selling a business Payroll Accounts & audit • Business advisory • •Tax • Bookkeeping

3 East Street, Alresford, SO24 9EE Tel 01962 736926 email: mail@gibbonssolicitors.co.uk

www.gibbonsolicitors.co.uk

Gibbons Gibbons Solicitors Solicitors Limited Limited Authorised Authorised and and Regulated Regulated by by the the Solicitors Solicitors Regulation Regulation Authority Authority no. no. 617854’ 617854’

Accounts & audit • Business advisory • Tax • Bookkeeping • Payroll IT & onlinestart-up accounting • VAT • Buying or selling a business • Business • Wealth planning & protection • IT & online accounting • VAT • Wealth planning & protection • Payroll • Business start-up • Wealth planning & protection Buying or selling a business • Forensic accounting • Business start-up

Contact Steve Morgan, an Alresford resident for a free initial consultation on 01252 smo@wiseandco.co.uk Contact Steve Morgan, an711244, Alresford resident on 01252 711244 or email smo@wiseandco.co.uk for a free initial consultation

www.wiseandco.co.uk Wey Court West, Union Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7PT www.wiseandco.co.uk Wey Court West, Union Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7PT

Your Local Accountants since 1992

Full range of Accountancy, Auditing, Taxation and Payroll services tailored to suit your needs Small Business Consultancy and Business Start Up

For friendly, professional, proactive advice please contact: Butler & Co, Bennett House, The Dean, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9BH T: 01962 735544 E: julie@butler-co.co.uk www.butler-co.co.uk

PETER CHIVERS PCS FOR ALL YOUR PEST CONTROL NEEDS: Rats, Mice, Moles, Squirrels, Cockroaches, Rabbits, Pigeons, Bird-Proofing, Mole Trapping Specialist

Call Peter Chivers on: 01256 389124 or Mobile: 07803 096642

ALL AREAS COVERED

FREE Half Hour Initial Consultation

ALL AREAS COVERED

Farming and Equine Specialists

BPCA MEMBER - FULLY INSURED 9 STENBURY DRIVE, PRESTON CANDOVER, BASINGSTOKE

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FEATURE

Boost of almost £1.8m for community infrastructure projects and help for people to access countryside New cycling and walking routes, safe pedestrian crossings and an inspiring initiative to help young people are among the community projects to benefit from a funding boost from the Authority.

A raft of initiatives across Hampshire and Sussex are set to benefit from a fund set up and administered by the SDNPA called the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is paid by developers to support new local infrastructure.

The fresh CIL funding comes after a previous tranche of funding, announced last January, benefited 20 projects across Sussex and Hampshire that took a share of £550,000.

Tim Slaney, Director of Planning, said: “We began a new decade for the National Park by announcing some significant CIL funding and we’re pleased to be finishing 2020 with this good news.

Eight individual projects are set to receive a share of just over £900,000, while just over £600,000 has been earmarked to support community infrastructure projects for Hampshire County Council, West Sussex County Council and East Sussex County Council.

“Good infrastructure, particularly around access, recreation and wellbeing, can make a real difference to the quality of people’s lives.

A number of these projects will significantly improve access to the countryside, helping more people to connect with nature and reap the health and well-being benefits.

In addition, a further £280,000 has been given to 33 parishes for their own projects.

Community infrastructure covers a wide range of purposes, including transport, access, education, community buildings, climate change mitigation, green infrastructure such as tree planting, and recreation.

“After such a difficult year for so many people, I hope we can all agree that access to this beautiful landscape has provided great comfort and will continue to do so in the years ahead.

Among the projects will be an extension of the popular Centurion Way, following the former Chichester to Midhurst railway line. The works will create a new 5.3km multi-user path from West Dean to the South Downs Way at Cocking – giving cyclists and walkers disabledfriendly year-round access into the heart of stunning countryside.

Another beneficiary will be Petersfield’s Kings Arms Youth Project, helping towards the purchase of, and improvement works to, a new

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permanent home for the project in Petersfield town centre. The project supports local young people affected by challenging home circumstances, as well as stress and anxietyrelated conditions.

“The Community Infrastructure Levy is one of the cornerstones of our role as a planning authority, ensuring benefits flow from any acceptable development. It’s wonderful to be able to help so many communities with such a varied range of projects.”

All the CIL funding has been drawn from developers’ contributions taken from the 2019/2020 financial year. Projects set to benefit, with approximate funding: Centurion Way Phase 2 Construction of part of a new 5.3km multi-user path from West Dean to South Downs Way at

Cocking (following the former Chichester to Midhurst Railway Line) £500,000.

Washington Link Footpath To provide an ‘offroad’ route for walkers, horseriders and cyclist between Washington Village and the South Downs Way at Washington Bostal Car Park. £166,700.

Seven Sisters Country Park For a number of infrastructure projects associated with enhancing the facilities and making it more accessible for all. £100,000.

Ditchling Keymer Road Car Park – to provide additional car parking spaces (including disabled bays and cycle racks) for the village and visitors to the National Park. £70,000.

Stroud Village Improvement Scheme Towards highway improvement works and improved pedestrian footways, crossing points and village signs. £20,000.

Iping Common To upgrade the three entry points and paths to improve access to the Common, including drainage improvement works and re-surfacing the entrance points using Fittleworth Stone. £19,000.

Kings Arms Youth Project Towards the purchase of, and improvement works to, a new permanent home for the Youth Project in Petersfield Town Centre. £15,000.

Farringdon Village Improvement Scheme Towards highway improvement works to improve highway safety issues and village signs. £11,327.27.

Enjoyed this story? Sign up to South Downs News – the monthly newsletter for the National Park. To find out more visit www.southdowns.gov.uk

GARDEN

TRIMMERS GARDEN SERVICES NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR WINTER NO GARDEN TOO LARGE

ALL EQUIPMENT USED ARE

ECO EFFICIENT FREE QUOTES SUPPLIED

• • • • • • • • • • • •

GARDEN SERVICES OFFERED

Bark mulch & woodchip supplied Fencing Garden clearance, renovation, make overs Green waste disposal – all recycled Hard and soft landscaping services Hedge Trimming, topiary Lawn care - mowing, scarification, aeration, fertilization, top dressing, cutting, edging, turfing Plant supply, maintenance & general care Pressure washing, patio maintenance Weed control and Treatments Tree Work, supply, maintenance & general care, woodland management One-off, weekly, fortnightly, monthly - scheduled visits

❖

❖ 01962 736261 or 0789 602 7356 ❖ ❖ www.trimmers-garden-services.co.uk ❖ ❖ info@trimmers-garden-services.co.uk ❖ ❖ #@trimmersgardenservices ❖

C&D Trees All Tree & Hedge Care

Sparsholt college trained & qualified Free advice & written quotations 15 years experience

www.cdtrees.co.uk

Telephone - 01962 738 420 - 07900 987 609 Bishops Sutton, Alresford

Chris Matthews Tree Care and Woodland Management

• Tree surgery / TPO applications • Hedge maintenance • Fencing / Garden structures • Woodland management / tree planting Qualified in arboriculture and countrsyide management. 15 years experience

Tel: 01962 732498 Mob: 07879 448141

TDH

Landscaping & Garden Maintenance Landscaping Gardener with 25 years experience as award winning landscaper in Norway

Hard Landscaping

• Block & Flagstone Paving • Gravelling, patios and paths • Turfing

General Maintenance

• Grass & Hedge Cutting • Hedge, Shrubs and Tree Pruning • Leaf Collecting • Garden Clearance • Borders Cleared • Soil improvement

Free Quotes • References from Norwegian Projects T: 07498 747906

1 Hinton Hill Cottages, Hinton Ampner, SO24 0JZ

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GARDEN FEATURE

Bean and Gone © LUCIA FOSTER-FOUND 2020

WWW.LUCIAFOSTERFOUND.COM

“Guess what I’m bringing back!”

