Itchen Valley Forum - Issue 203 - November 2023

ISSUE 203 NOVEMBER 2023

Itchen Valley

FORUM Life in your Community

ENVIRONMENT FEATURE

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

CHRISTMAS MARKETS, FAIRS & FESTIVITIES

NEWS & EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Trust - Small but mighty

Delicious Beef Wellington

All of your seasonal events in and around the Itchen Valley

Find out what's going on in the Itchen Valley

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

Be prepared for autumn, with a vehicle safety check Uneven and heavy tyre wear can go unnoticed. It is surprising how many people do not check their vehicles for problems before undertaking a journey. It was lucky that this customer came to us for a FREE vehicle check before setting off on a trip. With wet and frosty weather conditions on their way safe tyres with good grip are essential.

We also check oil, water and coolant levels and brakes. These simple, but important checks, can save you a lengthy wait for a breakdown recovery vehicle or even save your life!

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 NOVEMBER 2023

CONTENT S 04 Events November Events

38 Wellbeing 38

Looking after your health and yourself!

05 Home

41

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

44 Environment

08 Property Management

18

Buying, selling, letting?

Find local estate agents and property management services

12

Entertainment

Discover local events and days out or in

18

Home Continued

36

Feature

Christmas Markets, Fairs & Festivities

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust - Small but Mighty

55

Motoring

Local services to keep your vehicle running

58 Environment

South Downs National Park responds to State of Nature report with a strong call for action

62 Education

The Team Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk Director of Advertising Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

Get in Touch Forum Publications Offices New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QE

Tel: 01962 735137

www.forumpublications.co.uk

Find local schools and educational experts

19 Garden 19

Make your garden dream come true

20 New Alresford Town Council 25 Professional Services

From photographers to solicitors every professional service you need

29 Retail

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

36 Recipe of the Month

Beef Wellington

37

Food & Drink

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

44 58

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, 2023

EVENTS

November Events New Alresford Eco Fair

Friday 10 November

Sunday 12 November

Saturday 4 November

From 7.30pm

From 4pm to 5pm

From 10am to 3pm

Itchen Abbas Village Hall, Itchen Abbas, Winchester, SO21 1BQ

St John’s Church, Northington (SO24 9TH)

John Pearson Hall, East Street, Alresford, SO24 9AG

Save energy, save money, save the planet. Variety of stalls, informative talks, games & prizes, tricky quizzes, delicious food, sweater swap. www.newleafalresford.org

Service of Comfort and Hope Sunday 5 November

on St John’s newly restored organ A programme of exciting music some of which you may not have heard or seen played on the organ.

Richard has a passion for trying new things! Not to be missed!

Tickets (cash or cheque on the door): £10 adults; Under 18s free)

Southern Voices - Music for Remembrancetide

Cheriton Singers Concert Saturday 18 November

From 2pm

From 7.30pm

St. John's Church, East Street, Alresford, SO24 9AG

St Michael's Church, Cheriton, Alresford, SO24 0PY

Everyone is welcome to this peaceful and reflective service to remember loved ones who have died. Bring a single flower for each person remembered to add to the bouquet of memories.

Memorial cards on which to write their names will be at the back of the Church. Bring with you or place in the box in the porch.

Refreshments after the service.

Alresford & District Horticultural Society Talk Wednesday 8 November From 7.30pm St Gregory's Parish Hall, Grange Road, SO24 9HE

At Rosemary le Grande will give a talk about Idyllic Italian Gardens.

Visitors welcome, £3. For more information contact the Chairman, Janet Pooley, on 01962 732779 or pooleyj99@gmail. com or visit the website, www. alresfordhorticultural.org

Home Start Winchester & Districts - Charity Quiz Night

Bring a table of up to eight or join a team on the night. Prizes for the winning team and raffle prizes include a week in an apartment in

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The Algarve. Tickets £15. Includes a delicious ploughman's supper.

Wine and soft drinks bar available. For tickets call Sue Barham on 07776 041574 or email info@home-startwinchester.org. uk. Home-Start Winchester and Districts is a registered charity (1108170)

Saturday 11 November From 7.30pm St Paul’s Church, Winchester SO22 5AB

Southern Voices, directed

by Jamal Sutton, return to Winchester this month, with a beautiful and evocative concert for the season of Remembrance including Duruflé’s hauntingly beautiful Requiem, works by Finzi and Arvo Pärt and John Tavener’s meditative and poignant Svyati for choir and solo cello. This will be a concert to be experienced and what better way to celebrate the theme of Remembrance than to hear this glorious music on the very day that we take time to consider and remember those who have passed? Please come and join us in what promises to be a very special evening. Tickets: £18 (Concessions £1 for age 21 & under). Online at ticketsource. co.uk/southern-voices or telephone 0333 666 3366 (booking fees apply). Or at the door. southernvoices.co.uk

Music in St.John's Northington

Organ recital by Richard McVeigh

Performing Mozart's Coronation Mass and Solemn Vespers on Tickets £10 for adults, under 16s free, available from www. ticketsource.co.uk/cheritonsingers, from Cheriton Village Stores, or on the door. Please make a note in your diary!

Ropley Horticultural Society Talk Monday 27 November From 7.45pm Ropley Parish Hall, SO24 0DU

Nature Travels and Gardens Michael Huggan www.ropleyhs.org.uk

The Martyr Worthy Lecture Series Tuesday 28 November From 6.30pm Abbas & Avington Village Hall, SO21 1BQ

The 2023/24 Series begins on Tuesday 28th November 2023 when the award winning author and historian, Jessie Childs, described by Hilary Mantel as a ‘brilliant speaker as well as a writer’ will be talking about her book, The Siege of Loyalty House, a new history of the

English Civil War, through the story of the siege of Basing House 1643-45. In aid of the four churches of the Itchen Valley Parish. 6.30pm for drinks and canapes, lecture 7.15pm. Tickets £25 available online and details of the three further lectures in the Series all at : www.buytickets.at/ martyrworthylectures Enquiries please email: Sophie Parry at martyrworthylectures 2023@gmail.com Kindly sponsored by Savills.

Alresford Art Society Thursday 30 November From 7.30pm Bishop’s Sutton Village Hall, Alresford Road (B3047), Bishops Sutton, SO24 0AH

A talk by Melissa Wishart exploring the tradition of oil painting through artists’ depictions of light, followed by a glass of mulled wine, held on Thursday 30th November at 7.30pm in. Non-members welcome – admission £3. For further information: 01962 732043 or visit www.artsociety. alresford.org.

Ropley Christmas Market Thursday 30 November From 6pm to 8pm Ropley Parish Hall, Ropley, Hampshire, SO24 0DU

Come along and meet Santa, Chat with friends, buy presents, support local businesses, listen to carols, eat mince pies, toast the season in mulled wine. Free entry, please bring cash and cards.

Call: 07879 483708 for more details.

More events on page 14 If you would like your event included on our events page simply email your contribution to editor@ forumpublications.co.uk

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Certificate of Excellence

Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture

Bespoke sizing - Media walls, boot rooms, custom offices, installed by ex shipwright joiners with exceptional attention to detail

H

appy Kitchens have a unique approach when it comes to kitchens and custom spaces in the home. We use excellent quality materials which are fitted by exshipwright joiners, who used to fit the woodwork on Super Yachts. That in itself is unique in our industry but then add in the fact that we are bespoke, but don’t charge the inflated prices that your highend high street showrooms do, gives us the recipe for your perfect home solution.

This is why we are one of the highest rated home improvement companies on HOUZZ, beating all the top names you might recognise when walking down your high street.

We have never had less than a 5 star review and have won the HOUZZ best

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of service award every year since it has been running. The staff at HOUZZ reference us to other companies as to how customer service should be done.

Many of our customers have used us 2 or 3 times due to moving house or tackling other projects in their existing houses.

We do not have a template for design and take a fresh approach with every customer. It is important to take all the best ideas a customer has, then bring in the experience we have to offer, and often our ideas will be completely different to any other companies as we are innovative and bespoke. We often hear that customers have had designs and quotes that all look the same, are boring and un-exciting, yet expensive. This is because

most high street ‘kitchen designers’ are just salespeople with no idea on how a kitchen works.

One of the top reviewed companies on Houzz, offering free home design visits So whether you need an amazing Kitchen, Utility, Bedroom, coffee bar with custom pod storage, Office, Media wall or Living Room storage we can help. The design visits are free of charge, and we can quote on the same day. Also Ben loves design, so often at no extra charge, he will help you choose paint colours, light fittings, Bar stools, artwork and can even recommend great pots and pans.

“This is the second time we have used Happy Kitchens and once again we are over the moon with the results!

The level of workmanship is just outstanding, the guys were a pleasure to have in the house, We won’t hesitate to continue to recommend Happy Kitchens to anyone looking for a new kitchen. Highly recommend!”

Anna and Hugh Cutler, May 22

Our customers will often use us again, and recommend us to Family and Friends. The quote from the review above was from a customer who has chosen us twice, and their parents also have a Happy Kitchen, and two of the parents' friends.

“Happy Kitchens. WOW WOW WOW. Thank you so much for giving us the wow factor we asked for.”

The McAdams – June 21 The biggest compliment we get from our customers is always around our attention to detail and often bringing something completely different to the table. If you are still unsure after reading this, go and read some of our reviews on our Happy Kitchens Houzz profile, and do a search of kitchen companies on there by review rating, we are always close to the top of the list.

Out-of-the-box thinking, bespoke design features, and friendly staff with excellent attention to detail are just a few of the reasons you should call us today. If that isn’t enough please do remember that the design visit is free of charge, so you have nothing to lose.

T: 01962 460169 W: happykitchens.uk Covering all your needs in Hampshire

Sales | Property Management | Lettings ROPLEY Guide Price: £1,250,000 | EPC Rating: D

ALRESFORD Let Agreed: £2,250 pcm | EPC Rating: D

PRESTON CANDOVER Guide Price: £1,950,000 | EPC Rating: E

ALRESFORD Guide Price: £835,000 | EPC Rating: Exempt

A name you can count on in a changing world…

ROPLEY Offers in Region of £700,000 | EPC Rating: D

ALRESFORD To Let: £3,250 pcm | EPC Rating: C

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

The Autumn Outlook

A you can count on inAlresford a changing world…

Thename property market remains reasonably buoyant in the area. There are still plenty of Apeople name you can count on in a changing world… wanting to move, despite the current high mortgage rates, and we continue to be busy dealing with enquiries from buyers looking for their perfect property.

Now, more than ever, you need honest and expert advice from an experienced estate agent, in order to help make informed decisions. The sales and lettings team at Hellards has well over 100 years’ estate agency experience between them, meaning we can offer advice tailored to your particular situation, with your best interests in mind at all times.

Call us now on 01962 736333 to talk to one our friendly team. 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

Luke's Gospel ch. 21 vs 20...25 (after the present situation): ''And when you see Jerusalem compassed with armies, THEN know that the desolation thereof is near....signs in the sun...the moon...the stars, and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring'' Tuesdays 10.15 - Toddlers (term time only) Wednesdays 7.30pm - Bible study & prayer on zoom Thursdays 10.00am - Home prayer meeting

NEW FARM CHAPEL New Farm Road, Alresford, Hampshire Sunday Services 10.30am and 4.30pm Check out our website, where you can leave a message or call our number.

www.newfarmchapel.org.uk

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PROUD TO BE IN ALRESFORD The weather has been rather unseasonal over recent months, yet serious homebuyers have not been deterred in their pursuit of finding their perfect home. Since the beginning of the year, our team has consistently outperformed the competition, achieving an exceptional record of sales agreed, demonstrating that we have surpassed all other agents in and around Alresford, according to Rightmove statistics. With mortgage rates continuing to fall, this is the perfect time for buyers to take advantage of the current property market.

ALRESFORD

Our experience has shown that properties that are sensibly priced are selling quickly.

The team here takes pride in delivering an exemplary level of customer service.

We ensure that we are always available to our customers, and that their needs are fully met. Our unwavering commitment to customer service is a major factor in distinguishing us from our competitors.

