Itchen Valley Forum - Issue 205 - January 2024

ISSUE 205 JANUARY 2024

Itchen Valley

FORUM Life in your Community

ENVIRONMENT FEATURE

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Trust - What's that tree?

Briddlesford Fish Pie

ALRESFORD ROTARY People of action in Mid-Hampshire

NEWS & EVENTS FOR JANUARY Find out what's going on in the Itchen Valley

STYLE ˙ INTERIORS ˙ HEALTH & BEAUTY ˙ INTERVIEWS ˙ FOOD & DRINK ˙ ENTERTAINMENT ˙ EVENTS Cover Image: Church in the Wood, Bramdean (Winter 2020) - Upper Itchen Benefice

IT'S THE COLDEST WINTER MONTHS, DON'T FORGET WE OFFER A FREE VEHICLE HEALTH CHECK Is your vehicle safe and prepared?

Ensure your car is safe and prepared for Winters inclement weather by taking advantage of our FREE visual winter health and safety check* * Fluids and parts used are chargeable

We will check: Tyres, Anti-Freeze, Wiper Blades, Lights, Visual Brake Check, Fluid Levels, Exhaust System, Battery and much more!

Call today: 01962 736343 www.phoenixautoservicesltd.co.uk Free local collection and delivery service PHOENIX AUTO SERVICES LTD, UNIT E, PROSPECT COMMERCIAL PARK, PROSPECT ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QF

ITCHEN VALLEY FORUM JANUARY 2024

CONTENT S 04 Events January Events

25 Wellbeing 25

10

04 Entertainment Discover local events

and days out or in

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

32 Home Continued 34 Alresford Town Council News 42 Environment

14

Buying, selling, letting?

Find local estate agents and property management services

30 Education

Find local schools and educational experts

06 Home

08 Property Management

Looking after your health and yourself!

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust - What's that tree?

44 Motoring

10 Feature

Local services to keep your vehicle running

The Last Lick by Lucia Foster-Found

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 Feature Writer Lucia Foster-Found

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

Tel: 01962 735137

14 Alresford Rotary

www.forumpublications.co.uk

People of action in Mid-Hampshire

15 Garden 15

Make your garden dream come true

16 Recipe of the Month

Briddlesford Fish Pie

19 Travel 20 Professional Services

From photographers to solicitors every professional service you need

23 Retail

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

16 42

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, 2024

JANUARY EVENTS / ENTERTAINMENT Community tea concert at St Peter’s, Ropley Sun 28 January From 3.15pm St.Peters Church, Ropley, Alresford, SO24 0DS

Cantores Episcopi with David Hurley at St Peter’s Church, Ropley. Join us for our first Community Tea Concert at St Peter’s to cheer up midwinter!

We are delighted that David Hurley, a former member of the King’s Singers, will be directing Winchester College’s close harmony ensemble, Cantores Episcopi, with a wide range of music. Tea and cake will be served from 3.15pm. The concert will start at 4pm and last for about an hour.

Tickets £5 available from https:// www.stpetersropleyvenue.org.uk/ buy-tickets

Alresford and District Horticultural Society

Kelvin Mason will talk about ‘Gardening for Climate Change.’

Wed 10 January

Alresford Antiques Fair

From 7.30pm

Saturday 20 January

St Gregory's Parish Hall, Grange Road, Alresford

From 9.30am to 4.30pm

Visitors welcome, £3. Contact: Janet Pooley, janet@thepooleys. plus.com or 01962 732779.

Lecture given by Cindy Chetwode Friday 9 January From 7pm Bishop's Sutton Village Hall, Alresford Road, Bishop's Sutton, Alresford SO24 0AH

Patrons and Protégés: the intensely creative relationships between The Earl of Burlington & William Kent; The Duke of Devonshire & Joseph Paxton; and The Marquess of Bute & William Burges. Doors open at 6.30pm and there will be wine and canapés for the ticket price of £12.50 (cash please). There will also be a raffle. Tickets available via stnicholasfundraising@gmail.com

7 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AG

The Fair is held in Alresford Community Centre in the centre of the town, usually on the 3rd Saturday of the month. We offer a wide range of Decorative, Interesting and Unusual items including good quality Furniture, Silver, Jewellery, China, Glass and Militaria. We will also buy. Free Admission. Limited Free Parking nearby & large car park at the Station. Contacts: Carol - 01264 335769 / 07870 432805 Steve - 01722 712267 / 07915 663251.

Barn Dance in St John's Church Saturday 20 January From 7.30pm St.John's Church. East Street, Alresford, SO24 9AG

With a Fish and Chip supper included £12.50. Details from arlevalleychurches@gmail.com or 01962 733545. Bar available on the night. All ages welcome

Solos Sunday Tea Sunday 21 January From 2.30pm John Pearson Hall, East Street, Alresford, SO24 9AG

Please join us for tea, homemade cake, conversation and friendship.

Hope to see you then. Info 10am -12noon: 01962 733545

Alresford Art Society: A watercolour demonstration of a Winter Landscape by Kim Page Friday 26 January From 2.30pm Bishop's Sutton Village Hall, Bishop's Sutton, SO24 0AH

Members welcome – admission £3. For further information: 01962 732043 or visit www.artsociety.alresford.org.

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Kitchen makeovers

After Makeover

10% off all makeover orders taken in January Makeovers up to 50% cheaper than fitting a new kitchen!

Makeover Options ∙ Change all your drawers, doors, panels and plinths ∙ New worktops can be fitted ∙ Small amendmants to existing cabinetry and layout can be made ∙ Built in ovens can be changed to eye level ovens Before Makeover

Kitchen makeovers

Before Makeover

After Makeover

Make your OLD kitchen a NEW kitchen for a fraction of the cost of buying a new kitchen We manufacture our doors to order to bespoke sizes, so it doesn't matter who made your kitchen we have the sizes to fit.

Whether you want to just change your doors, or change everything you can see on the face, we can utilise your existing units, and change all the trims and panels, just like in the photos above, yes that really was a makeover, with a couple of small changes.

Call us today for a free of charge home visit.

Happy Kitchens are quite unique as we are able to offer top quality products, available in any size, fitted by the best professionals in the business. Change your kitchen and bedroom with a makeover or design and install a new kitchen and bedroom, whichever suits your needs or price range.

Sales | Property Management | Lettings ALRESFORD Guide Price: £612,500 | EPC Rating: C

NORTHINGTON Guide Price: £1,350,000 | EPC Rating: D

BISHOP'S SUTTON Guide Price: £1,195,000 | EPC Rating: D

LOWER WIELD Guide Price: £450,000 | EPC Rating: Exempt

A name you can count on in a changing world…

ALRESFORD To Let: £1,800 pcm | EPC Rating: D

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

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

New Year, new beginning…

We look forward to the New Year with optimism, and the hope that the housing market will be easier for home movers this year than it was in 2023. Mortgage rates are coming down to manageable levels, leading to a renewed confidence and an increasing number of enquiries from prospective buyers.

A name you can count on in a changing world…

A name you can count on in a changing world…

The Alresford area remains a very desirable place to live, and we have a significant register of potential buyers who wish to buy in the area. As well as local home owners wishing to move, there is a steady stream of people moving here from other parts of the UK, many of whom are in excellent buying positions and just waiting for the perfect property to come up. If you are considering a move this year, we would be pleased to hear from you. Our dedicated team is here to assist, and are committed to giving you best advice suited to your own particular needs.

Call us today, or pop into our Broad Street office, for a chat with one of 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

FEATURE

The Last Lick © Lucia Foster-Found 2024

“And you know what he needs to do?” Himself nodded at the cookery programme. She’d been half-watching it over her January book club choice.

“Yes I do! He needs to scrape his bowl out properly. None of these TV chefs do. Look at the waste! He needs that ‘last lick’ spatula the dogs bought me for Christmas.”