She looked up from a fruitless search for a green triangle; purple ones had reached extinction on Boxing Day. Unwrapping a strawberry delight, she hazarded a guess.

“Hanging?”

At his shocked look she had another stab.

“Flogging?”

“Really Darling, sometimes I wonder if you know me at all…“ She raised an eyebrow. “Nooo. I’ve been watching a programme about Tudor Christmases.”

Her stand out schoolgirl memory of Henry VIII (apart from the wife thing) was that he consumed 5,000 calories a day. How lovely.. But was probably why he looked as wide as he was tall in his portraits, her thoughts rambled on. And that ridiculous stance, like Lord Flashheart in Blackadder – hands on hips with his codpiece thrust out.

Oh no, surely not.. “The Codpiece?” she ventured, with trepidation. Couldn’t see that catching on. Certainly not amongst the young – would look ridiculous teamed up with drainpipe jeans hanging around their hips. Underpants on show at the back, bejewelled cup at the front? No. Just. No. “Stop guessing now, darling. You’re way off the mark. I’m referring to Twelfth Night!” He announced.

Unaware that it had ever gone away, she was puzzled. “Well it’s not my favourite Shakespearean play, but I’m not sure it needs your help to revive it. Timon of Peres however, could probably do with a leg up.”

Exasperation in his tone “No, no, no. Can’t stand Shakespeare.

I’m talking about Twelfth Night; great festival and feast of bygone times. Celebrates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.”

“I thought they came on Christmas Day? It doesn’t say anything about them being nearly a fortnight late in the ‘We Three Kings’ carol. Except maybe the one on a scooter, beeping his hooter – he’d probably be slower than the one in a taxi and the one in a car.” Finding herself hilarious, she sniggered.

Himself went on with a vaguely pained expression “It was also marked, in pre-Christian times by the ancient ritual of Wassailing in the orchards, where people drank to the trees’ health.”

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“Are you sure the trees weren’t just an excuse for a booze-up – can’t imagine a Cox’s Pippin saying ‘Cheers’ back, like Treebeard the Ent.” Because that would be alarming – and not too good for Himself, what with his dicky heart. “It sounds like a pretext for a grand hurrah before January descends into doom and gloom.”

“Precisely that. Especially this year when it’s going to doomier and gloomier than ever.” His smile was a little wan and she sympathised. It might be nice to have a jolly evening before taking down the decorations and turning the lights off Christmas.

Although for her, January brought its own reward in the form of a welcome respite from the relentless TV adverts. She was suffering from ETA – Excessive Television Advertising. And had exceeded her FAQ – Festive Advertising Quotient.

She thought she might actually scream if she saw one more impossibly beautiful girl leaping inexplicably off a pier, wallowing about in gold paint or riding a horse whilst most inappropriately dressed. All for the sake of a perfume.

And just who were these singers and musicians that resurfaced every December to flog their Christmas CD? You didn’t see them the rest of the year. Perhaps, she mused, they were cryogenically frozen from January to November and thawed out just in time to promote their Granny-safe offering.

However, Himself was still on-topic and looking at his tablet “It says here that bakeries would compete for the best shop window display of twelfth night cakes. There’s a recipe – apparently you have to hide a bean in it. The one who finds the bean is crowned Lord of Misrule. He gets to tell the others what to do.”

Given that this year there would only be the two of them, it followed that the Lord of Misrule would just get to boss the other one around. Mmnn. With her evil genius expression hidden by a rummage for a toffee penny, she enthusiastically offered to make the cake. But, OH DEAR, she had a premonition that there would be no bean found and, ergo, no Lord of Misrule.

SUCH A SHAME. NEVER MIND. Looked like one of them had been and gone and swallowed it.

They’d successfully made it through months of incarceration and no-one had ended up buried under the patio. Best not push it. Wouldn’t want their Twelfth Night to be their last night..

GARDEN

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FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1973, BUILT ON GREAT SERVICE AND VALUE FOR MONEY Please visit our website for all the latest news, information, second-hand machines for sale and special offers in the showroom.

t: 01962 771800 steve.cann@btconnect.com www.georgecanngardenmachinery.co.uk

Laceys Farm, Bramdean Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0JT

Design, landscaping and ongoing maintenance Free site visit and consultation Bosque is a trading name of Just Limegrass Ltd. Harko: 07710 502798 Tom: 07855 656984 www.bosque international.co.uk

Daren George - your local pest controller from Alresford • Wasps • Rats • Squirrels • Moles • Rabbits • Crawling & Flying Insects • Mice

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T: 07778 141505

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secure your fencing for the new year 01962 733990

Call Andrew or Ashley on Installation service available Prospect Road, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9QF www prospectfencing.co.uk

17

FOOD & DRINK / WELLBEING Alresford Surgery News Before attending the surgery The surgery is extremely busy with an increased workload & additional pressures. We are unable to lock our doors like we did previously so please do consider carefully how vital your visit to us is.

Our dispensary has been constantly busy throughout Covid and due to social distancing measures are working in smaller teams. Prescriptions take 72 hours to be processed, please do not call, email or attend the dispensary asking for you prescription before the 72 hours has passed, as it will not be ready early. When attending the Surgery, if the waiting area appears busy & social distancing difficult, then please wait outside until more space is available. Please do not come into the surgery if you have any of the following; • A high temperature or fever • A new continuous cough • Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Please stay at home and use the following website for further help.

111.nhs.uk/covid-19 You need to be wearing a face covering/mask before entering the building, even if collecting a prescription. To ensure there are as few patients in the building as possible, • Do not attend more than 5 minutes before your appointment time.

• You should attend the surgery alone, unless you need an essential carer or parent/guardian to accompany you.

Any enquiries relating to appointments, repeat medications or otherwise please telephone (01962 732345) rather than attending the reception desk.

Blood test appointments The surgery is under a lot of additional pressures and is extremely busy.

Please be mindful when booking a blood test appointment that if we cannot offer you an appointment in the time frame you require, that you can access blood tests at Royal Hampshire County Hospital and this will help alleviate some pressure on the surgery. It is easy & straight forward to book a blood test appointment at Royal Hampshire County Hospital either online or via telephone. Please use the link below for more information; https://www.hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk/ourservices/az-departments-and-specialties/pathology-inc-blood-tests/ blood-tests Covid 19 Vaccine • The supply of vaccine is limited.

