We did it! Triumph for nature as National Park hits tree-planting target
RECIPE OF THE MONTH Creamy Crab Linguine
GARDEN FEATURE
Spring into ActionGardening tips for Spring
We specialise in replacing wet belts on manufacturers such as Ford, Peugeot, Citroën and Vauxhall, we work with a wide range of engines - including Ford EcoBoost and EcoBlue, Peugeot and Citroën PureTech, Vauxhall 1.0 and 1.2 as well as other European models using wet-belt systems
• Many garages will refuse to replace wetbelts, not us!
• We always use the correct oils and genuine parts
• We have a qualified wetbelt team
• We can check to see if your wetbelt is due replacement (service history required)
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Bacon Butties - or croissants and jam - together with freshly brewed coffee or tea. Donations to the work of the Church.
Alresford & District Horticultural Society
Wednesday 8 April
From 7.30pm to 9.30pm
St Gregory’s Parish Hall, Grange Road, SO24 9HE
Talk by Pamela Holt - The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Visitors welcome - £3. Further information at www.alresfordhorticultural.org
Charity Dog Walk
In aid of Home-Start Winchester & Districts
Friday 10 April
From 10.45am
Itchen Abbas Village Hall, Main Road, Itchen Abbas, Winchester, SO21 1BQ
Join us (you don’t even need a dog)
A choice of two guided walks - short or long Both walks leave at 11am sharp! Tickets at £15pp include a ploughman’s lunch and homemade soups The walks will go ahead whatever the weather and may include some stiles. This event is kindly sponsored by Gay Dog Boarding Kennels. Book tickets at www.ticketsource.co.uk/home-startwinchester-districts or call: 07976 686979. Or email: chrissie.barlow@ home-startwinchester.org.uk Help us to support local families.
Alton Farmers’ Market
Saturday 11 April
From 10am to 2pm High Street, Alton, GU13 1AB
Traditional monthly Farmers Market in Alton High Street.
Hampshire Garden Trust 2026 Study Day
Thursday 16 April
From 10.30am - 3.30pm
St Peter’s Church, Ropley, Alresford, SO24 0DS
Join the Hampshire Garden Trust 2026 Study Day as they “rediscover” the vast potential of plant chemicals, and confront the ethical implications for habitats and indigenous people. This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the evolution of medicine, botany, and our ethical responsibility to the natural world.
Event Highlights:
• Expert Insight: A journey from medieval health handbooks to modern-day exploitation of ecosystems.
• Unique Venue: Held at the beautifully restored St Peter’s Church, Ropley.
• Networking: Connect over a buffet lunch (included in the ticket). Register at: https://www.hgt.org.uk/ event/study-day-2026/
Alresford Antiques Fair
Saturday 18 April
From 9.30am to 4.30pm
Alresford Community Centre, West Street , New Alresford, SO24 9AG
We offer a wide range of Decorative, Useful, Interesting, Unusual & Quirky items including good quality Furniture, Silver, Jewellery, China and Glass. We will also buy. Free Admission & good parking available nearby. The Fair is on the third Saturday of the month. Confirm future dates in Antiques Atlas: https://antiques-atlas.com/dbevents/ Wessex Sculptors Workshops
Saturday 18 April
From 10am to 4pm
Unit C1A, The Black Shed, Brockwood Park, SO24 0LQ
Create a Mosaic Tablet with Su Joy. Design and incorporate ceramics, glass, or other materials into a finished piece. £60 for Wessex sculptor members £80 for non-
members. Workshops take place in Bramdean. All materials included. Contact Anne Lain: 07785 715 985 anne.lain627@gmail.com
Alresford Farmers’ Market
Sunday 19 April
From 10am to 2pm
Broad Street, New Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9AR
Traditional monthly Farmers Market in Broad Street, Alresford.