If you are thinking about moving home, contact us on 01962 734633.

We would love to help.

Charlie Dixon

(Branch Partner) 01962 734633

c.dixon@chartersestateagents.co.uk

FOR SALE

A SELECTION OF HOMES AVAILABLE

ABBOTS WORTHY

ALRESFORD

5 Bedrooms | 3 Receptions | 3 Bathrooms

3 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 2 Bathrooms

5 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 2 Bathrooms

Impressive barn conversion which is ideally situated in the soughtafter and rural location of West Tisted on a generous plot. The home is surrounded by fields and open countryside in an area of outstanding natural beauty and offers a great deal of privacy. The accommodation is spacious throughout with superb natural light and a separate detached annex which offers versatility.

This beautiful Grade II listed double fronted cottage has been carefully restored and extended by the current owners to create a wonderful family home. The ground floor accommodation is particularly well configured with an open plan farmhouse style kitchen-dining room, complete with range cooker and a walk-in pantry under the stairs.

A well-presented five-bedroom detached family home ideally situated within close proximity of Alresford town centre on a sought-after development. Upon entering through the front door, you are welcomed into an inviting entrance hall that serves as the central point of access to various parts of the house. To the right of the entrance hall, there is a double-fronted sitting room.

GUIDE PRICE £1,200,000

GUIDE PRICE £750,000

GUIDE PRICE £700,000

ROPLEY

EASTON

ALRESFORD

4 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 3 Bathrooms

3 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 2 Bathrooms

1 Bedroom | 1 Reception | 1 Bathroom

Forming part of a select development built by Bargate Homes in 2016 and subsequently upgraded by the current owners, this beautiful executive detached home boasts high specification living accommodation in one of the area’s most highly-regarded villages.

Spacious semi-detached family home situated in the heart of the village of Easton the property comprises entrance hall with a storage cupboard and cloakroom, good sized sitting room with an open fireplace, dining room with a log burner, large fitted kitchen with a dishwasher and fridge / freezer.

Situated in the heart of the sought-after market town of Alresford, this ground-floor one-bedroom apartment boasts allocated parking and a private patio space. Access to the apartment is secured through a controlled entrance, leading to a layout that includes a generous double bedroom and a distinct kitchen area.

GUIDE PRICE £2,750 PCM

GUIDE PRICE £2,000 PCM

GUIDE PRICE £900 PCM

TO LET

WEST TISTED

“We have recently exchanged contracts on our house purchase.Vanessa at Charters in Alresford has been so efficient throughout the whole process. All questions we have had have been efficiently dealt with and answered, and always with a cheery smile and a positive attitude. So helpful and always willing to sort out any queries.We would definitely recommend her” Helen. K

If you would like a FREE market appraisal for your home, please call us on 01962 734633 today.

www.chartersestateagents.co.uk alresford@chartersestateagents.co.uk

SALES I LETTINGS I PROPERTY MANAGEMENT I LAND & NEW HOMES I MORTGAGES I SURVEYS I COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

ENTERTAINMENT

Alresford's first Lantern Procession

has travelled from Jacklyn’s Lane via West Street and Station Road, it will arrive in front of Alresford Station just in time to see the arrival of this year’s new Steam Illuminations Train lit up in all her glory.

To round off the evening, there will also be live festive music with traditional folk band Shantyhead for all the community to enjoy.

Schools, scouts, churches, families, local businesses and care homes are all welcome to take part in the procession or just come and watch. The Watercress Line is also organising several lantern making workshops prior to the event for those who have never made one before.

O

n Friday 24th November at 5.30pm The Watercress Line is organising a spectacular lantern procession through the streets of Alresford which all the community is welcome to be a part of. The lanterns are made of willow and paper, and can be transformed into all kinds of festive

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creations. From snowmen, angels and Father Christmases, to caterpillars, flowers and spiders, they can be simple small structures or huge feats of engineering!

En masse they will make for a colourful and impressive parade to herald the start of the Christmas season. To further add to the wow-factor, after the procession

To register your lantern or for more information, please contact: Stephanie Swann, Procession Organiser. 01962 733 810 or s.swann@watercressline.co.uk To book tickets for Steam Illuminations, go to: www.watercressline.co.uk

EVENTS / ENTERTAINMENT

December Events The Catholic Church of St. Gregory's, Alresford.

Christmas Bazaar Saturday 2nd December From 10.30 to 2pm Alresford Community Centre, 7 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AG

Grand Draw, raffles for case of wine and Christmas cake, various gift stalls, baked goods and tombola. Teas, coffees and mince pies. Proceeds shared equally between the Basics Bank and St. Gregory's.

Music in St.John's Northington Saturday 2nd December From 5pm to 6pm St John’s Church, Northington, SO24 9TH

The Grange Festival Festive Celebration : A Joyous, Candlelit, Family Event For All Ages With Rob Gildon (Baritone).

Tickets Adults (16+) £5; Under 16s free). www. stjohnsnorthington.com for booking link OR call 01962 791020 (Grange Festival)

Wassail! Carols of Comfort and Joy

carols, going from house to house singing, and drinking the health of someone at a wassail celebration. The Itchen Valley Choir will be celebrating this coming Christmas season by singing “Wassail! Carols of Comfort and Joy” arranged by Alexander L’Estrange, a young English composer well-known for his choral works. These carols are uplifting folk-inspired Christmas songs exploring both sacred and secular aspects of the festive season. Come along and join in, or just come and enjoy the atmosphere.Tickets £10 on the door include a glass of mulled wine, mince pies and other Christmas fare to prepare you for more festivities to come.Contact: IVCS.Secretary@gmail.com for booking enquiries

£10

NO BOOKING FEE

Our annual pantomime is back!

Join us for laughs, songs and a boot-full of local talent, strutting their stuff on stage.

SHOW WEEK

Tuesday 5th – Friday 8th December at 7.30pm Saturday 9th December at 2.30pm & 7.30pm CHRISTY HALL, OLD ALRESFORD

BUY TICKETS ticketsource.co.uk/toads or email boxoffice@oa-toads.org.uk The Old Alresford Dramatic Society

Wednesday 6th December

@TOADStweets www.oa-toads.org.uk

From 7.30pm Pastoral centre,St Gregory's 1 Grange Rd, SO24 9HD

Alresford Shops Late Night Opening Night and the Arrival of Father Christmas Hosting a private event?

Add a touch of style and taste and hire our stylish mobile wine bar, complete with selected wines from London’s top importers.

From 7.30pm Itchen Abbas Village Hall, SO21 1BQ

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TICKETS ONLY

NO BOOKING FEE

New Alresford WI Talk

Wednesday 6th November

A Christmas concert to kick start your celebrations sung by the Itchen Valley Choir Conductor: Jane Bryant Accompanist: Lucinda Pillow WASSAIL: derives from Old Norse “ves heill”, to be in good health. It has accompanied English toast-making since the 12th century. In Old English it means a toast or salutation at festivities which included drinking spiced beer or mulled wine, the singing of Christmas

THE OLD ALRESFORD DRAMATIC SOCIETY (TOADS) presents

A converted 60’s horse, decked out with bar serving areas, lighting, chilling facilities, tables and seating, ready to elevate your event to another level.

Our wines are selected and supplied according to your budget, event style and preference. All are high quality, restaurant level wines not to be found on the high street. Check out our winter selection online.

Wednesday 6th December From 6pm

Get in touch

Broad Street, Alresford

heresywinebar.co.uk

Arrival of Father Christmas How will he arrive this year. Following his arrival in Broad Street Father Christmas will tour the town for everybody to greet him.

Heresy Ad_Forum Mag 1

guy@heresywinebar.co.uk mob: 07376 337393. insta: @heresy_wine_bar

18/10/2023 10:51

ENTERTAINMENT / LEISURE

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ARDEN THEATRE

FRI 24 NOV - SAT 2 DEC @ 7.30PM & NOV 25 & 26,DEC 2 @ 2.30PM

MON 6 - SAT 11 NOV & 7.30PM

73 ST MARGARETS LANE, TITCHFIELD, PO14 4BG WWW.TITCHFIELDFESTIVALTHEATRE.COM | BOX OFFICE: 03336 663366

Wreath making and afternoon tea The perfect experience to fill you with festive spirit this December. Join expert florists in the beautiful 17th century Dawley Barn at Lainston House to create a wreath to take home and be proud to hang on your front door! Once you’ve worked your crafty fingertips and brought your wreath vision to life, it’s time to relax and enjoy some well-deserved indulgence with our festive afternoon tea.

Sunday 3rd December Sunday 10th December 10am to 12pm 1pm to 3pm £99 per person 01962 776088 exclusive.co.uk/wreath-making lainstonhouse@exclusive.co.uk Sparsholt, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 2LT

Alresford Forum - 19th September.indd 1

20/09/2023 13:35:23

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COMMUNITY / ENTERTAINMENT

Winchester based dance charity relaunches street dance class for teens 10th October 2023- Local Winchester dance charity Move Momentum is pleased to announce the launch of Winnall Academy, a street dance class for ages 10-16.

The class takes place on Tuesday evenings during term time, 17:30-18:30 pm at Winnall Primary School, SO23 0NY. The classes are targeted at young people who live in Winnall but they are open for any young person who enjoys to dance and is looking for a fun affordable activity to take part in and to be a part of a community Move Momentum is committed to keeping dance accessible for all - the cost for a term of classes is just £15 and drop ins are £1.50 (first session free). Bursaries are also available - do get in touch if you would like to discuss.

Move Momentum’s teachers are highly experienced and trained to ensure that all students feel welcomed and supported throughout, creating a safe space for everyone to express themselves.

For more information, please take a look at the website https://www.movemomentum.co.uk/academies

Alresford Town win dramatic penalty shootout after second half cup comeback

The Watercress Line Steam Illuminations

Steam Illuminations returns to The Watercress Line from 24 November to 6 January. Experience an incredible light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns. This makes the steam train look magical both inside and out!

NEW for 2023 ‘Canopy of Lights’, a sound to light show inside every carriage. Enjoy the fun, interactive show all while hosted by the legendary ‘Voiceover Man’ (as heard on Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor); laugh with him (or at him) and compete against each other with the singalong “FlashyOke” game”.

Join the festive action on board before Christmas Day and the journey will be filled with big Christmas hits that will get you jigging about in the festive spirit; or visit after Christmas Day for a musical journey from the 1960s to the present day with dance floor singalong anthems.

Sing, dance and cheer on the magical, musical journey!

The trains depart from either Alresford or Alton and completes a round trip. The experience lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

Simon Horn, the designer behind the Steam Illuminations show, also designs and programs lighting concert touring. He has toured the UK and internationally with pop acts including Anastacia, Dido, LibertyX, Olly Murs, The Pogues, Ricky Gervais and Westlife, designing and/or programming their light shows.

Alresford started brightly but found themselves behind after around 10 minutes. Brockenhurst midfielder Marcelo Rossi opened the scoring against the run of play with a cool finish on the half volley into the left corner, after a good cross from the right side.

Book a ticket to be part of the full experience.

This is sure to be an event the whole family will enjoy.

For more details and to book tickets, visit: https://watercressline.co.uk/ steam-illuminations/

The away sides positive start was made worse for the magpies, as Brockenhurst full back Elliott Pearce-Eavis drilled a dangerous ball into the near post which deceived goalkeeper Kieran Connell and sneaked in to make it 0-2. The magpie’s keeper was on hand shortly after though to deny a third after an excellent save to deny Freddie Bullard’s free kick into the top right corner. Alresford’s first effort on goal came from forward Oli Page who’s left footed effort from outside the box went just wide of the post, after nice work to beat his man and open the space.

Adams pulled one back from close range with a smart finish after a low driven cross into the box.The badgers came close to sealing the tie with ten minutes to play after Nehniah McKenley-Burke saw his free-kick whistle just over the bar from 30 yards. With around three minutes to play Alresford completed their comeback to take the match to penalties, after super-sub Sanchez McLean headed home from Sam Adams’ excellent cross to make it 2-2.