• We are working with local practices to deliver this vaccination programme at scale.

• We have to wait to be informed of when we will receive the vaccine locally and any deliveries are likely to be small, in the short term.

• It is highly unlikely that initially the vaccine will be given at the practice.

• We are waiting to hear the delivery date of local vaccines • We have to follow strict government guidelines which tell us which group of patients to vaccinate first • We will contact you if you are eligible for a vaccine when we know what date the vaccine is available for you.

• It is essential, if you are given a vaccine, that you return for the second part of the vaccination on the date that you are advised to.

• Please do not telephone us to ask when or if you are going to get a Covid Vaccine. We will contact you individually if and when you are invited to have one and will keep this website updated with as much information as we can.

• We have many patients to vaccinate so we ask for your patience as we work through this vaccination programme which will last well into 2021.

Meanwhile, we all need to keep to the advice of hand-washing, face masks and social distancing but we all look forward to the time when we will return to life as normal - Thank you for your patience

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Mange 2 Deli Fresh Fruit & Veg, Smoked Fish, Meats, Specialist Cheeses, Baking Goods, Fresh Juice, Coffee, Sandwiches, Snacks & Fresh Artisan Bread (Delivery Tue-Fri)

www.mange2.co.uk Home Delivery £2.50 Minimum order £15 If there is something you would like to order that we don’t have on the website then please call: 01962 733189 Online Ordering Service Available

WELLBEING

M AT H E S O N

OPTOMETRISTS

NOW

May be a good time to address your EYECARE NEEDS If we enter another lockdown situation, it may result in a suspension of routine eyecare services. Why not take the opportunity to get your new spectacles now?

We can provide emergency cover under the local Minor Eye Conditions Scheme in most cases. Our spectacle workshops mean we can usually supply your new spectacles quickly, often on the same day.

A l r e s f o r d 01962 732336 Four Marks 01420 560082

alresford@matheson-optometrists.com

fourmarks@matheson-optometrists.com

W W W. M AT H E S O N - O P T O M E T R I S T S . C O M

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07733 016138 @ecw_barber elizawalker@hotmail.co.uk

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FEATURE

Hampshire County Council Are you #WeatherReady this winter?

#WeatherReady is a campaign from the Met Office to help people prepare for and cope with severe weather. It encourages individuals, families and communities to think about winter preparations they can make to help them stay warm, healthy and safe as winter rolls in, and protect their homes and businesses. From getting a flu jab to thinking about alternative childcare options if school or nursery are closed, and knowing where the stop tap is – here’s the #WeatherReady checklist.

Share it with your family and neighbours – because a few small steps taken now could make a big difference the next time adverse conditions strike.

We have further sources of information and advice to support residents through the winter season. Here’s our top ten: Cold weather can make some health problems worse, especially for the very young, vulnerable and elderly people and those with respiratory diseases, asthma, depression, heart disease or stroke. See advice on keeping your home warm in winter. If you or someone you know is struggling to keep their home warm, you may be eligible for help from our Hitting the Cold Spots scheme. Call 0800 804 8601 for advice from the friendly Hampshire-based team at the Environment Centre.

Get a flu jab from your GP or pharmacy to stay well this winter. Flu is very infectious and spread by germs from coughs and sneezes. Flu can be more severe for certain vulnerable groups including over 65s and those with health conditions and you may be eligible for the free flu jab .

A sudden emergency may mean that your home loses power, leaving you without electricity for hours, or even days, or forcing you to leave your home in a hurry. Our Emergency Planning team have lots of helpful advice on how you can prepare yourself for possible risks before an emergency takes place to reduce the impact on your home and family, including an emergency pack and evacuation checklist.

If you are not sure who you can trust when you need to find someone to service a boiler, or fix storm damage, our Buy With Confidence directory can help. All the businesses in the scheme are vetted and approved by Hampshire Trading Standards to ensure they operate in a legal, honest and fair way.

Hampshire Highways teams are on 24/7 standby until the end of April to deal with winter conditions. They normally treat roads with salt before temperatures drop to freezing to try to stop frost and ice forming.

Main roads will always be treated first.These ‘Priority one’ routes

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cover about one third of the county road network but carry the majority of Hampshire’s traffic; covering A roads, some B roads, major bus routes, roads to hospitals and other key emergency hubs, large schools and colleges, areas of high traffic concentration and public transport interchanges.During prolonged severe weather, ‘Priority two’ routes, which include the rest of the B roads and single access roads to villages, may also be treated. See our salting maps and follow our ‘gritter twitter’ @HantsHighways to find out when and where our salting lorries are going out.

When adverse weather brings traffic disruption, you can keep up to date with live traffic information by following our @ROMANSE on Twitter.

The traffic and travel centre gathers information on what’s happening on the network to provide accurate, timely travel information to help you make informed decisions about your journeys.

We’ve provided more than 3,000 blue or yellow bins filled with salt and/ or grit for use by the community on public roads and pavements across Hampshire. Find out where the bins are, how to get them topped up, or how to report a damaged or missing grit bin.

Adverse weather can leave some people feeling cut off and more isolated.

Keep them in mind and spend a few minutes each day to check on older friends, family and neighbours, either by phone or in person. If you notice any unusual activity (or inactivity) inform a family member immediately.

If you’re worried about an elderly neighbour or relative, call our Adults’ Health and Care team on 0300 555 1386, during the week in working hours (8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 4.30pm Friday), or call 0300 555 1373 out of hours and on weekends and Bank Holidays.

During the cold winter months, and the issues that brings, the work of volunteers in the community becomes more important than ever as more people need help. Volunteering makes a positive impact in your community, and can bring many benefits for you, such as teaching new skills and meeting new people. Find where you can volunteer.

Speak with your local pharmacy team about minor health concerns you may have before they get worse. They can help with clinical advice for all sorts of illnesses, and if your symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, they can make sure you get the help you need from a doctor or at a hospital. Most people live within easy reach of a pharmacy, and with many now offering longer opening hours, it’s easier to get the help and advice you need, without booking an appointment Find a local pharmacy that is open near you.

RETAIL

Interior Style Mustard coloured bowl (approx 40cm diameter) -£40 29 West Street, Alresford Tel: 01962 736311 | www.interiorstyle.biz

Ragamuffin Willow Cord Dungarees by Frugi in organic cotton now - £16.50 SALE now on with up to 50% off Tel: 01962 734488 | www.ragamuffin-uk.com

Andrew Smith & Son Monthly General sale - Antiques & Interiors Saturday 16th January 2021. Bidding starts at 10 am Tel: 01962 735988 | www.andrewsmithandson.com

on your highstreet #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses

SALE Billy Goat SALE - Remember to check school shoes are still a good fit, before the new term starts!

