Itchen Valley 141

Itchen Valley

FORU M Features from: All your local News and Events Sandra Pagan, Claire Thurlow Hampshire People - Diane Keen Cover Photo: St Mary's Church, Itchen Stoke

JULY 2018 • ISSUE 141 • REACHING 18,750 READERS * ITCHEN VALLEY, WINCHESTER & THE WORTHY'S OLD ALRESFORD CANDOVER KILMESTON

BIGHTON

GUNDLETON

ITCHEN ABBAS & STOKE ABBOTS WORTHY

TICHBORNE

MARTYR WORTHY

KINGS WORTHY

ROPLEY & ROPLEY DEAN BRAMDEAN

AVINGTON

HEADBOURNE WORTHY

BISHOP’S SUTTON EASTON

ABBOTT'S BARTON

CHERITON & NEW CHERITON

HINTON AMPNER WEEKE

BEAUWORTH

FULFLOOD

NORTHINGTON FOUR MARKS

ST.CROSS

PRESTON

MEDSTEAD

1

WINCHESTER CITY

Phoenix for Air Conditioning With summer just around the corner let us carry out a

FREE performance check on your Air Conditioning.

An inefficient system will be less effective and will have to work harder, putting more strain on your engine and using more fuel.

We have a full service and repair centre here at Phoenix, so why not call to arrange your FREE check and let us help you keep cool and save yourself pounds this summer.

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

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

OUR TEAM WELCOME ISSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Editor - Mark Tubb Tel: 01962 735137 editor@forumpublications.co.uk Director of Advertising - Steve Walker Tel: 01962 735137 stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk Advertising Manager - Mandy Head Tel: 01962 735137 mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk Director of Marketing - Rob Harrison Tel: 01962 735137 rob@forummedianddesign.co.uk Design Manager - James Curtis Advertising & Creative Design james@forumpublications.co.uk Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Copy Writer - Gill Grant gill@forumpublications.co.uk Copy Writer - Claire Thurlow claire@forumpublications.co.uk

04 Community

Keep up-to-date with what is happening in your area

8, 10, 24, 28, 30, 32, 38, 48, 50, 52, 58, 64

06 Property

Buying, selling, letting?

Find local estate agents and property management services

10 Garden FORUM PUBLICATIONS LTD 11 BROAD STREET, ALRESFORD HAMPSHIRE, SO24 9AR TEL: 01962 735137

AUGUST COPY DEADLINE JULY 16th Printed on recycled paper 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. The 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. The Itchen Valley 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. Š Forum Publications Ltd, 2017 * Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household

Make your garden dream come true. Or visit local beautiful country gardens

14 Features

Hampshire Mum, Claire Thurlow, Iris Crowfoot and many more

16, 20, 22, 23, 56, 62

18 Wellbeing

Looking after your health and yourself!

25 Professional

From photographers to solicitors - every professional service you need

26 Education

Find local schools and educational experts

33 Retail/Market Square

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

40 Food & Drink

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

42 Motoring

Local services to keep your vehicles running smoothly

44 Leisure &

Entertainment

Discover local events and days out in Hampshire.

Don't miss this years Alresford Show

46 Home

Trades, services, designers.

All you need for your home

64 Animals

From Canine to Equine all your animal needs

66 Business

COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

What's On JUNE

£59 for one. £99 for two Call: 01962 732731 or visit www.chocolatecraft.co.uk/shop/

4 JULY

15 JULY

Alresford Jazz Club Golden Eagle Jazz Band Doors open at 8pm at Alresford Recreation Centre, Alrebury Park, Alresford, SO24 9EP Band and Dancing 8:30pm – 11pmm Entry is £8 Free Onsite Parking, Please bring your own refreshments. Email alresfordjazz@gmail.com, Phone: 07788 582740

7 JULY Spirit of Summer Come and join Alresford Community Choir for a celebration of summer, in the beautiful setting of St John’s Church, Alresford.The relaxing and uplifting programme will include folk songs and spirituals from the old and new worlds.

Doors open 7pm, the concert starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets £12-£15 each from Oakleaf Stationery, Alresford and www.alresfordchoir.com

Avington Park – Open Air Theatre Importance of Being Earnest. 19th August 2018 - As You Like It. www.avingtonpark.co.uk From 2pm and 7pm performances on both days. www.pantaloons.co.uk

21 JULY Alresford Antiques Fair The Fair is held in Alresford Town Hall in the centre of the town. We offer a wide range of Decorative, interesting and unusual items including good quality Furniture, Silver, Jewellery, Militaria, Motor memorabilia and Books. We will also buy. Free Admission.

Limited Free Parking nearby & large car park at the Station. Open: 9.30am - 5.00pm. Contacts: Carol - 01264 335769 / 07870 432805 Steve - 01722 712267 / 07915 663251 Lakewood Smith - 07970 797306

30 JULY Ropley Horticultural Society – Illustrated talk On " What the Judge is Looking For (Flowers at the shows)" with Pip Bensley, NAFAS & RHS accredited judge in Floral & Floral Art 7:45pm start at the Sports pavilion,Vicarage Lane, Ropley. Parking free. £5 on the door includes refreshments, all welcome Enquiries: Jill 01962 772425

9 JULY Conservation Day at St Mary’s, Itchen Stoke From 11am – 1pm. Glass To celebrate the start of the restoration of the memorial to Major Cox, there will be a special event at St Mary's on Monday July 9, with a talk about the work of the Churches Conservation Trust and demonstrations of glass cutting and painting by Salisbury Cathedral Stained Glass. Refreshments will be available. Please join us for this free event! To find out more or to book a place please contact Ed McGregor, CCT Volunteering Officer:emcgregor@thecct.org.uk.

14 JULY Chocolate Workshop From 10.00am - 12.30pm and 2.00pm 4.30pm. Chocolate Craft Ltd, Unit 1, Upton Park Farm, Old Alresford, SO24 9EB Chocolate Workshops Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a chocolatier? Have fun creating your own unique chocolates using the finest ingredients. Expert chocolatiers will teach you fine piping techniques too and you'll create your own handmade chocolate lolly. All packaging is provided to ensure your finished products will wow your family and friends.

4

AUGUST 10 AUGUST A Fantastic Journey!

For school aged beasties 4 - 7 years, this is a one day drama workshop where the children will create and explore their own magical lands. There will be games, glue, glitter and laughter aplenty, all culminating in a fantastic performance at the end of the day!

From 9.30am - 4.30pm, £35 per child*

22 TO 23 AUGUST Drambeasts - The Hobbit!

For beasties aged 7 - 13 years, this is a two day drama spectacular where the children will take a journey through Middle Earth, fight dragons and trolls and return home victorious!

Two whole days of acting, devising, rehearsing and crafting props and costumes! At the end of the second day, family and friends are invited to watch an exciting performance - a culmination of all the drama games, fun and crafts we have created across the two days. From 9.30am - 5pm, £68 per child. Sibling discounts apply.

Both workshops will be held at Sun Hill Junior School in Alresford (you do not need to be a

pupil of Sun Hill Juniors to attend).

For further information or to book your place, please see attached flyer, email nicky@ dramabeasts.com or call 07787 537083.

1 AUGUST Alresford Jazz Club Louisiana Jazzmen Band Doors open at 8pm Alresford Recreation Centre, Alrebury Park, Alresford, SO24 9EP and Dancing 8:30pm – 11pmm Entry is £8 Free Onsite Parking, Please bring your own refreshments. Email alresfordjazz@gmail.com, Phone 07788582740

4 AUGUST Allen Gallery The Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery, Alton (01420 82802) www.hampshireculturaltrust. org.uk. Hours are Tues-Sat, Gallery 10.30 - 4.30, Museum 10 – 5.

4 AUGUST Charities Fete From 11am – 3.30pm. Local charity stalls in the Gallery garden offering a wide range of activities. Indoors if wet. FREE

18 TO 19 AUGUST South Downs Show Fantastic Rural Show at Queen Elizabeth Country Park from 10am-5pm. A lovely family day out, amazing arena acts, lots of local shopping, activities for pet dogs, gundog events, children's activities, farm animals, local beer, wonderful food and much much more. Adults £7.50 Kids £3.50. See the website www. southdownsshow.co.uk

14 SEPTEMBER New Year in Tibet By Sue Riches From 6.30 for 7.15pm. At Littleton Millennium Hall, SO22 6QL. Join Sue, as she relives her journey to Tibet for New Year, via Beijing, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall & Xian.Tickets £15 + booking fee (to include complimentary drink and canapes). Available via Eventbrite. co.uk

16 SEPTEMBER Golden Consort in aid of Winchester Go-LD From 3.30pm at St.John's Church,Winchester Greensleeves - A Concert of Renaissance and Baroque Music. Rebecca Prosser -Recorders, Hilary Brooks - Baroque Cello, Sharon GouldHarpsichord. A concert of lively music-making where players introduce the pieces, to provide a context for listeners and share a performers view of what makes the music truly great. Please join us for tea and cakes after the performance.

Tickets £16 obtainable from Theatre Royal Box Office.Tel: 01962 840440 or on line theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/whats-on Ticket price includes a £1 booking fee

award winning kitchen makeovers

After Makeover

Upto 50% cheaper than a new fitted kitchen Mrs Barnell approached Happy Kitchens with a challenge.

The current layout and look of her kitchen was not working, and many other companies were put off by the fact the kitchen was on the first floor and in a town house just off Winchester High Street, so parking was an issue. Not for Happy Kitchens though, we were by far the best quote for the quality and came up with the best design, leading to the kitchen pictured above installed in less than 7 days.

At Happy Kitchens, we offer a wide range of makeover services ranging from replacement worktops, kitchen doors, splashbacks, hinges and wirework to new appliances and much more. We also offer new kitchen design and installation services too.

Houzz 2017 and 2018 customer service award

Less time | less hassle | less cost T: 01962 460169 W: happykitchens.uk ∙ Change as much or as little as you'd like ∙ Free no obligation quotation ∙ We can even colour match your existing units

Itchen Valley Forum readers save 30% during July

5

Allabout AboutAlresford Lettings All

Lettings | Property Management | Sales

Sales, Lettings and Property Management | Call 01962 736333 for a free market appraisal

ALRESFORD Guide Price: £197,500 | EPC Rating: D

ALRESFORD Guide Price: £345,000 | EPC Rating: D

ALRESFORD Guide Price: £365,000 | EPC Rating: B

We know that people in the Alresford area like to be treated as individuals. Our landlords have ALRESFORD WEST STRATTON MARTYR WORTHY expectations that£645,000 cannot beRating: accommodated by a ‘one size fits |all’ Guide different Price: £470,000 | EPC Rating: D and requirements Guide Price: | EPC F Guide Price: £1,400,000 EPC Rating: TBA approach, which is why our professional, yet personal approach seems to be hitting the mark locally.

As a landlord, you will naturally want to ensure that your property is in the hands of dedicated specialists, who are completely au fait with current legislation and regulations. Our team consists of ARLA Propertymark trained individuals, all of whom are happy to offer expert advice on all aspects of lettings. Living locally ourselves, we have a good knowledge of the town and villages around and take great pride in offering a bespoke service to fit your needs. Where properties are managed by us, we engage the services of trusted, local contractors and will ensure that your property is looked after as if it were our own.

If you are already a landlord, or are contemplating becoming one, we would be delighted to talk to you.

PRESTON CANDOVER ALRESFORD Please call usALRESFORD today on 01962 736333, or pop into the office, to find out for yourself what makes us different.

Guide Price: £1,250,000 | EPC Rating: C Guide Price: £399,950 | EPC Rating: D Guide Price: £675,000 | EPC Rating: D We look forward to hearing from you!

11 Broad Street, Alresford SO24 9AR | lettings@hellards.co.uk | www.hellards.co.uk

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

ALRESFORD To Let: £845pcm | EPC Rating: D

ALRESFORD Let Agreed: £1,150pcm | EPC Rating: B

ITCHEN ABBAS To Let: £750pcm | EPC Rating: D

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

PRESHAW Let Agreed: £2,400pcm | EPC Rating: N/A

ALRESFORD To Let: £1,550pcm | EPC Rating: B

ROPLEY Let Agreed: £1,800pcm | EPC Rating: C

ALRESFORD Let Agreed: £975pcm | EPC Rating: E

ALRESFORD To Let: £1,000pcm | EPC Rating: C

ALRESFORD To Agreed: £1,150pcm | EPC Rating: D

PRESTON CANDOVER Let Agreed: £1,500pcm | EPC Rating: N/A

ALRESFORD Let Agreed: £925pcm | EPC Rating: D

COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Church Services NEW ALRESFORD St. John the Baptist

OVINGTON St.Peter's

Sunday 1 July 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion 18.00 Powerhouse Service Sunday 8 July 08.30 Holy Communion 09.30 Second Sunday 18.00 Benefice Eucharist

to welcome our new

curate,Tasha Anderson Sunday 15 July 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion 18.00 Sundays at Six Sunday 22 July 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Informal Communion

with Children’s

Groups 18.00 Choral Evensong Sunday 29 July 08.30 Holy Communion 09.30 Benefice Communion

at St.Marys, Old

Alresford 17.00 Choral Evensong at

Itchen Stoke Every Friday 10.00 Holy Communion Parish Office: 01962 733545 stjohnsalresford.org.uk

Sunday 1 July 10.00 No Service Sunday 8 July 10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 15 July 10.00 Morning Prayer Sunday 22 July 10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 29 July 09.30 Benefice Communion

at St.Marys, Old

Alresford 17.00 Choral Evensong at

Itchen Stoke Parish Office: 01962 733545 stjohnsalresford.org.uk

OLD ALRESFORD St.Mary the Virgin Sunday 1 July 17.00 Evening Prayer 18.00 Old Alresford

Cottage Service Sunday 8 July 09.30 Parish Communion Sunday 15 July 11.00 Morning Praise Sunday 22 July 11.00 Village Family Service Sunday 29 July 09.30 Benefice Communion Every Thursday 09.00 Holy Communion

at Old Alresford Place Parish Office: 01962 733545 stjohnsalresford.org.uk

8

NEW ALRESFORD Methodist Church Sunday Worship 1st Sunday 10.30 Morning Worship.

Holy Communion

monthly Midweek Activities Tuesdays 10.00 Come in for coffee

- at Tiffins Thursdays 14.30 1st and 3rd Thursdays

Womens Fellowhip 19.30 1st Thursday- Lydia

Group for ladies Saturdays 09.30 1st Saturday

Bacon Butties Contact: Revd Ruth Fry Tel: 01962 882828 NEW ALRESFORD New Farm Chapel Sunday Services 10.30 Morning Worship,

with creche and

KOSMIC for

children 16.30 Will vary between

talk or discussion

with praise and

prayer Midweek Activities Mondays 16.30 Kidz Club Tuesdays

10.15 Toddlers Group Wednesdays 19.30 Alternate Bible

Study / Prayer Thursdays 10.00 Home Prayer Group 1st Saturday in the month 10.00 (2nd in each month)

Prayer Time www.newfarmchapel.org.uk BIGHTON All Saints Sunday 1 July 11.00 Family Service Sunday 8 July 11.00 Morning Prayer Sunday 15 July 11.00 Parish Communion Sunday 22 July 11.00 Morning Prayer Sunday 29 July 09.30 Benefice Communion

at St.Marys, Old

Alresford Parish Office: 01962 733545 stjohnsalresford.org.uk UPPER ITCHEN BENEFICE Sunday 1 July 10.15 Benefice All Age Holy

Communion Service

in the Rectory

Garden Sunday 8 July 11.00 Cheriton

Benefice Holy

Communion 15.00 Bramdean

Church in the Wood

Evensong Sunday 15 July 08.30 Beauworth

Holy Communion 09.30 Cheriton

Sea Sunday 11.00 Hinton Ampner

Prayer & Praise Sunday 22 July 09.30 Cheriton

Holy Communion 11.00 Kilmeston

Holy Communion 15.00 Bramdean

Church in the Wood

Evensong 18.00 Tichborne

Evensong NEW ALRESFORD Catholic Church of St. Gregory the Great Every Sunday 11.00 Mass All other enquiries: 01962 852 804 ITCHEN VALLEY BENEFICE Sunday 1 July 08.00 Martyr Worthy

Holy Communion 10.00 Easton

All Age Service Sunday 8 July 10.00 Itchen Abbas

Parish Communion 18.00 Martyr Worthy

Patronal Service Sunday 15 July 08.00 Itchen Abbas

Holy Communion 10.00 Easton

Valley Worship Sunday 22 July 10.00 Martyr Worthy

Parish Communion 18.00 Avington

Patronal Evensong Sunday 29 July 10.00 Avington

Holy Communion 10.00 Easton

Parish Communion

Romans 15:13 ''May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.''