Maybe a kitchen tool hadn’t been the most inspired of gifts. To be fair, ‘the dogs’ had said as much when she’d asked for it. Gone, possibly, but not forgotten, were the days of perfume and aftershave, lingerie and cufflinks.

Perhaps those days would return, but last year the gift of Christmas itself had seemed enough. And perhaps somewhere deep within them, their younger, acquisitive selves had raised their eyebrows, shaken their heads and smiled indulgently at their older, wiser incarnations?

In any event, ‘the dogs’ had bought ‘Muzzy’ a rubber-ended spoon - and they’d bought ‘Dadders’ a kit to change the battery in his watch. ‘The dogs’ had initially expressed concern over ‘Dadders’ prosaic choice of gift too.

But on Christmas morning, the dogs had been waggy and excited with their inspired gift giving – or so she liked to think.

Pointing at the T.V., Himself said, “No, I’m talking about the hand washing between cutting that meat and prepping that salad. Remember during Covid; wash your hands and sing happy birthday twice? This guy barely had time to mumble ‘Mary Berry’ before he’s wiping them on a tea towel and chiffonading the baby gems!”

She considered for a moment. “I’m sure he knows what he’s doing, darling.

At least,” she resumed reading her book, “he’s not putting the plates on the floor for the dogs to lick…” She shot Himself a meaningful look.

He had the good grace to appear sheepish. “It was just the once; no need to alert Environmental Health. And anyway, that’s what the sanitise cycle on the dishwasher is for,” he added airily. “One day,” he went on in a voice dripping with pathos, “it’ll be the old girls’ last day and then they won’t be around to lick a plate.”

www.luciafosterfound.com

Just as she thought she might cry, the ‘old girls’ bounced youthfully into the room. One leapt athletically onto the sofa, the other folded herself effortlessly in half to nibble an itch on her back. Himself pretended not to notice.

Later, over dinner, they resumed their conversation. “I’m not excusing the plate licking episode, but I suppose at some point it’s everyone’s last time of doing anything. That’s sobering, don’t you think?” She looked contemplatively at her plate – the last of the Christmas turkey - and mused, “I wonder when I ate my final Topic, for instance.”

“Well, not yet - I’ll buy you one tomorrow.”

“Can’t.” Sadness coloured her tone. “They stopped making them last year…”

“Nooo!” came his stunned reply.

“And that reminds me,” she went on, “better get a Caramac quick before they’re all gone.” She wanted to enjoy that unique tongue-coating sensation once more, just for old time’s sake.

“What? Not Caramac too! That’s it. I’m buying an Aztec before they cancel them as well. Haven’t had one for a while..” Himself nodded thoughtfully.

She decided not to tell him that particular ship had sailed sometime in the 1970s. Still, she’d keep a look out in B&M; it wouldn’t surprise her if she came across an Aztec in there - along with a Texan and a Banjo.

As she cleared the dishes under the hopeful gaze of the dogs, she wondered again about the Topic. When she’d been munching on the delicious combination of hazelnut nougat and chocolate, (she salivated at the thought), she’d been blissfully unaware it was the very last time she’d be concerned about all those calories.

Looking down at her long-time furry companions, she noted the greying of their muzzles and the hint of cloudiness in their eyes. And through the window she watched Himself wave cheerily on his way to the sweet shop. The dogs nudged her leg; she stroked the silky heads and received an affectionate lick on the wrist.

Promising herself she would boil the plates later, she put them on the floor and reasoned, ‘Because Dadders is right, we really don’t know when it’ll be the last lick..’

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WISHING YOU A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR! As we enter 2024, we are pleased to report positive trends in the property market, with a high level of activity and a growing number of individuals looking to relocate.

This trend is expected to continue through to spring and beyond. With the current seasonal patterns, now is an opportune time to list your home for sale.

Our knowledgeable team of property specialists are well-versed in the local market and are ready to support you in your home selling journey.

We take great pride in serving this community and are proud to be the top-performing estate agent for property

sales in and around Alresford, as confirmed

by Rightmove statistics from 1st January 2023 to 14th December 2023.

Alresford is in high demand among buyers, but the available properties are not keeping up with the demand. As the leading estate agent in the area, we are seeing an increasing number of genuine buyers registering with us on a daily basis. Don’t miss out on this opportunity - trust our team of experts to help you with your move today.

To learn more about how Charters can assist you with your move, please do not hesitate to contact us at our West Street location.

Charlie Dixon, Branch Partner

FOR SALE

A SELECTION OF HOMES AVAILABLE

OLD ALRESFORD

ALRESFORD

4 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 2 Bathrooms

2 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 2 Bathrooms

5 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms

This exquisite detached residence offers spacious charm.

The ground floor features a sitting room, dining area, kitchen, and private study. Upstairs, four inviting bedrooms, including a standout principal bedroom with an ensuite. The garden provides a tranquil outdoor haven, while the front includes a driveway and double garage for ample parking.

In an exclusive courtyard, this property offers a westward-facing garden with direct countryside access. Inside, find a wellappointed kitchen, utility room, and a spacious sitting room with terrace access. Upstairs, two large bedrooms, a dressing room or third bedroom, and two bathrooms.

Impeccably refurbished three-bedroom house near Alresford town centre, boasting a wood burner, bifold doors, and modern kitchen. Upstairs, three bedrooms with stunning views and a family bathroom. The south-facing garden features a decked area, Tiki Hut, and lush lawn, with off-road parking and garage access at the front.

GUIDE PRICE £825,000

GUIDE PRICE £825,000

GUIDE PRICE £600,000

ALRESFORD

ALRESFORD

ROPLEY

2 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms

3 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 1 Bathrooms

2 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms

This top-floor apartment features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a covered balcony. The entrance provides access to on-site facilities, including a salon, bistro, and lounge. With wheelchair access, a 24/7 call system, and unique amenities, this property offers a special opportunity.

Ideally located near Alresford’s centre, this mid-terrace threebedroom home boasts a driveway, and a modern kitchen.

The spacious sitting/dining room opens to a private rear garden.

Upstairs, the three bedrooms share a contemporary family bathroom, with the principal bedroom offering ample storage.

A unique development between Alresford and Alton, surrounded by Hampshire countryside. A stylish two-bedroom house with a fully fitted kitchen, garden, and parking. Eco-friendly with an air source heat pump, it’s ideal for families and commuters.

GUIDE PRICE £2,850 PCM

GUIDE PRICE £1,600 PCM

GUIDE PRICE £1,450 PCM

TO LET

BISHOP’S SUTTON

“10/10 customer service throughout! Very professional company who get everything sorted quickly and efficiently.

Jo kept me updated throughout the process which was very much appreciated.Would 100% recommend.”

Sky

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

PROPERTY

Events will keep us moving in 2024 Over the past twenty years, we have had twenty-two housing ministers. There is rarely a ‘normal’ in the property market and the unpredictable external factors, which are outside of our control, are likely to impact us for the foreseeable future.

It is the events in our lives that stimulate the highest proportion of movement in the property market whether that be ambition, desire, or necessity - everyone needs somewhere to live.

Prices may rise and fall but there will always be a market driven by personal circumstance. We are a long standing property team who pride ourselves on offering a bespoke service. We believe that we can help you, personally, to achieve your property goals in 2024.

If you are looking to sell, rent, let or have your property managed, our experienced team are here to help.

Kate Porter Sales katep@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Claudia Hunt Lettings

Goodbye to Lloyds Bank, Alresford

claudia@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Kate Morton Management

kate@countryhousecompany.co.uk

On Monday 27th November, Lloyds Bank, Alresford closed its doors for the last time.

16 former staff members decided to mark the occasion by taking a trip down memory lane, many of them not having met up for over 36 years.