Tel: 01962 733926 | www.billygoatshoes.co.uk

Design Realities Striking embriodered cushion - £75 (approx 45cm x 45cm) 36 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 732507 | www.design-realities.co.uk

The Alresford Gift Shop New cards arriving every day in the shop and on our website free delivery within 10 miles if you spend £10 - SALE items will appear on our website first - 10 West Street, Alresford Tel: 01962 732192 | www.alresfordgiftshop.co.uk

D.Barker & Son 'Silver Dragonfly pendant by Kit Heath - £98.00' 40A West Street, Alresford Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

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COMMUNITY / RETAIL Cheriton's chalk stream has been made a little greener, as children from the village primary school join their local conservation group for some wildflower planting.

The cool, clear waters of Hampshire's chalk streams support a range of wonderful wildlife, from brown trout and water voles to kingfishers and damselflies. But these important habitats, closely entwined with the lives of their human neighbours, need treating with care if they are to remain healthy. In the village of Cheriton, residents have just taken another step towards keeping their stream that way. The Cheriton Conservation Volunteer Group has been planting water-loving wildflowers along the Cheriton Stream since 2017, choosing species like meadow buttercup, great burnet, and purple loosestrife. As well as bringing beauty to the village, these blooms provide food for caterpillars and pollinators, shelter for fish fry and waterfowl, and freer movement of wildlife between land and water.

Another benefit of the flowers is their role in tackling localised flooding, which unfortunately sometimes occurs in Cheriton. They help the village green to act as a miniature flood plain in times of high stream

Winter Woodland Lights at Hawk Conservancy Trust Start 2021 with a sparkle at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, when it will become even more magical with beautiful illuminations and a live owl display set in a stunning, colourful woodland.

While immersed in nature, see the Trust come alive with sounds and lights as they dance through the branches. Be amazed by the sea of colour as they offer some much needed escapism to lift the January blues and brighten your spirits. Follow a captivating trail that celebrates the wonder of the woods and all that live within, as mesmerising lights and fascinating narration illuminate many scenes of woodland life. Experience a rainstorm of light, the joy of sunrise and a dazzling owl 'sky dance'.

Beautiful owls will feature in the finale with a live display in the Trust's wonderful woodland arena, where the trees will come alive with lights, music, sound and, of course, their birds in flight. Like all events and visits to the Trust, there will be extensive measures in place to provide

22

flow, holding water that would otherwise reach roads and buildings.

Their roots and leaves also secure the stream banks, preventing the soil from washing away.

The wildflowers for these planting sessions are supplied by Cheritonbased business Butterfly Cottage Garden Plants. The owners don't use electricity or chemicals in their growing process, and their nursery supports thrushes, hedgehogs, and 25 species of butterfly. The wildflowers they provide are grown to order, sometimes from seeds collected by the conservation volunteers. When the time came for this autumn's wildflower planting, the volunteers invited children from Cheriton Primary School to join them by the water. The Cheriton Stream flows past the school's front gates, so its pupils were excited to play a part in protecting it. They did a brilliant job of planting ragged robin, viper's bugloss, devil's-bit scabious, and bird's-foot trefoil along the bank.

The flowers will start to bloom in spring and bring a splash of colour to the village throughout the summer. Around this time, the volunteers and schoolchildren will head back out to add valerian, small scabious, meadow crane's-bill, and other stream-friendly wildflower species.

They hope to continue planting each year, in order to further support this precious habitat. This initiative currently forms part of the Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme. The five-year endeavour brings together 16 partners to protect, enhance, and celebrate seven local chalk streams, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust For more information visit: www.hiwwt.org.uk

a COVID-19 safe experience. Visitor numbers will be restricted and the event takes place outside. PLEASE remember social distancing and to bring a mask or face covering. Book now and have something to look forward to this January – early booking discount available until 5 December!

Fundraising Event The Hawk Conservancy Trust have created this as a fundraising event as a direct result of losing so much income due to COVID-19 restrictions and closures. Not only will this event hopefully lift the spirits of those visiting; the money generated from this event will help re-coup some of the lost funds in 2020, vital for the conservation of birds of prey.

Hawk Conservancy Trust, Visitor Centre, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY www.hawk-conservancy.org

Oakleaf Stationery Ltd

OPENING TIMES Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 9.30am - 1pm

A comprehensive range of all types of stationery – business and social Supplier of printer cartridges, art and craft materials, party and sewing items and a good selection of childrens stickers, colouring and painting books.

SERVICES WE OFFER...

Photocopying Laminating Document Binding Scan to Email Personalised Printing Agent Transfer to DVD Agent

We are also a UPS Access Point Visit us at : 56 West Street, Alresford, Hants SO24 9AU 01962 736116 oakleaf.stat56@gmail.com

RETAIL / HOME

One of ITV's Most Popular Antiques Experts Happy to arrange home calls by appointment karendalmeny@gmail.com

BEST CASH PRICES PAID FOR: Gold & Silver Jewellery & Antiques Including: Watches, medals, bronzes, oriental ceramics, quality antiques, house clearance/insurance valuations

For enquiries please call:

07712 545 700 Karen Dalmeny

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Solitaire Diamond Ring £3,995 Diamond RingRing £3,995 PearSolitaire Shaped Cluster In£3,995 Platinum Solitaire Diamond Ring Natural Yellow Diamond Yellow Diamond Cluster Cluster PendantPendant £3,250 £3,250 Natural Yellow Diamond Cluster Pendant £3,250 Centre Natural Diamond GIA Certified 0.50ct, F Colour, SI1 Clarity £3,895 40a40a West Street, Alresford, Hants West Street, Alresford, Hants 40a West Street, Alresford, Hants 40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 Tel: 01962 732200 40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 40a West Street, Alresford, Hants 40a West Street, Alresford, Hants 40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk www.dbarkerandson.co.uk Tel: 01962 732200 Tel:www.dbarkerandson.co.uk 01962 732200 Tel: 01962 732200 Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk www.dbarkerandson.co.uk www.dbarkerandson.co.uk www.dbarkerandson.co.uk www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

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COMMUNITY Winchester Council Report January 2021

impact on customers, will be considerable.

The truck park is predicted to last for a minimum of twelve weeks, a considerably longer period than the restrictions put up for Boomtown. In July 2021, the trade regulations may be amended, so will the contraflow period could be extended or re-imposed.

We hope 2021 will be a great deal easier for all of you!

As the west bound commuters try to avoid the A31, both Cheriton and the Itchen Valley will suffer increased traffic levels; we have asked for monitoring equipment to be installed to quantify the problem, in order that extra resources can be deployed quickly.

We anticipate extra heavy goods vehicles on those roads as well, so please drive with great caution, there are many points where one wide vehicle makes it impossible to pass.

Again, in theory, the 30-mph limit will add less than five minutes to your journey time on the A31, but any incident will be slow to clear.

Shop Local Our local retailers have served us well through various waves of pandemic so far, but they still need our support in 2021.

Perhaps that could be your New Year resolution?

A 31 Contraflow As you read this, we will have experienced significant inconvenience from the setup of the Brexit Triage Point on the A31. In December we met with officers from Hampshire Highways to go through the 32 points we had identified where further action and communication would be necessary.