Sunday services 10.30am and 4.30pm - All Welcome Further details on website, or Telephone: 01962 851299 www.newfarmchapel.org.uk

r ld e v So O % 5 5

Artist impression

Beautiful retirement apartments in Alton Now selling off-plan Austen Place is a beautiful Retirement Living PLUS development designed exclusively for those over 70. Situated in Alton, this new development will comprise of 56 one and two bedroom apartments and is located near to the banks of the River Wey. Our new development is ideally located just 200m from the town centre and walking distance from a Sainsbury’s supermarket and Marks & Spencer Simply Food.

Austen Place is now over 55% sold, don’t miss out on choosing your perfect apartment! Pop in to our on-site sales cabin and speak to our friendly Sales Executives today to find out more.

Artists impression, Austen Place Club lounge

Austen Place, typical kitchen

Features of Austen Place: n Your own private apartment

n Club lounge

n Estate team on-site, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

n Landscaped gardens

n 24 hour emergency call system n Flexible care and support in your own home◊ n Table service restaurant◊

n Guest suite for family and friends◊# n Lift to all floors n Less than half a mile to local amenities ◊Additional charges apply. #Subject to availability.

Austen Place

Lower Turk Street, Alton GU34 1FZ Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30am - 5:00pm

To make an appointment call 0800 201 4885 or visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk/austenplace LP_IVF

COMMU N IT Y P R OP ER T Y MA N AG EMENT G A R DEN ISSUE 141 | JULY

Community SOLO`S

I

n the Thesaurus synonyms for ‘SOLO’ are Alone, Individually, On your Own, or Unaccompanied. St John’s Church, in the centre of Alresford, is starting up a group on a Sunday Afternoon for anyone who is Solo to enjoy Afternoon Tea. It will be in the the John Pearson Hall (behind the church) on the third Sunday Afternoon of each month from 2.30 till 4pm, starting on Sunday 15th July. Now that the 64 bus runs every hour on a Sunday the times fit in well for those without their own transport. So if you are Solo and happen to be free on the 3rd Sunday Afternoon we would love to welcome you for tea and home-made cakes. Do please come and join us.

For further information contact the Parish Office on 01962 733545

ITCHEN VALLEY CHOIR SEEKS NEW MEMBERS

A

re you looking to join a choir? If so we would love to welcome you! We are a friendly group of singers who aspire to reach high standards. We meet to rehearse at 7.45pm on Wednesday evenings in Itchen Abbas Village Hall. We perform twice a year. At Christmas we put on a Concert of our own whilst in May we join other local choirs to sing at the Winchester and County Music Festival in either Winchester Cathedral or Romsey Abbey.

We are always looking to welcome new members and would love to see you when we start rehearsals again on 5 September 2018. Why not come along and try us out if you are not sure? There is no formal audition required.

For more information please contact us by email at ivcshub@gmail. com or call our Chairman Gary Carter, tel. 01962 732350.

For further information contact the Parish Office on 01962 733545

CONSERVATION DAY AT ST.MARY'S ITCHEN STOKE

Mature instant hedges that can be planted any time of year Available in beech, hornbeam and privet Grown, trimmed and sold at 1.5 and 1.8 metres high As used by leading landscape architects

Call Trevor on 07860 560868

info@hampshirehedges.co.uk www.hampshirehedges.co.uk

M

onday July 9 from 11am – 1pm. Glass Conservation Day at St Mary’s, Itchen Stoke. To celebrate the start of the restoration of the memorial to Major Cox, there will be a special event at St Mary's on Monday July 9, with a talk about the work of the Churches Conservation Trust and demonstrations of glass cutting and painting by Salisbury Cathedral Stained Glass. Refreshments will be available.

Please join us for this free event! To find out more or to book a place please contact Ed McGregor, CCT Volunteering Officer:emcgregor@ thecct.org.uk.

10

JUNE 2018

P R OP ER T Y MA N AG EMEN T ISSU E 1 41 | JULY

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE SUMMER AVAILABLE AVAILABLE JUNE 2018 JUNE 2018 JUNE 2018 2018 JUNE 2018

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Orchard Gate Gate Orchard Orchard Gate Orchard Gate ROPLEY | HAMPSHIRE

ROPLEY | HAMPSHIRE | HAMPSHIRE ROPLEY A select development of six new 3 and 4 bedroom houses built to an exacting standard by Friday Street Developments ROPLEY | HAMPSHIRE

Orchard Gate Orchard Gate

A select development of six new 3 and bedroom built to an Call4Hellards tohouses find out more andexacting arrangestandard a visit by Friday Street Developments

A select development of six new 4 3bedroom houses built an exacting standard Street Developments A select development of 3 sixand new andHellards 4 bedroom houses built to anarrange exacting

by Friday Street Developments Call to01962 find outto more and a standard visitby Friday 736333 Call Hellards to find out more and arrange a visit | ROPLEY Call Hellards to find outHAMPSHIRE more and arrange a visit

01962 736333

01962 736333 01962 A select development of six new 3 and 4 bedroom houses736333 built to an exacting standard by Friday Street Developments

ROPLEY | HAMPSHIRE

Call Hellards to find out more and arrange a visit

01962 736333 A select development of six new 3 and 4 bedroom houses built to an exacting standard by Friday Street Developments Call Hellards to find out more and arrange a visit

01962 736333 Choosing your residential property refurbishment partner is a big decision. We aim to ensure that the refurbishment of your home centres around you and your individual needs. With our extensive range of services, you can be sure we have plenty of options for you.

• Innovative designs to maximise your living space • A beautiful end result through quality workmanship

• Personal service where solutions are tailored to your requirements • Complete transparency in service and pricing

• Ongoing customer care as well as after care, once the work has been completed

For more information please contact Daniel Parker on:

info@morrisparker.co.uk

www.morrisparker.co.uk

11

P R OMOT ION ISSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Garden

IT’S THIRSTY WORK FOR A LAWN DURING THE SUMMER; LET’S LOOK AT THE PROBLEMS AND HOW WE CAN HELP.

Y

in order to correctly diagnose the problem. If you have patches of brown on your lawn speak to a professional who will be able to help put it right. Water in a morning to reduce fungal risk.

Acidity Grass plants require a neutral pH level to enable them to access available nutrients. High pH could well be a contributing factor to grass browning once it becomes stressed from high temperature and low rainfall. Ask a professional to take soil samples and test the pH. If necessary a correctional treatment plan will address the pH balance and give your lawn the opportunity to thrive.

ou may be wondering why your lawn turns brown in the summer and what you can do to help it remain healthy throughout the warmer months.

Drought and heat When temperatures rise and rain doesn’t fall lawn grasses become dormant. Brown grass leaves are a good indicator that your lawn is beginning to suffer from drought. The plant protects itself from death by withdrawing available moisture to the roots, causing leaf die-back.

When moisture returns the lawn will soon recover, however you may want to water your lawn so you can enjoy its lush and healthy appearance throughout the summer season.

Insects Lawns support a variety of insects, most are beneficial.Your lawn could be under attack from its two greatest pests. The first is the chafer grub; the young of the cock-chafer beetle. The second is the leather jacket; the young of the crane fly. Both of these pests damage the roots of grass plants and can be a cause of die-back during times of heat and water stress, when the lawn struggles to compete with its hungry nemesis. Correct nutrition and treatment plans will keep this problem under control.

When and how to water The biggest mistake made when watering a lawn is too-little, toooften. To help your lawn to become more drought resistant add enough water to encourage a deep root run so grass is more capable of finding water in the soil when things dry up. A good nutritional plan will also promote healthy root growth reducing the need to water. To green up a browning lawn add one inch of water once a week. If you simply want to ensure you lawn doesn’t die completely during a severe drought add half-an-inch of water every two weeks. To measure how much you are watering simply place a container on the lawn under the sprinkler spray and time how long it takes to fill. Repeat that time as you move the sprinkler around your lawn.

Alternatives to watering Science is a wonderful thing and a number of products have been developed for the management of tennis courts, golf and bowling greens. These products, not available on the high-street, can help to improve the water retaining ability of your lawn. Help to make grass plants more drought resistant, and greatly improve the appearance of your lawn during dry periods. Speak to a lawn care professional for more information; you may be surprised how effective and affordable this is compared to running up a large water meter bill.

Fungal disease Warmth and moisture can help promote fungal attack of your lawn grasses. Brown patches on your lawn may be an indicator that your lawn is under attack. Watering and moisture from dew add to the problem. Early diagnosis followed by the relevant treatment is essential.

It’s important to examine the area of grass around that which is dying

12 12

Doggy doo – doggy don’t!

If a dog uses your lawn as a toilet then the nitrogen and other compounds in the dog urine can cause grass scorch. This is especially noticeable during periods of dry weather as the rain isn’t washing the urine through the soil and diluting it. There are products on the market to help reduce the impact of dog urine on your lawn if you think it might be a part of the problem.

What’s hiding beneath?

Do you really know what’s below that area of brown grass in your lawn? Might there be something under the surface preventing roots from become well-established? At other times of year the grass plants can cope with these obstructions, but once you introduce the stresses of heat and drought only those plants that are healthy and receiving the right nutrition will survive.

Mowing and nutrition Mowing your lawn at the correct height throughout the season will greatly help it when the weather presents challenging conditions.

If your lawn is correctly mowed, has a weed and feed treatment programme in place and has fungal issues treated correctly to ensure it is healthy, then it will be capable of coping with the stresses of drought and heat. A lawn that is already suffering from stress before the challenging weather arrives will fair less well. Speak to a lawn care professional to ensure your lawn looks its best throughout the year and is something you can enjoy and be proud of.

Ian Kenyon owns Shrekfeet Lawn and Garden Services. He is always happy to offer friendly, professional advice and help 01962 460146, 07739 789483 www.shrekfeet.com

Specialising in all your garden needs Fully insured . Free estimates Also specialising in Commercial gardening work.

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

G A R DEN I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

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

PETER PAYNE 01962 733866 or 07778 170442

ROPLEY TREES PROFESSIONAL TREE CARE Soft Landscaping

Hard Landscaping

Lawn Care . Turfing .

Planting . Hedge Cutting .

Shrub pruning . Patio & gutter cleaning

Patios . Raised Beds . Pathways . Garden Walls . BBQ Areas . Garden Lighting . Fencing

Tel: 01962 736261 Mob: 07896 027356 info@trimmers-garden-services.co.uk

SINCE 1987, SPARSHOLT TRAINED FULLY QUALIFIED AND INSURED CALL LYNDN GAUNTLETT:

TEL 01962 791180

Daren George - your local pest controller from Alresford Wasps • Rats • Mice • Squirrels • Moles Rabbits • Crawling & Flying Insects Fully insured - Discreet service assured at all time

Now also offering

WHEELIE BIN CLEANING Wheelie bins are a known harbourage for a variety of pest species, from flies and maggots, to wasps and rats!

Bins can also attract a range of bacteria including Listeria, Salmonella and E.coli.

Contact us today for a competitive quote

T: 07778 141505

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F EAT U R E I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Empty nest syndrome

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BY CLAIRE THURLOW

t’s hard being a parent.You spend time and energy rearing your little ones, supplying endless meals and keeping them safe, then suddenly it’s time for the youngsters to leave the nest.

For some of our garden birds the period from hatching to departure is a mere two weeks, when the fledglings are encouraged to leave the security of the nest for the potentially perilous wider world.

This week I witnessed the maiden flight of a baby robin. A rotund ball of feathers launched itself from the holly hedge and glided a few metres towards the patio.Things were looking hopeful for a successful, if ungainly, landing, but the trainee flyer misjudged its approach and collided with a ground-floor open window. With a muffled thud it pitched onto the path, and lay motionless on its back, tiny stick legs pointing skyward.

I walked towards the little bird, hoping it might just be stunned, but stopped in my tracks when a parent robin landed close to the offspring’s head. A flurry of agitated twittering issued from Mum/Dad, then it flew away to feed or encourage the other members of the brood.

Baby birds grow up fast, but flight feathers are the last to develop. Although downward flight is possible at around 12 days, upward flight isn’t possible until about day 15.

Robins nest close to the ground in hedges, tree roots or wall cavities, so we’re not talking about a big drop, but predatory magpies, neighbourhood cats and the merciless sparrow-hawk would all make mincemeat of a vulnerable fledgling.

So I stand guard for a bit. Careful not to get too close, in case I alarm the parent bird who keeps up the twittering from the holly hedge. Robins make good parents, and will keep feeding the young on the ground until they can fend for themselves. In fact, they are so

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assiduous, that the RSPB report regular sightings of robins feeding fledglings of other bird species, such as blackbirds and willow warblers.

There is a flicker of movement from the fledgling.The legs twitch and it appears to take a deep breath as it manages to turn itself right-side up. It stands for a moment, blinks, then sits down again. Now that the bird is conscious, I don’t want to scare it and decide to observe from inside the house. Looking down on the robin through the open window, I’m amazed by the complexity of its feathers. From a distance they look drab, although making excellent camouflage on the sandstone flagstones, but up close, the layers of feathers reveal themselves in delicate shades of buff, chestnut and coffee.

It blinks and gives its immature wings an experimental flutter.They’re still rather weedy, but apparently undamaged. Another flutter and the young robin is ready. It risks an unsteady hop across the path, but gains in confidence and speed, jumping along a line of large pebbles. I lean out of the window, still watchful for predators, but the canny youngster has reached the safety of a shady gap beneath an old brick wall.

No doubt the creepy-crawlies which live there will provide a protein-rich snack.

Meanwhile, at the end of the garden, two of our nest boxes have become home to families of blue tits. If I stand too close, a parent bird lands on a low branch and ‘shouts’ at me, but even from an acceptable distance the high-pitched cheeps of baby birds are audible.

There might be as many as a dozen chicks per brood, so it will be getting rather crowded in there. Soon it will be their time to fledge and face that inaugural flight to the lawn below.

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G A R DEN I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

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F EAT U R E I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Saxons in the Meon Valley S

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG RETURNS TO MEONSTOKE THIS JULY

axons in the Meon Valley started when the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in 2012 awarded the Friends of Corhampton Saxon Church a grant to help the communities of the Meon Valley bring to life the fascinating story of the Saxons in the Meon Valley.

Our charity and our community have since been awarded additional funding and support from the South Downs National Park Authority, Winchester & Hampshire Councils, Corhampton & Meonstoke Parish Councils. The William Collins Trust, the universities of Winchester, Cambridge and Nottingham, the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, The Council for British Archaeology, the Robert Kiln Charitable Trust.