The home side began the second half with increased intensity and worked their way back into the match. Full-back Krysty Sullivan-Rose was lively throughout the second half from left-wing back, and he came close to pulling one back for Alresford. After intercepting the ball well on the half-way line, he broke forward and had his effort from tight range saved at the near post. Shortly after, the comeback began for Alresford as Sam

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Kieran Connell was the hero of the shootout after keeping out two spot kicks to keep his side in the tie. With the shootout locked at 5-5 in sudden death, it came down to Tom Baker, who’s composed penalty into the bottom left corner sent the magpies through into the next round of the Velocity Wessex League Cup. Written by Cameron Moody

STEAM ILLUMINATIONS NOVEMBER - JANUARY

INCREDIBLE SOUND & LIGHT SHOW ON A STEAM TRAIN

EPIC LIGHT SHOWS TO MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT ONBOARD WITH ‘X-FACTOR’S’ VOICEOVER MAN STUNNING NEON VIEWS INTERACTIVE WRISTBANDS

NEW for 2023 ‘CANOPY OF LIGHTS’

COME AND JOIN THE FUN ONBOARD!

B O O K T I C K E T S AT WAT E R C R E S S L I N E . C O. U K OR SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK TICKETS

Christmas Markets, Fairs & Festivities

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Friday 17 November to Thursday 21 December. Sunday to Thursday 10am to 6pm, Friday 10am to 8pm. Enjoy one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe, and don’t forget to step inside the cathedral to explore over 1,000 years of history and attend Advent and Christmas services sung by an internationally acclaimed choir.

Admission to the Christmas Market is free.

Hawk Conservancy Trust Christmas Market Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 November from 3.30pm to 8.30pm. Enjoy the run up to Christmas with our delightful, festive shopping experience.

Discover beautiful gifts for your loved ones while supporting local craftspeople and the Trust.

With over 60 local businesses attending, you can find personalised presents, Christmas decorations, handcrafted treats, beautiful homeware and much more. Some stall holders will be taking card payments only.

No cash machine available.

Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY. Fundraising Event – Your ticket will support the charitable work of the Hawk Conservancy Trust.

Tickets: £2.50.

The Great Hall Christmas Makers Market

Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 November from 10am to 5pm The Great Hall, Castle Avenue, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8UJ. We would like to invite local businesses and craft makers

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to join us for our inaugural Christmas Makers Market.

Home to King Arthurs iconic Round Table, the Great Hall is one of the finest surviving medieval aisled halls of the 13th century, and all that remains of the once magnificent Winchester Castle. The beautiful Gothic pointed archways make for a stunning setting for local businesses and crafts makers to display their creations in the build up to Christmas.

Ropley Christmas Market

Thursday 30 November from 6pm to 8pm at Ropley Parish Hall, Ropley, Hants, SO24 0DU Come along and meet Santa, Chat with friends, buy presents, support local businesses, listen to carols, eat mince pies, toast the season in mulled wine. Free entry, please bring cash and cards. Call: 07879 483708 for more details.

The Nutshell - The Alternative Christmas Makers Market

Saturday 9 to Sunday 10 December from 10am to 4pm.

15 Kings Walk, Winchester. The Nutshell warmly invites you to join us for our Alternative Christmas Makers Market; a celebration of independent designers and makers from Winchester and the surrounding areas. This Makers Market offers an authentic shopping experience, where visitors can buy unique handmade products, meet local creatives and support Winchester-based talent.

Visitors will be invited to join vendors for a social drink, enjoy live music from Hannah

Castleman and ENCORE Youth Theatre (Sunday 10th) and browse the stalls. FREE ENTRY Cafe and Bar will be open.

White’s Christmas Craft Fair

Saturday 2 December From 10:30am-3:30pm Join us for Christmas concerts, gifts, and cheer at Gilbert White’s House & Gardens.

This year at White’s Christmas Craft Fair pick up some locally handmade gifts for your loved ones (or just treat yourself!)

We will have a range of stalls at our stunning 16th Century barn selling beautifully handcrafted locally made items. The historic house will also be decking the halls with boughs of holly, both in its festive Winter appearance and through song. The garden will also be presenting its Winter wonder and there will be a wassail led in traditional costume, where visitors can help to promote a good harvest for the coming year by singing to the orchard trees. Entry is £4 per person; this includes fair admission and house and gardens admission. Under 5s go free.

Alresford Shops Late Night Opening Night and the Arrival of Father Christmas

Wednesday 6th December From 6pm until late. See the arrival of Father Christmas How will he arrive this year. Following his arrival in Broad Street Father Christmas will tour the town for everybody to greet him.

GARDEN

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

SPECIALISTS IN STUMP GRINDING, TREE WORK & THE SUPPLY OF LOGS

All types of countryside contracting undertaken • Mobile Bandsawing Service • Brushwood Chipper Hire • Concreting • Hedge Cutting • Fencing

PETER PAYNE 01962 733866 or 07778 170442

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

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

ALL AREAS COVERED

All Tree & Hedge Care

ALL AREAS COVERED

C&D Trees

PETER CHIVERS PCS

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

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

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1973 BUILT ON GREAT SERVICE & VALUE FOR MONEY

Please visit our website for all the latest news, information, second-hand machines for sale and special offers in the showroom.

Tel: 01962 771800 steve.cann@btconnect.com www.georgecanngardenmachinery.co.uk LACEYS FARM, BRAMDEAN, ALRESFORD, HAMPSHIRE, SO24 0JT

19

COMMUNITY

New Alresford Town Council

Allotments

advised us that the works that were planned to repair and improve the riverside footpath between The Dean and the Fulling Mill cannot take place this year.

list of legal powers and duties which essentially relate to local matters, such as looking after community buildings, open spaces, allotments, play areas, some street lighting, bus shelters, and much more. They also have the power to raise money through the Council tax. They do not have to answer to any other level of local government.

2. Councillor Code of Conduct. This document sets out how Councillors should behave and act in their role.

An allotment is a plot of land that's divided up into sections, which are rented out to residents on an annual basis for gardening purposes. The emphasis is on food-growing, but that doesn't mean you'll never see flowers or other plants.

Many plot holders like to grow a few flowers, especially those which are good for pollinators.

We have over 66 allotment plots in Alresford based at Spring Gardens, on land the Council lease from Tichborne Estates. The Council work closely with Alresford Allotment Society to manage the site. Work is continuing to grow our allotment allocation. We are a member of the National Allotment Society (NSALG), a leading national organisation upholding the interests and rights of the allotment community across the UK.

Improvements to the River Path

Unfortunately, Hampshire County Council has

We are fortunate that our river contains a population of White-clawed crayfish, a IUCN Red List Endangered species. However, the work to the riverbanks beneath the footpath would have a significant impact on the habitat of this fragile population.

The White-clawed crayfish is a protected species. Therefore, before it can commence the work, the contractor must obtain a licence from Natural England, allowing their workers to move, handle and disturb the habitat. To do this work without a licence, which is only available outside of the breeding season for the crayfish, would be an offence.

The contractor was unable to secure a licence, so as a result, the works cannot be done until this time next year. New Alresford Town Council has done everything it can to help facilitate these works and, like you all, we were disappointed to have received this news and are pressing for Hampshire County Council to carry out temporary repairs to the footpath until the work can be completed.

Getting involved with NATC

In the last issue of The Forum, we identified how to get involved in a Town Council… This month we are looking at why certain things happen in Town Councils 1. The Law. Parish and Town councils are created by law. They are a statutory body and have a

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3. Standing orders for meetings. Standing orders tell you how council meetings are run. They are the written rules of a local council and are used to confirm a council's internal organisational, administrative and procurement procedures and procedural matters for meetings. This includes voting, order of business and register of interests.

4. Financial regulations As with everything in life, finances and money are important. The financial regulations for a parish or town council explain how the council makes financial related decisions.

November Calendar

Please see this months Calendar of events and meetings. You are very welcome to attend all meetings with an opportunity at the start of the meeting to share any thoughts or ideas. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Town Clerk Richard Doughty: townclerk@newalresford-tc.gov.uk Tuesday, 7 November 6:00pm - Planning Committee Tuesday, 14 November 7:00pm - Recreation, Environment & Community Committee Tuesday, 21 November 7:00pm - Operations & resources Committee Tuesday, 28 November 7:00pm - Town council

T: 01962 732079 www.newalresford-tc.gov.uk New Alresford Town Council, Recreation Centre, The Avenue, New Alresford, SO24 9EP

RDEN DES I GA

GN

DP

GARDEN

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

Fully insured - Discreet service assured at all time A garden should add real value to your home if done properly, in the same way an extension or well designed interior can do so too. It is therefore a great investment. You also want to enjoy this outside ‘room’ of your house to the maximum, otherwise it is simply wasted space.

T: 07778 141505 E: info@darengeorgeltd.co.uk www.traditionalpestcontrol.co.uk

At DP Garden Design we will take the surrounding area, style of our clients home, scale, materials and planting into consideration to design an outdoor space you will treasure large or small.

Services Include • Site Analysis • Complete bespoke design package • Planting plans & Plant Sourcing • Setting out and Construction Drawings

• Management of tender process with landscape contractors • Project Management • Maintenance Plans

Please contact us on info@dpgardendesign.co.uk, 07376114531, and visit our website at www.dpgardendesign.co.uk

Keep your logs dry for Winter Call Andrew or Ashley on 01962 733990 installation service available Supply and planting large specimen trees and shrubs

FENCING | GATES | PERGOLAS | TRELLIS | DECKING | PANELS

Espalier, pleached and instant impact hedges All trees and shrubs carefully selected 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

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

Load of logs - £80 per truck load

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

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SILVERSPRINGS SILVERSPRINGS GGAARRDDEENN CCEENNTTRREE

Titchfield Christmas Barn will be running a Craft Fair

from 17th November to 17th December www.facebook.com/groups/355867425478786

SILVERSPRINGS SILVERSPRINGS

We will be selling Local Hampshire Christmas trees from mid-November

GGAARRDDEENN CCEENNTTRREE

Silversprings Santa Grotto Opening Times 2nd December - 10am to 4pm 3rd December - 10am to 2pm

9th December - 10am to 4pm 10th December - 10am to 2pm 15th December - 10am to 4pm

16th December - 10am to 4pm 17th December - 10am to 2pm

£14.99 per child includes gift and hot chocolate voucher (£10 under 2's) Slots will be every 15 minutes to avoid queues.

Full non refundable payment required to secure.

Bookable on a first come first served basis Walk-ins welcome if available Sunday 10th December 10am-11am SEN session only Email: office@silverspringsgc.co.uk, Call: 01329 842114 or pop in store to book.

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office@silverspringsgc.co.uk @SilverSprings.Garden.Centre www.silverspringsgc.co.uk

Home & Garden Furniture in stock or available to pre-order FREE local delivery

FONTLEY ROAD TITCHFIELD FAREHAM PO15 6QX

SUMMERHOUSE CAFE Breakfast | Brunch | Lunch | Afternoon Tea Private hire now available in our fully licensed coffee lounge

the_summerhouse_coffee_lounge SummerHouse2022 summerhouse-restaurant.co.uk

23

COMMUNITY

Castles in the sky: A memoir of love, loss and learning to live again.

Jane died on the morning of 23rd February 2012. She took her own life. Depression in all its forms had claimed another, an illness that takes no prisoners. Castles in the Sky is the story of the aftermath of a suicide, the people left behind as they struggle to come to terms with a life cut tragically short. Told in the form of an ongoing narrative spread over the months after Jane’s death, it highlights the challenges those around someone with depression are confronted with.

This is a raw, uncompromising account of those affecting with and those affected by the Black Dog. Told with honesty that leads to a sense of acceptance and understanding as the black clouds start to clear and light begins to shine, this is the story of survival and love and the power of family and friends. This is a true story.