To some extent we were reassured; the 24 hour police presence and recovery vehicle were good news; more worrying was the cautious optimism that trucks would need to park for very limited periods, and that the concentrations would be to the western end.

We shall have to wait and see what happens.

We are promised a swift response should unexpected problems arise.

For those businesses and residents on the A31 the extra expense and time will be necessary to access properties and the

Tip Access for Pedestrians and cyclists The deputation to Hampshire County Council was successful in that a pilot for Alresford was proposed. However, that pilot was so flawed that it was doomed to failure.

Several objections were received from across Hampshire resulting in officers being asked to try again. This is not just about recycling, all residents are entitled to be able to dispose on their waste in an environmentally sound manner regardless of access to transport.

Lack of a car may be because of disability, medical conditions, age, poverty, or objections to using a car unnecessarily. None of them valid reasons for prohibiting access

to a service that all are paying for in their council tax.

Green Waste Bins The new green waste bins have arrived!

It seems easiest to order online, ten minutes from start to finish, and an instant acknowledgment. https://www.winchester. gov.uk/waste-recycling/garden-wastecollection-sign-up The phone line is 0300 300 0013.

The collection of these brown bins starts on your usual green waste collection day.

The old green bag system is finishing on 1st February, so please sign up soon. The new system is ‘opt in’ and is paid for separately from Council Tax. Should you be short of space for bin storage, it is now possible to change your large black bin for a smaller one, free of charge. mpower@winchester.gov.uk 01962 734167 rgordon-smith@winchester.gov.uk 01962 733219

Margot Power 01962 734167 Russell Gordon -Smith 01962 733219 pop in see if you can bag yourself a bargain?

Pre-booking not necessary for a shop visit.

Curtis Museum The Museum is open from 10 - 4 Thurs Fri Sat and now SUNDAY too. Please see our website to book your visit www. hampshireculture.org.uk/curtis-museum Allen Gallery Please see our website to book your visit www.hampshireculture.org.uk/allen-gallery

The Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery, Alton Open Art Exhibition 2021 in the Allen Gallery Showcasing the best of local amateur and professional artists’ work, this exhibition displays a fantastic range of artworks in a

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variety of mediums. Visitors are invited to vote for their favourite in the Peoples’ Choice Award. Proudly sponsored by Alternative Packing Solutions. 9th January – 20th February - Free January Sale!

Both the Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery will be holding a retail sale in Jan – why not

Curtis Museum, High Street, Alton GU34 1BA Tel: 01420 82802 www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk Curtis Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm. Allen Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10.30 – 3.30pm

HOME

CJ The Plumber

Colin Joyce • Reliable friendly service • Repairs or installation • Kitchen, bathroom, shower • Outside tap, cold water • Storage cisterns, taps, WC • No call out charge

• equestrian maintenance • Ploughing • field cultivation • Hedge cutting • Forestry • spraying specialist • fencing • topping • wood thining • Tree Felling & branch lopping

Load of logs - £70 per truck load

01962 776545

Tel: 01962 735452 / Mob: 07880 527049 www.appletoncontracting.co.uk

Domestic plumbing

M: 07774 979 325 T: 01962 735354

No job too small – No call out charge Free quotations available ALL ASPECTS OF PLUMBING & HEATING Reliable local plumber

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T: 01962 735397 w: butlerandking.co.uk e:info@butlerandking.co.uk Unit G, Prospect Commercial Park, 4 Prospect Road, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9QF

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COMMUNITY

LOCAL

GOVERNMENT for the NHS, and it’s a humbling effort – with so many people involved. My message is simple, no-one is safe until everyone is safe so I shall be rolling up my sleeves the moment I am asked to have the jab and I would beg you to do likewise. We don’t have time for dangerous conspiracy theories (or politics), we just need to get vaccinated.

Steve Brine M.P Happy New Year! And surely it has to be, better than 2020, right?

For more than a decade I have represented us in Parliament and I have never worked harder but, also, never found it more rewarding. It is true, in any walk of life, that experience aids success but I feel blessed to have so much I can fall back on for the benefit of the people I represent.

The early part of this year will (hopefully) be recovery from the pandemic; both in how we roll out the vaccine across Hampshire and seek to get economic growth going again. I am being very regularly briefed by Dr Nigel Watson, who is leading the county wide vaccine programme

Jackie’s County Corner for January Wishing you an active and healthy 2021 New Year, new you? If you are a young person (between 16 and 24), have you heard of the Kickstart scheme? This offers employers the opportunity to give a young person to take up 6 months of meaningful, paid work experience.

See more at https://jackieporter.mycouncillor. org.uk/2020/12/02/kickstart-scheme-sixmonth-paid-work-placements-for-youngpeople-aged-16-24/ If you are interested in employing someone for 25 hours per week, costs paid by the Government, please email kickstart@hants.gov.uk for more details .If you are a young person, apply for Universal Credit (mainly open to 18-24), and explain to your assigned Work Coach that you are interested in the kickstart scheme.

Hospital consultation This is gathering pace, with two sites and three delivery options, to be consulted upon in Spring 2021. You can see more on www. hampshiretogether.nhs.uk. Watch out for online events where you can hear more and ask questions before you respond to the consultation. HCC has also set up a Scrutiny Committee to look at this: I will attend these

26 26

I have worked closely with the regulator (the MHRA) and constituents can be confident they will interrogate the data robustly before granting any licenses.

And on the subject of a virus which has ended too many lives too early, I was so proud to be part of England’s first ever HIV Commission which has made recommendations to meet the Government’s pledge to end new HIV cases by 2030.

I set-up the group while Public Health Minister and subsequently worked to produce its’ report after leaving Government last year. And I used a special debate in the House of Commons, timed to coincide with the Commission’s launch on World Aids Day, to call on Ministers to accept its recommendations in full. See www. stevebrine.com/hivcommission

Other work I have been doing lately, and in the year ahead, will focus on nurseries and early years, cancer, local transport - and the recovery of our creative industries via my place on the powerful DCMS Select Committee.

And finally, plans are afoot for the eventual disposal of Sir John Moore Barracks when the MOD depart and you may have already seen something of them. In short, it’s a mixed use plan comprising around 1000 houses (too many), a commercial element (too little), park and ride (why?), sports pitches (great) and a supported living facility. My message has consistently been – do not over-develop this site – and I have introduced the team to the Dever Society because whatever happens will impact on the wider area including the Itchen Valley.

See the plans at: www.stevebrine.com/SJMB Much more, and daily updates, via www. fb.com/SteveBrineMP and Green Winchester (only) on Twitter

Steve Brine - MP for Winchester, Alresford & Itchen Valley

meetings, so if there’s anything you’d like to know contact the website above -or write direct to me. I have a list of questions (they are on my website) but I’d like to hear your views too.

marked as seen and then collected. There are about 200 incidents a month, so please continue to report – it will at least to keep our countryside tidy.