They gathered in the branch to pay homage to the place before moving next door to The Swan Hotel to continue reminiscing. The years just slipped away and everyone was enjoying recounting old stories and events from years gone by.

From checking with old records of the Bank, it looks as though it had become a Bank by 1861 when it most likely was The Hampshire Banking Corporation. By 1878 it had become The Hampshire and North Wilts Banking Corporation then later that year it was renamed The Capital and Counties Bank. It remained so until 1918 when Lloyds took them over.

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Tel: 01962 571189 info@countryhousecompany.co.uk sales@countryhousecompany.co.uk lettings@countryhousecompany.co.uk

EQDC

countryhousecompany.co.uk

Selling, Letting & Managing properties in the Itchen Valley If you are looking to sell or let your property please contact us

01962 571189

countryhousecompany.co.uk

Y X ^ a

COMMUNITY

Alresford

People of Action in mid Hampshire Rotary has changed over the years! Did you know that …

• Rotary is not just for old professional men?

It’s for everyone and has welcomed women members for over 30 years • Rotary is not a supper club?

Although we often eat when we meet, meals are not compulsory and Alresford Rotary’s principal aim is to plan projects and run activities for the benefit of local and international communities • Alresford Rotary is not only for Alresford?

It is for mid Hampshire and is keen to help make a difference throughout the area.

Being involved with Alresford Rotary is fun and fosters friendships!

What has Alresford Rotary done in 2023?

In addition to helping local residents in need, Alresford Rotary has been able to provide financial assistance to various local organisations including Alresford Scouts, St. Peter’s Church Ropley, the Thursday lunch club, Alresford Food Bank, Perins School, the Men’s Shed, Winchester Youth Counselling, Alresford Football Club, Sun Hill Infants school and St. John’s Church Alresford.

Alresford Rotary has litter picked on the south side of town and “spring cleaned” Broad Street, manned the Old Alresford car park for the Watercress Festival and the horse crossing at the September Agricultural Show, crushed and juiced apples at St. John’s Apple Day, roasted chestnuts to accompany the arrival of Father Christmas and sold locally sourced Christmas trees.

The previously neglected border outside Rousseau at Perins has been transformed and thanks to a generous legacy Alresford Rotary was able to make a significant contribution towards the cost of the river bank improvements to the east of the Eel House, the provision of new benches along the Watercress Way and the new signage.

14

The generous support given to events such as Alresford Rotary’s annual Quiz, 10k run and Guy Fawkes celebrations enabled significant donations to be made to need in Turkey, Syria, Ukraine, Libya and Morocco (through Shelterbox and otherwise) and more locally Wessex Heartbeat and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Alresford Rotary has continued to support Lend With Care helping small start up entrepreneurs in the developing world (such as budding farmers, retail shopkeepers and fishermen) with micro loans of up to £30 each. In the first 11 months of 2023 Alresford Rotary made 117 such loans and provided 480 small businesses with a lifeline, every month receiving repayments and reinvesting the monies to maximise the reach of the loans. Since 2019 Alresford Rotary has helped almost 25,000 such businesses in Malawi, Zambia, the Philippines, Peru, Rwanda and Ecuador. A little goes a long way! Internationally Alresford Rotary was also able to finance the cost of fitting out a science laboratory at a school in Zimbabwe.

Alresford Rotary was able to collect and contribute 451 Christmas shoeboxes to the annual Rotary Wessex scheme (for disadvantaged and displaced children in eastern Europe) and it was good to have the support of the West Meon, Cheriton, Ropley and Itchen Abbas Primary schools

in addition to the Sun Hill schools and other local organisations and groups.

Alresford Rotary has continued to actively support “Co-ordinating Alresford” the informal forum of local voluntary groups that aims to improve co-operation for the overall benefit of the community and congratulates the Alresford Pigs Association on the golden anniversary of its inaugural meeting on 17th January 1974.

Would you like to be involved?

If you are someone who wishes to make a difference to our local community or to be involved in Rotary’s international projects Alresford Rotary is for YOU! Please contact us to find out more and how you can contribute to our community on a regular or occasional basis. Rotary is no longer “by invitation only”! email:indri50@me.com Phone: 07743 698841 Website: alresford-rotary.org Date for your Diary: 22nd March - Probably mid–Hampshire’s Quiz of the Year 2024 at Itchen Abbas Village hall, see website for details.

Book early to avoid disappointment!

Written by James Pinniger

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, 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

15

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Briddlesford Fish Pie INGREDIENTS

METHOD

FOR THE SAUCE

1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6.

2. Peel the potatoes and cut into 2cm chunks, then boil for around 15 minutes, or until tender.

3. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Melt the butter & 1/3 of the cheese in a heavy-bottomed pan over a low heat and stir in the flour. Add the bay, then bit by bit, add the milk, stirring after every addition until you have a smooth, silky sauce. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until thickened.

4. Stir in the mustard, grate in another 1/3 of the cheese, then squeeze in the lemon juice. Pick, finely chop and stir in the parsley (if using), then keep stirring until the cheese is melted. Season with a little black pepper, then remove from the heat.

5. Get yourself a 25cm x 30cm baking dish. Check that there aren’t any stray bones lurking in the fish fillets, then slice into 2.5cm chunks and spread them evenly over the base of the dish.

6. Remove the bay leaves, then pour over the white sauce and allow to cool slightly.

7. Drain the potatoes well and mash with the greek yoghurt and double cream. Spoon the potatoes over the pie and scuff up the surface with a fork.

Grate the remaining cheese over the top and bake in the oven for 45 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through, the sauce is bubbling up at the sides and the top is golden.

50g 50g 2 750ml

Briddlesford butter plain flour fresh bay leaves Briddlesford whole or semi-skimmed milk 25g Briddlesford Cheddar cheese 15g Briddlesford Caerphilly cheese ½tsp English mustard ½ Juice of a lemon A few sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley, optional

FOR THE FILLING 300g 200g 200g

Skinless, boneless white fish Skinless, boneless salmon or rainbow trout Skinless, boneless smoked haddock

FOR THE TOPPING 5kg 2tbsp 100ml

Potatoes Greek yoghurt Briddlesford double cream

Briddlesford Farm Dairy bring their butter, milk, cream and range of delicious cheeses to markets throughout the county. Including Cheddar, Gouda, Caerphilly, Feta and more! Find them regularly at our Petersfield, Emsworth and Winchester markets.

JANUARY HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS

Petersfield - Sun 7th | Alton - Sat 13th | Winchester - Sun 14th | Emsworth - Sat 20th Southsea - Sun 21st | Ringwood - Sat 27th | Winchester - Sun 28th For more information visit: www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk

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GARDEN RDEN DES I GA

GN

COMPLETE GARDEN DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION SERVICE

DP

CM LANDSCAPES NEW DRIVEWAYS ∙ PATIOS ∙ LANDSCAPING SUMMER HOUSES ∙ BRICKWORK ∙ FENCING AND ALL ASSOCIATED GARDEN WORKS CALL / EMAIL CHRISTIAN FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPING NEEDS ON T: 07947 812 412 / INFO@CPFM.CO.UK

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.

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.

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

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

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

Supply and planting large specimen trees and shrubs Espalier, pleached and instant impact hedges All trees and shrubs carefully selected

Treat your plants to new trellis before the spring Call Andrew or Ashley on 01962 733990 installation service available FENCING | GATES | PERGOLAS | TRELLIS | DECKING | PANELS

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

17

COMMUNITY

Jackie’s County Corner: Happy New Year!

Firstly, thank you to all of you who practised for weeks and made costumes to perform at all the local Pantomimes this Christmas!

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get to them all, but particularly enjoyed the three henchmen and their password routine at Old Alresford!

Brilliant!