Published by Rewrite Man Publishing: ISBN: 9798657623437 The book is available now in paperback on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/Castles-Sky-Memoir-Learning-Again/dp/ For further information and press enquiries please contact: Russell Cook Email: russellcook315@hotmail.com Tel: 07780530422

New manager for community minibus

Left - Ken Coburn. Right - Bernard Simmons

We are delighted to welcome Ken Coburn, a longstanding member of the driving team, as the new Manager for the Alresford Community Minibus. Ken takes over from Bernard Simmons, who has been in the role for over 3 years.

Ken will be ensuring all drivers are fully licensed and trained to handle the buses and passengers safely, including such technical skills as managing the tail lift, adjusting the seating inside the bus, and ensuring all wheelchairs are correctly fixed. He will also keep our two buses legal and compliant, with 6-weekly checks (like a car’s MOT, but much more often!) and regular reporting as part of our Section 19 Minibus Permit.

The older of the two minibuses is now 14 years old, so we’re working towards replacing it in the next 2-3 years – hopefully with a fullyelectric model. So Ken will also be looking forward to some Minibus research and test driving, as he helps the Trust to identify the best solution.

Judy Smith, supported by Julie James, will continue to schedule the trips for the drivers and passengers, and make sure that the right bus with the right driver is picking up the right people on the right day.

We always welcome new drivers. Contact minibus@towntrust.org.uk if you can help.

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Hampshire charities celebrate share of £1million fund Two charities based in Hampshire are celebrating today after receiving donations of £1,000 each as part of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards. For the fifth year running, Benefact Group is giving away over £1million to charities through its Movement for Good Awards. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 150 awards of £1,000 announced today.

Countless Mountbatten Hospice Charity Limited, which supports families dealing with bereavement and cares for anyone with lifelimiting illnesses, and The Genie’s Wish Charity, a charity supporting anyone suffering from a critical or terminal illness, are the local charities set to benefit from the money, following overwhelming public support in the county. Kind-hearted Hampshire residents donated their time and submitted more than 8,500 nominations for charities close to their hearts, with over 400 local causes receiving votes.

More than 15,000 charitable causes in the UK and Ireland received votes, thanks to over 250,000 nominations from supporters. The 150 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated, following 150 previous winners being selected in June. Further donations will be awarded throughout the year. Since the awards began, nearly 2million people have nominated and made a difference to communities all across the UK and Ireland with more than £5million given to over 2,500 charities. This year, 420 charities will be awarded £1,000 donations, while 40 good causes will be awarded £5,000 via special grants throughout the year, aimed at helping charities in specific sectors. Winners will be drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected. Further donations totalling £500,000 will also be given in larger amounts later this year.

To find out how to support the Movement for Good Awards and to nominate a cause you care about visit www.movementforgood.com Thanking supporters in Hampshire, Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause as part of our Movement for Good Awards. Benefact Group is the third largest corporate donor in the UK and has an ambition to be the biggest.

Owned by a charity, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

Benefact Group has donated almost £200million to charitable causes since 2014 and has been recognised as the third biggest corporate giver in the UK1. The organisation aims to reach £250million in donations by 2025.

Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

PROFESSIONAL

THE FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL DIRECTORS

UNIQUE AND BESPOKE

SINCE 1860

ALRESFORD OFFICE

We recognise that every life and therefore every funeral is unique.

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

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

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

Visit us in our Alresford office.

www.steelsfunerals.co.uk

01962 798789

Forum_180x126mm.indd 1

23/11/2022 14:04

Paget Will Writing Wills Powers of Attorney Advance Decisions Estate Planning Advice Contact Catherine Paget TEP Email: catherine.paget@pagetwillwriting.co.uk Tel: 07786 626979 Web: www.pagetwillwriting.co.uk

CATH VENN FREELANCE PA

➢ Administration, Secretarial Work, General Typing ➢ Book-Keeping + VAT/PAYE/CIS ➢ High Quality, Professional Service Guaranteed ➢ Fully Qualified with 20+ years’ Experience ➢ References Available Contact:

T: 0792 100 1265 E: cath@mvennconstruction.com

Chartered Accountants

Your Local Accountants since 1992

Full range of Accountancy, Taxation and Payroll services tailored to suit your needs Small Business Consultancy and Business Start Up Farming and Equine Specialists Licensed to provide non-contentious probate services by the ICAEW

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

25

PROFESSIONAL

Don't leave your pensions up to chance

Mister Mac

Pensions are an important part of financial planning but their complex nature means many people don’t always give them the attention they deserve. Please join me for a jargon busting talk to dispel and demystify what will be a vital source of wealth and income for you and improve your understanding of:

HP introduce a Portable computer This really is a portable desktop computer, not a laptop. It is labelled as the HP Envy Move all-in-one PC. It is very similar in looks to their HP Envy all-in-one desktop machine. The difference here is that it is designed to be portable, it has a built-in handle for carrying around. It also has a kangaroo pouch on the back for the wireless keyboard (with trackpad). It also has a built-in battery so you can use it away from the mains for up to four hours. Spec wise it has 13th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. There’s just a single USB-C and one USB-A port on the side, plus an HDMI in, and the touchscreen has a 2560×1440 resolution.

• How your money is invested, and the potential risks involved.

• What your choices are and options for retirement.

• How to get secure income or investment growth • Online access and flexibility • How much you pay and how much difference this makes to your eventual retirement pot.

So many people don’t understand what they have, what options there are and what they are paying for, if you would like a jargon free talk with a Q & A session at the end. Come and join me upstairs at the Arlebury Café on Friday 24th November at 6pm.

New to Windows 11 Copilot is now available; if your Windows has recently been updated, you might have noticed a new icon has appeared in the task bar called Copilot. Click on it and you will enter the world of AI. Here are some examples of what it can do; If you are writing a document, Copilot can suggest relevant information and insights. For example, if you are writing about the history of England, it will provide you with information about key events, figures, and documents. If you are planning a trip Copilot can help you find information about flights, hotels, and attractions. In conclusion it is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of ways. The only limit is your imagination. There is no Mac equivalent app now, one is rumoured to be in the works. In the meantime, Mac users can go to bard.google.com that offers an almost identical service.

That is all for this month. If you have any questions please call me, or send a message Andy - Mr Mac; 07392 552 592

1 to 1 Home Support for Apple Macs, iPads, iPhones & Windows

Helping you to make the most of your Macs, Windows laptops and PCs. Wi-Fi, printer and email troubleshooting

07392 552 592 andy@mistermac.co.uk mistermac.co.uk 26

PROFESSIONAL

WARNER AND RICHARDSON LLP ARE INDEPENDENT SOLICITORS LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC CITY OF WINCHESTER. WE HAVE A STRONG, LONG STANDING REPUTATION FOR PERSONAL SERVICE AND HIGH QUALITY LEGAL ADVICE. FOR INFORMATION ON HOW WE CAN HELP YOU WITH ANY OF THESE MATTERS:-

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY IN LINE WITH COVID-19 GUIDELINES WE ALSO OFFER PHONE & VIDEO APPOINTMENTS

• WILLS, PROBATE AND ESTATES • RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING • COMMERCIAL, AGRICULTURAL AND BUSINESS CONVEYANCING

PLEASE CONTACT US ON 01962 868366 Visit our website:- www.wandr.co.uk

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’

We offer a friendly & personal service:

• Financial planning

• Investment: discretionary & advisory management • Pension consolidation • Estate planning

• Accounts & Taxation for Companies, Partnerships & Sole traders • Management Accounts & Strategic Advice • Bookkeeping & Payroll • Companies House compliance • Personal Tax

For help with any of your accounting and tax needs, please get in touch.

Fox & Co (Accountants) Ltd The Clock House, Western Court Bishop’s Sutton, Alresford SO24 0AA 01962 656820 • 01420 542444 hello@foxco.co.uk • www.foxco.co.uk

Supporting your business ambitions

27

COMMUNITY

Alresford Chamber of Commerce

Member of the Month AJB Wealth, based in East Street, provide professional wealth management and discretionary portfolio management. They are led by Paul Willans, who (amongst other qualifications) is a Chartered Wealth Manager, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).

They specialise in strategic financial planning, estate planning, pension consolidation and active investment portfolio management. Their knowledge, experience and specialist software allow them to identify any weaknesses in your financial affairs, and help you plan accordingly.

Their independent, discretionary investment service provides access to all asset classes, and allows them to actively manage your investments on a bespoke basis, thus helping protect you from volatility in investment markets.

If you would like to review your financial affairs, or investments, they would be delighted to meet (in person or online) and talk through your options.

Visit their website (www.ajbwealth.co.uk) for more information, or to book an initial meeting.”

Lighting Up Alresford It’s that time of year again! The Alresford Chamber of Commerce and the Alresford Pigs Association are busy planning this year’s Christmas Tree project. Preparations have now begun, with volunteers from the APA checking each and every bulb and sorting the colours to ensure a good mix on each tree, in readiness for the trees going up in late November. Once erected, the trees and bulbs will stay up for at least a month, in all weathers, before being carefully dried, checked and stored, ready for next year, once the trees have been taken down in early January. Grants from New Alresford Town Council have also enabled the project to transition to LED light bulbs, greatly reducing energy consumption and costs.

The project wishes to thank New Alresford Town Council and all those who purchase a tree, including local businesses, organisations, and residents, for making the project possible and for helping us to make the town look so festive at Christmas.

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Background information: • The project is sponsored by the Alresford Chamber of Commerce and delivered on our behalf by the Alresford Pigs Association.

• The volunteer workforce, containing mostly volunteers from the APA, but also some volunteers from the Chamber, erect approximately 180 trees each year along the main thoroughfares of Alresford. All profits from the project go to support local charitable causes and local events for the benefit of the community.

We are also looking for volunteers to help with the stringing and erecting of the Trees on 25th November and for the taking down on 7th January. If you are free and can spare some time to help email: Alresfordchamber@gmail.com New Chamber Members We welcome 3 new members to the Alresford Chamber of Commerce Last Chapter - Here to help with your last chapter, living well with a life limiting diagnosis supporting you and your family with all the uncertainty ahead and those tender conversations. @ Lastchapter.co.uk Winchester Bar Services - Specialise in mobile bar hire for corporate and public events, weddings, and parties across the South. Crafted with expertise and style, their bars and drinks packages can be tailored to complement your tastes and requirements to help leave a lasting impression on your guests for years to come. @ winchesterbarservices.co.uk Watercress Line - The Watercress Line is the marketing name of the Mid-Hants Railway, a heritage railway in Hampshire, England, running 10 miles (16 km) from New Alresford to Alton where it connects to the National Rail network.

The line gained its popular name in the days when it was used to transport locally grown watercress to markets in London. The railway currently operates regular scheduled services. @ watercressline.co.uk Alresford Ghost Hunt - The Ghost Hunt was between 21st & 28th October, a spookily time was had by all, and the Winners of this year’s hunt will be announced in next month’s issue. Our thanks go out to New Alresford Town Council for their continued support of this project.

Any businesses or individuals wishing to participate, sponsor or generally assist with any of our projects please do email us.

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

New Leaf Alresford Eco Fair With the support of Winchester City Council, New Leaf are hosting a community event Alresford Eco Fair - on Saturday 4th November from 10am to 3pm, in the John Pearson Hall at St John’s Church. There will be quizzes and games to take part in, with prizes to be won. Vote for your favourite poster, created by children from Sun Hill Juniors, and bring along a previously loved sweater if you would like to take part in our Sweater Swap!

There will be a variety of informative stalls, offering advice on green travel, home energy, wildlife gardening, low waste shopping and cooking. You will be able to find out about retrofitting, refill shopping, repairs, recycling and more.

Alresford

eco fair save money ~ save energy ~ save the planet

variety of stalls informative talks games & prizes tricky quizzes delicious food sweater swap 10am - 3pm saturday 4th november John pearson hall, st john's church

www.newleafalresford.org @newleafalresford

A programme of talks will be held in the church, covering solar panels, air source heat pumps, sustainable fashion and our local chalk streams.