Flooding The Autumn brought flooding even where it hadn’t happened before. The new County team assigned to the Itchen Valley Division has been getting to grips (pun intended!) with the problems. I ask you to copy me into any which are not responded to relatively quickly: the new officer for this area is helpful, but work planned takes longer if a road closure is required. Please continue to log all problems on the HCC website: priority is given to those incidents which result in flooded homes or sewage systems.

Operation Transition Brexit is happening- and the County is preparing to be a ‘checking station for customs papers before the HGV’s arrive at Portsmouth.

The City Council report in this magazine covers the impact of the workings of the scheme, but contact me if you have a query.

The County has recently agreed a pilot scheme within the Itchen Valley division to look at practical ways to slow or collect water before it floods communities. We’re not ready to import beavers yet but it is looking at innovative ways to do this, which I welcome!

Flytipping We have had some horrendous examples recently. Call 999 if you see it happening, or go to the Winchester website or app to report flytipping. The pile will be checked for evidence,

School vouchers for children and families: This a new scheme, aiming to help those facing hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic . It is being funded from the £2.89 million Winter Grant Scheme, awarded to HCC by the (DWP), as part of a programme of supportive measures over winter. More details on hants. gov.uk or my website. Schools and Citizens Advice Bureaux can use these grants to help families with essential items: food, energy cards & tokens to pay fuel bills. And don’t forget, residents can ‘self-refer’ to the Alresford or Winchester Basics banks too.

County Councillor Jackie Porter www.jackieporter.co.uk 07973 696 085 Jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk

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e clusive Double Glazing Ltd

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Hardwood gates Gate automation Intercom systems Vehicle barriers

27

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WOOD FLOOR SANDING & RESTORATION HAND FINISHED NEW WOOD FLOORS BESPOKE CABINETRY

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Maid Marian Ad 90 x 135

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Call 02380 600027 to arrange a free no obligation survey and quote Unit 9 & 10, Vicarage Farm Business Park, Winchester Road, Fair Oak, Eastleigh, SO50 7HD sales@donsgaragedoors.co.uk • www.donsgaragedoors.co.uk

COMMUNITY

New Alresford Town Council Coming soon Last year, we purchased the red phone box on West Street for the bargain sum of £1.00. Most of these phone boxes have been decommissioned but they are a well-loved icon, and we were keen to both preserve it and put it to good use.

We are pleased that it has been beautifully refurbished, and we are developing it as an information point for visitors to the town.

Hambone Jr Memorial Located by the banks of the River Arle by the Dean, is the headstone, with the inscription, “Here lies Hambone Jr, faithful friend of the 47th Infantry REGT, 9th Div, US Army May 1944”. Hambone Jr was the canine companion of the troop billeted in Alresford during WWII. Tragically, he was run over just before they embarked for the D Day Landings.

He was then buried by the footpath, perhaps a favourite

30

under the age of 4, to help purchase fruit, veg, pulses and milk. Across the Winchester District only 40% of eligible families claim the vouchers. The vouchers are worth £900 if all of them are claimed until the child is 4. For more details visit www. healthystart.nhs.uk/ or Healthy Start Winchester on Facebook.

spot where he chased ducks or accompanied the troops on manoeuvres?

In 1994 the original wooden cross was replaced with the headstone by generous residents. We would like to register it as a war memorial and then “adopt” and maintain it, as we recognise the importance of this popular and unique memorial. For more fascinating insights into Alresford’s history, visit www.alresfordmemories. wordpress.com Grants It’s not too late to submit your grant application. If your local community group or charity could benefit from a grant of up to £1000, then you have until 13th January to apply.

Applications will be considered at the Town Council meeting on 26th January 2021. See our website for more details.

Support your local businesses Please continue to support your local businesses. They continue to provide a fantastic shopping and visitor experience within government guidelines.

Many local businesses also offer a phone or online ordering service with home delivery or click and collect available.

For more details, please visit All Things Alresford Facebook page and Alresford Chamber of Commerce www. alresfordchamber.co.uk Paying for parking You can now choose to pay for parking using your mobile phone in the three car parks situated at Arlebury Recreation Centre, Station Road and Perin’s School. Hand sanitisers

have now been installed at convenient locations near to the ticket machines for your safety.

Winchester Basics Bank Unfortunately, due to social distancing we are unable to accept donations for Winchester Basics Bank at our council office at Arlebury Recreation Centre. But donations can be left at the collection point in the Coop in West Street. Larger donations can be delivered to their sorting location in the Vineyard Church, Bar End Industrial Estate. Visit www. winchesterbasicsbank.co.uk/ donate/

Food vouchers Could you be eligible for free food vouchers? The NHS Healthy Start is a means tested scheme for people who are either pregnant or have children

Hitting the Cold Spots Are you struggling to keep your house warm? This local authority service is here to advise and support you about how to reduce your energy bills and stay warm this winter. Visit www.winchester.gov.uk/housing or 0800 804 8601.

Safe at home?

Recently, community police officers hosted a drop-in session at Alresford Community Centre for anyone concerned about their safety, or the safety of others at home. If you were unable to attend and need their help, then you can contact them on 02394 216816.

Green waste charges Winchester City Council are introducing annual charges for the collection of green waste from 1st February 2021. £59 for a standard size bin and £39 for a smaller bin. Visit www. winchester.gov.uk for more details and to register.

New Alresford Town Council Arlebury Park, The Avenue, New Alresford, SO24 9EP Phone: 01962 732079 www.newalresford-tc.gov.uk

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.

MICHAEL J SLY Plumbing and Heating

REFURBISHMENT • INTERIOR RECONSTRUCTION KITCHENS & BATHROOMS • GENERAL BUILDING Local, experienced, and here to help you.

Andy Cliff • 01962 738883 • cliffbuilding@gmail.com

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All plumbing and heating works from fixing a leak to installing a full Heating System or Bathroom Suite

Plumbing and Heating Complete Heating Systems High Efficiency Boiler and System Upgrades Power Flush and System Treatments Gas Boiler Service Water Softeners

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Paul Rolfe Free competitive quotations Free Quotes • Service & Repairs • Full Year Guarantee on parts • OAP Discounts TV installations considered • Freeview achieved where others have failed

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31

a woodburning stove in your home?

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Tel 01962 690 005 Have your three piece suite freshened up for just £97!Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a selection of frequently asked questions especially for you sceptics (you know who you are).

1. When you say ‘carpet’ what do you mean? We mean average size areas, say 10x12ft ish. But we don’t quibble if the areas are a little larger - it’s all done on fairness really. 2. Do you move furniture?

Our pricing policy reflects the time it takes to clean working around furniture, rather than moving it. any three carpets That said, we are Have for example, happy to move your three piece suite backwards and forwards cleaning under it and replacing it back into piece position. What we don’t price into the job at these discount prices is and your three moving large pieces of furniture like bookcases, sideboards or wardrobes. Similarly we are not insured upflat-screen for to move electricalsuite items,freshened in particular tvs. Again we apply common sense and fairness to the situation and inevitable we do end up moving some furniture around, even at these discount prices. 3. just £167!