I have mentioned the budget problems facing the County Council in previous County Corners. Working groups are now set up for all of the possible areas for cuts, and the first meetings took place in mid December. These include cutting School Crossing Patrols, making School Transport changes, reducing the spend on books at libraries, reducing services (or maybe cutting out) the HWRC sites.

Do you use a SAT NAV? Are you tempted to let it ‘do the thinking for you’? We have seen a rise in the incidents of drivers using the wrong lane on dual carriageways, and it is thought to be connected to blindly following SAT NAV instructions. It is a very scary experience for anyone meeting a car coming towards them on the wrong side of the road. Reports of this happening on the A31 and the A33 have been received. The County Council has reviewed all the signage twice in the last few years and has added new signs on the A31, but if it happens to you, please let me know with the place, date and time. This information could save lives. Thank you.

The new STOP signs on the A33 at the Cart and Horses junction were installed in the Autumn, and soon a new Speed Indicator Device should be in place on the southbound carriageway to keep vehicles to 40mph . The County Council will publish the outcome of the ‘Traffic lights or Roundabout’ consultation very soon, but we have to await the M3 junction 9 decision before any likely solution for a safer junction is drawn up.

Finally, the picture above is when Chris and I went to see the new ‘nutrient stripper’ being installed at the WCC Water Treatment site at Itchen Abbas. As a Winchester councillor as well as a county councillor, it’s good to see us making progress on reducing pollution in our chalk streams: making a good start to 2024.

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

These working groups are set up according to the number of councillors in each political group on the council, so the ruling group has the overall majority on each working party.

The last Cabinet Meeting took place on the 12th December. You can watch this online from this link. https://democracy.hants.gov.uk/ieListDocuments. aspx?CId=134&MId=10705 It included an item on the overall economy of Hampshire, including taking back the Solent and M3 Local Enterprise Partnerships into the County’s work programme. There was a second item on the budgetary pressures, and a review of the Climate Change Annual Report.

Another item of interest to many in my division was related to the Superfast Broadband Project. For those of you now connected to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) this will feel very different to those still not enjoying fast internet speeds. Project Gigabit has followed on from the superfast broadband programme. It should reach yet more of the last 5% still waiting.

There was also advanced notice publication of the consultation with the final proposals for the Hampshire Minerals and Waste plan update, covering the National Park too. Please give me your thoughts before the consultation closes in February 2024. Frustratingly, the revised plan continues to ‘save sites’ once they have been allocated for waste or recycling, and still fails to prevent oil and gas extraction, even in the National Park. I don’t have a final date for the consultation as I write this in December, but I will publish the closing date in my February article.

18

Matthew 2:6 (also Micah 5:2)

''And Jesus spoke a parable to them, ''Behold the fig tree (Israel), and ALL the trees (nations)'' Luke 21:29

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Six financial resolutions for 2024 The new year is a great time to review your finances and make sure everything is running smoothly. With inflation at a high and taxes on the rise, the changes you make today could have a big impact on the health of your finances in 2024 and beyond.

1. Assess your savings

5. Review your protection

If you already have sufficient cash savings, you may want to consider investing in the stock market for your longterm savings objectives. While volatile, history shows that equities tend to perform better than cash over the long term.

Having the right protection is crucial to ensure you and your family’s finances hold up in the event of unexpected illness or death.

Consider what you would like to achieve over the short, medium, and long term. Adjust the amount you are saving and where you are saving accordingly.

3. Check your pension is on track

Understanding where to invest, how much you need to save for retirement and what to do to secure your family’s financial future can be really difficult on your own.

We live and work local to you. We would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.

Understanding how much money you’ve saved up in all your pension pots will help you work out whether you’re on track to achieve your retirement ambitions.

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Using your ISA, capital gains tax and dividend allowances each tax year could help you grow your money more tax efficiently, maximising the value to you and your family.

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The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future.

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6. Get some financial advice

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

21

COMMUNITY

Alresford Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month

The Naked Grape Have you heard the term “race to the bottom”? Well, we are doing the opposite, we are racing to the top. We aren’t part of any large-scale buying groups, or any buying groups at all. We are a 100% family-owned small business. We sell wine that we have tasted and like. We show you wines from small family producers making real honest wines with a fabulous back story. But the taste is really the key for us. If we don’t like it, we don’t buy it. Full stop. We avoid any wine you can find anywhere and LOVE the idea of wine you can’t find anywhere!

Our range spreads across the globe but is very accurate. We have on show the best example and value of any given wine. We save you having to search and buy lots of different wines to find the best. We’ve already found it and have it on our shelves for you. We hope you can feel our pride and passion for the wines we have in our shops from these words.

Late Night Shopping and Arrival of Santa What a great time was had by all, the Town was absolutely buzzing with activity with many shops staying open and offering mulled wine and mince pies. Many Stalls had also been set up in Broad Street with roasted chestnuts, craft ideas and much, much, more! Listening to The Test Valley Brass Band playing the Christmas tunes we all love, which is sponsored by the Chamber and of course not forgetting the arrival of Santa Claus.

The whole event was arranged by all the Alresford community groups working together! What a spectacular evening and a great way to start the Christmas festivities!New Alresford Town Council,

Mr. Mac Every month I share news, advice, and occasional reviews to help you navigate the world of tech. If you are thinking about making a new year resolution, consider this. “I will take control of my passwords and security on all my devices”. I visit so many people that have their passwords all over the place. Now is the time to get organised. In January I will be offering special one-to-one visit to sort all of this out. Contact me to make a booking and have an initial discussion. I will also be preparing a supplementary newsletter explaining this and how we can deal with it together. Please let me know if you are not already subscribed and I will add you to the list.

Looking forward to 2024, Apple are planning to release a 12.9 iPad Air early in the year and faster Macs are on their way too and finally. the longawaited Journal App is going to land in January; capture and write about the details of everyday moments and special events using photos, videos, audio recordings, places, and more.

That is all for now, back again February’s issue.

Andy – Mr Mac 07392 552 592 subscribe to my monthly newsletter at mistermac.co.uk

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

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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

22

andy@mistermac.co.uk mistermac.co.uk

PROFESSIONAL / RETAIL

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

JOIN THE LONG BARN FAMILY! Nestled in the heart of our Hampshire community, Long Barn has been a cherished local establishment for years, bringing joy through unique offerings and warm hospitality. As we embark on an exciting journey into the new year, we're thrilled to announce some job opportunities. To fuel our growth and continue delivering exceptional experiences, we are seeking vibrant individuals to join our team in various retail positions. Take your next step with us and be a part of our exciting business!

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This full-time Retail Supervisor position is a great opportunity to develop your retail management skills and work in a dynamic, friendly, family business. If you have at least one year’s hands-on retail experience, are confident, physically fit and enjoy working in a team, we are waiting to hear from you.

Do you enjoy working outside and have a good knowledge of plants? We have full-time and part-time opportunities.

Good plant knowledge is essential, and some retail experience is preferred. You will need to be physically fit, have good communication skills and love working in a team.

The shift patterns will be flexible and will involve some regular weekend working.

All applications to be sent to: barn@longbarn.co.uk T: 01962 73 86 84 www.longbarn.co.uk

23

RETAIL

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

Stay local and support your diverse retailers!

D.Barker & Son Silver Capricorn pendant by Kit Heat at £90 Silver gilt pearl drop earrings by Ti Sento Milano at £119 40A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

Ragamuffin SALE Now on with up to 50% off.

Frugi Fairisle Unisex Chunky Knit 2 Bakehouse Yard, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 734488 | www.ragamuffin-uk.com

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24

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January SALE up to 50% off (see window for items).

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POLAR EXCHANGE SKIWEAR & ACCESSORIES FOR ALL AGES Extensive choice. An exciting collection of performance ski kit and cold weather wear for every age.