The excavation days are Tuesday 3rd - Saturday 7th July, Tuesday 10th - Saturday 14th July, Tuesday 17th - Saturday 21st July & Tuesday 24th & Wednesday 25th July.You can book your place online here www.ticketsource.co.uk/mvahg. Please note, you can book a maximum of 3 days.

Along with Meon Valley Archaeology & Heritage Group, we have been able to educate local people on local history. This has encouraged us to engage people of all ages from the ten villages of the Meon Valley in exploring and learning about the Saxons who lived in the Valley for six centuries, from when the Romans left England in the 5th century, to its conquest in the 1066 by the Normans.

The dig was featured in the BBC4 Digging For Britain programme broadcast in November 2017 and demonstrates the importance of the site. This summer we will be extending the ‘Temple Site’ and hope to discover further rooms of the bath house. In addition, we also plan to excavate two Neolithic barrows nearby, which were discovered by MVAHG members during a training course conducted by Historic England back in October 2014.

We are exploring, learning about and recreating the Saxon way of life and culture; remembering what they have done for us, celebrating their achievements and having fun!

This July, the Meon Valley Archaeology & Heritage Group and Winchester University are organising a dig for a third year. Our work continues following the excavation of June 2016 and July 2017 when a team of Winchester University Archaeology students and over 100 volunteers from villages in the Meon Valley and beyond took part in the excavation of a site near the village of Meonstoke.

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The site was discovered through a geophysical survey by the MVAHG in 2015. The hexagonal foundations of a Roman temple were unearthed during the 2016 and 2017 digs, together with rooms of a bath house. More than 100 volunteers have participated over the two summers, working alongside Winchester University undergraduates.

‘This dig demonstrates that even a time period as well documented as Roman Britain can still be rewritten by new archaeological discoveries.

It’s a wonderful temple site… and a very unusual hexagonal building.’

- Professor Alice Roberts, BBC4 Digging for Britain www.saxonsinthemeonvalley.org.uk

WELLBEIN G I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Wellbeing ALRESFORD SURGERY NEWS

Weight Watchers – What a success!

The Practice team at Alresford Surgery focus on disease prevention and health promotion. We use a positive approach when discussing diet and weight loss with our patients. One of our Practice Nurses, who was studying for a diploma course in Diabetes, came up with the idea of starting a Weight Watchers group at the Surgery. This group runs on Tuesday lunchtime in the Surgery waiting room. With the help and support of the practice team and the expertise from the Weight Watchers Leader, Mary Blanchard, it has proved to be an enormous success.

Member likes the accessible and familiar surroundings of the Surgery, older members prefer to come during the day & enjoy the social interaction that the meetings bring. After 11 weeks of the group running we saw a total weight loss of 34 stone, more importantly members are reporting real health benefits, reduced breathless, ability to walk longer distances and be more active.

Starting the group at the Surgery was to be a 12 week trial but it has proved to be so successful it is now a permanent fixture with more patients being referred each week.

Travel abroad If you are travelling abroad and think you may need advice and vaccinations from us you must complete a questionnaire (available from reception or from our website) and make an appointment with a nurse.

We have become aware that patients are often leaving it too late to seek this help, some vaccinations need a course spread over a few weeks so please make apply in good time – up to 2 months before departure.

You can find more information on; http://www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk/ clinics-and-services.aspx?t=4 Alresford Voluntary Care Group The Alresford Voluntary Care Group (AVCG) was set up some 45 years ago to help local people get to their hospital, GP and other medical appointments, in particular for those who are elderly, infirm or just not able to drive. The group provides a valuable service to the local community currently carrying out almost 1,000 journeys each year over half of which are to Alresford Surgery, with most of the remainder to the hospitals in Winchester, Southampton and Basingstoke. Most appointments are scheduled between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Volunteer drivers use their own cars, transporting people from their homes to their appointments, and where necessary, helping them to the appropriate department at the hospital or surgery. Drivers receive a hospital parking permit and a payment to cover their fuel costs, plus, of course, the satisfaction of knowing that they are providing a valuable community service and helping people less able than themselves. The ‘clients’ themselves make a donation towards the cost of fuel.

The AVCG operates a ‘pool’ of drivers that can be asked to provide transport by one of the telephone co-ordinators; these are the volunteers that customers speak to when they need to arrange transport to the surgery or hospital. With the gradual reduction in home visits

by GPs, and the cutting back of hospital transport services, the number of requested journeys continues to grow steadily, by 17% last year. As a result, the AVCG would like to recruit new drivers, so if you have a couple of hours to spare each month, and would like to help your local community, please contact 01962 736016 or 734408, or email david@ casapequena.net to find out more about this worthwhile voluntary work.

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Staff Changes During July we will be sad to say goodbye to two of our GPs. Dr. Alex Rose and Dr. Jane Duggan are both leaving us to take up opportunities at other practices. Dr. Rose has been with us off and on since he was a GP trainee and we are very proud of the caring and knowledgeable GP he has become. Dr. Jane Duggan has been with us for six years and is popular with patients and staff alike.

We wish both Dr. Duggan and Dr. Rose every success in their future careers.

GP Access Hub – New Physiotherapy service You can now be seen by a Physiotherapist at one of the GP Access Hubs without a referral from your GP & these are available every day of the week. You just need to phone our Receptionist team for them to book the appointment directly with the Hub. Tick bites- How to spot and remove ticks Tick bites aren't always painful.You may not notice a tick unless you see it on your skin. Regularly check your skin and your children's or pets' skin after being outdoors.

To remove a tick safely -Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool – you can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops.

-Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.

-Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick.

Dispose of it when you've removed it.

-Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water.

-The risk of getting ill is low.You don't need to do anything else unless you become unwell.

For further information use the following link; https://www.nhs.uk/ conditions/lyme-disease/#how-to-avoid-tick-bites

FIT FEST - GET FIT. GET HEALTHY. GET HAPPY.

F

it Fest events are health and wellbeing festivals for young people made up of a range of interactive, inspiring and informative workshops as well as market stalls from many youth relevant organisations who provide information and advice (and freebies) about the services they provide. We want you people to have fun, try new things and feel more aware and confident about accessing help and support if they need to.

There are information stands available, which provide relevant information on the numerous organisations and charities that provide support for young people in Hampshire. There are some examples of the information stands below.

We recommend young people try a range of workshops which feature topics on: 1. Mental and emotional health: such as anxiety management, coping in crisis, improving body image and self-esteem 2. Life skills: such as Cybersafety, Alcohol & Drugs Awareness, Managing Friendships 3. Creative Interests: such as pottery, marbling, drama and storytelling, song writing 4. Physical Health: such as circus skills, yoga, cheerleading and martial arts

To be held on 12 July 2018 at the The Guildhall, The Broadway, Winchester, SO23 9GH. For more information and downloadable files visit: https://hampshirecamhs.nhs.uk/events/fit-fest-july/

WELLBEIN G I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Vulnerable relative or friend?

Alone for long periods of time?

Available to all residents living in the Winchester district with a landline telephone connection

ALRESFORDPILATES small groups : individual support : close supervision call sally hogg on 07771 522665 info@alresfordpilates.co.uk www.alresfordpilates.co.uk the studio, 26a the dean alresford so24 9az

Turn their telephone into a lifeline allowing them to call for assistance with the press of a button • No more struggling to get to the phone • Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year • Friendly operators with access to named contacts and emergency services • Neck Pendants available • One button to activate

• Less than 50p a day For more details contact Winchester Lifeline  01962 855335  Lifeline@winchester.gov.uk

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F EAT U R E I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

THE FORUM TALKS WITH

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The Wilderness College

here are times when you stumble across something that so captivates you that you are stunned you hadn’t realized or recognized it before, and not only that but you feel slightly embarrassed about the preconceptions you held.What exactly is a wilderness college? A new age strange, even suspicious, weird way of educating?

Not a bit of it, all of those notions are completely unfounded and wholly inappropriate.

Director Bobby Acworth

The Wilderness College, based at the Matterley Estate near Winchester, has been running for two years in the school holidays and weekends. Now, thanks to the generosity of Minna and Peveril Bruce, owners of the Matterley Estate, the Wilderness College has been given the space and facilities to be able to run a college for one day a week on a Thursday for the last six months and this will extend to two days from September.

As a parent of children that have found mainstream schooling at times challenging, I often wondered if there wasn’t a different way in which the curriculum could be delivered.

Of course there are all sorts of options but often our insecurities regarding the way the system works means we want something that runs alongside that recognizable very mainstream education that we have issues with; it’s a real dilemma.

The Wilderness College is no amateur outward-bound exercise but rather offers a hands on, collegiate education.

Teaching professionals with many years experience and who are still working within state education run the college.These are teachers who know the current curriculum inside out but completely understand that mainstream teaching methods do not suit every child. In fact for some children these methods can become overwhelming, causing decreasing confidence and affecting their ability to learn.

The Director at the Wilderness College is Bobby Acworth who has been teaching at GCSE and A level across a broad spectrum of subjects for over thirty years.

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“ We have students aged from ten to sixteen.

They benefit hugely from the outdoor teaching environment simply because they have room to move and learn by doing! They have felt constrained within a classroom setting - having to sit still in a chair and study, they absolutely cannot concentrate under those circumstances.

Some find the noise levels problematical but there are many reasons why this method of teaching can really help some young people.”

Forward thinking mainstream schools are now realizing the numerous benefits of educating ‘off site’ allowing some pupils to study the curriculum at a Wilderness College for one day per week.

Bobby explains that aside from delivering education in the open environment the ethos of the Wilderness College is built around the ‘7 Cs’ that can be found in Bill Lucas and Guy Claxton’s (Winchester University) book, ‘Educating Ruby’.- Confidence. Curiosity. Collaboration.

Communication. Creativity. Commitment. Craftsmanship.

I chat to one of the students who at fourteen is committed to becoming a scientist with a passion for chemistry.

“I love learning here, this place allows me to be myself ” Science teacher Tom works in a Hampshire state school and volunteers at the Wilderness College in his own time. He was engaged in conversation about fungi with a small group of students.What was immediately apparent was his passion for his subject, which was utterly infectious; the students were totally engaged, curious for more information but also had the confidence to verbalize the knowledge they already had.

As other subjects; English, cookery, team building and crafts took place within a considerate and collaborative atmosphere the students were both captivated and deep in conversation with both the teachers and each other.

The Wilderness College provides a fabulous environment for learning; it is indeed a school without walls.

For more information visit: www.thewildernesscollege.co.uk or contact Bobby on: 07895 560906

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WELLBEIN G I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

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Interested in Volunteering?

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people to local services and information.

This is a great opportunity to develop or refresh skills, meet people and get involved in your local community.

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21

HAMPSHIRE PEOPLE

The Forum talks with Diane Keen FEATURE ISSUE 141 | JULY

Diane Keen is one of Britain’s most recognisable and bestloved actresses.

S

he has starred in some of our most iconic television series from ‘Cuckoo Waltz’, ‘Rings on their Fingers’, ‘A Touch of Frost’, to ten years in The Ruth Rendell Mysteries. More recently she spent nine years playing Practice Manager Julia Parsons in the BBC’s ‘Doctors’.

She’s starred in many films including ‘The Sweeney Movie’, ‘Silver Dream Racer’ with David Essex, ‘Sleeps Six’ with Ben Kingsley and ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ alongside Michael Caine.

How long has Diane been living in Hampshire, and does she have a favourite place?

I've been living in Hampshire since filming the Ruth Rendell series, so that was around 1991. Hampshire is God’s own country!

I loved living in London and I love the buzz it gives you - but there’s nothing like getting back on the train knowing I’ll be in the countryside again very soon. Winchester Hill is one of my favourite places, in fact I used to train there for my Kilimanjaro climb for charity a couple of years ago.

How did you become an actress?

With great difficulty and a lot of dedication and hard work, it’s the only way to achieve something you really want. I was brought up in Kenya, so arriving in England at 18 was a bit of a culture shock,

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but I also had the advantage of having no preconceived ideas. To me everything was possible.

I read an article in the paper about an agent so I took myself off to meet with them and I persuaded them to take me on! When you’re young, you’re so fearless and driven. They took me onto their books! I found myself working on a teenage magazine program for what was then Southern Television with Fred Dinage.

He was so wonderful to work with and taught me a lot about working with TV cameras. I’d never even been in a tv studio before then. We became, and still are, very good friends. It’s not easy in this industry though, you must be strong and dedicated and prepared to accept a lot of rejection which is hard.You really have to believe in yourself otherwise no one else will.

I wonder, which of her many parts has Diane most enjoyed?

Gosh that’s a difficult one. I think the Cuckoo Waltz with Lewis Collins and David Roper was definitely one, it was a gift of a part and brilliantly written by Geoffrey Lancashire. Working with the great, iconic Trevor Howard on ‘Shillingbury Blowers’ was unforgettable too, as was doing the film ‘Thirteen at Dinner’ with Peter Ustinov and Faye Dunaway.

You starred as Practice Manager Julia Parsons in the BBC ‘Doctors’ series for nine years before leaving. Was that a difficult decision for you?

Oh yes, I played Julia for nine years, the cast and crew are like family. The brilliant thing about that series is that there is a new story line every episode and they always cast such good young actors as well as established talented actors, which is a joy for the regulars because we got to work with so many talented people all the time. It’s a show that gives so many young actors a wonderful opportunity. It’s hard to be in a long running successful series, the

Could Hollywood entice you?

Diane laughs.Yes of course. I’ve done LA and I love the work ethic and environment there, but Atlanta is fast becoming the new Hollywood and a serious centre for our industry.

Do you have a favourite actor?

Oh, so many! Hugh Jackman is such a versatile actor and I’m a huge admirer of Meryl Streep, Robin Williams, Geoffrey Rush, Cate Blanchette, Gael Garcia Bernal, Emily Blunt. I could go on and on! Some extremely talented actors are also to be found in tv series. For me it’s all about the work, being immersed in a role.

I’ve been privileged to work with some amazing people and been very lucky to have won a few awards over the years. It’s a good feeling to know that people have really engaged and believed in the character you’ve created.

Is there one role you would love to play?

I’ve done a lot of Shakespeare in my time, but if someone were to offer me Lady Macbeth, I most certainly wouldn’t say no!

It’s a different industry these days to the one I knew as a young actor starting out. It’s more technical and money is tight, good roles are hard to come by as no one is willing to take risks with untried talent. I feel sorry for young actors trying to make a name for themselves these days.

You are a dedicated actress who has her feet firmly on the ground and is deeply appreciative of your career and position. I wonder if there are three things you couldn’t live without?

Well, I guess you can live without anything if you have to, but liquorice is my favourite treat. Growing up in Kenya, I literally had a view of Mt Kilimanjaro from my bedroom window, but sweets and chocolate were something that were hard to come by.

The first sweets I ever had were liquorice AllSorts, so I kind of made liquorice my go-to treat!

F EAT U R E I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

hours are long and it’s incredibly hard work, with early starts and late finishes, but it’s fantastic to do at the same time.

My health I guess, to not have good health would stop me doing all the things I love like scuba diving, travelling and exploring out of the way places.

I love discovering new places. I’m a dedicated conservationist and sometimes that means visiting hard to reach, out of the way places.

And books! I mean proper books, not a device, such as a Kindle or tablet. I’m an avid reader, and music, all kinds of music from all over the world.

Does Diane have any charities to which she is affiliated?

Yes, being brought up in Kenya wildlife was an everyday part of my life, so I can’t imagine not having lions in the wild anymore.

Potentially, this is what may well happen in ten years at the rate they’re being hunted, so I’m proud to be Patron of LionAid who work tirelessly to stop the killing and save the species.