Enjoy some delicious food on offer from Jo’s Plant Kitchen, and discover a new version of the very popular Alresford jute shopping bag, previously produced by the Chamber of Commerce, available to purchase. Please join us, to find out more about how you can save time, save energy, and save the planet! We might be able to offer you bicycle maintenance advice too - so keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram accounts (@newleafalresford) and our website (newleafalresford.org) for more tantalising details to follow…

Free thermal imaging camera loan Provided the Autumn weather becomes sufficiently cold, we will be offering the thermal imaging camera for use once again. This camera allows you to identify areas of heat loss from your home, but it is most effective once the weather turns colder and you are heating your home. For more information about the loan scheme, which is free to local residents thanks to New Alresford Town Council, please visit the New Leaf Alresford website or email enquiries@newleafalresford.org.

PROFESSIONAL / RETAIL laurabrownstudio.com

design | words | pictures

Laura Brown Studio We are a creative studio based in Winchester, Hampshire, specialising in branding, packaging and print design.

Led by Creative Director Laura Brown, the studio takes a holistic, human approach to design, collaborating closely with brands of all sizes to create beautiful, meaningful work that makes a memorable, lasting impression.

We are now booking a limited number of Winter/Spring 2024 projects.

For enquiries, get in touch at hello@laurabrownstudio.com

“I am thrilled with my business’s new brand identity! The logo and packaging are only receiving compliments from everyone.

Laura is very gifted - her design skills, emotional intelligence and ability to draw my brand into being has been phenomenal!

New opportunities are abound now that we look much more polished .”

----- Gabriella Attems

“ Sometimes it’s hard to articulate the design ideas I have in mind, but Laura not only grasped my aesthetic, she exceeded my expectations for bringing my vision to life. ” ----- Emilie Lindstren

POLAR EXCHANGE SKIWEAR & ACCESSORIES FOR ALL AGES

Sustainable Sustainable Diamonds Diamonds Sustainable Diamonds

Extensive choice. An exciting collection of performance ski kit and cold weather wear for every age.

New location. Our fabulous showroom outside Alresford is the best way to try a variety of styles & sizes before you buy. Open by appointment from October to Easter, please email us to book a slot or make an enquiry.

Same great service. Seasoned skiers ourselves, we offer buyers guidance in our showroom and at selected school events.

The Finest Diamonds The Finest Diamonds Coloured Gemstones & Coloured&Gemstones

ththApril Re-Opening 12th 12 April Re-Opening

Re-Opening 12 April

40a West Street, Alresford, Hants

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

email: skiwear@polarexchange.co.uk www.polarexchange.co.uk | 07783 538389 | 07767 238874

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Maia' s Flowers

For flower delivery in Petersfield, Hampshire and surrounding areas look no further than Maias Flowers Since opening for business the motto of Maia and the team at Maias Flowers has been ‘only the best will do’, a philosophy that we apply each and every time we deliver a gift of flowers and plants.

We deliver everything from perfect birthday gifts, anniversary flowers and thank you gifts, through to Basket arrangements, Hatboxes and funeral tributes. Every design is made using only the best quality, freshest flowers – ensuring we can be relied on to deliver the best.

Whether it’s same day delivery – available on orders up to 2pm – something for a future date or delivery nationally or internationally, contact us today by calling: 01730 719 971 or emailing maiasflowers@outlook.com. We know you’ll be impressed.

Maia’s Flowers, Lavant Street, Petersfield, GU32 3EW facebook: Maias-Flowers Tel: 01730 719971 email:maiasflowers@outlook.com

Opening Times Tuesday - Friday - 9am to 5pm Saturday - 9am to 4pm, Sunday - Closed

The perfect present s for Christmas

RETAIL

On Your High Street Enticing and eclectic items now available on your high street this summer.

Stay local and support your diverse retailers!

D.Barker & Son

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Delilah Boutique

Silver gilt cubic zirconia set hoop earrings by Sif Jakobs at £109

MSCH Beanies

Geocube necklace by Cœur De Lion at £239

in a range of colours £29.95

40A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

10 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AT Tel: 01962 732192 | www.alresfordgiftshop.co.uk

Sole Butchers

Naked Grape

Don't forget to order your Christmas Meat

Guy Ritchie’s Craft Lager now in stock - Sun Lore Classic Pale Ale 4%

and Game. We are taking orders NOW!

Moon Lore New World Pale Ale 4% See the full range in store all £2.99 per 330ml bottle

5 Broad Street, Alresford, SO24 9AR Tel: 01962 735221 | www.solebutchersofalresford.co.uk

The Old Exchange, Station Road, Hampshire, SO24 9JG Tel: 01962 732002 | www.thenakedgrape.co.uk

RETAIL

On Your High Street Enticing and eclectic items now available on your high street this summer.

Stay local and support your diverse retailers!

Ragamuffin

Interior Style

Chunky Woodland Fairisle Knit from £34,

Christmas decorations now in stock

and Cosy Cord Dungarees from £34, by Frugi Organics.

Large Christmas Tree Water Spinner £35, Silver Deer on Wood £17

2 Bakehouse Yard, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 734488 | www.ragamuffin-uk.com

Tel: 01962 736311 | www.interiorstyle.biz

Alresford Beauty

Billy Goat

29 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AB

New David Jones Bags - Autumn / Winter 2023

New design!

Small (Grey) £39.99, Large (Blue) £49.99, Backpack (Pink) £49.99

SuperFit slippers £26-£28

24A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AT Tel: 01962 735553 | www.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

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

43 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AB

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RETAIL

Alresford Pop-Up Art Gallery coming soon!

Anita Klein

Blondes Fine Art was was established 10 years ago by the husband and wife team of Melanie and Mark Ponting.

Mark was previously head of the Art & Antiques Squad at New Scotland Yard while Melanie worked at the Henry Moore Studio and gardens.

They believe in sharing their passion for art and are both welcoming and knowledgeable, always ready to engage in conversations about the artwork.

They are also passionate about sharing the social history and stories behind each piece and the creative process of the artists.

They have their own private gallery in Hertfordshire where they host exhibitions while also regularly taking part in various London Art Fairs.

They have a great fondness for , and are frequent visitors to, New Alresford where their family are based. The gallery's collection is eclectic and has works available to suit all pockets, showcasing a diverse range of art forms.

From traditional oil paintings to contemporary ceramics, you will find the variety of works on display impressive. Blondes Fine Art Gallery features both established ‘Modern British’ and emerging artists.

Lullaby: Sonic Cradle performance to visit Northington for the first time

Lucy Kemp-Welch

Blondes Fine Art Gallery will also be hosting an evening art talk during the 2 week pop-up in Alresford where you can find out about some of the key works on offer. The gallery strongly believes in inclusivity and accessibility offering a range of pricing options, making it possible for art enthusiasts at various budget levels to acquire unique pieces. So whether you are a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, Blondes Fine Art Gallery makes the world of art accessible and fun for all.

Mark & Mel look forward to meeting you during the period of the pop-up located at 20, West Street, Alresford between 28th November 10th of December and if you would like to browse the gallery website go to www.blondesfineart.com

Lullaby - Sonic Cradle is an immersive music performance for family audiences and adults alike. Step into a magical musical world, fusing evocative Indian melodies with luscious soundscapes and vibrant textures. Drift away as you are taken to a place of wonder and imagination. With light projections, using lumisonic software, of vibrant, colourful, concentric circles dynamically linked to the vocal performance, this 45-minute show, in a relaxed and comfortable setting, gives audiences the space to unwind and interact with the piece in their own particular way.

Church Warden , Lord Mark Ashburton said, “This is a wonderful opportunity to experience something new while also enjoying the beautiful heritage building that is St John’s with its inspiring sculptures and wood carvings. We look forward to welcoming you”.

St John’s Church Northington (SO24 9TH) is to host what will be an extraordinary, immersive music experience by arts organisation, Manasamitra, with their show, Lullaby: Sonic Cradle. Appearing in the Winchester Area for the first time, Lullaby: Sonic Cradle is unique in its creative approach.

There will be two accessible performances on Saturday 18th November Exploring The Universal Language of lullaby - one at 3 pm which is suitable for all ages, including parents with their babies - and one at 7 pm. There is something for everyone.

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The performances of Lullaby - Sonic Cradle by Manasamitra form part of St John’s Organ Conservation and Restoration Project with its associated community programme. The overall project has been made possible by generous grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Hampshire and the Island Historic Churches Trust, the Leathersellers’ Company, and many individual donations.

For details of Lullaby – Sonic Cradle (and other events) and eventbrite booking links: see www.stjohnsnorthington.org (£10 adults; £5 under 18s (NB pre-school children free for 3 pm family concert).

RETAIL

BLONDES FINE ART MODERN BRITISH & CONTEMPORARY ART

ALRESFORD POP-UP ART GALLERY COMING SOON! Between 28th November & 10th December at 20 West Street, Alresford. On offer include a new body of work by the highly collected and acclaimed artist Dee Nickerson together with works by other contemporary artists and Modern British icons such as Elizabeth Blackadder RA, Rachel Nicholson, Lucy Kemp-Welch, Mary Fedden RA, Anita Klein, Mark Hearld, John Maltby, Frank Auerbach RA, Eileen Cooper RA, John Elwyn and many more.

You can see other works on the Gallery website and obtain a complementary invitation to the opening preview night by contacting Mark or Melanie. info@blondesfineart.com or 07519 639386 website: www.blondesfineart.com

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Beef Wellington INGREDIENTS

METHOD

• 3 tbsp olive oil, for greasing • 1kg of beef tenderloin or fillet • Salt as desired • Ground black pepper as desired • 2 tbsp of Dijon mustard • 450g of chestnut mushrooms • 12 slices prosciutto • 1 shallot, roughly chopped • 1 large sprig of fresh thyme • 50g unsalted butter • Flour, for dusting • 12 slices prosciutto • 500g frozen puff pastry, thawed if frozen • 2 large egg yolks beaten

Heat oven to 220C or gas mark 7. Take your tenderloin and season well, with salt and pepper. Place into a roasting tin, brush with olive oil and roast for 15 minutes medium-rare or 20 mins for medium. Remove from the oven to cool and brush with dijon mustard, leave to cool in the fridge.

While the beef is cooling carefully chop the mushrooms, shallots and thyme in a food processor, until finely chopped. Do not over chop as the mushrooms will become mush. Add butter to a pan and melt over medium heat.

Add mushroom mixture and cook for approximately 10 minutes or until any excess liquid has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper and cool in fridge.

Overlap two pieces of cling film over a large chopping board so that it’s twice the length and width of the tenderloin. Lay the prosciutto on the cling film, slightly overlapping so that it can cover the entire tenderloin. Take your cooled mushroom mix (duxelles) and spread evenly and thinly over the prosciutto. Place the tenderlion onto the prosciutto and carefully draw the edges of the prosciutto around the fillet, roll it into a sausage shape twisting the ends of the cling film to make a tight roll.

Dust your work surface, then spread out puff pastry and roll it into a rectangle that will cover the tenderloin (just a little bigger than the prosciutto rectangle you just made) and place onto a non-stick baking sheet. Remove tenderloin from cling film and place on bottom of puff pastry. Brush the other edges of the pastry with egg wash, then tightly roll beef into pastry.

When your tenderloin is completely covered trim off any extra pastry. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal well. Mark the beef wellington with long diagonal lines making sure you do not cut into the pastry. Cover roll in cling film and chill for 30 minutes or more.

To cook, remove the Wellington from the cling film, place in a baking tray and brush with egg yolk. Bake for 20-25 minutes for medium rare, 30 minutes for medium. Allow to stand for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

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WELLBEING

Alresford Surgery News

Flu & COVID Boosters Autumn/ Winter 2023 We are well underway with co-administering Flu and Covid boosters this Autumn.

Invitations have gone out to eligible patients via SMS text message with a simple online booking option and/ or an invitation letter.

In order to avoid clogging our phone lines please call after 11am. We have been offering appointments since mid-September and these are pre-bookable appointments.

Vaccination clinics are held here at Alresford Surgery. Both flu and covid vaccinations will be given at the same time and the appointment will be for both vaccines. Thank you, once again, for your support with this vaccination programme.