Are there any ‘hidden’ extra costs? The prices quoted above are fully-inclusive and are the actual prices you will pay.

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Price Full Offer Price List Carpet 1 £57

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FULL OFFER PRICE LIST Carpet Price

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Carpet Price

2 £67

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Barnes & Liddiard Electrical Contractors Limited All aspects of electrical work undertaken Fully compliant to part ‘P’ of the building regulations

Domestic Commercial Industrial Garden Lighting

Tel: 01962 733272 AVAILABLE FOR:

PRESTIGE CARS OF ALRESFORD TEL: 01962 865602 MOBILE: 07752 570787 OR VISIT WWW.PRESTIGECARSALRESFORD.CO.UK

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33

MOTORING

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MOT TEST CENTRE

• • • • •

Welding specialists Tyres for cars and motorcycles 4 wheel laser alignment LPG for sale for cars Recovery services

• Free collection • Diagnostic testing (including Landrover) • Courtesy cars • Certificated engineers

Independent Garage and MOT Testing Centre Established in1999 - All makes of car serviced and repaired - Saab approved repairer and Subaru specialist Free collection, delivery and courtesy car (when available) Competitively priced tyres - Batteries - Vehicle Diagnostics - Exhausts

Telephone Gary or Andy on 01962 771331 or 771881 www.northmotor.co.uk info@northmotor.co.uk

MOT TEST CENTRE FOR: Cars, motorcycles and vans up to 3,000kg.

All makes serviced and repaired.

Class 4 MOT's

The trusted private transport service

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Standards you can rely on for airport, ferry port and city transfers Carpe Diem Executive Cars has built its reputation for excellence, professionalism and reliability offering a premium service at competitive prices

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Contact us today and leave the rest to us Tel: 0330 6600 029 Mob: 07801 816 062

email: franco@carpediemec.com www.carpediemec.com

New Farm Motor Services Ltd New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QE

01962 732338 L.P.G.A approved autogas conversions www.autogas.com

Allows your petrol engine vehicle to run on Autogas, a fuel costing approximately 76p per ltr, with the environmental benefits of a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide production and 2000 times fewer particulates produced from the exhaust fumes when compared with a diesel. Widely available across the country and locally in Winnall, Winchester and West Meon Hut service station.

The government has committed to this fuel difference for the future.

M.O.T Testing Centre • FREE COLLECTION • COURTESY CARS

34

Class 7 Vans from 3,000 - 3,500kg Class 4 Cars and Vans up to 3,000kg All makes of cars and vans serviced and repaired All makes of truck and horsebox up to 7500kg maintained and prepared for ministry plating tests

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PRESTIGE CARS OF ALRESFORD TEL: 01962 865602 MOBILE: 07752 570787

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Repairs Servicing M.O.T

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Servicing, MOT, Tyres & Bodywork Repairs

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Please ring our friendly team on: 01962 736186 andy.wilcan@live.co.uk www.wilcan.co.uk THE LONG BARN, WINCHESTER ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9EZ

Andrews Autosource Carefully Selected Cars Approved by trading standards

During the current Corona virus outbreak, if you would like to see a car locally, please give me a call on 01489 878879, or out of hours, 07811 041653. 'Masks and gloves available, all cars disinfected prior to delivery.

The following cars have been carefully selected because of their low mileage, excellent condition and service history.

2017 (17) Vauxhall Mokka X 1.4 turbo

1 owner, 16,000 miles

2016 (66) Honda Jazz 1.3 EX , 5 door,

1 owner, 17,000 miles, £30 road tax 2016 (16) Peugeot 308 SW 1.2 Active Estate 130 bhp

2 owners, £ 20 road tax 34,000 miles 2017 (17) Ford EcoSport 1.5 TDCi Titanium

1 owner, 32,000 miles

2017 (17) Suzuki Celerio SZ4,

1 owner, Zero road tax, 11,000 miles

2016 (66) Fiat Punto 1.2 Easy Plus, 5 door, a/c

1 owner, 8,700 miles 2014 (64) Ford Fiesta 1.2 Zetec 5 door, 2 owners,

46,000 miles

2013 (63) Honda Jazz 1.3 ES, air con, Demo + 1 owner,

26,000 miles

2007 (57) Peugeot 307 SW Estate, 3 owners, 75,000 miles

£10995 £9995 £7995 SOLD £6995 £6495 £5995 SOLD SOLD

CAMPER VAN, 5 SEATS, 4-5 BERTH BRAND NEW PROFESSIONAL CONVERSION 2018 Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive, 12,000 miles, Air conditioning,

alloy wheels, parking sensors, reversing camera,

lifting roof, 12v fridge, gas hob, sink, mains hook up,

110 amp leisure battery £32,995

VIEW OUR CURRENT STOCK AT www.andrews-autosource.co.uk/vehicle-stock

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CARS HAVE SERVICE HISTORY TAYLORS GARAGE, HIGH STREET, DROXFORD, SO32 3QL

TEL: 01489 878 879 EVENING TEL: 01962 732995

35

ENTERTAINMENT Enjoy a break in the outdoors in the Test Valley, Hampshire

After the year we've had why not plan ahead for a break in 2021 in the great outdoors to have something to look forward to? You can be close to nature but socially distant through walking, cycling, exploring gardens and woodland, fly-fishing for the area's world-famous trout, and perhaps even sleeping close to nature! All this and more is on offer in Hampshire's beautiful Test Valley. But remember to check first that accommodation and attractions are open before making plans - see the websites below.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the area's riverside paths, gently rolling hills, wide open spaces, woodland and nature reserves by taking hikes along trails like the Test Way, a wonderful long distance walk which runs the length of the River Test, passing through picturesque

Jessie Keane: a local, Sunday Times Top 10 author Jessie Keane is a Hampshirebased Sunday Times Top 10 thriller-writing author who has 15 bestselling books to her name, including the hugely successful Annie Carter novels and the Ruby Darke series.

Jessie started writing nailbiting thrillers in 2008, when she sent out the first Annie Carter book Dirty Game to six agents. One came back to her straight away and said she had a publisher who might be interested – and within a week Jessie had a 3 book contract for a 6 figure deal. Fans of her books like Philip Schofield and Lorraine Kelly say they just can’t put Jessie’s books down; they’re page-turners and will keep you up all night, reading, waiting for the next plot twist.

Jessie is working on her 16th book now in her home on the South Downs National Park and keeping very busy! Follow her on Facebook and Twitter #realjessiekeane

36

countryside and villages along the way. https://www.hants.gov.uk/ thingstodo/countryside/walking/testway).