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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.

NOW LOCATED AT STATION MILL, ALRESFORD, SO24 9JQ

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

Christmas Gift Vouchers Available

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

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COMMUNITY / WELLBEING

Why is there a Church on Bramdean common?

Owain Harris BSc Podiatry

During the 19th century. many churches were built in a number of countries throughout the world. They were often. adorned. with stone or wood carvings of perhaps a saint or devil figure. A some had stained glass windows depicting Jesus Christ on the cross between two crucified criminals selected by King Herod. St George slaying the dragon or the blessed Virgin Mary. The money to build these churches sometimes came from rich men who wished to demonstrate their wealth or simply wanted to thank God for their good fortune.

The Church in the Wood on Bramdean common was therefore unusual in many ways. It was built for £75, either at the expense of, or from money raised by, the Rev Alfred Bishop. He was the vicar of Bramdean in 1883 and he wanted to spare the people who lived or worked on the common the time it took to walk to his 12C church in the village. Most would have been farm workers, charcoal burners, gipsies or other itinerants.

A new building material known as Corrugated Iron had been invented in the early part of the century, and it was being used to help meet the demand for churches worldwide. This was done by creating a flat pack version that could be shipped easily, or in the case of Bramdean’s probably brought by horse-drawn cart from Winchester station. It may have come from a firm in the Old Kent Road in London, one of several such builders. Wikipedia indicates 19 were in Melbourne in 1850 but a recent search couldn’t find any, but they may have been there, but converted for some other purpose.

The Rev Bishop’s project has not been without its problems. The land on the common which he tried to lease from Magdeline College Oxford, the owners, was ‘common land’ and therefore designated for the grazing of commoner’s cattle or other animals. There were therefore objections but the objections were in due course overcome, the land was leased for 1 shilling a year and in October 1883 the first service took place attended by over 90 people. The little building was designed for about 50. Almost a hundred years later the then vicar of Bramdean suggested the little church should be pulled down as it was not getting much use. This was untrue, as the register shows and a vigorous group of locals banded together to cause it to be detached from its status as an offshoot of St Andrews, Bramdean and came under the ownership of a charity in its own right.

When she died in 1893, Louisa, the Rev Bishop’s widow left £2000 (£174,000 in today’s money) for the payment of the vicar £1 and the maintenance, cleansing of the building and ringing or tolling the bell before services. This is now the Louisa Frances Katherine Bishop’s charity for divine worship that owns the church.

Over the years, the Roma community have shown great interest in the church in the wood and often bring their children for baptism, or to leave notes or flowers in memory of those who have died. They have even washed down the outside, but recent legislation has made it difficult for those living in horse-drawn caravans to stop long on Bramdean common. A group from Bournemouth University of the Arts made a film there during 2023.

Services are now held at 3pm on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from May to September. The next Annual Opening will be on 12th May 2024. Hymns in the Wood. All are welcome.

26

Introducing Owain Harris, your trusted home-visiting podiatrist/ chiropodist with 25 years of expertise gained in the NHS and the sunny Algarve. Now, he brings his wealth of experience and passion for podiatry back to his hometown of Alresford, where dreams of life in the sun meet the beauty of Hampshire.

Owain Harris understands the unique needs of the community and is dedicated to providing personalised podiatric care in the comfort of your home.

Having spent nearly two decades perfecting his craft in the Algarve, Owain has honed his skills to offer comprehensive foot care services. From routine check-ups to specialised treatments, he is committed to ensuring your feet receive the attention they deserve. Whether you're dealing with chronic conditions or seeking preventive care, Owain's expertise is at your service.

Alresford, with its wonderful sense of community, now welcomes back one of its own. Owain's return brings not only professional competence but also a deep understanding of the local lifestyle and needs. His commitment to the well-being of his clients goes beyond foot care; it reflects a genuine desire to contribute to the health and happiness of the community.

As the festive season approaches, experience the magic of Alresford with Owain Harris. Let his podiatric expertise add to the Christmas sparkle in your step. Embrace the warmth of a hometown practitioner who shares your love for the community and the season's festivities.

Book your appointment with Owain Harris, the home-visiting podiatrist who brings years of international experience back to Alresford. Rediscover the joy of walking with confidence and comfort, right in the heart of Hampshire's enchanting landscapes.

Owain Harris BSc Podiatry State registered CH14964 alresfordpodiatry.co.uk Tel 07300 869560

WELLBEING

ALRESFORD PODIATRY Providing Care since 1999

Welcome to Alresford Podiatry, where we are dedicated to providing the highest level of podiatric care to your feet. With over 25 years of experience in the private and NHS sectors, Owain Harris BSc (Hons) is committed to providing the most comfortable experience possible, which is why we offer home visits to care for your feet in the comfort of your own home.

Trust him to help diagnose your condition and provide the best possible treatment for happy, healthy feet.

Tel: 07300 869560 www.alresfordpodiatry.co.uk

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27

WELLBEING

Alresford Surgery News January can seem like the darkest month of the year. If you’re struggling, Samaritans are promoting “Brew Monday” on 15th January to raise awareness of the support they offer. You can also keep track of how you’re feeling and get recommendations for things you can do to help yourself cope, feel better and stay safe in a crisis. www.samaritans.org Call: 116 123 It’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Week From 22nd to 28th January and Jo’s cervical cancer trust is holding its biggest event yet, raising awareness for cervical cancer.

As the busy festive season approaches, take the time to careddle House Medi-Spa for more information and to book your appointment.

Saddle House Medi-Spa - Western Court, Alresford, SO24 0AA T: 02380 518558 | www.saddlehouse.co.uk

The symptoms of cervical cancer can include: ∙ Unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause ∙ Changes to vaginal discharge ∙ Pain or discomfort during sex ∙ Unexplained pain in your lower back or between your hip bones (pelvis) If you notice changes, it’s better to get checked.

Lisa, a mother of two was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2013. Read about her experience being diagnosed and going through treatment via this link.

Lisa B's Story | Cervical Cancer | Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust (jostrust.org.uk) Healthier Together: It can be extremely stressful when your child is unwell. We know that there is a huge amount of information available at your fingertips, but finding something that provides clear and accurate information is not always easy!

The resources on the Healthier Together website have been developed in partnership between parents and healthcare professionals from across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. You'll find clear information on common childhood illnesses, including advice on what 'red-flag' signs to look out for, where to seek help if required, what you should do to keep your child comfortable and how long your child's symptoms are likely to last. https://what0-18.nhs.uk/ they also have a whole section on Covid, Strep A and Scarlet Fever.

The period immediately after Christmas can be challenging for some. Men in particular may find it difficult to open up about their feelings. You can find out more about men’s mental health and support here. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/menand-mental-health Reminder – Patient Forum Our next Patient Forum meeting will be held on Thursday 18th January 2024 at 6pm in the surgery waiting room. We look forward to these meetings as a chance to share information and ideas about how we work and for our patients to support us with constructive feedback and questions. Further details of the meeting topics will be published next month in our newsletter and will be posted on our website and Facebook page. Please put the date in your diary – we hope to see you there.

Welcome to our new ANP We offer a very warm welcome to Lorna Davies who joins us as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in mid-January. Lorna has been working at a Winchester GP practice, so has lots of experience. Lorna will be working alongside our GPs & existing Advanced Nurse Practitioner to deliver on the day care Monday-Friday.

Not attending your appointment Please remember if you cannot attend your appointment, please contact us to cancel it ASAP please. You can reply to your text message appointment reminder with ‘CANCEL’ or call in. Your appointment could be offered to another patient who urgently needs advice.

Afternoon Closure – Wednesday 28th February The surgery and dispensary will be closed from 12.30pm to enable all GPs and Nurses to attend a compulsory training meeting this afternoon. Our phone lines will not be open on this afternoon. If you require urgent medical attention, please call 111.