I have also been an Ambassador for Action for Children for over thirty years now. They do incredible work helping young people and their families with a vast range of issues from homelessness, drug problems, abuse and numerous other problems across the board. We have centres all over the county where we can reach as many young people as possible. These are outreach centres where the most help and support can be given.

Crucially, we have managed to lobby successfully for the law to be changed so that young people who are in care are not turned out at the age of sixteen but remain under protection until the age of eighteen when they then become eligible for benefits if they need it.

With her busy life what next for Diane?

I'm about to do a celebrity edition of ‘Pointless’, which absolutely terrifies me! I’m researching everything I can.

Interestingly, I’m having to research myself as I’m writing my autobiography. I keep discovering times, places and people I can’t quite remember, so I have to dig through letters and photos etc to piece things together. I think I’ll be writing for quite a while!

Mind you, never say never, I am an actor after all, so when a part I want to do turns up I’ll be off and the book will have to wait!

GG 23

COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Useful Information EMERGENCY SERVICES O Emergency Only (Ambulance, Fire, Police) Tel: 999

O Alton Community Hospital Alton, Hampshire Tel: 01420 82811

O Non Emergency Medical Services Tel: 111

O North Hants Hospital Basingstoke, Hampshire Tel: 01256 473202

O Electricity Emergency 24hrs, 7 days a week Tel: 08457 708090

O Royal Hampshire County Hospital Winchester, Hampshire Tel: 01962 863535

O Gas Emergency 24 hrs, 7 days a week Tel: 0800 111 999 O Water Emergency 24 hrs, 7 days a week Tel: 0845 278 0845

POLICE For non-Emergency Services Call Hampshire Police using: 101

CITIZENS ADVICE O Winchester Citizens Advice Bureau Citizens Advice Winchester District offers free, confidential advice to everyone in the community. If you need help Drop in to Alresford GP Surgery on Mondays between 1-3pm, call 03444 111306 or visit www. citizensadvice.org.uk

COUNCILS O Alresford Town Council Arlebury Park,The Avenue, Alresford, Hants. SO24 9EP. Tel: 01962 732079 O East Hampshire District Council Penns Place, Petersfield, GU31 4EX www.easthants.gov.uk Tel: 01730 266551 O Hampshire County Council The Castle,Winchester, SO23 8UJ www.hants.gov.uk Tel: 0845 603 5638 O Winchester City Council City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester, SO23 9LJ www.winchester.gov.uk Tel: 01962 840222

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HOSPITALS

LIBRARY O Alresford Library Monday 10.00 - 1.00 Tuesday 2.00 - 5.00 (Storytime 2.15 to 2.45) Wed/Sun Closed Thursday 10.00 - 1.00 Friday 10.00 - 7.00 Saturday 10.00 - 1.00 alresford.library@hants.gov.uk www3.hants.gov.uk/library.htm

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH O Alresford and District Neighbourhood Watch Association Newsletter available at www.alresford.org/ neigbourhoodwatch.To report a crime anonymously call Crimestoppers:Tel: 0800 555 111 contact: Administrator Jennie Roberts Tel: 01962 736505 e-mail jenniero987@gmail.com

RECYCLING O Prospect Road Recycling Centre Open seven days a week Tel: 01962 735961

SCHOOLS O Cheriton Primary School Cheriton, Alresford, SO24 0QA Tel: 01962 771278 O Four Marks Primary School Four Marks, Alton, GU34 5AS Tel: 01962 772200 O Itchen Abbas County Primary School Itchen Abbas, SO21 1BE Tel: 01962 779310

O Medstead Primary School Medstead, Alton, GU34 5LG Tel: 01420 562824 O Perins School Pound Hill, Alresford, SO24 9BS www.perins.net Tel: 01962 734361 O Ropley Primary School Church St. Ropley, SO24 ODS Tel: 01962 772381 O Sun Hill Infant School Sun Lane, Alresford www.sunhill-inf.hants.sch.uk email: beverley.minall@sunhill -inf.hants.sch.uk Tel: 01962 732632 O Sun Hill Junior School Sun Lane, Alresford www.sunhill-jun.hants.sch.uk Tel: 01962 732801

SURGERIES & CHEMISTS O Alresford Dental Care 4 Pound Hill, Alresford www.alresforddentalcare.co.uk Surgery Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00 to 17:15.

Friday 08:00 to 13:45 Tel: 01962 733580 O Alresford Pharmacy 1 East Street, Alresford Tel: 01962 732858 O Alresford Surgery Station Road, Alresford www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk Tel: 01962 732345 O Mansfield Park Surgery Lymington Bottom Road, Medstead, GU34 5EW Tel: 01420 562922 O Out of Hours Service Anyone requiring a chemist service out of practice hours will find their nearest point is either Winchester, Basingstoke or Andover. Call one of the below for details. Out of Hours Service - Tel: 0844 8113060 O Wessex Pharmacy Broad Street, Alresford.

Tel: 01962 732445 O Winchester Cancer Support Centre Offering free, non-clinical support to anyone affected by cancer. 2nd Floor, 68 St

Georges Street,Winchester.

Chat to trained befrienders, try a complementary therapy or use our professional counselling service. Tue to Thur, 10am to 4.30pm.Tel: 01962 868576 or winchester@wessexcancer.org

TOWN & VILLAGE HALLS O Alresford Community Centre Chairman: Brian Clark 01962 732057 O Beauworth Village Hall Contact Felicity Morrogh.

Tel: 01962 793075 O Bighton Village Hall Gail Johnson: 01962 736556 email: bighton.hall.bookings@ googlemail.com. www.bighton.org.uk O Bishop’s Sutton Village Hall Please contact Vera on: 01962 736211 or email veralipscombe@gmail.com O Bramdean and Hinton Ampner Village Hall Tel: 01962 771945 O Cheriton Village Hall Tel penny on: 01962 771263 O Christy Hall, Old Alresford Diane Cox: 01962 735388 O Itchen Abbas Village Hall Jenny Sloan - Tel: 07969 113630 www.iaavillagehall.co.uk O Kilmeston Village Hall www.kilmestonvillagehall.co.uk or phone Melanie Hill: 01962 771388 or email bookings@ kilmestonvillagehall.co.uk O Ropley Coffee Room Church Street, Ropley, Alresford, SO24 0DS. For bookings contact David Ottley: 01962 772440 O Ropley Parish Hall Vicarage Lane, Ropley, SO24 0DU. For bookings contact Norma Day: 01962 772267

“My solicitor ticks all the boxes”

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12 St Thomas Street, Winchester SO23 9HF 01962 841484

info@godwins-law.co.uk

www.godwins-law.co.uk

EDU CATiON

Education

I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

LINGOTOT WINCHESTER

L

ingotot Winchester is running a French Summer Camp this August at Sun Hill Infant School. Let your children come and join in for some fun with songs and games, outdoor learning, story telling, arts and crafts and much more - all in French! Each day there are different themes such as: Superheroes, Pirates, At the Circus, Room on the Broom and The Gruffalo.

Camp starts on Monday 13th August until Friday 17th August every day from 9am - 3.30pm for 4-7 year olds (reception - year 2). A healthy snack in the morning will be provided. Children don't have to attend Sun Hill Infant School to take part and a siblings discount is available.

Bookings can be made on a daily or weekly basis.

Katrin from Lingotot says: “We are excited to hold our first Summer Camp at Sun Hill Infant School this year and delighted that we will be running a French Club there as well from September. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with local pre-schools and hope to expand our offer in September by adding after school clubs and other languages such as German and Spanish. “ During term time Lingotot also offers classes for under 5’s in community settings in Alresford and Winchester which you can now book online for September.

For more information please get in touch and visit their website. winchester@lingotot.com www.lingotot.com/centre/winchester

In Omnia Excellentia “At Perins we are committed to providing a rounded and rich educational experience for all our students with the belief that everyone is entitled to high levels of individual achievement, care and support. We are proud of our sense of community, with the quality of relationships between staff and students characterised by trust, respect and mutual support.”

Mr Steve Jones - Headteacher

To experience life as a Perins student, visit our website to book a tour of the school

www.perins.net Pound Hill, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9BS 01962 734361

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French Summer Camp 2018 Sun Hill Infant School, Sun Lane, Alresford, SO24 9NB

· Songs and Games · Story Telling · Arts and Crafts

· Daily Themes · Outdoor Learning · And much more!

Monday 13th - Friday 17th August from 9am to 3.30pm Reception - Year 2 (4-7 year olds) £30 per day £120 full week Contact Katrin: winchester@lingotot.com 07443 658970 www.lingotot.com/centre/winchester

HAPPY NEW YEAR…HAPPY NEW HOME?

Thank you for stopping by our tent at the Alresford Watercress Festival 2018

And to all those who entered our competition to win the Sousa Law Legal Book cake! It found a home with a lovely local couple in Alresford.

If you didn’t get a chance to speak to us at the festival, please feel free to set up a free, no obligation appointment with any one of our solicitors.

WhyorChoose Us? some equity in your property your dream house, fancy a change want to release

Free initial, no obligation consultation – however long it takes u are selling, purchasing or re-mortgaging - atwe Sousa Law weprice offeryou expert advice in all areas of pr No hidden costs – the price quote is the will pay Responsive & Proactive - same day responses focus is, and always will be, ourcontact exceptional clientdirect carecontact – we ensure that you know precisely whe Direct personal – you have with your solicitor action every step of the way! We also provide clear positive advice ensuring you fully understan We’re local – offices in Southampton and Alresford

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Why Choose Us? Legendary House • 4a Broad Street • Alresford • SO24 9AQ Free initial, no obligation consultationenquiries@sousalaw.co.uk – however long it takes T: 01962 670510 www.sousalaw.co.uk No16 hidden costs – the price we quote is 2FE the price you713060 will pay College Place • Southampton • SO15 T: 02380

COMMU N IT Y

Community

P R OF ESSION A L ISSUE 141 | JULY

THE WAR DIARY OF CAPTAIN NOEL

SPICER SIMSON (CONTINUED.) 1881 - 1915

N

oel returned to France after his Christmas leave.

Dec 29th "The situation here is just as I left it, but the ground is more sodden than ever, the mud is fearful."

Jan 14th, 1915 "inoculated against enteric. Beastly stiff arm."

Feb 26th "Recalled with other officers to the War Office!"

Noel applies to join the newly formed 21st Anti Aircraft Section. Draws vehicles, guns and ammunition from Woolwich Arsenal and returns to France in June after training. Now has the use of a new Vauxhall motor car and driver (no more horses!) Just before he left he "went with the whole section to Guildford. Lunched at the Red Lion. Then to ITCHEN ABBAS. The men slept in the parish rooms and I went home."

Jun 16th - "Reveille at 4am - drove to Abbeville (103 miles).

Joined at dinner by a military chaplain, the one blot on an otherwise delightful day."

Jun 17th - "To St Omer (55 miles). Put guns and lorries in an old disused fort (St Michel)" Jun 18th - "To flying ground at 7.15am and practised laying on aeroplanes. Became familiar with the types (eg: Voisin, Avro, Bristol etc)" Jun 21st - "Left St Omer. Bought a football, some dominoes and droughts for the men."

Jun 22nd - "Up at 4am. One shot at a German plane, but not a good one, but instructive."

Jun 26th - "At 6pm we had a good shot at a German machine, the men worked very well."

Jun 27th - "To Hinges, reported to HQ at chateau. Saw Gen Hussey who told me my position was 2000 yards from the trenches."

Jun 28th - "To La Buissiens, HQ in charming chateau. The subaltern was the Prince of Wales. Some 'pip squeaks' fell to our right near Hannequin."

Jul 2nd - "Saw 10 to 12 planes up at once. There were only four German one's and they were out of range."

Jul 3rd - "Up at 2.30am. Took the guns near the ruins of Givenchy.

At 7.35am we opened fire at an Albatross. The first round from No2 gun burst in the bore, blowing the gun to pieces. One man killed, three badly injured. I was only 4 yards away and was unhurt. (Bombardier Rolfe was later lowered into a grave using his puttees.) The men were very shaken, two were twitching and unable to control themselves, although both tried manfully and protested they were all right."

Jul 5th - "Up at 2.15 am and marched with gun, lorry and car to Cambrin, almost 1500 yards from the German trenches. Engaged several German planes which turned back towards their lines. I went up to the front firing trench. While I was holding a periscope, a bullet went straight through the top mirror. I saw Vesuvius, the crater, the result of our mines."

Jul 6th - "Some whizz bangs came over."

Jul 11th - "Splendid birthday cake from Noelie." (His twin sister) To be continued >>

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Richard Steel & Partners The Family Owned Funeral Directors Alderman House, 12-14 City Road, Winchester (01962) 862333 Richard Steel • Iain Steel • Mark Allery • Personal 24 Hour Family Service www.winchesterfunerals.co.uk

Serving Hampshire Since 1860

FINE ART AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS

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P R OF ESSION A L ISSU E 1 41 | JU LY

N

Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th July Accounts & audit • Business advisory • Tax • Bookkeeping • IT & online accounting • VAT • Buying or selling a business Payroll Accounts & audit • Business advisory • •Tax • Bookkeeping

Viewing: Thursday 12th, 12 - 5pm, Friday 13th, 10am - 5pm, Saturday 14th, 10am - 2pm, Monday 16th, 10am - 5pm, Sale mornings from 8.30am

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

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Illustrated catalogues available to view online at www.the-saleroom.com www.andrewsmithandson.com Enquiries: t:01962 735988 e:auctions@andrewsmithandson.com THE AUCTION ROOMS, MANOR FARM, ITCHEN STOKE, ALRESFORD SO24 0QT

Wey Court West, Union Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7PT

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

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

www.butler-co.co.uk

Connect with us:

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COMMU N IT Y

Community ALRESFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

P R OF ESSION A L ISSUE 141 | JULY

H

opefully most people in the UK are familiar with the Neighbourhood Watch logo. Neighbourhood Watch organisations exist though out the world. Many people know that the idea started in the USA and migrated to the UK. They may not realise that many other countries have also taken up the idea. Below are some examples, with their own versions of the Neighbourhood watch logo.

Sharing your home with parents… children…grandchildren?

Legal and tax advice about multi-generation property ownership

Canada

UK

United States

Norway

Australia

3 East Street, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9EE Tel/Fax 01962 736926 Email mail@gibbonssolicitors.co.uk www.gibbonssolicitors.co.uk Gibbons Solicitors Limited Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority no. 617854’

Indonesia

Isle of Man

Namibia

Isle of Man

Malaysia

It does appear that some are not quite as genuine as others. However, this does not detract from the fact that the Neighbourhood Watch concept has support throughout the world and is an effective means of combating burglary, theft and vandalism.

Joining Neighbourhood Watch is more than a sticker or a sign. It's about creating a community where its members can feel safe and to reduce the fear of crime in the area through better home security measures. It’s also about the reporting of crime and suspicious behaviour and good old-fashioned community spirit.

CONTACTING ADNWA OR POLICE: ADNWA website: www.neighbourhood.watch.alresford.org e-mail us at: contact.adnwa@gmail.com CRIME IN PROGRESS: RING 999 NON-URGENT ISSUES: RING 101 (if you see suspicious activity) CRIMESTOPPERS: 0800 555 111 30

DELIVERY PEOPLE REQUIRED DO YOU HAVE TRANSPORT? We require delivery people with access to a vehicle to deliver Forum Magazines to Romsey Town Centre, Wickham Town Centre and King's Somborne You will be be provided with a mileage allowance and paid per magazine delivered.