Alresford Art Society AGM followed by Demonstration by Anne Anderson
Thursday 23 April
From 7.30pm
Bishop’s Sutton Village Hall, SO24 0AL
Monet - 100 Years. Visitors welcome admission £3.00. Free parking. www. artsociety.alresford.org
A Season to Sing - Alresford Community Choir concert
Saturday 25 April
From 7.30pm
St John the Baptist Church, New Alresford, SO24 9AG
In anticipation of warmer weather we will perform Joanna Forbes L’Estrange’s wonderful new choral work, ‘A Season To Sing’. Written in 2025, this was co-commissioned by Alresford Community Choir, and celebrates the 300th anniversary of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. We will also be singing works by Monteverdi, Mozart, Brahms, Fauré and many others. We’re delighted to be joined for this concert by the Clarendon Ensemble. Tickets will go on sale on Monday 2 March and can be bought at https:// www.ticketsource.co.uk/alresfordcommunity-choir If you are unable to book online, please call Sally Wesley on 01962 776476.
Cheriton Players present Fondly Remembered
Wed 22 to Sat 25 April
From 7.30pm
Cheriton Village Hall, Cheriton, Alresford, SO24 0PZ
A wry comedy by Gareth Armstrong. Tickets £15. Saint and Sinner?
Tickets £13 available online from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ cheritonplayers or tel 0333 666 3366 (standard rates apply). All telephone bookings are handled through TicketSource - this is not an exclusive number for Cheriton Players.
‘Vegetable Growing Ideas’ with Barry Newman. Parking free. Guests £5 on the door includes refreshments, all welcome. Enquiries: Jill 01962 772425
Alresford Flower Club Talk
Wednesday 29 April
From 7.30pm (Doors 7pm)
St. Gregory’s Church Hall, Grange Road, Alresford, SO24 9HB
A talk on Bees by Rachel Annette. Bramdean Fete
Saturday 9 May
From 2pm to 4.30pm
Bramdean House Gardens, Bramdean, SO24 0JU
Assistance dogs only. Plants, toys, home produce, magpie, gifts, books, bar, teas, Ab Fab - nearly new clothes. Bottle stall, children;s games and races and much more! (All donations welcome). £2.50 entry cash preferred (under 16s free).
Hampshire Choral Festival 2026 Duruflé Requiem, Haydn Nelson Mass
Saturday 16 May
From 7.30pm
Romsey Abbey, Church Lane, Romsey, SO51 8EP
Compton & Shawford Festival Choir, Itchen Valley Choir, Sarisbury Choral Society, Twyford Singers and the Festival Orchestra. Conducted by Graham Kidd. Tickets £25, £19 ( abooking fee may apply). Available from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ musicinromsey
Add you event to this page FREE of charge by emailing: editor@ forumpublications.co.uk
BRAMDEAN Guide Price: £599,950 | EPC Rating: Exempt WEST
To Let: £4,500pcm | EPC Rating: Exempt
Spring into your Dream Home this Easter…
A name you can count on in a changing world…
name you can count on in a changing world…
Spring is the season of renewal and fresh beginnings, and brings the perfect opportunity to make a fresh start. Whether you’re looking for a cosy retreat, or a spacious family home, Easter could be the time to start thinking about your next steps.
Take the leap this Easter and make your dream home a reality. With the market improving at this time of year, now is the time to find the home that fits your vision for the future. Whatever you’re searching for, we’re here to guide you through the process and help you secure a place to call your own.
Happy Easter from the team at Hellards. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
RENTING REFORM: WHAT LANDLORDS NEED TO KNOW
Major changes are coming to the private rented sector this spring. The new Renters’ Rights Act, which takes effect on 1 May 2026, will reshape tenancy agreements, rent rules and landlord responsibilities across England.
One of the biggest changes is the end of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs). From May 2026, all tenancies will automatically become periodic rolling agreements. Tenants will be able to leave at any time by giving two months’ written notice, provided it ends in line with the rental period. At the same time, Section 21 “no-fault” evictions will be abolished, meaning landlords must now rely on specific legal grounds to regain possession of a property.
Regaining Possession
Landlords will still be able to take back their properties for defined reasons, including if they plan to sell the property or move back in. However, these grounds cannot be used during the first 12 months of a tenancy, and court action will still be required if tenants do not leave voluntarily.
Changes to Rent Rules
The Act also introduces tighter rules around rent payments and increases. Rent may only be increased once a year with two months’ notice. A new ban on rent bidding will also require properties to be advertised at a fixed price, preventing applicants from offering higher amounts to secure a tenancy.
Jesus said, “....do not be afraid, I AM the First and the Last: I AM He the Living One; I became dead; and now look, I AM alive for evermore, Amen; I have the keys of hell and of death.”