28

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EDUCATION

The Pilgrims’ School’s new Head of Pre-Prep, Sarah Hall, reflects on her first term

E

ven as a member of staff, starting a new school can be daunting, with lots of names to learn! But when I joined The Pilgrims’ School in September, I was immediately made to feel so welcome by both the staff and the boys. On my second day, a boy (who had been in my interview lesson seven months previously) came up to me and said, “Hello, Mrs Hall, how are you and how have your first few days been?” I knew I was in a very special place. It's always heartening to feel a sense of belonging in a new place, especially in a profession as demanding as teaching.

Reflecting on my first term at Pilgrims’ I am delighted to share my experiences and insights. I was fortunate to start my career in a cathedral school in Devon and have taught in many different settings, both state and independent. The breadth of this experience has really equipped me with a rich understanding of different educational contexts and with the ability to adapt to various environments.

As I had been at my previous school for a good period, I knew it would take somewhere special to lure me away, having dedicated 14 years of my life there. Pilgrims’ really stood out. I am leading the educational phase I love and am working with forward thinking, modern, fun-loving, brilliant colleagues, children, and families. The staff are truly dedicated to each individual boy and Pilgrims’ is an environment that puts the holistic and wellbeing needs of the boys

30

Sarah Hall, Head of Pre-Prep

at the centre of its practice and pedagogy.

Our small class sizes are an important part of this nurturing culture.

Being married to a musician, I have been fortunate to experience world class music in some of the UK’s most iconic venues. Music can be heard everywhere at Pilgrims’ and the opportunities boys receive is first class. From amazing music lessons to Games teaching, French lessons, and weekly Forest School sessions for all the Pre-Prep year groups.

As part of a traditional culture of learning outdoors, Forest School is integrated into our curriculum to help enable the boys to develop socially and emotionally alongside their academic endeavours. It builds an appreciation for the natural world and enables children to foster collaborative working practices and skills that are transferable into the classroom. To be able to do this in the idyllic natural environment we have in the shadow of the cathedral is very special.

My most joyful experiences have been within the Early Years and the formative stages of schooling. This is a magical time for children, when every experience is fresh and exciting, imaginations run wild, and laughter goes together with curiosity and wonder about the world around us. Working with the youngest children is utterly wonderful; you see the beauty in the smallest things.

The tiny smiles and bright-eyed awe with which young children view the world is heart-warming. I have loved getting to know the boys' characters and what they love, as well as the Pre-Prep staff team, who have been so supportive and engaging to work with too. Each boy is unique and offers so many wonderful insights into their lived experiences.

There are lots of exciting projects in the pipeline. However, the most important priority is making sure our children are happy and safe and receiving the very best educational and pastoral experience possible at the start of their journey at The Pilgrims’ School. We will continue to nurture the hearts and minds of the boys, providing not only an education that equips them with knowledge but also develops character, builds resilience, and fosters a love of learning. Our vision for the Pre-Prep aligns with creating an environment where boys can thrive, not just academically, but also emotionally and socially.

www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk

TO BE CAPTIVATED TO BE A PILGRIM A truly special school family, centred around a quest for excellence “A school that maximises a boy’s academic potential in a happy and nurturing community” - a parent

OPEN DAYS

Pre-Prep - Friday 26 January Whole School - Saturday 24 February

The Pilgrims’ School, Winchester An exceptional start in life for boys aged 4-13 www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk

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

JANUARY OFFERS AVAILABLE, PLEASE VISIT OUR SHOWROOM FOR DETAILS 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

New Alresford Town Council Happy New Year from all at New Alresford Town Council

New Alresford Town Councillor Vacancy

Make 2024 your year and become a local councillor! Local councillors are the champions of their community, investing time in local projects and issues to the benefit of residents and the neighbourhood, making decisions on local services and collaborating with district and borough councils. A town councillor can be involved in creating Neighbourhood Plans, establishing youth projects, managing playgrounds, allotments and open spaces, maintaining footpaths, public seating, and litter bins amongst much more. If you think that you may be interested in being a local councillor, please contact townclerk@newalresford-tc.gov. uk by January 16th for further details.

Alresford Recreation Centre Meeting Room Need a professional space for your next community meeting or event? Rent our meeting room equipped with modern amenities, audiovisual support, wipe board and good central location with parking. It’s the perfect setting for success! Book now to host your gatherings with confidence and efficiency.

Elevate your meetings - reserve our council meeting room today!

Hire Charges New Alresford residents/charities £7.00ph,

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New Alresford commercial and non-residents £8.00ph.

Tree Surveys for New Alresford 2024 Every two years the Council appoint Hampshire County Council Arboricultural Services to undertake surveys and inspections of all the trees on council owned land. Tree surveys are a type of assessment which assess the size, age, health, and life expectancy of a tree and provide appropriate recommendations for the future of the tree; for example, any treatments, whether it should be retained or if there should be any remedial work.

The tree survey for New Alresford will be completed in February 2024. Surveys are undertaken in different seasons each time, in part because diseases may be more visible at certain times of year (for example when there is leaf cover). The tree survey covers four locations that are under the ownership of New Alresford Town Council. Each area is used for various recreational and memorial purposes. ∙ Arlebury Park Recreation Ground ∙ Stratton Bates Recreation Ground ∙ Sun Hill Recreation Ground ∙ Alresford Memorial Gardens Hanging Baskets 2024

year, the Council are experimenting with not offering the once-a-week watering service, and instead providing the baskets at a reduced rate for residents and businesses. The baskets will be supplied by Two Acres nursery in Four Marks.

This is the first time in a while using a local nursery.

If you live or have a business in the centre of town, please look out for the hanging basket leaflet and let us know by 7th January 2024 if you would like to participate.

Councillor Surgery We are holding our first councillor surgery for 2024. It’s your chance to come and speak to your local town councillors about issues which matter to you. Please do pop by and have a chat.

Alresford Community Centre Saturday 13th January 2024 10am -12 noon We look forward to seeing you there!

January Calendar Please see this month's 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 9 January 2024 From 6pm - Planning Committee Tuesday 16 January 2024 From 7pm - Recreation, Environment & Community Committee Tuesday 23 January 2024 From 7pm - Operations & Resources Committee

For many years New Alresford Town Council have organised a subsidised hanging basket scheme for the town centre. This provides residents and businesses with a basket and watering once a week. However, the cost of providing watering is high and as always, the Council want to ensure best value for all residents in the town. Therefore, for a trial

Tuesday 30 January 2024 From 7pm - Town Council New Alresford Town Council, Recreation Centre, The Avenue, New Alresford, SO24 9EP T: 01962 732079 www.newalresford-tc.gov.uk

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.

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

Plumbing and Heating

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COMMUNITY

Winchester Councillors January Report

Happy New Year!

New year resolutions, how we all do promise ourselves that this year we will lose weight, exercise more, have a dry January, see our friends and relations more frequently. Naturally most of us fall by the wayside! The solution is to perhaps be more realistic in the goals that we set ourselves.

An Appreciation of Parish and Town Councils

These councillors are the unsung heroes of local government, providing that vital local knowledge of the important factors in your parish and providing constructive criticism of the activities in all other areas of government, both local, occasionally national, and making a contribution on global matters as well.

Two special awards for 2023: first one to Itchen Valley for leading the way on the Green Agenda, a very well attended meeting with multiple providers of useful advice; the second to Bishop Sutton for their engagement in Water quality – to command an audience of 40 to listen to a talk on septic tanks is truly remarkable, and this has been followed up by a community craft project, a wildlife trail camera with some lovely images, and a myriad of information on the parish website.

Very well done to both for their initiative.