If you are interested contact the editor on Tel: 01962 735137 or email: editor@forumpublications.co.uk

WOO L LE Y & WA L LI S

SA L I S B U R Y SA L E R O O M S

Entries are invited for

Old Masters, British & European Paintings Auction: 11th September 2018 CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: 17TH JULY

Antoinetta Brandeis (Austrian 1848-1926) Courtyard of the Doge’s Palace, Venice with the Giant’s Staircase Estimate: £6,000 – 8,000

ENQUIRIES: Victor Fauvelle | +44 (0)1722 424503 | vf@woolleyandwallis.co.uk

w w w. w o o l l e y a n d w a l l i s . c o . u k

COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Community BIRD CHORUS, A DAWN WALK THROUGH MARTYR WORTHY BY BRUCE GRAHAM

Other warblers, blackcap and chiffchaff, were surprisingly quiet, each being heard just on a single occasion. My favourite song has to be the blackcap with its striking, rich melody - quite beautiful; the chiffchaff, with its two-noted "chiff .. chaff" call repeated almost incessantly, is simplicity itself.

Another high point of the morning was the tiny goldcrest, distinguishable by its yellow/orange-centred crown, heard amongst the pine trees at the back of Easton - a high-pitched sweet-sounding call, quite audible over some distance for such a small bird.

As expected the warble-like melody of the robin marked the beginning of the chorus, on the stroke of 5 o'clock; and also in the darkness, blackbird, the loudest of the song birds with its flute-like call, and song thrush, also having a very musical tune, were soon to follow.

As the day dawned, the tits, represented by the pinking call of great tit, and the clear, high-pitched tremolo of blue tit, were heard.

The cheerful, musical notes of both chaffinch and goldfinch were duly heard, but notably absent was greenfinch - numbers have drastically dwindled in recent years caused by a parasitic disease.

A

A mute swan was seen on the water, as were a few gadwall ducks, quietly 'chuntering' amongst themselves. "Quack, quack" said the duck ... a mallard, and the loud, explosive cry of a moorhen, echoed over the river. In the vegetation, a reed bunting was calling, although a rather unmusical song.

The highlight of the morning were three amigos: reed warbler, Cetti's warbler and sedge warbler, in fairly close proximity, but with uniquesounding songs. In the trees by the bridge over the river Itchen at Chilland, a reed warbler was loud and vocal, having a rather harsh, guttural, 'churring' sound; and amongst the reeds were both Cetti's and sedge warbler. The song of Cetti's was the sweetest, penetrating the air with a sudden burst of clear notes lasting several seconds before falling silent again, whereas sedge is a varied song with sweet melodic notes interspersed with more chattering tones.

Other notables were green woodpecker, yellow hammer, nuthatch, stock dove, stonechat, and kestrel. And finally, as we arrived back at our cars, a mistle thrush was spotted, not so much in song as jumping, somewhat joyfully, along the green turf of the playing field.

It had been a long 2.30 hours circular walk, attended by 26 walkers and covering some 3.5 miles along the old Watercress Line railway track and through the Itchen valley at Martyr Worthy and Chilland, with a record 35 species.

A truly enjoyable, invigorating start to the day!

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF ALRESFORD TOWN’S TWINNING WITH BRICQUEBEC, NORMANDY

Bricquebec twinning association with whom we had lunch and spent the afternoon getting (re)-acquainted. That evening the Mayor of Bricquebec, M. Pillet, unveiled a commemorative bench in the grounds of Bricquebec’s medieval moated castle in recognition of 35 years since the first official exchange visit between our two towns.

To further mark this occasion a framed picture of the castle keep was presented to Alresford as a souvenir. M. Pillet, recalled fond memories of a visit to Alresford 20 years before as leader of the Bricquebec Brass Band. This was followed by a civic reception in the Town Hall. After we returned to our hosts for an evening meal and a very late night.

s I reflect on this year's dawn chorus, I am reminded that I have experienced the magic of this event every year now for the last ten, ... still it takes practice and keen ears to identify the many birds from their respective melodies, especially with several in full song at the same time. I would say that every time is equally magical; for me the dawn chorus is a timeless reminder of the beauty of nature.

In the lime trees on the drive (picture) up from Lord Grey's enclosure (who was an avid bird watcher) were a number of jackdaws - with their unmistakable grey head-backs.

Saturday morning a coach was ready to take us to the historic Norman town of Coutances where we had a group picnic in the beautiful botanic gardens followed by a visit to the 13th century cathedral and a walking tour of the old town. The evening we returned to the Chateau in Bricquebec for a celebration meal in the Knights’ Dining Room.

M

embers of Alresford Twinning Association spent a memorable weekend in Bricquebec on the Cherbourg peninsula. We arrived Friday and were welcomed at the Cherbourg ferry terminal by members of the

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Sunday passed too quickly and we soon found ourselves back in Cherbourg for the journey home and looking forward to the visit from Bricquebec to Alresford next year.

If you would like to know more more about the Twinning Association please contact Jean Hudson at jahalresford-twinning@ yahoo.co.uk.

R ETA IL I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Oakleaf Stationery Ltd

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

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

SERVICES WE OFFER...

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

We are also a UPS Access Point Visit us at : 56 West Street, Alresford, Hants SO24 9AU 01962 736116 info@oakleafstationery.co.uk

DISCOVER YOUR DREAM WEDDING AT THREE CHOIRS VINEYARDS

Come and see our new Travel Lounge at Alresford Travel along with new products from July 2nd “We shop around so you don’t have to, no booking or card fees, same price as direct on all tour operators” www.alresford travel.co.uk 01962 733659 www.facebook.com/Alresford for all the latest news and events

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picturesque vineyard nestled amongst the stunning Hampshire countryside at the foot of the Meon Valley.

With exclusive use, the relaxed and unique venue is the perfect place to take your vows and celebrate your new journey as a married couple. If you dream of a romantic outdoors wedding, then your dreams have come true!

The wooden gazebo sitting amongst the vines is the most beautiful location to hold an outdoor ceremony. The vineyard has recently made some updates to the venue to provide an indoor ceremony room and breath-taking backdrops.

Beautiful Tanzanites

Amid the vines sits the Old Winery and courtyard, beautifully renovated into a rustic barn perfect to hold your wedding breakfast and evening reception. With original wooden beams, chandeliers made of vintage crystal cut wine glasses and 10ft oak doors, this room holds the characteristics of the old Winery it once was, but is also the perfect canvas to transform for each wedding.

Three Choirs has a small but friendly team of wedding coordinators, there to help each wedding run smoothly and ensure the bride and groom have the perfect day. An enchanting, romantic setting for a relaxed and enjoyable day.

Tel: 01329 834700 www.threechoirs.com Facebook: Three Choirs Vineyards Three Choirs Vineyards, Wickham, SO32 2HL

From Left to Right: New Just in from one of Antwerp’s family manufacturers, Cushion Shaped Tanzanite & oldest Diamond Stud Earrings - £1,850 Pre-Owned Cluster Ring inowned 18ct Gold Cluster Ring in 18ct Gold A collection ofPre-Owned three stone rings with brightly coloured sapphires and Rectangular Tanzanite & Diamond Ring - £3,995 Emerald CutShaped Diamond Surrounded byquality Calibre Cut Sapphires Emerald Cut Diamond Surrounded by Calibre Cut Sapphires rubies and finely cut white diamonds in good gold mounts.

Cushion Tanzanite & Diamond Ring -18ct £4,150 CentreDiamond Diamond0.75ct 0.75ct Centre Prices from £845 to £1395

£5,175 £5,175

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

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R ETA IL I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Market Square UNIQUE - BESPOKE - ECLECTIC - LOCAL

Delilah SALE

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D.Barker & Son

Lavenders

Delilah Boutique

Crystal cocktail set with sterling silver stirrer - £270 40A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

Pom Pom sun hat now £25!

19 Broad Street, Alresford, SO24 9AR Tel: 01962 733894 | www.lavenders-alresford.com

Summer Sale starts Saturday 30th June 34 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 738470 | Delilah Boutique

House of Gallet

Interior Style

Alresford beauty

Looking for those last minute Summer items? Look no further. Broad Street, Arcade, 19 Broad Street, Alresford Tel: 01962 735362 | www.houseofgallet.co.uk

Recycled aluminium pickle tray £28 29 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AB Tel: 01962 736311 | www.interiorstyle.biz

Assorted beach bags in a range of designs from £12.95 24A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AT Tel: 01962 735553 | www.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

Equestrian Fencing & Timber Ltd

Lavenders

Equestrian Fencing & Timber Ltd

Wooden Storage Sheds from £240 + VAT H: 1875mm W: 1200mm D: 800mm Tel: 01329 835100 | www.equestrianfencing.com

Summer Sale has begun in Lavenders! Lemon beach bags £20 19 Broad Street, Alresford, SO24 9AR Tel: 01962 733894 | www.lavenders-alresford.com

Keep warm on a Summers evening. Kiln Dried logs for Fire Pits and Pizza ovens from £4.95 + VAT (nets) Tel: 01329 835100 | www.equestrianfencing.com

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SA

R ETA IL I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

A place for local retailers to display their wares and provide readers with seasonally evocative, inspirational gift and style ideas.

E L A

S

Moda Rosa

Andrew Smith & Son - Auctioneers

House of Gallet

Summer Sale starts Saturday 30th June 35 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AB

Fine Art, Asian Art, Antiques, Interiors & Collectables Tues 17th and Wed18th July

Tel: 01962 733277 | www.modarosa.co.uk

Tel: 01962 735988 | www.andrewsmithandson.com

Designer Wear (new & pre-loved) Open Tues - Sat 9.30am - 4.30pm Broad Street, Arcade, 19 Broad Street, Alresford, SO24 9AR Tel: 01962 735362 | www.houseofgallet.co.uk

The Alresford Gift Shop

Fitique - Fitness Boutique & Studio

D.Barker & Son

Gisela Graham Jugs and Mugs from £8.50 10 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AT Tel: 01962 732192 | 10 West Street, Alresford

BACK IN STOCK - Jimbag Holdalls \ Barrels \ Wash Bags 5A Broad Street, Alresford, SO24 9AR

Tel: 01962 733154 | www.fitique.co.uk

Sterling silver bee earrings and pendants - from £23 40A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

Ragamuffin

Design Realities

Soles Butchers

Pretty pink sash dress by Mayoral now in the sale at £25.95 2, Bakehouse Yard, New Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 734488 | www.ragamuffin-uk.com

A selection of small ceramic and glass dishes from £18.50 36 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 732507 | www.design-realities.co.uk

Lamb Kofte's, Tikka Kebabs. Gold award winning sausages and burgers. Bar-B-Que packs available. 5 Broad Street, Alresford Tel: 01962 735221 | solebutchersofalresford.co.uk

SAL

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COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Community JACKIE’S COUNTY CORNER

T

his month there is an important consultation for all of you who use local buses, because the County Council is looking again at the subsidised services with a view to saving money. The plans include reducing the reach of the bus pass. Please go to www. hants.gov.uk or telephone 0300 555 1388 for an information pack and response form. https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/ haveyoursay/consultations/publictransportandstreetlighting The second part of the same consultation is about cutting out some night time street lighting. Many people comment that they would in fact, like the lights brighter. Please send in your responses by midnight on the 5th August 2018.

This month, I was invited to meet with young women students at St Swithun’s School. It is always a pleasure to talk to young people, and

PIGS GET ALRESFORD MOVING

discuss what’s important to them. We discussed many issues including single use plastics and the 50:50 campaign to achieve a better gender balance in parliament.

I have also visited Horatio’s Garden at Salisbury Hospital Unit treating spinal injuries. Horatio’s Gardens are a series of inspirational and practical spaces for spinal injury patients being built by the charity across the UK. Patients with these life changing injuries may take months of recovery and therapy. A garden to visit daily has been transformational for many.

One of the charities with which I am involved decided it would be good for a small team of us to raise money by abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower! What an experience!

That seemed a much easier experience than persuading Hampshire County Council to consider change at the Cart and Horses junction.

This accident blackspot has generated so much correspondence, but so far little change is promised. In mid June I met with our MP and several local Councillors in a cross party effort to try again. We’ll keep you posted.

‘Dark Skies Dan’ at the South Downs National Park Event this month posed a philosophical question. If the skies hadn’t been dark, would Galileo have pointed his telescope at the stars, and would Copernicus have realised the sun was at the centre of the universe?

Look out for more Dark Skies events in the National Park this year.

skiing, snow-boarding or ladder accidents, in return for a donation, of course! Our stock of mobility aids is held at the Alresford Men’s Shed, (www.alresfordmensshed.org.uk) at the top of the Dean in Alresford, so if you need something, or want to see one of these units to decide whether to try it, please visit the Shed, or contact the Alresford Pigs.

The Alresford Pigs Association is a small charity comprised of people who either live or work in Alresford and come together to raise money to given financial help to those in need in Alresford and the surrounding villages.

W

e are proud to say that we have a 40-year history supplying mobility aids to anyone in our community who is struggling with infirmity or disability. This service is made possible by the generosity of local people who’ve donated their 3- and 4-wheel walkers, Zimmer frames and mobility scooters to The Pigs, to help others who might be in similar situations. We also now purchase scooters to ensure we always have vehicles in the fleet should a need arise (as it frequently does!)

The Alresford Pigs work closely with the Giles Group (www. gilesgroup.org.uk), and the Alresford Community Centre, to reach out to anyone with mobility issues, to get them the aids that could possibly help. Plus the Pigs keep a stock of such aids that have been donated – wheelchairs, crutches, Zimmer frames, 3- and 4-wheel Rollators, as well as the powered mobility scooters – for offering to anyone who needs a little help. Many of these are even used on a temporary basis after younger residents have been involved in 38

We have given money for: · Organisations such as the scouts, guides, sports & youth groups · Local schools for specific projects · School children unable to pay for school trips · Single families needing white goods · Families who need support that cannot be provided by other services · Mobility scooters · Park benches · Senior residents events and activities Do you know someone who needs our help?

• Call us on 01962-658961 • Email us at info@alresfordpigs.org • Message us on Facebook @AlresfordPigs The Alresford Pigs Association is a registered charity (charity no. 1163001)

Specialising in ... Dolls, bears, dolls’ houses, 1:12 scale miniatures & unusual gifts

Gift Shop

Fairies Incense

Dragons

Witches

Fairy Gardens Dreamcatchers Windchimes

Essential Oils Handcrafted Soap Crystals

A world of inspiration and imagination is waiting for you. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Fossils

Tumblestones

30 Broad Street, Alresford Hampshire SO24 9AQ T: 01962 733555 E: enquiries@dollydaydreams.net

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F EAT U R E I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Jane's Kitchen CLASSIC PAVLOVA TOPPED WITH SUMMER FRUITS & BERRIES

Ingredients

∙ 3 egg whites ∙ 6oz caster sugar ∙ 1 teaspoon cornflour ∙ 1 teaspoon malt vinegar ∙ 1 Punnett of fresh strawberries hulled and sliced if large ∙ 1 Punnett of fresh raspberries ∙ 3 – 4 kiwi fruit peeled and sliced (optional). ∙ 1/2pt double or whipping cream

Method

Pre heat oven to 150 deg. / 300 F Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper or parchment and mark out a circle, using an 8 – 9 inch tin as a guide.

Whisk the egg whites until stiff and holding up in peaks.

Stir in half the sugar and whisk again. Fold in remaining sugar and then the cornflour and finally the vinegar.

Spoon the meringue onto the baking sheet building up edges slightly. Place in the preheated oven and reduce the heat slightly.

40

Bake for one hour until a pale cream colour. Turn off the heat and leave the Pavlova in the oven until quite cold.

The base can be made in advance up to a day ahead and kept in a cool place until ready to Decorate.

To finish

Whip the cream until firm. Spread onto the meringue, and top with the prepared strawberries, raspberries kiwi fruit, if you are using them. Dust with icing sugar just before serving.