The Revelation ch.1:17,18
New Farm Road, Alresford, Hampshire Sunday Services 10.30am Wednesdays 7.30pm (prayer and bible study on zoom) Tel: 07989 257707 (text or call) www.newfarmchapel.org.uk
Pets and Tenant Rights
Tenants will have the right to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords must respond within 28 days, giving a reasonable explanation if the request is refused. The Act also bans blanket policies that refuse tenants simply because they have children or receive benefits, although fair affordability checks will still be allowed.
Higher Property Standards
All rented homes will be expected to meet the Decent Homes Standard, ensuring properties are safe and well maintained. In addition, Awaab’s Law will require landlords to investigate and address issues such as damp and mould within set timeframes.
New Duties for Landlords
Landlords will also need to provide tenants with a written statement of terms, register with a new Private Rented Sector Database, and join a Landlord Ombudsman scheme to resolve disputes.
Hellards’ Lettings Director, Ian Woodhouse-Smith, commented “with local authorities able to impose fines of up to £40,000 for serious or repeated breaches, it is more important than ever for Landlords to ensure that they are compliant. One of the best ways to do this is to engage the management services of a Propertymark Licensed agent, such as ourselves”.
11 Broad Street Alresford
JACKIE’S COUNTY CORNER
You tell me that that you spend more time looking at the road than at the traffic conditions, and you know that’s dangerous. You worry about the potholes that might ruin your car, the expense and the inconvenience. If you are a cyclist or motorcyclist that hole could be lethal. The County Council leader has said that 10 times the money wouldn’t solve the problem. But it surely doesn’t have to be so bad as this?
This January the Government has rated all authorities for road condition: you can see the results at www.gov.uk/government/news/howwell-is-your-council-fixing-your-roads The red, amber, green ratings are based on 3 key areas: the condition of local roads, how much local highway authorities are spending on road repairs and whether they are following best practice in maintaining highways. Hampshire is rated
WINCHESTER NEEDS AN A&E FOR THE LONG TERM
I’m fighting to keep the A&E at Royal Hampshire County Hospital open for the long term. Just last week, the Government confirmed it is spending public money to purchase land near Basingstoke for a possible new hospital. A hospital that may not even be built at all, and if it is built, it won't be until the mid 2040s.
Our community deserves a fully functioning hospital in Winchester and not vague promises about new hospitals being built somewhere else decades from now. If ministers can find the money for speculative land purchases, they should certainly be able to invest in improving the hospitals patients and staff depend on today.
After years of promises for new hospitals that were never funded, those plans have now been pushed decades into the future. And while buying land for a hospital that may never be built raises serious questions about priorities, what’s even more
Amber. Many of Hampshire’s rural roads were constructed over old earth foundations. They deteriorate in the winter, caused by lack of timely summer maintenance, exacerbated by poor drainage undermining the foundations, eroding the edges as drivers pass by using the verges rather than waiting for a moment or having a convenient passing place.
Since I started my County Corner (and I think this is about my 200th!) the County Council methods have changed - and I fear, not for the better. We used to have teams covering much smaller areas and our local engineers knew the area ‘like the back of their hand’.
I miss Ray, my local highway engineer. After a quick coffee in the kitchen with my list, we’d drive round the division and identify the work to be added to his list for immediate attention. Occasionally, he’d even get a spade out of his boot, we’d don yellow jackets and clear a drain! Ray and his colleagues covered smaller areas then: it meant less travel time, more work done by the team. Larger workbeats today may deliver cheaper contracts but seemingly, are not so effective.
There used to be a scheme called Operation Resilience. Each road with multiple problems was tackled as one project. Op Res, as it was called, should be reinstated.
New materials have been developed using recycled road planings. Is there proof that these recycled materials stand up to the demands of modern traffic? The HGV’s we see on our roads today
concerning is the continued lack of funding for the hospital we already rely on here in Winchester.
In Parliament, I will keep pressing the Government to guarantee funding for urgent improvements at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, so the incredible staff there can continue delivering the high-quality care our community deserves.
Last month, I wrote about the communities across the Meon Valley coming together to demand action from Hampshire County Council to stop people driving off road vehicles through stretches of the River Meon for fun, churning up the riverbed, damaging wildlife and degrading the ecosystem in the process.