Child Flu Clinics We have been busy vaccinating children who are aged 2-3 or aged 4-17 and have a condition which puts them at greater risk if they get flu. Children in years R-7 will be vaccinated in school by Schools Health. Please wait until you get an invitation letter before contacting the surgery.

Welcome to new staff We would like to offer a warm welcome to Dr. John Foreman who completed his GP training with us earlier this year and is now staying on as an employed GP at the practice. John will be working Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

We would also like to welcome Sheree Villiers who joins us as a registered Nurse Associate and joins our Practice Nurse team. Sheree will be working full time across the week and has previously worked in a similar role but within a community setting.

Thank you to our amazing volunteers We would like to say a massive thank you to volunteers from The Alresford Pigs who have provided us with the most wonderful volunteer Marshalls, who have been helping with directing patients at our Saturday Covid/Flu clinics. We would not have been able to provide such a slick and well organised clinic without their vital help!

The Alresford Pigs – Who raise money locally and give to worthy causes in Alresford and the surrounding villages. The Alresford Pigs Association has given financial help to those in need in Alresford and the surrounding villages for more than 40 years. You can find out more about them and join them by visiting; https://alresfordpigs.org/ Thank you to our wonderful staff We would like to say a HUGE thank you to our wonderful staff who have organised, co-ordinated, vaccinated & inputted at our covid and flu clinics. We have vaccinated 2,600 patients (to date) and this is all in addition to our usual workload.

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WELLBEING

Mindfulness Meditation Stress Reduction Course Starting January 2024 Feeling stressed? Lacking sleep?

Feeling overwhelmed?

Mindfulness enables you to be more present and make better choices; leading to a greater sense of wellbeing, calmness and resilience to cope with life. Suitable for beginners.

8-WEEK COURSE IN ROPLEY PARISH HALL For more information: Visit www.lydia-hutcheson.com Email info@lydia-hutcheson.com or phone 07761 681 117

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Chris-Still-Healing Psychic Medium in Alresford and the Surrounding Areas available for Readings and Holistic Healings. Energy Therapist.

Christmas Gift Vouchers Available

To make contact please call or message Louise on:

07719 011854 39

COMMUNITY

Jackie’s County Corner It was a warm day when we visited the archaeology site at the Central Winchester area in October. Every excavation is unique, but like many others, I was fascinated to see the ‘dark earth’ layer: a phenomenon which is always seen just above Roman remains. No one knows why it was formed: it’s still a mystery. But it’s not a mystery that HCC has said that without fundamental changes to national policy and increased Government funding it will be forced to make drastic cuts to local services to avoid bankruptcy. Councils are limited by how much they can increase Council tax, and it just doesn’t cover the rising costs of care as our population increases and grows older.

I know this contains a lot of figures, but I think it’s important that readers understand the scale of the problem. This serious situation is fully occupying everyone at HCC right now.

Itchen Valley Calendar 2024

The County budget (excluding funding to run schools) is about £1.1billion.

The expected deficit revenue budget in 2025/26 year is expected to be £132 million. Added to that, there’s still £70m worth of annual savings planned for 2021 and 2023 that haven’t happened yet. The Council Cabinet agreed to consider measures to reduce their budget by a significant sum, but they can’t find enough, and it still leaves at least £57million income still to find.

All cost lines have been considered for reduction or rethink, including grants to charities. I am pressing for efficiency changes rather than reduction to services to deliver better quality for residents.

HCC is one of the biggest providers of social care in the UK. About 240 new requests for help come into the County helpline every week. A new Older Persons Accommodation Strategy is proposed: a new home could be built at Cornerways in Kings Worthy. Please comment on this consultation by going to hants.gov.uk; search ‘consultation’. It’s online until the 12th of November or call 0370 779 8102 for a phone conversation or an easy read version.

So, it was good to hear the news that a sum of just under £8m over two years had been granted recently to HCC to implement the ‘Bus Improvement Plans Plus’. And there’s a lot of potential for improvement! I raised poor bus performance, mainly due to the lack of drivers, especially on ‘The Spring’. I have been assured that by HCC that they will take up the matter again. Your stories have given this issue a reall human face. The aim of the scheme is to provide good, reliable services which are self-funding even after the county budget is so badly hit in 25/26. School transport is covered by a different budget- this year it cost approx. £50m for 13500 children, many of whom have special needs.

HCC took over on-street parking in October. In answer to my question at HCC Council on the 28th of September, Cllr Adams-King said that introducing charges to park on Alresford’s shopping streets, ‘wasn’t on his current radar’, which is good news. Let’s hope it stays that way.

Following the changeover from city to county for street parking services, the County Council is now considering all ‘yellow lines’ requests too. This is welcome because there are hotspots (for example in Micheldever) that need lines for better parking etiquette. You can watch all the Council questions: go to www.hants.gov.uk, search ‘Your Council’, then ‘Calendar,’ then click on ‘Full Council ‘28th September.’

Libraries are now within Children’s Services Department and the service is going well with increased library take up, especially for children. There are also ‘Chat-About’ sessions at 23 of the 40 libraries for adults who want to talk with someone or meet others. Everyone is welcome, and many events at the libraries are free or low cost, so, with or without children, please use your local library if you can!

Cllr Jackie Porter, 07973 696085 email: Jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk website www. jackieporter.co.uk

It's here, the much awaited 2024 calendar has been printed and will be available for collection in the following places in New Alresford.

Alresford Town Council Offices Recreation Centre, The Avenue, New Alresford, Alresford, SO24 9EP C.E Evans and Son 8 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AT Hellards Estate Agents 11 Broad Street, Alresford, SO24 9AR Co-operative, Alresford 47 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9BT

Please note that if you live in the villages surrounding Alresford you will be delivered a copy to your home, unless you live outside of the main village centre. If so please collect a copy from one of our pick up points listed above.

HOME

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MICHAEL J SLY Plumbing and Heating

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

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Extensions/Renovations Loft Conversions Conservatories Brick/Flint Work Roofing

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WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES

Replacing inffective and leaking windows and doors can save you £££'s on your heating bills, and protect you and your family from harmful mold and moisture build up in your home.

www.exclusive-double-glazing.co.uk sales@exclusive-double-glazing.co.uk SHELF HOUSE, NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QE

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HOME

A warm welcome awaits at Kingsworthy Foundry!

N

estled on the outskirts of the historic city of Winchester, Kingsworthy Foundry has been a cornerstone of the local community for nearly eight decades. Renowned for its wide range of wood-burning stoves and fireplace equipment, Kingsworthy Foundry has not only stood the test of time but has also evolved to meet the demands of a changing world.

Today, it remains a testament to the synergy between heritage and innovation, offering an unparalleled shopping experience that extends beyond wood-burning stoves to embrace outdoor gear, artisan pizza ovens, real fire cooking and so much more.

Established almost 80 years ago, Kingsworthy Foundry started as a working foundry that employed over 300 people at its peak. Over the decades, the foundry has transformed itself into something much more. Today, it thrives as a multifaceted business, retaining its original site but embracing a broader array of products and services that cater to the ever-evolving needs of its loyal customers.

One of the crowning glories of Kingsworthy Foundry is its wide assortment of wood-burning stoves and fireplace equipment. They've become a staple in the lives of many, providing warmth, comfort, and an unmatched ambiance to homes in Winchester and beyond. The knowledge and expertise that the staff at Kingsworthy Foundry brings to the table is second to none. Whether you're a seasoned stove enthusiast or a newbie looking to install one in your home, their team is always ready to provide invaluable guidance

and assistance. The collection includes top-notch brands such as Esse, Rais, Brunner, Piazzetta and Charnwood, ensuring that you have access to the finest quality stoves available.

But Kingsworthy Foundry doesn't stop at woodburning stoves. They pride themselves on offering a shopping experience that's distinct from what you'd find on the high street. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you'll be delighted to discover their broad selection of YETI and Petromax outdoor gear. Whether you're braving the wilderness or just need something rugged and reliable for your weekend getaways, Kingsworthy Foundry has got you covered.

For those with a penchant for gourmet cooking, the Gozney Pizza ovens and Kamado Joe BBQs available at Kingsworthy Foundry are a revelation. Grilling the perfect steak or crafting artisan pizzas and mouth-watering dishes has never been this accessible. The art of pizzamaking isn't restricted to restaurants anymore, and you can unleash your inner pizzaiolo right in your backyard with the finest quality pizza ovens and grills on the market.

What sets Kingsworthy Foundry apart is its commitment to offering more than just products.

They provide a unique, personalised shopping experience that ensures you walk away with exactly what you need. Whether you seek advice on installing a wood-burning stove or want to discuss the perfect pizza oven, BBQ or even a woodfired heater for your garden, their team of experts is always at hand to assist. It's this dedication to customer service that has earned

Picture shows Kingsworthy Foundry in 1945. Note the railway line which is now the A34!

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them a reputation for excellence in Winchester and the surrounding areas.

As we mentioned earlier, Kingsworthy Foundry is not just a store; it's an experience. In their large showrooms, you can explore and envision how these products can transform your living spaces.

They provide a tangible feel for the quality, design, and functionality of the stoves, outdoor gear, and pizza ovens they offer. It's an experience that goes beyond just purchasing products; it's about finding solutions and inspiration to enrich your life.

Additionally, Kingsworthy Foundry recognises the significance of being part of a community with a rich history. Winchester, with its medieval charm and cultural significance, is an ideal setting for a business like Kingsworthy Foundry to flourish. The foundry's legacy is intertwined with that of the city, and it has played a part in the lives of generations of locals. They understand the importance of preserving tradition while embracing innovation, and this ethos is reflected in everything they do.

In a world where the high street tends to offer a homogenized shopping experience, Kingsworthy Foundry stands as a beacon of individuality.

It's a place where quality and uniqueness reign supreme, and where every customer is treated as a valued member of the community. From the moment you step into their showrooms, you realise that this is no ordinary store. It's a place where you can explore, learn, and be inspired.

So, whether you're searching for the perfect wood-burning stove to warm your home during the chilly winters, or you're a seasoned camper in need of rugged outdoor gear, Kingsworthy Foundry is your one-stop destination for quality, expertise, and personalised service. With their extensive range of products, knowledgeable staff, and unwavering commitment to the community, they continue to be a cherished institution, serving as a bridge between the past and the future, where tradition meets innovation. Visit Kingsworthy Foundry today and experience the difference for yourself.

Tel: 01962 883776 Email: info@kingsworthyfoundry.co.uk Website: kingsworthyfoundry.co.uk

How about a British made ultra efficient 'Eco Design' stove installed into a suitable fireplace opening for just £1495!

Although there is a lot of misinformation around the future of woodburning for domestic heating, there are no plans to ban woodburning stoves.

With a modern 'Eco-Design' stove, you can be assured that you are doing your bit for the environment; burning the correct type of wood is carbon neutral and emisssions from modern stoves are up to 90% lower than older stoves/open fires.

To book your free survey pop in to our large showrooms or call/email

ENVIRONMENT

Small but mighty W

hen we think of the fish in our chalk streams, we tend to picture the brown trout or the grayling. But if you’ve ever gone stream dipping, you might have met a smaller species: the three-spined stickleback.

Often a mere four centimetres long and a single gram in weight, this diminutive fish lives up to the nickname of ‘tiddler’.

Despite its official name, this stickleback can have two, three, or four spines along its top side. These spines can be locked in an upright position, which helps to deter predators. The stickleback itself is an aggressive hunter: worms, tadpoles, and insect larvae are all on the menu, as are small fish, snails, and crustaceans.

Instead of scales, the stickleback’s body is covered in bony plates called ‘scutes’.

For most of the year, these are fairly dull in colour – brown on the back, and silver on the flank and belly. But when spring

arrives, the male stickleback gets dressed up for the breeding season, gaining a red underside and bright blue eyes.

If a male is looking for love, he builds a nest out of plant material and spiggin; a sticky substance that he secretes from his kidneys.

He then performs a zig-zagging dance, hoping that females will lay eggs in his nest.

After each one leaves, it’s back to the dance in search of more partners – the bigger the brood, the better.