Kindly written by the author of ‘Jane’s Kitchen,’ an eclectic collection of mouth watering recipes. Arranged by season with easy to follow instructions and extra top tips.

Copies available from Leckford Farm Shop, Leckford and Chilbolton Village Stores or direct from randjbrown12@btinternet.com Price £6.99 (£1.50 p&p)

EST 1947

F OOD & DR IN K ISSU E 1 41 | JU LY

HILTONBURY JERSEYS

FRESH RAW JERSEY MILK & CREAM Strawberries now available

We are now stocking Strawberries every Friday, Saturday and Sunday which are a fantastic accompaniment with our fresh cream

Also Stocking Free Range Eggs Contact Oliver or Julie on: 07977 933470

hiltonbury_jerseys@btinternet.com • www.hiltonburyjerseys.co.uk Follow Hiltonbury Jerseys on Facebook UPLANDS FARM, WINCHESTER STREET, BOTLEY, SO30 2AA

41

MOTOR IN G I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

AVAILABLE FOR:

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

PRIVATE HIRE AIRPORT TRANSFERS OTHER JOURNEYS

OR VISIT WWW.PRESTIGECARSALRESFORD.CO.UK

No 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 - Saab approved repairer and Subaru specialist Free collection, delivery and courtesy car (when available) Competitively priced tyres - Batteries - Vehicle Diagnostics - Exhausts

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

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

42

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 •

MOT TEST CENTRE

Carefully Selected Cars Approved by trading standards

'WE DON'T BUY ANY OLD CAR' BUT, WE BUY VERY GOOD CARS OF ANY AGE, FOR CASH! SO IF YOU HAVE ONE TO SELL, OR WOULD LIKE SOME FREE ADVICE PLEASE GIVE ROSS A CALL. AND, WE DON'T CHARGE A FEE! The following cars have been carefully selected because of their low mileage, excellent condition and service history.

2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

2012

2010

2008

2012 2008 2007

(15) Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Hybrid 4x4 auto 1 owner, Zero £ road tax 15,400 miles £17695 (15) Seat Leon SE 1.6 TDi Estate, £ 20 tax, 32,000 miles. Fitted with wheelchair /scooter hoist, (easily removed).

£11500 (15) Peugeot 308 Active 1.6 HDi Station Wagon, sat nav. 1 owner, Zero road tax. 12,000 miles £9995 (64) Ford Focus C Max 1.6 Estate, 1 owner, 10,000 miles

£9995 (15) Nissan Note Acenta Premium, 1 owner, £20 road tax, 17,000 miles £8495 (62) Ford B Max 1.6 Zetec Automatic, 5 door. parking sensors, 2 owners, 32,000 miles

£6895 (10) Ford Ka 1.2 Zetec, air con, £ 30 road tax, 10,800 miles £4595 (58) Toyota Yaris T3 5 door, Automatic, 35,500 miles

SOLD (62) Citroen C1 VTR a/c 21,000 miles SOLD (08) Skoda Roomster 2 1.6, 3 owners, 53,000 miles SOLD (07) Renault Clio 1.4 Privilege 2 owners, 66,000 miles SOLD

CLASSIC CARS 1974 MGB GT, Fantastic condition and history, matching

numbers, only 50,000 miles

£9995 1986 (C) Lotus Esprit Turbo 210 bhp.

78,400 miles, fully re-comissioned £24995

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

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

TEL: 01489 878 879 EVENING TEL: 01962 732995

• • • • •

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

MOTOR IN G I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Andrews Autosource

ALRESFORD MOTOR SERVICES LTD

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

All makes serviced and repaired.

Class 4 MOT's

Class 1 & 2 Motorcycles

MOT's WHILE YOU WAIT UNIT 5, SHELF HOUSE, NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QE

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ID VALETING BESPOKE SERVICE ALRESFORD PROFESSIONAL VALETING GET THAT NEW CAR FEELING BY BOOKING A FULL VALET

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Mon - Fri: 7.30am - 5.00pm APPOINTMENTS CAN BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE All weather facility, dry and warm waiting area ID VALETING, UNIT 4, SHELF HOUSE INDUSTRIAL NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QE TEL: 07967 730584 idt45@btinternet.com

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MOTOR IN G LEISU R E ISSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Leisure

WINCHESTER HAT FAIR 2018

Fancy your 2019 holiday on a Yacht in Greece?

H

Our Cabin Charter Yacht is based in the Ionian Sea in Greece

at Fair is the UK’s longest running festival of outdoor arts. Founded in 1974 by Jonathan Kay, Hat Fair inspires and is inspired by the people, heritage and public spaces within the city of Winchester. Our aim is to shine a light on the city, of Winchester by transforming the everyday into the extraordinary. Initially conceived as a busking festival, Hat Fair takes its name from the tradition of the audience showing their appreciation by putting money in the hat at the end of the show.

These days most of the festival’s artists are paid a fee to perform for free to our audiences. However, we still uphold the hatting tradition by inviting a dozen or so of the world’s best street performers to ‘hat’ at the festival each year – we offer a contribution to their travel costs and provide food and accommodation for them during the festival, but they are primarily paid through the generosity of our audiences.

In 2013 Hat Fair became part of Live Theatre Winchester Trust, which also runs the Theatre Royal Winchester. Bringing together a historic theatre and an outdoor arts programme in creative collaboration has allowed us to develop our artistic ambitions relishing the opportunities this presents for encouraging talent and championing quality arts. With the introduction in 2015 of our new site-specific Christmas festival, Woolly Hat Fair, our vision now encompasses a year-round programme of cultural celebration around the city and beyond. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at each year’s festival, and best of all, it’s absolutely FREE to attend!

Friday & Saturday – Two jam-packed dates of arts and culture all around Winchester city centre. Sunday – All-day family picnic at North Walls Recreation Ground, with some of the world’s most spectacular street performers.

For more information visit: hatfair.co.uk

Repairs Servicing M.O.T

WILCAN MOTOR COMPANY LTD

Servicing, MOT, Tyres & Bodywork Repairs

FREE Local collection and courtesy cars (T&C's apply) Free Safety Checks

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

44

Booking by the cabin enables you to enjoy the whole yachting experience at a fraction of the cost of chartering yourself, we will fully host you for your trip and you can get involved as little or as much as you like. No previous sailing experience is needed, but if you already sail and fancy the concept then you can get involved as much as you like, each trip will be tailored to each groups requirements.

A maximum of 4 likeminded guests in 2 ensuite cabins can share a fantastic island-hopping sailing cruise. The charter is half board and includes transfers, bedding and towels. Local beers, wines and soft drinks are also included.

bb96Please see our website for more details, booking details, sample itinerary and menus: dreamwatercharter.com email: info@dreamwatercharter.com

W

10 E E A EN FR D BY DR R NIE LT IL DE MPA ADU CH UN ACCOAYING & HEN FEE P

ALRESFORD 2018 SHOW TICHBORNE PARK 1st SEPTEMBER (9am - 6pm)

A GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY • • • • • • • • • • •

The Sheep Show Pony Club Relay Donkey Derby Shire Horse Competition Classic Car Display Carriage Driving Horse Jumping Display of Vintage Machinery Beagle, Hounds & Bloodhounds Bee & Honey Show Birds of Prey & Flying Display

• Farmyard Fun Playground • Grand Parade of Champion Livestock • Mill Cottage Farm Animal Petting • Rural Craft Village • Fit2Cook, Educational fun for children • Food & Craft Tents • The Alresford Ukulele Jam (with free workshops) • Dog Show

• The Thomas Lord Old Gits • Horticultural Show • Juggling Jake (with free workshops) • Punch & Judy • Poultry Tent • Ferrets & Ferret Racing • Cattle, Sheep, Goats & Pigs • Education Tent • Local Ales & Cider • 150+ Trade Stands

SAVE £2 A TICKET BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE Advance tickets can be purchased before 25th August from: Six West, West Street, Alresford / Alton Herald Office Market Street, Alton / Bishops Waltham Post Office - High Street, Bishops Waltham / Mole Country Stores - Easton Lane, Winchester / Mole Country Stores - Fareham Road, Wickham

or online at: www.alresfordshow.co.uk

LEISU R E H OME ISSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Leisure

the chance to showcase their talents. Wickham Festival is particularly keen to promote local artists and they're sure you’ll discover some great acts throughout the weekend.

It's not all about the music - You can enjoy a wide range of family entertainment including: cartoon cinema, storytelling, puppet theatre and make ‘n’ take crafts tent. In addition there is a digital funfair, playbus, laser arena, bouncy castles and children’s entertainers – and all are free once people are in the festival arena! Enjoy the entertainers who wander freely for your amusement or try out the giant deckchair or show your partner just how much they light up your life by holding hands under the electronic love heart. This was a huge hit last year so the festival is bringing back the giant heart which lights up only when two people hold hands beneath it to complete the circuit.

WICKHAM FESTIVAL 2018

Public access is from Blind Lane. Please follow the signs when arriving in Wickham.

T

he outskirts of historic Wickham village provide a picturesque setting for one of the safest and most relaxed festivals of the summer. Enjoy some great live music.

Wickham is rated by many as one of the safest, most relaxed and family-friendly festivals in the UK. They were voted ‘Best UK Festival, cap. under 15000’ at the Live UK Music Business Awards in October 2015. Each year the festival introduces new ideas and keep what works.

This year there will be four stages at Wickham Festival. So as well as established artists including Squeeze, Richard Thompson Trio, Kate Rusby and The Red Hot Chilli Piperd, there will be plenty of opportunities to listen to up and coming young talent who are given

L.Sheppard Plastering All aspects undertaken

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HAMPSHIRE

KITCHEN FITTERS A TEAM OF QUALIFIED KITCHEN PROFESSIONALS BASED IN WINCHESTER

HOW DO WE WORK? You will receive a full technical survey and report from us, free of charge with no obligation. We install all makes of kitchens including Howdens, Wren, Wickes, Magnet, B&Q, Benchmarx and Harvey Jones Kitchens

WHAT WE OFFER We offer a complete project management service including: A Professional Tiling service, Qualified and fully insured Electrical and Gas Engineers, Plumbing, plastering and small building works.

PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR EXAMPLES OF OUR WORK, AND EMAIL US YOUR KITCHEN PLANS

Tel: 01962 865797 • www.hampshirekitchenfitters.co.uk • info@hampshirekitchenfitters.co.uk T H E CAV E N D I S H C E N T R E , W I N N A L L C LO S E , W I N C H E S T E R, S O 23 0 L B

46

A different perspective.

You want a dream kitchen that can stand up to whatever life throws at it, but you don’t want to find it’s cheaper a few months down the line. So, we’d like to make that dream a reality.

This July, the sink cabinet is on us.

Neptune Winchester, SO21 1HL, 01962 850 556, info@neptunewinchester.com, www.neptunewinchester.com. Just off the Percy Hobbs roundabout.

COMMU N IT Y ISSU E 1 41 | JU LY

New Alresford Town Council Require a Town Clerk/RFO and Deputy Town Clerk New Alresford is one of the largest market towns in Hampshire and a well-established tourist destination, hosting a variety of major festivals each year. The town has a resident population of 5,000, rising by 15,000 on peak festival days. NATC is based at Arlebury Park Recreation Centre a substantial sports facility, incorporating function rooms and office accommodation managed by the council. The council is also responsible for the management of playgrounds, recreation areas and allotments in the town. The scope of the Council’s responsibility is wide reaching and involves the preparation and management of a budget exceeding £300,000.

TOWN CLERK/RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER POSITION

This is a senior officer role demanding a high degree of professionalism and commitment.

The Town Clerk plays a pivotal role in the management of the town’s affairs and in the communication between the council and residents. The pay range we’re offering is from £35,229 pro rata plus a Pension Contribution. We offer a flexible working environment, as some evening work will be required. The role will be 37 hours per week, with flexibility on office working days Key Requirements – full list of requirements is available on request

• • • • • •

Experience with computer-based Accounts packages essential Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong personal character with patience and a level head Experience in working in a time pressured environment Enthusiasm in local initiatives and working with the public Excellent organisational skills essential

DEPUTY CLERK POSITION

This role will work closely with the Town Clerk and share many of the skills, requirements and responsibilities. The pay range we’re offering is from £27,358 pro rata plus a Pension Contribution.

We offer a flexible working environment, as some evening work will be required. The role will be 26 hours per week, with flexibility on office working days FULL DETAILS OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO THESE POSTS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE NATC WEB SITE OR FROM THE LOCUM CLERK SUE HOBBS AT: townclerk@newalresford-tc.gov.uk or in writing to: Sue Hobbs, Locum Town Clerk, New Alresford Town Council, Arlebury Park Office, The Avenue, Alresford, SO24 9EP CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: MONDAY 16 JULY 2018 48

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COMMU N IT Y

Community

I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

WINCHESTER CITY COUNCILLORS MONTHLY REPORTS

Councillor Lisa Griffiths

vulnerable residents to be able to continue to live independently and avoid the disruption, distress and expense of being placed in care homes or needing hospital stays. Email _PrivateSectorHousing@ winchester.gov.uk or call 01962 848 455.

If you have any comments or questions on the content of this report, please do not hesitate to get in touch. And of course, on any matter relating to WCC responsibilities where I may be able to help.

Councillor Lisa Griffiths Ward Member for Alresford & Itchen Valley Contact details : lgriffiths@winchester.gov.uk or Tel: 01962 469854 or 07545 375632

Councillor Kim Gottlieb

I

Fly-tipping WCC has a 100% record of successful prosecutions brought against fly-tippers. Although it may come as a surprise, compared to last year, there is drop of 100 tonnes for Winchester District! As well as financial penalties for offenders, prison sentences have also been received, so it’s not worth it. If residents have work done and the workmen are responsible for removing waste, do ensure they dispose of it responsibly otherwise it could come back to haunt you too.

Report fly-tipping (http://www.winchester.gov.uk/waste-recycling/ flytipping.

Grass cutting Spectacular warm, wet weather finds me mowing the lawn twice a week to keep it tidy! WCC will review the schedule with Parish Councils to reschedule the cutting in 2019/20 so we get more cuts early on when the grass grows more vigorously. If there are particular areas which are dangerous, report them to the Customer Service Centre on 0300 300 0013.Voicemail messages can be left or use the online reporting app. This will allow us to keep track of particular areas when programming.

Winchester Sport & Leisure Park Planning application submitted!

WCC has joined the Wayfarer Consortium Becoming a member of the Consortium allows WCC to have access to government funding to accelerate plans to build 600 new homes in Winchester by 2020. Wayfarer is a consortium of 18 different registered housing providers, including housing associations and local authorities, who provide affordable housing. The council intends to use the partnership to bid for funding under the Shared Ownership Affordable Homes Programme.

Life-changing adaptations for homes This funding is always available, including for private home owners.

Adaptations can involve extending properties to help disabled and 50

am sorry for returning to the issue of Silver Hill, but I’m even sorrier for all those residents who gave up their time and enthusiasm to contribute to the most extensive consultation I think the Council has ever undertaken, only to find the whole exercise of producing a new SPD (supplementary planning document) ending in something an anti-climax. The appointment of architects and master-planners JTP, in January 2017, was welcomed by everyone after a particularly contentious two-year period in the twenty-year history of the city’s most important development project. Even though I’ve yet to be forgiven by the Council for pursuing a Judicial Review, it seemed to accept that the previous (Henderson) proposal was not the best way to go. This much was confirmed at an early stage when JTP promoted the splitting of the site into several parts to avoid the composition of a single monumental lump.