The Meon is not just any river. It is one of the UK’s rare chalk streams, globally scarce habitats found in only a handful of places on Earth and home to unique wildlife that depends on their clean, clear waters.
Yet despite repeated calls for action, the Conservatives running Hampshire County Council have so far made excuse after excuse, claiming they lack the powers to stop it. In reality, by failing to act
are much wider and heavier than vehicles of two decades ago. Even the tractors are bigger! Rural roads were not built to take them. Roads ‘below a B road’ could be marked as ‘Not suitable for HGV’s’ to protect us all. Hampshire Highways could check every Utility Company’s work for poor quality reinstatement. They only check a few, so poor workmanship is missed, and we suffer the consequences: on the road surface and in our Council Tax as the ultimate repair cost will be borne by HCC. More money spent checking utilities’ work would result in better road surfaces from day 1.
This year has seen a massive decline in repair of other safety features too. Warning signs and directions on major junctions are twisted, broken and fallen to the ground. White lining at junctions has worn away. A ‘report it’ post to www.hants.gov.uk provides a reference number but rarely provides the comfort of a completion date. The public appeal to me for help - and sometimes it works!
Recently, a team was sent to clear a large sump; a kind of drain in Sutton Scotney. I have chased this work every month since last Summer: the team turned up in March. They sat in their van. A resident asked why they hadn’t got started. They replied that they’d discovered frog spawn and small fish and were waiting for the Environment Agency to make a call? You couldn’t make this up…. If only they’d done their job in October!
they are effectively allowing ecological vandalism to continue in one of Hampshire’s most precious natural environments.
That is why I have now taken the issue directly to Westminster. I have secured a meeting with the Minister to get to the bottom of this and push for action. I will be asking the Government to work with the County Council to ensure a Traffic Regulation Order is finally put in place to stop vehicles entering the river and protect the Meon from further damage.
Surrounding our precious rivers, we have beautiful countryside we need to protect too. I had great fun at the National Trust Hinton Ampner Estate helping to plant trees. Winchester Rotary members have been working on these tree planting campaigns for a long time and they're on track to help the estate reach its target of creating a woodland of 100,000 trees by 2030!
If there is anything I can help you with, please get in touch at: danny.chambers.mp@ parliament.uk
Holy Week & Easter Services
St Swithun’s students celebrate record-breaking Oxbridge offers
St Swithun’s School in Winchester is delighted to announce that, for a record breaking fifth year in a row, over 10% of UCAS applicants from the current upper sixth and class of 2025 have received Oxbridge offers.
A total of 16% of students at the all-girls school have received offers to study at either Cambridge or Oxford. Overall, just under a third of students (32%) who applied to Oxbridge received an offer.
St Swithun’s students have received offers for an impressively wide range of courses including Biochemistry, English Language
& Literature, German, History, History of Art, Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS), Law, Linguistics, Natural Sciences and Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE).
Alongside the successful Oxbridge applications, U6 students have received offers to pursue pathways as diverse as their interests. Some of the highlights so far include offers to study Linguistics at the University of Chicago, Management at the University of Toronto, Art History at the University of St Andrews, Fashion at Institut de la Mode in Paris, and Biomedical
Engineering at Imperial College in London. Jane Gandee, headmistress at St Swithun’s School said, “We would like to offer our congratulations to everyone involved. This is a testament to the hard work of our students and to the support they receive from the sixthform team here at St Swithun’s both in their applications and with interview preparation.”
Nick Fyfe, head of sixth form, added, “We are immensely proud of all of our students and will continue to support them whatever path they chose to tread, whether it is heading to some of the most prestigious universities here in the UK or heading overseas to explore new challenges.”
St Swithun’s School, Winchester, SO21 1HA T: 01962 835750 www.stswithuns.com
Saturday 20 June, 9am
St Swithun’s is a world-class day and boarding independent school for girls aged 11-18
Saturday 16 May, 9am-12pm
To book your place please visit: stswithuns.com/visit-us
For Year 7 2027 entry
Top tips for parents and a fun-packed taster programme for the current year 5 girls
To book your place please scan here:
“We are thrilled with our choice of school. Our children are so happy to go to school everyday.”