Waste Water Treatment System Upgrades

There have been some exciting developments recently, some barriers and some opportunities, as ever. Following a call for information on shared systems – a particular challenge, I was contacted by a manager of an Investment Trust that makes their money from carbon and nutrient reduction schemes. Their typical project scale is upwards of 400k, but there were intimations that smaller projects may be of interest; one's mind of course turns to bulk buying schemes, and a clearing system to put those developers that need nutrient credits in touch with those that would like to upgrade but lack the necessary capital. There will be a knowledge sharing event in 2024 - and we will ask that parish councils do send a representative.

Carbon Reduction and Winchester City Council

There was an interesting motion to council in November that asked that any carbon reduction investments only be made if they directly benefitted residents of Winchester. This appeared to be based on a belief that we can set a protective dome around Winchester that protects us from

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climate change, exceptional weather events, global food pressures, etc. We only mention this as it shows the appalling ignorance that we are up against.

the dramatics of Handsworth, rather more solid, and workmanlike and nearly always polite. Rules do matter in human society. Look around you, if you disagree.

Friars Gate

Post-Christmas Debt

New GP’s Surgery in Middle Brook Street

Step Change; an online or telephone debt advice service Get debt help online. (www.stepchange.org) Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Advisors can be contacted on 0800 138 1111.

Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm.

The demolition of Friars Gate has started! There has been little mention of the Central Winchester Regeneration of late. Some concrete steps are underway, with the careful de-construction of the old and redundant buildings on the site. Part of the site can be viewed as an archaeological site at the moment, with the remainder of the area being used as a temporary open space following the demolition.

Those of you who have braved the Christmas traffic in Winchester may have noticed the steel framework of the new St Clements medical practice being built in what was a temporary car park. Part of this was made possible by a grant from the WCC Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund.

Revised WCC Constitution

A lot of time has been spent on this, not least by Councillor Margot Power, the chair of the Audit and Governance Committee. Why is all this time being devoted to this topic? Well, because it is the basis of our democracy to have a clear, transparent process for arriving at decisions. A process that allows opinions to be heard and that can react to criticisms. Changes to the constitution have of course to be agreed by all political groups on the council, a process that is not quick. The constitution can and will be amended as experience suggests, where it lack clarity or where problems become apparent in the future.

Some of you may have seen the video of the Zoom meeting of the Handsworth Parish Council held during the pandemic. It is good demonstration of the need to have a clear, agreed, and well-understood constitution. All the formal meetings of the WCC, the full council, the cabinet and the various committees are recorded and available to watch again. None of

Christmas puts a huge amount of pressure on all of us to spend money on any number of items, presents for children, social events etc. All well and good, but hard on those short of money who are in effect shamed into buying lots of ‘stuff’ with possibly limited usefulness, creating a big debt problem post-Christmas. If you find yourself in this situation, it is worth contacting these organisations:

Christians against Poverty (capuk.org/gethelp) This is open to all, Christian, other faiths, or none at all. Useful support and counselling on budgets and management.

Citizens Advice Bureau: The Winchester District office is at Colebrook St SO23 9LJ. They provide advice on a range of topics, legal matters and debt advice. 08082 787861 The New Year tends to be the time we take up gym membership etc. so it might also be an opportunity to get you finances into shape!

Margot Power - 01962 734167 mjpower684@gmail.com

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

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SUPER-FAST DRYING FROM 15 MINUTES

Very reasonable prices, and courteous friendly service from a local company you can trust in your home.

Your local furnishing care specialist Malcolm Skeet

T H E

Carpet Care

3 Great Deals!

Fabulous Clean Carpets, Upholstery and Curtains Deal 1

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

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Have any three carpets and your three piece suite freshened up for just £175!

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silk self-storage FLEXIBLE & ACCESSIBLE SECURE STORAge solutions

from £85pm storage@silkservices.co.uk 01962 771 815

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Alresford Floors Luxury Vinyl Tiles:

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For an appointment to discuss your requirements, please call

Tel: 01962 732643 or Mob: 07734 459748 alresfordfloors@icloud.com Approved Amtico Installer & NVQ Certified with over 25 years experience

CJ The Plumber Colin Joyce

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

01962 776545 Domestic plumbing 39

COMMUNITY Maid Marian Ad 90 x 135

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• Regular cleaning and end • of tenancy cleaning • One off spring cleans PROFESSIONAL DOMESTIC • Washing and SERVICES Ironing • Carpet cleaning • Building maintenance • including painting and • decorating • CLEANING Shopping REGULAR High quality domestic services Guaranteed • Man with a van END OF TENANCY CLEANING

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Silk Services are renowned for their extensions, conversions, full refurbishments and renovations as well as providing a top quality professional, personal service at an affordable price.

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• Hedge Cutting • Log Deliveries

telephone: 01962 736713 email: enquiries@maidmariancleaners.co.uk web: www.maidmariancleaners.co.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

COMMUNITY

www.charliedaltonplumbing.com

MP Building Services Hampshire Builder | Extensions | Renovations | Alterations | All building work undertaken | Painting & Decorating | Insulation | Bathrooms | Fencing No deposit required, AXA business insurance. Free estimates.

Please contact me to discuss your project

m Mark: 07973 268336 k mark@mp-buildingservices.co.uk 1 www.mp-buildingservices.co.uk

Areas covered Alresford, Andover, Basingstoke, Romsey, Stockbridge & Winchester

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ENVIRONMENT

What's that tree?

S tanding sentry along the banks of our chalk streams, trees play a crucial role in these ecosystems.

Their shade keeps the water cool in summertime, and their roots help to prevent bank erosion. Now that deciduous species have shed their leaves, the complex structures beneath have been revealed. It’s an ideal time to appreciate your streamside trees and improve your identification skills!

Begin your quest by narrowing down the list of options. Trees growing close to streams are likely to prefer damp soil. The wood of alders, for instance, is actually stronger when wet! Other water-loving trees include goat willow, white willow, downy birch, oak, and lime. You could even find a black poplar – once a staple of floodplains, but now a rare sight, in part due to the drainage of land for agriculture.

With your shortlist ready, take in the big picture. The overall shape of a tree is a great clue – most notably the pattern of its branches. Monopodial trees like the black poplar grow in the same direction every year, typically gaining branches on

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either side. Conversely, sympodial trees like the oak and lime change their growth direction with every new branch, giving them a less uniform ‘zigzag’ appearance.

Nestled among the branches, you might find another clue: buds. Dormant during the winter months, they will become leaves, shoots, and flowers once spring arrives. Goat willows have round, hairless buds, whereas white willow buds are thin and hairy. The grouping is also important – oak buds grow in clusters, but lime buds have an alternating pattern and black poplar buds form spirals up twigs.

Lastly, take a close look at the bark. Trees grow from the inside, and their outer layers respond in ways determined by their composition. The thin layer of the downy birch peels away like paper, while the thick layer of the alder cracks into fissures. Oak and lime bark is pushed up into ridges.

But remember that young trees sometimes have smoother bark that will become more uneven with age.

If you need a little help with your tree ID, the Woodland Trust have a free app that works with bark, buds, and branches –

perfect for wintertime. If you’d like to learn more about the wonderful world of chalk streams, you can explore the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme by visiting www.hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes Our work is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Free Online Talks ‘Photography for Chalk Stream Conservation’ 11th January, 7pm Award-winning photographer Paul Colley shares his chalk stream images, explains the techniques behind them, and explores how they are used in chalk stream conservation.

‘The Devastation and Restoration of England’s Chalk Streams’ 8th February, 7pm Are chalk streams really “man-made habitats”? We explore how modification impacts these precious habitats, and how restoration can help return them to good health.