When things started to go awry I can’t be sure, and it probably is a case of as much ‘cock up’ as conspiracy. This may account for a recent public meeting which focussed on archaeology occurring the day before the Archaeology Report was published. Most folk expected a chance to read the report before the opportunity to ask questions about it arose. In any event, a draft SPD was issued in October last year and, following further public consultation, a revised SPD was published on 25th May 2018. However, it was only at the same time that councillors and the public learned that the SPD had to be extensively amended due to a legal action initiated by THRE (Henderson), which still owns the Friarsgate Surgery, some months ago.

I can’t tell you the exact basis of their action because I don’t know it, and I continue to struggle to get details of any legal advice received by the Council. The final revised SPD which the Council intends to adopt on June 20th is meant to reflect the legal advice, but I am not equipped to explain what all the amendments ultimately mean.

Changing the word “should” to “could” might seem to have an obvious meaning, but in the heat of a legal or planning battle the implications could be significant. All accept that the effect of the document is appreciably weaker than what was first expected, but what that means in terms of controlling heights and for the inclusion of civic amenity space and so on, nobody really knows. My big fear is that having got itself into this unsatisfactory position – and spending (another) £280,000 in the process – the Council may try to get itself out of it by selling off the site or sites which it now mostly owns. A resuscitation of something akin to the original Henderson is quite possible courtesy of the SPD, and that is something that I will likely return to – for as long as it takes to get right – in the weeks and months ahead.

Councillor Kim A Gottlieb Alresford & Itchen Valley

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COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Community ACTION AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT EASTLEIGH INVITES YOU TO ATTEMPT A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT

When:

Cost:

Saturday 7 July 2018 1.30pm to 3.00pm

Minimum £1 donation to enter

Where:

Contact:

Stoke Park Junior School, Underwood Road, Bishopstoke, Hampshire, SO50 6GR

Charlotte and Mark E: support@add-eastleigh.org T: 07775 693994

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! TOGETHER, LET'S BREAK A WORLD RECORD!

A

ction Against Destructive Development Eastleigh campaigners are trying a different tactic in their battle against building a relief road and too many new homes by attempting to enter the Guinness World Records by dressing up as trees. Members of the ADD are encouraging residents to take part in the event at Stoke Park Junior School in Bishopstoke on July 7 at 1.30pm.They aim to break the current record of 1,000 people dressed up as trees, which was set in Mumbai, India. The group is campaigning against the proposed plans to build 5,200 new homes near ancient woodland between Bishopstoke and Fair Oak.The plans were recently backed by civic chiefs in Eastleigh who said their choice was “the most logical option”.

Charlotte Adcock, who organised the event, says: “We have organised this fun event to get the community involved but also to draw attention to the irreversible environmental damage that would be caused by the Eastleigh Local Plan.”

“The plan threatens the local area as a whole, but in particular the seven remaining areas of ancient woodland within our district, and the precious ecosystem of the world-renowned River Itchen.”

“We hope as many people as possible will come dressed up and join us.

Getting into the Guinness Book of World Records would certainly put Bishopstoke on the map!”

As per Guinness guidelines, residents have to wear dark brown trousers, green top and headdress with branches and leaves on. Alternatively, those taking part can design their own head-to-toe tree costume.

This will need to be pre-agreed a few weeks in advance by Guinness officials and to get involved email: support@add-eastleigh.org or call: 07775 693994 52

WEST MEON THEATRE IN A TENT PRESENTS NELL GWYNN

W

est Meon Theatre in a Tent is proud to present Nell Gwynn by Jessica Swale on the 11th - 15th July at 8pm with a matinee on 14th July at 2.30pm.

The performance will be in the Indian Style tent in the park of West Meon House opposite The Thomas Lord.

Setting the Scene London 1660. King Charles II has exploded onto the scene with a love of all things loud, extravagant and sexy. And at Drury Lane, a young Nell Gwynn is causing stirrings amongst the theatregoers. Nell Gwynn won best new comedy in the 2016 Olivier Awards, was first produced at The Globe in 2015, then went to the West End for a short run before a national tour and finally back to The Glove in 2017.The Times described it as 'An absolute treat, a bawdy, witty, engaging romp'.

Pre-theatre suppers in The Thomas Lord (01730 829244).These can be booked from 5.30pm with last reservation at 7pm. 2 courses - £18, 3 courses - £23.

Buy tickets for the show online at www.westmeontheatre.co.uk

VISIT US IN Come & Visit Come & Visit SHIRRELL HEATH Our Yard & Our Yard & MON-FRI: Display Area Display Area GAZEBOS & ACCESSORIES 7.30AM-5PM Live the Dream with a Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services SAT: 8AM-1PM

GAZEBOS & ACCESSORIES Live the Dream with a Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services

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JOINERY WORKSHOPS SPECIALISING IN BESPOKE DRIVEWAY GATES, PEDESTRIAN GATES AND OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS weather conditions there may be a chance of water

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Gazebos are available to further enhance your comfort

Gazebos areprotection. available to further enhance your comfort invest in a roof liner to improve water

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and privacy. Available in a choice of terracotta or green.

and privacy. Available in a choice of terracotta or green.

Unless stated all Gazebos come with a deck base, solid and

Unless stated all Gazebos A full set of gazebo accessories can be found on the come insidewith a deck base, solid and

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balustrade infill panels. Delivery and assembly on to level

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back page of this brochure.

pre-prepared base is also included in the price.

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With all the benefits of a thatched or timber roofed Gazebo

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from Equestrian Fencing - Dreams really can come true!

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Equestrian Fencing Services High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2JR

Equestrian Fencing Services High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2JR

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Equestrian Fencing Services High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2JR

Tel: 01329 835100 Fax 01329 835157 Email: info@equestrianfencing.com please visit www.equestrianfencing.com

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from Equestrian Fencing - Dreams really can come true!

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With all the benefits of a thatched or timber roofed Gazebo

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pre-prepared base is also included in the price.

pre-prepared base is also included in the price.

back page of this brochure.

balustrade infill panels. Delivery and assembly on to level back page of this brochure.

balustrade infill panels. Delivery and assembly on to level

A full set of gazebo accessories can be found on the inside

Unless stated allfound Gazebos come with a deck base, solid and A full set of gazebo accessories can be on the inside

Unless stated all Gazebos come with a deck base, solid and

and privacy. Available in a choice of terracotta or green.

and privacy. Available in a choice of terracotta or green.

invest in a roof liner to improve water protection.

are available to further enhance your comfort invest in a roof liner to Gazebos improve water protection.

Gazebos are available to further enhance your comfort

ingress. We recommend with the thatched range that you

Specifically designedrange accessories to fit our range of ingress. We recommend with the thatched that you

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weather conditions there may be a chance of water

weather conditions there may be a chance of water

environment. It is important to appreciate that in severe

sustainable forests, that to suit every size and style of garden. environment. It is important to appreciate in severe

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materials. They are designed to provide a shower proof

Gazebos from carefully selected materials. They are designed to provide a shower proof timber from well managed

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Equestrian Fencing Services offer an extensive range of All gazebos from Equestrian Fencing Services are made

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party.turn A thatched timber roofed party. A thatched or timber roofed Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services will yourordreams intoGazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services will turn your dreams into Whether of simply relaxing with a well earned glass of wine, or are hosting that never to be forgotten al-fresco Whether you dream of simply relaxing with a well earned glass of wine, or are hosting that never you to bedream forgotten al-fresco

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GAZEBOS & ACCESSORIES Come & Visit Our Yard & Display Area

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H OME I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

CPFM CONSTRUCTION NEW HOMES EXTENSIONS LOFT CONVERSIONS REFURBISHMENTS AND ASSOCIATED WORKS ALL WORKS GUARANTEED

info@cpfm.co.uk www.cpfm.co.uk Tel: 01962 732 970 Mob: 07947 812 412

THE GLASS SIDED STAIRCASE COMPANY Contact Peter or Keith for a FREE consultation & quotation

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Built-in, handpainted furniture & storage Bookcases, Wardrobes, Kitchens, Media Units, Shelves Etc FREE design & quote

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ROMANTIC WEDDINGS

PARTIES

Pukkah Tents Ltd RUSTIC WEDDINGS 54

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31/1/10

12:38

Page 1

Maid Marian

Wychwood Furniture Ltd

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H OME I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

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

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Tel (Cheriton): 01962 771285 Mobile: 07973 407996 Est. Locally for over 30 years

55

F EAT U R E ISSU E 1 41 | J U LY

Extinct Butterfly Returns to England

A

BACK FROM THE BRINK CONSERVATION PROJECT

previously extinct butterfly will fly in its former English stronghold today for the first time in more than 40 years as part of the ambitious conservation project, Back from the Brink. Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, working in partnership with the Forestry Commission (FC) has released Chequered Skipper butterflies at a secret location in Rockingham Forest, Northamptonshire, as part of the project.

It is anticipated that these butterflies will mate and lay the foundations of a new English population of Chequered Skipper in the forest.

The Back from the Brink project, made possible thanks to the National Lottery and People’s Postcode Lottery, aims to save 20 species from extinction and benefit over 200 more through 19 projects that span England. The Chequered Skipper, although always scarce, became extinct in England in 1976 as a result of habitat loss due to changes in woodland management that saw a decline in coppicing and management of long, narrow tracks (rides) and an increase in conifer plantations which were unsuitable for the butterfly. In England the butterfly was historically found in a band of woodlands and limestone grassland from Oxfordshire to Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire.

Although the Chequered Skipper is found in parts of Scotland, conservationists always hoped to reintroduce it to England if suitable habitat conditions could be recreated.

Reintroduction trials took place in the mid-1990s with the data gathered helping to provide vital information ahead of today’s major reintroduction attempt. The Back from the Brink project has enabled parts of the butterfly’s former stronghold Rockingham Forest to be restored to ideal conditions with wide, flower-filled rides. Earlier this week Butterfly Conservation ecologists travelled to Belgium to collect Chequered Skipper adults from the Fagne-Famenne region in the south of the country, where they are widespread, with the help of Belgian experts from the Research Institute for Nature and Forest and the Département de L’Etude du Milieu Naturel et Agricole.

The butterflies, a mix of males and females, were then taken via Eurostar across the Channel yesterday and transferred to Rockingham where they were placed in release cages overnight ahead of today’s release.

Today’s reintroduction is the first of a number of reintroductions that will take place at sites across Rockingham Forest over the next three years with the hope of building a large, resilient and sustainable population of Chequered Skipper across the whole landscape. Adults were chosen from Belgium rather than Scotland as the Belgian Chequered Skippers are found in a similar landscape to Rockingham Forest and share the same caterpillar foodplant, False Brome.

The reintroduction forms part of the Roots of Rockingham project which is working across a network of sites to restore the forest to its former glory helping many woodland species including the Willow Tit, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Barbastelle Bat. The project will be closely monitored to assess its success in the early stages, with the aim that in one or two years, once the population is secure, the public will be able to visit and enjoy seeing Chequered Skippers fly in England again.

The reintroduction project is taking place in partnership with the Forestry Commission who in recent years has been managing their forests to help the reintroduction of the butterfly.

Forestry Commission Environment and Heritage Manager for the Central England District, Adrienne Bennett, said: “I know I speak on behalf of our whole Ecology Team and the local Foresters when I say that we are really pleased that we are able to work so closely with the Back from the Brink project on this species reintroduction programme.

“Our forests are actively managed, not only as a source of timber for UK industry and as a place for people to enjoy recreation activities within, but also as valuable wildlife habitats.”

Back from the Brink Communications Manager James HardingMorris said: “It’s fantastic to see one of our Back from the Brink projects make such great strides towards restoring a species to England.

“It will be a few years before we know how much of a success this introduction has been, but during that time Back from the Brink will be working to save hundreds of other threatened species. There will be events, training and volunteer opportunities across the country so that everyone can get involved in saving England’s most threatened species from extinction.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE BACK FROM THE BRINK CONSERVATION PROJECT VISIT: NATUREBFTB.CO.UK 56

H OME I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

New builds Conservation work Painting & decorating Extensions & alterations Conservatories Roofing Brick & flint specialist Groundworks Structural works (steel) Office: 01962 734978 (9am-5pm) Mobile: 07979 506416 email: enquiries@grantandwimbleton.co.uk 18 NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, HAMPSHIRE, SO24 9QP

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www.jameswhitefencing.com 57

COMMU N IT Y

Community

ISSU E 1 41 | JU LY

WINCHESTER CITIZENS ADVICE

Lesley Rose, Advice Services Manager for Citizens Advice Winchester District, explains what to do when you can’t pay back a doorstep loan.

Q A

I don’t think the company that sold me a doorstep loan carried out proper affordability checks and now I cannot afford to pay it back. Can I get a refund?

The Financial Conduct Authority - which regulates the doorstep loan market - says a loan is unaffordable if you cannot make repayments without borrowing again.

You might feel your agreement was unaffordable if you were given a loan that was more than you could manage to repay and it caused you problems.

If you think you are owed a refund, first complain to your lender. List the ways you think their affordability checks were not properly done, the problems this has caused, and what you would like to happen.

The lender must acknowledge your complaint promptly and has eight weeks to respond formally or resolve your problem.

If you are not happy with their response, or they don’t respond at all, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service using a form on its website.

Should the lender agree with your complaint, they may agree to write off the balance left on the loan or refund some of the interest you have paid.

If they don’t, and you have to take your complaint further, the Ombudsman can force the lender to write off the interest or even the remainder of the loan, and possibly order them to pay a small amount of compensation for your distress if they uphold the complaint. The Ombudsman’s decision is binding on your lender.

If you need advice on any issue then visit your local Citizens Advice service. Citizens Advice Winchester District has services in Winchester and Bishops Waltham, plus outreaches in Denmead, Wickham and Alresford. Alternatively, call 03444 111306 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk then entering your postcode in the search field.

58

STEVE BRINE M.P This time I return to an

old favourite, the local train service.

First of all, I was surprised when Stagecoach/South West Trains lost the franchise. My view was, although SWT was far from perfect and knowing as I did the major Waterloo works to come, it would be an added disruption which could tip the scales.

That said, First Group/SWR won the process with some bold promises to local rail users and commuters. As I said at the time, “we will hold them to each and every one of them” and we will. There are signs in recent months of improvement in the performance stats after a shaky start which saw those Waterloo works last Summer plus wholly unnecessary industrial action.

So I welcome news that the Government is formally reviewing the performance of South Western Railway. The Secretary of State, who I meet regularly on local issues, said he was “very disappointed” with the early performance of SWR. Sir Michael Holden is now leading an independent look at SWR and Network Rail to ensure all possible steps are being taken to improve performance and the passenger experience and that will be completed this summer. At my most recent meeting with Ministers – and senior managers from SWR as well as NR - I also pressed for the review to look at the implementation of the new timetable SWR plan to bring in this December. No-one, least of SWR, can afford for the debacle of Northern Rail’s new timetable to be repeated here.

Also, I am now working in Parliament with a new Cross-Party Group for the Wessex Route. The purpose is to hold SWR and NR to account but to argue with one voice inside Government for badly needed long-term investment. And finally on this, I have not forgotten the vexed issue of smart ticketing and part-time season tickets. Readers should look at a new EASY FARES consultation just launched which you can access via my dedicated pages at www.stevebrine.com/trains In other news, I am relieved to hear from Hampshire Superfast Broadband that ‘Itchen Abbas 2’ came into service on the 4th June which means many more people in IA and Easton are now able to place an order for improved speeds. Check it out at www.hants.gov.uk/broadband and then contact your supplier!

Finally, subscribers to the Itchen List and anyone who’s read my stuff over many year will have read my views (unchanged) on the ghastly A33 Cart & Horses Junction. If this was easily solved it would never have been a problem but, notwithstanding the speed change and other measures HCC are taking, I know constituents remain worried.Your representatives (MP and councillors - city, county and parish) are working together cross-party to agree where we go next and met altogether in my garden recently to discuss. I even provided biscuits.