This frenzy of activity continues after the eggs are fertilised. Oxygen is crucial to their development, so the male fans them with his tail while watching for predators.

Sticklebacks tend to stay in the same area for their whole lives; around three to five years. So wherever you find one, it was most likely born there!

to maintain a vibrant range of wildlife by volunteering with the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme, which is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Learn more at www.hiwwt.org.uk/ winterbournes

Free Online Talks For November, we have three talks about chalk stream invertebrates. These tiny creatures lead fascinating lives and are at the heart of their ecosystems. They also play a crucial role in monitoring the health of these habitats. Join us to learn about these amazing animals – tickets can be found at www.hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes

The stickleback can tolerate declining water quality, but sadly not all chalk stream species are so hardy. You can help Photograph - Three-spined stickleback © Jack Perks

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Garage Door Solutions

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06/02/2023 14:17

Supplying and Installing garage doors in a wide selection of styles to suit all budgets

We carry out installations from single garages to multiple openings

REPAIRS | SUPPLY ONLY | SUPPLY & INSTALLATION | MANUAL & AUTOMATED DOORS Please visit our website for more images of our doors - Over 50 years of experience between the team here at Don's Doors

Call 02380 600027 to arrange a free survey and quote sales@donsgaragedoors.co.uk - www.donsgaragedoors.co.uk Unit 6, Vicarage Farm Business Park, Winchester Road, Fair Oak, Eastleigh, SO50 7HD

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SILK SELF STORAGE SILK SELF STORAGE

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Looking for secure storage facilities?

Looking for secure storage facilities?

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Silk Self Storage have for a selection of containers and individual units, Looking for secure storage facilities? location offering very competitive rates.

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Contact us onlocation 01962 771815 email: storage@silkservices.co.uk Contact us on 01962 771815 or email: storage@silkservices.co.uk

Wood Farm, Bramdean, Hampshire, SO24 0JH Wood Farm, Bramdean, Hampshire, SO24 0JH email:storage@silkservices.co.uk E: storage@silkservices.co.uk Wood Farm, Bramdean, Hampshire, SO24 0JHTel: 01962 771815 T: 01962 771815 E: storage@silkservices.co.uk T: 01962 771815 Wood Farm, Bramdean, Hampshire, SO24 0JH E: storage@silkservices.co.uk T: 01962 771815

SUPER-FAST DRYING FROM 15 MINUTES Wood Farm, Bramdean, Hampshire, SO24 0JH E: storage@silkservices.co.uk T: 01962 771815

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T H E

Carpet Care

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Have any three of your carpets cleaned for just £90 total!

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Carpet Price

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COMMUNITY

Alresford Rotary

Remember, Remember the THIRD of November Join the torchlit processions as at 7.00pm it wends its way from the centre of Alresford down West Street and The Avenue to Arlebury Park where the bonfire will be lit and a spectacular firework display will fill the sky from 8.00 p.m. Tickets available online https://alresfordrotary.org and on the night. Prices (from 30th October) - £10 adult, £5 child Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Having agreed that the proceeds of its highly successful 17th annual 10K run in June would be donated to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, members of Alresford Rotary enjoyed an enlightening visit to the air ambulance’s base at Thruxton Airfield at the end of September where they met the on-call crew and were given an in-depth insight into the work of the HIOWAA. The tour ended with Alresford

Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery

Allen Gallery - Exhibitions An exhibition by Alton College Graphics and Photography A Level students. There will be some workshops during the show, with details available on the website. There will also be the opportunity for school groups or other interested parties to visit, please contact the Allen Gallery in advance for any larger group visits. 11th November - 31st December. FREE Allen Gallery - Cafe Area Contemporary Needlework - a display of work by local textile artist Hilary Kimber. 8th November -10th December, FREE. Hilary has also kindly offered to run some workshops for beginners and more advanced stitchers, on Saturday 11th & Wednesday 15th November.

Please pre-book online. There will be a free follow-up workshop for those wishing to mount or frame their work on Wednesday 22nd November, from 2 - 4 pm.

Allen Gallery - Talk The Palaeolithic of Dickett's Field, Holybourne Down by Dr Julie Scott-Jackson and Dr Patrick Cuthbertson. Thursday November 9th at 7.30. In conjunction with The Friends of the Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery. FREE but donations always welcome.

Allen Gallery - Family Activities We will be holding various drop-in activities from November 14th - December 30th. Festive Trail - Can you find the festive items hidden in our Gallery collection? Drop in and pick up a trail. FREE. 10.30am - 4pm

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Christmas trees will be on Saturday 9th December from 8.00 a.m. in Broad Street. Buy a quality tree at a competitive price and at the same time support Rotary’s fund raising!

Rotary President Jon Pittam presenting a cheque for £3500 to help continuation of the air ambulance’s lifesaving service. This was only possible because of the contribution from all the runners who participated from all over Hampshire and beyond and reflects the wonderful support of Alresford Rotary’s activities from the local community and further afield.

Christmas Tree Sale Alresford Rotary’s annual sale of locally grown Patterns on Paper - drop in for the opportunity to make simple paper decorations, with patterns inspired by the pots and tiles in the Gallery collection (decorations £2 per sheet). 10.30 - 4.

On Tuesday 19th December there will be our regular Make & Take, with an opportunity to make small seasonal clay items to take home.

10.30 - 11.15 and 11.30 - 12.15. £5 per session.

Please book via the website. https://www. hampshireculture.org.uk/allen-gallery Film Night. Join us for another in our increasingly-popular Cinema shows on Saturday 18th November, at 7pm. Details will be available from the website/Gallery near the time.

Curtis Museum - Family Activities We will be holding various drop-in activities from November 14th - December 30th. A Link to the Past - Help us create the longest paper chain, moving through the years in our museum.

FREE. Create a Cracker – Come and buy, build and fill your own cracker. Cracker 50p, fill it with a hat, joke, snapper and tie, buy a prize to go inside.

Curtis Museum & Allen Gallery Tel: 01420 82802 Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday - Curtis 10am – 4.30pm. Allen 10.30 – 4pm www.hampshireculture.org.uk/curtis-museum www.hampshireculture.org.uk/allen-gallery

Help wanted!

Alresford Rotary is a lively, expanding group aiming to recruit more members and Friends.

Our membership is increasingly diverse – no longer just old men! Involvement with Rotary need not involve significant expense nor more time than you can spare. Please let us know if you feel you can help Alresford Rotary on a regular basis or on occasions such as our Christmas tree sale, to make a difference, both locally and internationally!

James Pinniger For more information or to contact us: email:indri50@me.com Phone: 07743 698841 Website: alresford-rotary.org

The Martyr Worthy Lecture Series 2023 The Martyr Worthy Lecture Series is back and the 2023/24 Series begins on Tuesday 28th November 2023 when the award winning author and historian, Jessie Childs, described by Hilary Mantel as a ‘brilliant speaker as well as a writer’ will be talking about her book, The Siege of Loyalty House, a new history of the English Civil War, through the story of the siege of Basing House 1643-45.

There will be three further lectures in the series – Behind the scenes in the Palace of Westminster on Friday 12th January 2024, by Lieutenant General David Leakey CMG, CVO, CBE – Black Rod 2011 – 2017, Fame & Obscurity Queen Victoria’s two court artists on Friday 2nd February 2024 by Dr. John Davies and A Showplace Royall: guns, bombs and excitements at the Tower on Friday 16th February 2024 by Dr. Edward Impey. The lectures will again be held in Itchen Abbas & Avington Village Hall, SO21 1BQ in aid of the four churches of the Itchen Valley Parish. 6.30pm for drinks and canapes (Lectures will last an hour starting at 7.15pm).

Tickets £25 available online at : www.buytickets. at/martyrworthylectures - Kindly sponsored by Savills. Enquiries please email Sophie Parry at martyrworthylectures2023@gmail.com

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SOUTH DOWNS JOINERY & GATES LTD

Manufacturers and Installers of Hardwood Gates | Gate Automation | Traditional oak framed buildings | Garages | Gazebos | Garden Rooms | Porches South Downs Joinery & Gates Ltd - Alton Lane, Four Marks, Hampshire, GU34 5AJ

Tel: 01962 435001 | www.southdownsgates.co.uk | Mark@southdownsgates.co.uk

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8 The High Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO3O 2EA Telephone: 01489 536187 Email: sales@town-and-country.co.uk

www.town-and-country.co.uk

At Town and Country, we take pride in ensuring every client receives the best customer service, from the informative and knowledgeable sales process through to the extensive after sales care.

Our boutique showroom showcases some of the finest kitchen and bathroom furniture available, with a strong emphasis on UK and European manufacturing.

Bathroom manufacturers on display include Ambiance Bain, Pelipal, Hansgrohe, Roper Rhodes and Miller of Sweden, with Porcelanosa and Ca’Pietra tiling throughout the showroom. Our kitchens are expertly crafted by Schuller, the second largest German kitchen manufacturer, and Uform.

Both have an extensive and inspiring collection ranging from the contemporary to the more traditional.

Please contact us regarding our complementary design and quotation service, we look forward to hearing from you.

Visit Town & Country 8 The High Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO3O 2EA Telephone: 01489 536187 Email: sales@town-and-country.co.uk www.town-and-country.co.uk

COMMUNITY

Winchester Councillor Fiona Isaacs Action not just words

enforcement I decided to take lead portfolio holder Cllr Nick Adams-King out with me to highlight the local issues including the impact of imposing new parking restrictions in town.

I emphasised the need for flexible on-street parking to support our fantastic businesses.

Cllr Nick Adams-King confirmed that Hampshire County Council has no plans to place on-street charges in Alresford.

Antisocial Behaviour issues

Sadly there has been an escalation of antisocial behaviour in Alresford in recent months. I was unfortunate enough to become a target of such behaviour when I assisted some residents with issues they had raised.

This is totally unacceptable, I have insisted on action. After several meetings with police officers and I am pleased to announce a plan has been put together to tackle these issues.

I have been assisting local residents with several complaints and it appears that the way the incidents are being reported is the issue, as messages are not reaching the correct teams to be dealt with.

So with that in mind I arranged for certain areas of town with issues, to receive flyers with copies of the relevant contact information required. It is important if residents are reporting problems via 101 (either online or by phone) they copy the antisocial team in as well as they link in with our local police team and housing.

Feel free to copy me in as well so I can help follow up as many residents have done with success.(fisaacs@winchester.gov.uk) • Winchester City Council - Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety Tel: 01962 848 400 nservices@winchester.gov.uk

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• Winchester City Council online report form either via the Your Winchester app or www.winchester.gov.uk/report • Hampshire Constabulary non-emergency number 101 In an emergency please call 999 • Online to Hampshire Constabulary hampshire.police.uk/contact-us/forms/ makeenquiry

Community safety, street surgery

I facilitated the on-street brief with the local team on the 19th October. Residents had the opportunity to meet members of the team and raise any concerns.

Supporting residents with noise from the glass recycling

For many months I have been assisting residents with the noise issues at the Station Road glass recycling centre in Alresford. This is the only site that is open 24hrs 7 days a week and was moved next to a residential building. Support on this issue was also given

by New Alresford Town Council when both residents and I presented the information. I am liaising with WCC officers regarding this.

This comes as a massive relief to businesses considering what Winchester businesses are now struggling with. Winchester City Council has introduced overnight car parking charges and have increased Sunday parking from free to £17 for over 4 hours! This has had a detrimental impact to Winchester's businesses.

Police and WCC officers

With the local antisocial behaviour team.

Residents had the opportunity to meet members of the team along with the chair of the Alresford neighbourhood watch, myself and the Police, to raise any concerns.

Bishop's Sutton to Alresford footpath enhancement

As many residents know I have spent the last 2 1/2 years working on and supporting the application for the enhanced footpath between Bishop’s Sutton and Alresford.

With an anticipated start date of end of October/November for the first phase of the enhancement, I continue to chase updates on when work will commence.