Or there's the Clarendon Way, a 24-mile walk between Winchester and Salisbury Cathedrals, which takes in some of the best parts of the Test Valley https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/walking/ clarendonway, the Monarch's Way, a long-distance footpath that follows the escape route taken by King Charles 11 in 1651 after being defeated at the Battle of Worcester http://www.monarchsway.50megs. com/about.html, the Brenda Parker Way, between Andover and Aldershot, which gives an insight into the area's military heritage and climbs to the highest villages in Hampshire, offering spectacular views. https://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_ name=Brenda+Parker+Way and the wonderfully named disused railway line -the Sprat and Winkle- between Andover and Redbridge, Southampton. http://www.railwayramblers.org.uk/news/15news/ VH-PDF-Sprat%20and%20Winkle%20Leaflet%202010.pdf The Ladies Walk, near Andover, forms part of a pre-Roman track where 121 trees were planted to commemorate the wedding of HRH The Prince of Wales to Princess Alexandra of Denmark in 1863. These trees bring stunning colours in Autumn. https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/ communityandleisure/naturereserves/ladies-walk Besides long distance trails there are many opportunities for short circular walks, dog friendly routes, family rambles, walks in nature reserves and woodland. https://www.bing.com/search?q=test+valley +get+out+and+walk And the National Trust looks after some beautiful areas just perfect for walking and observing wildlife - like Stockbridge Down and Stockbridge Marsh https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ mottisfont/features/the-estate-at-mottisfont

JESSIE KEANE QUEEN OF THE UNDERWORLD A MILLION BOOKS SOLD

THE MANOR

ON SALE 31ST DECEMBER

AT ASDA, TESCO AND ALL GOOD BOOKSHOPS OR ORDER DIRECT FROM JESSIE’S WEBSITE WWW.JESSIE-KEANE.CO.UK OR PRE-ORDER NOW FROM AMAZON

MAR MAR

H

Wuthering Wuthering Heights Heights

WAS ITWAS YOUIT YOU

ENTERTAINMENT / EDUCATION

adapted by adapted byCharly CharlyArmstrong Armstrong

4-14MAR MAR2020 2020@@7.30PM 4-14MAR MAR NO 2020 PERF 99 MAR 4-14 7.30PM &&88@@2.30PM. 4-14 2.30PM. NO 2020 PERF @@7.30PM 7.30PM MAR &&88@@2.30PM. 2.30PM. NO NO PERF PERF 99 MAR MAR 21 MAR 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM 21 MAR 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM

Wuthering Wuthering Heights Heights Adapted by Charly Armstrong

Adapted by Charly Armstrong

WAS IT YOU

Pheasant Pheasant PluckerPlucker & Friend & Friend

4-14MAR MAR2020 2020@@7.30PM 4-14 7.30PM &&88@@2.30PM. 2.30PM. NO NO PERF PERF 99 MAR MAR

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Heights 21 MAROF 2020 @MOUTH 2.30PM & 7.30PM WORD WORD OF MOUTHPheasant HIM AND ME S>E>D Plucker HIGH JINKSS>E>D AND SLAP AND

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TICKLE IN23–28 THEMARANCIENT 2020 @ 7.30PM ROMAN TOWN OF POMPEII. 21 MAR 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM 23–28 MAR 2020 @ 7.30PM

THE TRACY AND & Friend HEPBURN STORY

6-11 APRIL 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM 6-11 APRIL 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM

20TH - 30TH JAN 2021 @7.30, 24TH @ 2.30 A NEW PLAY IN TWO ACTS BY CHARLY ARMSTRONG & DAN SCOTT

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laughter. laughter.

The story of a bird handler who Thethrows story ofdown a birdher handler gauntlet; who throws down her gauntlet; a soaring of avian antics, soaring andADVICE daring. tale ofHarriet’s avian antics, journey wit and daring. Harriet’s journey VENUE MAY BE SUBJECT TO tale CHANGE DUE TOawit HMG of self discovery is both daft and of self deliriously discoveryfunny. is both daft and deliriously funny.

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Saturday 30 January

It’s who we are.

Please contact us to find out more: www.stswithuns.com | 01962 835700

6–11 apr 2020 @ 2.30pm & 7.30pm

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COMMUNITY Winchester Bereavement Support Winchester Bereavement Support is a voluntary organisation offering a service to bereaved individuals in Winchester and the surrounding areas. It is independent, and has no ties with statutory bodies or the churches. Support is normally given through home visits by Bereavement Visitors who are carefully selected and must successfully complete a comprehensive training programme. (During the pandemic, we have been supporting clients by telephone).

Referrals are made directly by the bereaved person, although this is often on the recommendation of their G.P. The service is confidential, free, and the Visitors are given full support from trained Counsellors.

We are planning to run a new Training Course*, February – May 2021, and would be very glad to hear from anyone who might be interested in training for this very worthwhile service.

If you would like to be considered as a trainee, please ring: 01962 620010 or e-mail: secretary@ winchesterbereavementsupport.org.uk * The course will be run online if face to face group meetings continue to be prohibited under Covid-19 regulations.

Winchester Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team Winchester Rural NPT are based in the Fire Station on Pound Hill in Alresford. We cover a large area around the outskirts of Winchester City centre, from Otterbourne in the West, Micheldever in the North and to Bramdean in the East.

We are made up of a Police Sergeant, 6 Police Officers, 5 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and are supported by a Country Watch Officer also based at Alresford Police Office.

If you need to contact your local team for any policing matter, you can do so by phoning 101 or by emailing winchester.rural. police@hampshire.pnn.police.uk Please only report a crime to the Police by phoning 101 or by visiting the Hampshire Constabulary website and filling in the online reporting form. Please only phone 999 in an emergency.

Come and meet your local Policing Team at our next Police Beat Surgery on Wednesday 20th January 2021, between 11.00 – 13.00, at The Community Centre on West Street in Alresford.

Sadly, Pam died at the end of August and is sorely missed. The role she coped with on her own has been taken over by a small team of volunteers who, on behalf of the Town Trustees, have been updating the policies and procedures to take into account latest guidance (including following Covid guidelines), working out new systems for checking the safety of the buses and passengers, co-ordinating drivers, and arranging a new phone number for bookings.

These changes enable the huge task which Pam did on her own to be shared by several people.

New Alresford Town Trust Minibus News The once familiar sight of our yellow minibus in and around Alresford has, like so much in 2020, has become a rarity, for obvious reasons. However, whilst you may not have seen it recently, both the new and the old buses are fully roadworthy and ready for use once all our normal activities can resume. In 2019 these included monthly shopping trips for the elderly and disabled of our community to the big branches of

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Sainsburys and Tesco; to the centres of Winchester, Petersfield and Romsey; and weekly to the centre of Alresford itself to shop locally and take advantage of the coffee being served in the Community Centre. The buses were also used to transport passengers to and from the Day Centre at Chiltern Court twice a week, and for those who wished to attend the Thursday Lunch Club in the Methodist Hall.

Before the pandemic Pam Stevens did all the administration connected to the minibus despite her increasing health problems.

Bookings are now being taken for 2021, for both regular trips and one-off events, for groups or individuals.

The new phone number for enquiries and bookings is 07510 474231 during normal office hours. At other times you can either leave a message, or contact the team via email minibus@towntrust.org.uk Please let us know if you would like to join this team of volunteer drivers, or sponsor this voluntary operation supporting shopping trips, outings and social groups in Alresford and the surrounding villages.

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