Steve Brine MP Winchester, Alresford & Itchen Valley

29 29

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OTHER SERVICES • Fascias, Soffits & Gutters • Key Cutting & Locksmith Services Issue 24 November 2008

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59

H OME I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Fabulous Clean Carpets

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Here’s a selection of frequently asked questions especially for you 1. When you say ‘carpet’ what do you mean? We mean average don’t quibble if the areas are a little larger - it’s all done on fairness Our pricing policy reflects the time it takes to clean working arou any three carpets That said, we are Have for example, happy to move your three piece sui under it and replacing it back into piece position. What we don’t price in and your three moving large pieces of furniture like bookcases, sideboards or ward upflat-screen for to move electricalsuite items,freshened in particular tvs. Again we appl situation and inevitable we do end up moving some furniture arou just £167!

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60

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F EAT U R E ISSUE 141 | JULY

Sporting a‘Tache at The Grange

‘W

BY IRIS CROWFOOT

hy has The Grange grown a moustache?’ my son asked me, as we walked up the drive at half-term. A 12m wide handlebar moustache had sprouted from the front entrance of the Greek temple-style mansion and around the corner we spotted other magnificent ‘taches decorating the opera house. ‘Perhaps it has something to do with The Barber of Seville?’ I suggested.

We were making our way to a family opera workshop, in a large white marquee set up on the lawn beside the lake. Grange Festival volunteers invited the participating children to sit on the floor in the middle and offered their grown-ups chairs around the outside, but we didn’t stay seated for long. Soon everyone was joining in, miming shaving the kids and waxing their moustaches, as we tried acting and singing at the same time like an opera chorus. It really isn’t as easy as the professionals make it look! The temperature inside the marquee increased in the sunshine and Karen Gillingham, the workshop director, said, ‘You know what it feels like on stage now, under the lights.’ After a picnic lunch, we were invited to watch the dress rehearsal of The Barber of Seville, to listen out for the bits we had learned and enjoy the performance.

When we entered the opera house, the first things I noticed were the bare brick walls, topped by an ornate plaster frieze, which surround the auditorium. This gives a hint about the extraordinary history of the building. It started life as a state-of-the-art iron and glass orangery in 1823, which channelled water down its classical columns to water the plants inside. A grainy black and white photograph from 1860 shows fifty ‘outdoor staff ’ stiffly sitting in their best clothes outside the open glass doors: a similar number of ‘indoor staff ’ was employed to run the neoclassical mansion at this time. In 1890 the orangery windows were filled in to convert it into a ballroom and presumably the plaster frieze was installed at this time. In 1944 Winston Churchill and General Eisenhower met there to discuss the invasion of Europe.

After the war, no one wanted to live in such a large and inconvenient house, let alone employ the staff.The mansion’s roof was removed

62

in the early 1970s, accelerating its decay, and only a public outcry in The Times prevented complete demolition in 1975. Since then, English Heritage has preserved the mansion as a ‘roofed ruin’. Inside, the un-plastered walls, crumbling doorways and chandelier-swinging, white-netted ceilings (to catch falling debris) make the place look like a spooky film set. However, this mysterious building comes alive as a restaurant for The Grange Festival each summer, because a modern, architectural award-winning opera house was built in the ballroom in 2002.

The stalls, boxes and circle are free-standing, supported by smooth white pillars instead of the interior walls of the ballroom. Looking up, I could see contemporary fibre-optic lights twinkling on the underside of the circle. Hovering in the shadows above them were the tessellated plaster rectangles and crosses of the old ballroom ceiling. My son nudged me in the ribs to make me look down at a glass case set in the floor, which contained broken blue and white crockery discovered during the renovation. Once we had taken our seats, we looked towards what used to be the end wall of the ballroom, now the curtain.When this lifted, it revealed a vast modern opera stage, complete with stage-lights and revolving set.The Barber of Seville dress rehearsal started and we recognised the big tunes, laughed at the plot and even better, somebody’s Dad was abducted from the audience to sit in the barber’s chair to be shaved by Figaro.

As a family, we began to understand and enjoy opera for the first time.

Education and outreach activities such as this opera workshop are a new side of The Grange Festival. Michael Chance, the festival’s Artistic Director, says that he wants to ‘find those who don’t necessarily believe (yet!) in the community-building power music has.’To achieve this ambition, there is a dance workshop on 2nd July and local secondary schools are nominating 80 children to join in an ambitious project to create an opera in five days in August.Their opera, ‘The Time Capsule’, will be performed to the public on 31st August. For tickets, please check https://thegrangefestival.co.uk/ Iris Crowfoot

DIGITAL TV & SATELLITE SPECIALIST

L

TD

DE

PR AERIALS Paul Rolfe

H OME I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

AN

BING & HEAT M U IN PL G

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

T. 01420 80650

M. 07918 913194

Alresford Floors Luxury Vinyl Tiles: Amtico, Spacia Karndean, Polyflor Rubber Flooring Carpet Tiles

Solid Wood Engineered Wood Wood Floor Sanding Wood Floor Repair

For an appointment to discuss your requirements, please call

Tel: 01962 732643 or Mob: 07734 459748 www.alresfordfloors.co.uk Approved Amtico Installer & NVQ Certified

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

Domestic Commercial Industrial Garden Lighting

Tel: 01962 733272 JOYCE & BROS

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

Adrian Cobb Plumbing & Heating M: 07774 979 325 T: 01962 735354

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

Painters & Decorators • Gutter Clearing 01962 735273 07767 711497

joycebrospainters@btinternet.com

63

COMMU N IT Y

Community Animals

A N IMA LS ISSU E 1 41 | JULY

ALRESFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS

S

adly last month saw the closing of 4 independent businesses from the town. Our thoughts and best wishes go to them.

It does highlight how important it is for all of us to support our local individual town businesses to keep Alresford thriving. We have been busy working on our projects for the remainder of this year and setting up funding for next.

Market Town Events • August 4th – 12th Bring your Dog to Town Week • October 20th – 28th Ghost hunt - free event for the town Any companies wishing to participate, sponsor or advertise on these events please do contact us.

We welcomed some new members for this year • Chris Allen, our new treasurer, www.thebottomlinealresford. co.uk Book-keeping accounting services business • Delilah Boutique www.delilahboutique.co.uk • Estelle Bentham of the Academy of beauty therapy www.theacademyofbeautytherapy.co.uk Chamber Events • July 19th Chamber & PIGS joint social at The Cricketers • September Making tax digital – Butlers (TBA) More to follow….

Together we are stronger The committee meets first Tuesday of the month if you have any suggestions as to how we can help businesses or issues affecting the town please put them forward. Keep track of our events, follow us on Facebook Twitter & Instagram @AlresfordChamberofCommerce / AlresfordCofC / info@ alresfordchamber.co.uk /www.alresfordchamber.co.uk Davina – Chamber Secretary

An exclusive service in the heart of Alresford

Dog Grooming & Home Boarding Rachel Gray Tel: 07419 324362 rachel@alresforddoggrooming.com www.alresforddoggrooming.com

64

CHOOSING A PET INSURANCE POLICY

A

pproximately one third of people’s pets will need veterinary treatment each year and having pet insurance can provide peace of mind for you and your family knowing that you will be able to provide the best treatment possible should your beloved pet need it without the worry of facing a hefty bill. There are many different insurance companies providing pet insurance and the details of cover between policies can differ so it is best to know what type of cover you require before you purchase a policy with a provider.

The most comprehensive form of cover is one without any time limits known as “lifetime” cover. This type of policy will cover your pet for life with no restrictions on how long you can claim for each condition as long as you remain insured with them. Other polices have a “condition limit” whereby they either have a ‘time limit’ per condition which will only pay for that condition for that time limit or a cost limit per condition which may/may not be paid over the length of the pet’s life. Always check these important fundamentals of the insurance policies you are considering as they are the most significant elements within them and will be reflected in the monthly premium (the amount you pay each month for the policy).

Switching between providers to save money on insurance premiums may not always be a good idea especially if your pet has an existing condition which you are claiming for as these are not usually covered by a new insurer. Similarly, an older pet may be more difficult to obtain the exact cover you require if you switch, even if the initial premiums seem less expensive than your current insurer. Additionally, be aware of a policy’s excess which is the amount you have to pay up front for a claim. This can either be a fixed excess each claim or a percentage of the total fees.

Additional benefits some policies may include could be third party liability cover should your pet cause damage or injury to someone or their property. Some insurers offer compensation for the death of your pet or payment towards to the cost of advertising or offering a reward should they be stolen or go missing. Also, some policies cover for the possibility that if you need to go into hospital they will pay towards the cost of placing your pet into boarding accommodation. Others may also cover for holiday cancellation costs should your pet become ill or require emergency treatment.

It is always best to get the most comprehensive cover you can budget for and get pet insurance as soon as you get your pet regardless of age. Always check if any conditions are excluded and if the policy covers for hospitalisation, transportation fees, referrals or dental treatment. For further information on pet insurance please contact your veterinary practice.

Written by Liza Freeman RVN Cedar Veterinary Group - www.cedarvet.com Alton: 01420 82163 Alresford: 01962 732535 Four Marks: 01420 562048

parking and convenient location

a 24 hour emergency service provided

by our own staff

a Fully equipped on site laboratory for

New Pet Healthcare Plan!

TWO MONTHS FREE when you sign up to our HealthCare Plan.

A N IMA LS I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

a Independent practice with free onsite

quick diagnostic results

a Practice health care plan to spread the cost of routine treatment

a Home visits available for your convenience A dedicated team working to improve the health and wellbeing of your pets

ALTON: 01420 82163 ALRESFORD: 01962 732535 FOUR MARKS: 01420 562048

cedarvet.com facebook.com/cedarvet

Appleton

Farm Services A family business supplying agricultural and forestry services for over 25 years All agricultural work undertaken • equestrian maintenance • Ploughing • field cultivation • Hedge cutting • Forestry • spraying specialist • fencing • topping • wood thining • Tree Felling & branch lopping

Load of logs - £70 per truck load Tel: 01962 735452 / Mob: 07880 527049 www.appletonfarmservices.co.uk 65

BU SIN ESS I SSU E 1 41 | JU LY

Business

THE NATURAL TRAVEL COLLECTION TRIUMPHS AT 2018 WINCHESTER BUSINESS AWARDS

T

he Natural Travel Collection, an Alresford-based travel company which organises holidays to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations, are revelling in their dual success at this year’s Winchester Business Excellence Awards.The company triumphed not only in the Small to Medium Sized Enterprise of the Year category but were also honoured to pick up the prestigious overall Business of the Year Award.The judging panel were looking for an outstanding company demonstrating excellence in developing its business and The Natural Travel Collection met the criteria with a sound financial business plan and clear marketing strategy evidencing its success and future growth.

The Natural Travel Collection is a privately owned award-winning travel company, consisting of the following specialist brands: · Wildlife Worldwide offers tailor-made holidays to some of the world’s most remote locations worldwide, handpicked for the finest wildlife viewing. Holidays range from tiger watching and bear viewing to wildlife cruises and African safaris. · Dive Worldwide tailor-makes diving holidays using liveaboards, dive centres and resorts –often in some of the world’s most remote destinations.They cater for both the experienced diver wishing to explore new areas, and non-divers who want to learn to dive. · The Travelling Naturalist specialises in small group wildlife and birdwatching tours that are led by expert naturalists to over 60 destinations around the world, covering Europe, Africa, North America, Latin America and Asia. · Schools Worldwide provides overseas conservation and community development adventures for schools and groups. With clear learning objectives, the tailor-made educational trips typically last from 10 to 28 days. · Families Worldwide specialise in adventure holidays designed for families, travelling either with an expert local guide and a small group of like-minded families or on a private, flexible departure. · Walks Worldwide offers quality walking and trekking holidays around the world, from small group guided walks to independent and flexible self-guided walking holidays.

The company is owned by directors Chris Breen,Teresa Bennett and Nick Joynes who have worked together for many years and are passionate about the sustainability and ethical ethos that underpins every brand and is at the heart of the company’s values. Each brand is staffed by experienced, expert teams who are passionate about travel and work closely with customers to meticulously create exceptional holidays and experiences.

For more information on The Natural Travel Collection call 01962 302068 or visit thenaturaltravelcollection.com

66

WINCHESTER PET INSURANCE COMPANY SCOOPS MONEYWISE CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARDS 2018

Left to right: Kate Garraway, Lifetime Pet Cover Directors Robert Amphlett & Louise Amphlett, Moneywise Head of Personal Finance, Moira O’Neill

W

inchester company, Lifetime Pet Cover have been covering the cost of veterinary bills for poorly cats and dogs for the last three years. Based in Winnall, their unwavering focus on stand-out customer service paid off last week, when they beat industry giants to be awarded the title of Most Trusted Pet Insurance Provider 2018 at the Moneywise Customer Service Awards.

Now celebrating its 10th year, the Moneywise Customer Service Awards is based on the biggest survey of financial consumers in Britain. One respondent in the survey said about Lifetime Pet Cover: “Outstanding Lifetime Pet Cover. Had three claims in the last 18 months. Always quick to pay out: Monday afternoon - my dog’s operation, Friday morning money in my account. Just wow.”

Getting a great deal on your financial services isn’t just about getting the cheapest deal or the best rate: you also need to be able to trust your provider and know that it will treat you fairly.

However, while it’s becoming increasingly easy to shop around for financial services and to compare deals, it’s far harder to get a feel for customer service.

Speaking about last week’s award, Director Louise Amphlett said “We are delighted to be recognised once again for great customer service and in particular to beat the biggest names in pet insurance.This really shows that biggest isn’t necessarily best. Our focus on customer service is a reflection of the fact that we genuinely care.”

For further information, please contact Louise Amphlett, louise@ lifetimepetcover.co.uk, 02037500022 www.lifetimepetcover.co.uk

Find out why we won

MOST TRUSTED PET INSURER 2018

Insure your pet with Lifetime Pet cover today.

“

What all insurance should be Great to deal with, very caring approach, good value pricing and quick to help when our beloved dog had a health problem.

Perfect.

Penny Meigh

”

DAY8 LqLuoTteO MWIV1 CaA nd

A IFY FOR L A U Q TO

E E R F CKER GPS TRA E IV T C A TR UR PET FOR YO

Offer available for all new applicable policies sold from the 24/11/17 whilst stocks last. Offer can only be claimed one time per policy. The GPS Tracker can only be posted to the policy holder’s address.

The offer is only for the GPS Tracker device and does not include any data plans or additional accessories.

This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Call: 0203 750 0022

Email: hello@lifetimepetcover.co.uk

www.lifetimepetcover.co.uk

SPRING INTO SUMMER WITH A BEAUTIFUL NEW KITCHEN FROM SEARLE & TAYLOR

WE ARE OFFERING YOU A COMPLIMENTARY GIFT OF A QUOOKER FLEX BOILING WATER TAP FOR EVERY KITCHEN ORDER OVER £20,000* Order by 30th September 2018 WORTH

£1,150

As seen on TV, the Quooker Flex is the world’s first 100°C boiling water tap, equipped with a flexible pull-out hose for hot, cold and filtered water. From now until 30th September 2018 we are offering a complimentary polished chrome Quooker Flex tap with a PRO3-VAQ tank with a combined value of £1,150 for every kitchen order over £20,000*.

For more details please visit searle-taylor.co.uk ROPLEY SHOWROOM Searle & Taylor House, The Dene, Ropley, Hampshire SO24 0BH T: 01962 850 851

WINCHESTER SHOWROOM 19 Southgate Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9EB T: 01962 850 300

*Terms and conditions apply