No on-street parking charges

After it was announced that Hampshire County Council would be taking over the on-street car parking from Winchester City Council as of 1st October, including

Winchester City Council Report Cllr Fiona Isaacs - Tel: 01962 808072 fisaacs@winchester.gov.uk

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Local reliable professional service

PLUMBING & HEATING WINCHESTER

All aspects of plumbing and heating — Oil boiler specialists — Oftec registered / G1 Accredited Charlie Dalton Plumbing Services Mobile - 07788 654662 www.charliedaltonplumbing.com

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Domestic Commercial Industrial Garden Lighting

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HOME / MOTORING

Alresford Floors

LEWIS BUTLER

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Botley Commercials is a family run business established 30 years specialising in commercial vehicle repair, offering full workshop facilities and a dedicated team who are on hand to keep your vehicles on the road.

With our MOT preparation we can provide a thorough inspection and present your vehicle for MOT ensuring that it is fully prepared for a first time test pass.

Commercial Vehicle Repair • Fleet Management • MOT Preparation Accident Repair Facilities • Vacuum Tanker Specialists • Fabrication • Diagnostics

Contact us Botley Commercials Ltd T: 01489 789655 E: info@botleycommercials.co.uk www.botleycommercials.co.uk To Bishop's Waltham 5

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Contact us Botley Station MOT Ltd T: 01489 798880 E: enquiries@botleystationmot.co.uk www.botleystationmot.co.uk To Bishop's Waltham 5

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We provide a professional and friendly service for the motorists of Botley, Hedge End, Burridge, Curdridge and surrounding areas in Hampshire.

We are an authorised class 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7 MOT Testing station, for Diesel and Catalyst equipped cars. We have a fully equipped modern workshop catering for all makes of car and light commercial vehicle; our staff are all fully qualified and have considerable experience in the motor trade. We aim to offer an extremely cost effective alternative to main dealer fees.

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ENVIRONMENT

South Downs National Park responds to State of Nature report with a strong call to action 'We need more nature everywhere for everyone'

T

hat’s the call to action from the South Downs National Park Authority as it responds to the latest State of Nature report, which lays bare the full extent of the biodiversity crisis.

The leading scientific report, based on analysis from 60 organisations, shows that one in six species are at risk of being lost in Great Britain. The figure from a decade ago was one in 10.

Andrew Lee, Directory of Countryside Policy

Responding to the research, Andrew Lee, Director of Countryside Policy and Management at the South Downs National Park, said: “We welcome the publication of the report, which reveals just how much nature needs us at this critical time. It’s a watershed moment for wildlife that should make us all take stock and, if we’re to turn a corner as a nation, the decisions made

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over the next few years are going to be so important.

“There’s bad and good news to take away.

The bad news is that our key species are still declining and by an average of 19% since 1970. There are fewer of them and they are found in fewer places. This tells us that nature as a whole is really struggling.

“The good news is that we know what we need to do and how to do it. The report found that nature recovery action makes a difference. We just need to work harder, faster and most importantly, work together. This is why the National Park Authority launched our 10-year ReNature campaign in 2021 with an ambitious target that 33% of the National Park is managed for nature by 2030. The aim is that the other 67% is also good for nature, giving nature every opportunity to thrive and for everyone to be able to have access to it.

“No-one is pretending this is going to be easy – there’s so much work that needs to be done. It’s going to require a huge collective effort, partnership working on a scale we’ve never seen before, and most crucially, the right resourcing in order to get nature back on track.”

The National Park’s ReNature initiative is looking to create 13,000 hectares – an area three times the size of Portsmouth – of new habitat, including new woodlands, wetlands and wildflower meadows.

Andrew added: “Our nature recovery programme to date has largely been focused on habitats, but by getting the habitats ‘bigger, better, and more joined up’ that will support our species, such as hazel dormouse, otter and water vole. Work is now under way to develop a species component to our programme, focusing on restoring habitat for some of our most important and endangered animals and plants.

“It’s important to say that nature recovery action does not just sit with organisations such as National Parks and Wildlife Trusts.

The beauty of it is that we can all make a difference. Whether it’s by planting more wildflowers in your garden, a business pledging to help nature, or volunteering in your local community, every little action could make a big impact in the long-run.”

To find out more about the ReNature campaign visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/ renature/ Make a pledge to help nature and climate here: www.southdowns.gov.uk/pledge/ To find out what the South Downs National Park doing is doing to tackle the biodiversity crisis visit: www.southdowns.gov.uk/southdowns-national-park-responds-to-state-ofnature-report-with-a-strong-call-to-action/

MOTORING

Andrews Autosource

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AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE LACK OF AVAILABLE CARS BELOW, NOW WOULD BE A FANTASTIC TIME TO SELL ANY CAR NOT BEING USED AND GET A GREAT PRICE FOR IT. The following cars have been carefully selected because of their low mileage, excellent condition and service history.

2019 (19) Honda Jazz 1.3 EX Nav Automatic, 5 door, Sat Nav, front and rear parking sensors rear camera, climate control, cruise control, 22,000 miles, SOLD 2019 (69) Honda Jazz 1.3 SE Nav Automatic, 5 door, sat nav, front and rear parking sensors, air conditioning, cruise control, alloy wheels, 14,000 miles, £15,995 2017 (17) Skoda Rapid 1.2 SE Spaceback Sport, Sat nav, parking sensors, moon roof, cruise control, 1 private owner 12,500 miles.

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Viewing by appointment only please VIEW OUR CURRENT STOCK AT www.andrews-autosource.co.uk/vehicles-for-sale

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COMMUNITY

Winchester Councillors November Report

What are Winchester Council doing about the environment?

• Upgrading our waste water treatment plants to remove phosphates and nitrates, starting in Cheriton & Itchen Abbas!

• Declaring a Nature Emergency, which allows you to challenge our decisions if you think we have not protected the Environment.

• Objecting to oil extraction in the South Downs National Park.

• Upgrading the energy efficiency of council housing.

• Improving air quality in areas known to suffer health damaging pollution levels.

• Having declared a climate change emergency in 2019, we are reporting regularly on progress, in the council, and the district.

What are the government doing?

• Causing chaos in the planning system by declaring an intent to remove limitations on phosphate and nitrates in our chalk steams.

This means a huge waste of money for householders, as well as developers, who have invested heavily in upgrading their systems over the last few years. This U turn nearly made it into legislation only being defeated by the Lords.

• Declaring an intention to remove local authorities’ ability to restrict vehicle movements and 20mph limits, despite widespread support for these in residential roads and villages without pavements.

• Moving the goal posts on carbon reduction measures, electric cars, home insulation.

• Failing to ensure there is an electricity

network fit for purpose.

• Ignoring the need to address carbon reduction for so long.

On Being Deputy Mayor, a report from Russell

What have these two men in common? You will undoubtedly recognise Henry VIII, The other figure is of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, ruler of much of Europe, large areas of the Americas.

The link is that they met in Bishops Waltham on 2nd July 1522 to sign a treaty against the French.

I found all this out, opening a poster exhibition, organised by the very active Bishops Waltham Society, on the history of this town. (Worth a visit!)

Apart from snippets of history, as Deputy Mayor for Winchester, I have also learnt a great deal about the people of the district. The role of the deputy mayor is to support the Mayor, filling in for some of the many visits, events and meetings requested. (Sometimes as many as four in a day!)

It is also an apprenticeship for being a mayor the following year. So far since May, I have stood in for the Mayor, Angela Clear for about 15 official events and attended more unofficial ones. I have learned much about the many voluntary organisations in the district and the invaluable work done by them to help people. Some of the organisations, such as the Mother Union are international in their scope, some such as St John’s are local in their emphasis. All have one thing in common, lots of people giving time, effort, and money to improve the quality of life of others.

Care Home in Harestock and an equal delight to see the Sea Cadets at Worthy Down learning sailing and waters sports. It was a joy to see the swimming gala run by the Winchester Penguins Club in the Leisure Centre Pool. It is a privilege to be involved in the work done by so many and to be able to give official recognition to individual and collective efforts. In some instances, I have been able to create links between disparate organisations to strengthen them. So much done for so many!

As Deputy Mayor one has still to fulfil all the duties of being a Councillor, such as serving on committees and dealing with case work.

PS: The Treaty didn’t work out so well as Henry divorced Charles’ aunt, Catherine of Aragon!

Highway Code

A member of the public suggested we should order everyone to learn the new Highway Code.

We can’t of course order anyone, but I am attaching a link. The Highway Code - Guidance GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) All road users should make themselves familiar with this revised version. The section on road users ‘requiring extra attention’ are worth noting and understanding. The section on safe (and considerate parking) section 204-223 needs to be absorbed by many. Ignorance of the law is no defence.

It was wonderful to see the care and respect shown to dementia residents at the Westholme

Margot Power - 01962 734167 mjpower684@gmail.com

Russell Gordon-Smith - 01962 733219 rgordon-smith@winchester.gov.uk

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MOTORING N o r t h Mo to r Company Holden Farm, Cheriton, Alresford, Hants, SO24 ONX

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

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EDUCATION

Embley’s Green Car Challenge

George in Year 7 explains a little more about the team’s day at Donington: “After a long three hour drive up, finally we arrived. As soon as we got to the track, we were deafened by the loud roar of the mighty engines of the phenomenal GT3 and GT4 cars.

We walked around the pits – a fascinating area filled with many different types of tyres and cool body parts and an array of awesome cars, each one with a different wrap or colour. The noise they made was amazing!

We watched an epic and exhilarating race; each car had a unique sound and there were so many different types of cars: McLarens, BMWs, Mercedes, Ginettas and Porches.

After delicious food in the cafeteria surrounded by racing drivers, we went to the school minibuses and Mr Canning and Mr Clare drove them round the racetrack with us in the back! After two amazing laps, finally the blue bus won, and we all celebrated.

There was no better way to launch Embley’s Green Car Challenge than for students to learn first-hand from the Mercedes AMG GT3 racing team at Donington Park. Students from Year 7 to 13 spent the day trackside in the pits, learning first-hand how cars are set up and races are won in the GT Championships. The students picked up lots of tips and advice from Greystone GT pro-drivers Mike Price and Callum Macleod, along with race engineer Mark Wynne.

We went to Greystone GT’s pit. It was filled with high tech gadgets and tools. We learnt how racing teams keep their tyres warm in tyre ovens, how they monitor where the cars are on the track and how they keep their drivers cool.

Before we left, we watched the cars on the racetrack as they warmed up for the afternoon test.”

Back at school, the team has started in earnest to build the Embley kit car ahead of racing at motorsports venues across the country (and potentially internationally).

The Greenpower Challenge uses the excitement of motorsport to inspire young people to excel in STEM subjects.

Embley Embley Park, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6ZE www.embley.org.uk T: 01794 512206

INDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR AGES 2 - 18

More than education

admissions@embley.org.uk

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BOOK YOUR VISIT AT EMBLEY.ORG.UK

+44 (0) 1794 512206

Prep, Senior, Sixth Salisbury, Wiltshire Day, Flexi, Weekly and Full Boarding

Tel. 01722 430545 admissions@godolphin.org www.godolphin.org

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HEARING PROBLEMS? MAYBE IT'S JUST EAR WAX VISIT US FOR EAR WAX REMOVAL - ONLY £80*

Try the ALL-NEW Genesis AI with a Hearing Aid Trial during November and December Discreet, never-before-heard hearing technology that's effortless to use CHECK OUR

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Visit us for: Alresford Hearing Studio is an independent, family-run hearing specialist, providing the highest Hearing Tests • Latest standard of hearing care to the local community.

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CALL 42 WE S T S TREE T • A LRE S FOR D • H AMPSH I R E • S O 2 4 9US A U ON 01962 790749 TUE - FRI • 9.30 - 4.30 | SAT • APPOINTMENT ONLY

V I S I T U S AT: alresfordhearingstudio.co.uk ALRESFORD HE ARING STUDIO 1174173470

WE ST STREE T • ALRE S FO RD • HAM P S H I RE • SO24 9AU *For 2 ears - £25.00 consultation charge if no wax present or procedure is deemed4 2unnecessary.

V I S I T U S AT: alresfordhearingstudio.co.uk