Book your tickets at hiwwt.org.uk/ winterbournes Photograph - © Mark Hamblin

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COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • DOMESTIC Providing a comprehensive electrical installation service • Home automation • Lighting schemes • Electric gates • Emergency lighting • Electrical installations • Home entertainment • Fire alarms • Burglar alarms

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Wallpaper Specialist D E C O R AT I N G I N H A M P S H I R E S I N C E 1 9 8 0

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MOTORING

Andrews Autosource Carefully Selected Cars

MOBILE CAR VALETING SERVICE

Approved by trading standards

For a professional finish at competitive rates 7 days a week at your home or place of work

AT BRAMDEAN GARAGE A272 BRAMDEAN

WANTED CARS FOR CASH IF YOU HAVE A CAR THAT’S NO LONGER NEEDED, GIVE ME A CALL, IF I DON’T BUY IT I CAN OFFER SOME FREE ADVICE ON ITS VALUE. The following cars have been carefully selected because of their low mileage, excellent condition and service history.

2020 (70) CAMPERVAN; Renault Trafic Sport, FULLY equipped; Sat nav, air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking with 2 keys, alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, bluetooth, 5 belted seats, Converted from a brand new van, not an ex builders or delivery van! conversion includes; pop top with double berth, double Rib bed on adjustable rails for flexibility, double captains seat, 2 burner hob with sink, diesel heater, electric hook up, with 110 amp leisure battery, 230 watt solar panels, side steps, fully insulated, loads of storage, full history and under 11,000 miles from new. £49,995 2019 (69) Honda Jazz1.3 SE Nav Automatic, 5 door, sat nav, front and rear parking sensors, air conditioning, cruise control, alloy wheels, 15,000 miles £15,495 2016 (65) Honda Jazz 1.3 SE Nav, 5 door, manual, sat nav, front and rear parking sensors, air conditioning, cruise control, alloy wheels, 31,000 miles £8,995 2017 (67) Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge, Pan roof, air conditioning, bluetooth, Parking sensors, alloy wheels, 26,000 miles £7,995 VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT ONLY PLEASE

VIEW OUR CURRENT STOCK AT www.andrews-autosource.co.uk/vehicles-for-sale

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CARS HAVE SERVICE HISTORY BRAMDEAN GARAGE, A272, BRAMDEAN

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PRISTINE VALETING

Please call José on

07803 703396 Repairs Servicing M.O.T

WILCAN MOTOR COMPANY LTD

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

Service and repair of all makes of vehicle

Engine Diagnostics Offsite M.O.T Tests Nissan Elgrand Specialists Cambelt Replacement Exhaust Supply & Fitting Tyre Supply & Fitting Electrical Repairs Clutch Repair Courtesy Car

Opening Times Mon - Thur 8-5pm Friday 8-3pm

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See on Facebook: alresfordservicepointltd Shelf House, New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QE

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

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

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

ALRESFORD MOTOR SERVICES LTD MOT TEST CENTRE

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

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

MOT TEST CENTRE FOR:

Specialising in 'your Social Life Lifts'

Cars, motorcycles and vans up to 3,000kg.

All makes serviced and repaired.

07838 167117

Class 4 MOT's

Class 1 & 2 Motorcycles

Steve Cleverley Pre-Booked Only

MOT's WHILE YOU WAIT

Alresford Town Private Hire Ltd

UNIT 5, SHELF HOUSE, NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QE

www.alresfordtownprivatehireltd.com Alresford Town Private Hire

Tel: 01962 733888 e:mike1ams1@aol.com

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

01962 732338 L.P.G.A approved autogas conversions www.autogas.com Allows your petrol engine vehicle to run on Autogas, a fuel costing approximately 76p per ltr, with the environmental benefits of a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide production and 2000 times fewer particulates produced from the exhaust fumes when compared with a diesel. Widely available across the country and locally in Winnall, Winchester and West Meon Hut service station. The government has committed to this fuel difference for the future.

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

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

CERTIFICATED ENGINEERS • RECOVERY AVAILABLE •

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COMMUNITY / MOTORING

The Alresford Pigs Association The trusted private transport service

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

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

Members of the Alresford Pigs present a £5000 cheque to the Surgery Team

A Legacy for Alresford

Two important pieces of medical equipment for use in the Alresford Surgery have been funded by the Alresford Pigs as they approach their 50th year of helping people in and around the town.

2024 is going to be a big year for the Alresford Pigs Association. It will be our 50th year, and we’re planning a series of events and celebrations to mark the occasion. However, as we are a fundraising charity committed to supporting local good causes, we want to create a lasting legacy that benefits the people of Alresford. Part of getting ideas for this legacy involved contacting local schools, the Town Council and the Alresford Surgery to get an idea of their wants and needs. A very prompt response from the Surgery flew back to the Pigs with a request for a Hyfrecator to assist and enhance the Practice’s ability to deliver minor surgical procedures to the community, as well as a bariatric couch - an important item to help the treatment of a small section of the population.

The Surgery has a team of around 20 medical professionals administering to a practice population of over 10,000 people. Dr Ben Saunders, GP Partner, commented ‘This equipment allows us to provide continuing high-quality care, with a range of services, for all our patients. This is another example of the assistance the Pigs provide to Alresford Surgery which has also included marshalling our flu and Covid clinics this autumn. We are immensely grateful for the support of the Alresford Pigs Association’.

The Alresford Pigs members delivered a cheque for £5099.64 to the Surgery enabling them to purchase the badly needed equipment. Sam Kerr-Smiley, current Chairman of the Pigs, said “Our 50th anniversary is a landmark occasion for us, and we want to ensure we launch in 2024 with a bang!

Providing badly needed equipment like this for the Surgery goes to the heart of the reason why we are Pigs.”

The Alresford Pigs is a local charity providing financial assistance to those in need in Alresford and the surrounding villages and has been doing so for 50 years. While the Pigs are perhaps best known for their popular fundraising events, such as the town Duck Race in June and lighting up Alresford with Christmas Trees in December and Arrival of Father Christmas as well helping to deliver the Alresford Show.

The Alresford Pigs Association is a registered charity (charity no.

1163001). More information can be found at www.alresfordpigs.org or email us at info@alresfordpigs.org or for an immediate request for support call the Pigs helpline 01962 658961.

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

Do you want to find out how to make your business more sustainable?

New Leaf Alresford are inviting local business owners and managers to explore what sustainability means for their business, at an event on 23rd January. Representatives of B-Corp (Benefit Corporation) will explain the power of purpose-led business and how the organisation can help, local business leaders who have made changes will detail their experiences, and experts will be on hand to offer advice.

The event will take place in the barn at The Flowerpots Inn in Cheriton, arrival from 6pm to start at 6.30pm. Refreshments will be provided. If you would like to attend please email New Leaf at enquiries@newleafalresford.org to reserve your place – capacity is limited.

Did you know that you can borrow a thermal imaging camera for free, in order to identify areas of heat loss in your home?

Loans are for two days at a time, with collection and return to Oxley’s bookshop on Broad Street. Go to newleafalresford.org/ thermalimagingcameraloan for more details.

New Leaf meet in The Snug at The Swan on the second Thursday of each month, from 7pm. Join the next ‘Natter’ on 11th January, where they will be discussing community growing on their new allotment plot and other plans for 2024.

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

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

MAKE HEARING BETTER YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION! Feeling more isolated and anxious during lockdown? are you having trouble hearing TV or talking on the telephone?

Are you having trouble hearing the TV or talking on the after telephone? Do you struggle to follow a conversation in a busy social environment?

WE ARE STILL OPEN VISIT US AT ALRESFORD HEARING STUDIO

FOR ALL YOUR HEARING NEEDS 'Fan ta love stic se r sett ly peop vice an ing. d le in The a ni extr y c r e e am ally ile t go t spe o he h ak h elp. ighl Can y en ’t of t hem ough ’’.

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CALL US ON 01962 790749

TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT ALRESFORD HEARING STUDIO

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