Parent Survey 2025
Open Day Friday 8 May 2025 10am
Find out more
Prince’s Mead is an independent co-educational school and nursery for children aged 2-11 years princesmeadschool.org.uk 01962 888000 Worthy Park House, Winchester
MR MAC - APRIL NEWS
Now you no longer have to subject your children to have a Microsoft laptop as Apple have just released their MacBook Neo for £599. Why would you choose a Windows laptop when you can have one operating in the Apple ecosystem, one of the safest environments there is. If they already have an iPhone everything will be synchronised. Switch on the Find My app and see where their devices are at any time, a prerequisite for any new tech! Please call me if you need any help setting up any new device.
It is not just a new MacBook that Apple have released; the latest iPhone, the 17e costing £599, £200 less than the standard model and is available now. For most users it has everything you would expect from an iPhone. For more details go to your local Apple stare in Basingstoke or Southampton, or John Lewis in Southampton.
Apple celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and this book “Apple: The First 50 Years” by David Pogue is an excellent chronicle with a lot of interesting archive photos. Available from Amazon and all good booksellers. David Pogue is a news anchor for CBS news in the USA. If you search for him on YouTube you will see an interesting interview with Apple’s CEO Tim Cook.
Andy – Mr Mac - Tel: 07392 552 592
Helping you make the most of your Macs, Windows laptops and PCs. Wi-Fi, printer and email trouble shooting. 07392 552 592
Five financial resolutions for 2026
The new year is a great time to review the health of your finances and your short, medium and long-term financial goals. The changes you make today could have a big impact on your finances in 2026 and beyond.
1. Assess your spending and saving habits
Sticking to a budget can help you avoid spending on things you don’t need. You might even find you have more money to pay off expensive debts or put towards your savings goal.
It’s generally recommended to have six months’ worth of essential expenditure in an easy-access savings account. If you already have a rainy-day fund, you might want to consider investing in the stock market. Although the stock market can be volatile, history shows it tends to perform better than cash over long periods.
2. Check your pension is on track
Understanding how much money you’ve saved up in pensions will help you work out whether you’re on track to achieve your retirement ambitions.
If there’s a shortfall, you might want to top up your pension. Pensions are a tax-efficient way to save because of the tax relief you receive on personal pension contributions.
3. Make the most of your tax allowances
Currently, you can invest up to £20,000 into ISAs each year to benefit from tax-efficient income and growth. As you can make tax-free withdrawals from ISAs at any time, they’re a useful investment vehicle for pre-retirement goals and as a tax-efficient source of income in retirement.
Other allowances include the capital gains tax exemption and the dividend allowance, which are £3,000 and £500, respectively, for the 2025/26 tax year.
4. Review your protection
Even if you already have protection, the new year’s a good time to check it still reflects your circumstances. If the level of cover is too low, your loved ones could be at risk of financial hardship should the worst happen to you.
5. Get some financial advice
Understanding where to invest, how much to save for retirement and how to secure your family’s financial future can be difficult on your own. This new year, why not ask one of our advisers to review your finances and check everything is as it should be?
We live and work local to you. We would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.
The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. You should always check the tax implications with an accountant or tax specialist. Forecasts are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy.
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WARNER AND RICHARDSON LLP ARE INDEPENDENT SOLICITORS LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC CITY OF WINCHESTER.
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On Your High Street
Enticing and eclectic items now available on your high street this Spring Stay local and support your diverse retailers!
D.Barker & Son
‘Silver and Gold bangle by Ti Sento - £279 40A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
The Naked Grape Rosaluna Mezcal - £45.99 each
Extraordinary finesse and clarity
“ All-natural, certified gluten-free, handmade agave spirit” The Old Exchange, Station Rd, Alresford, SO24 9JG Tel: 01962 732002 | www.thenakedgrape.co.uk
Delilah Boutique
Quilted Spring Jacket - £139.99
34 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU
Tel: 01962 738470 | www.delilahboutique.co.uk
D.Barker & Son
Silver Bee pendant by Kit Heath - £170 40A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
Simply tell us your budget and we will tailor your Makeover Options to work for you
WE CAN:
• Change all your drawers, doors, panels and plinths
• Provide and fit new worktops
• Make Amendments to existing cabinetry
• Chane built in ovens to eye level ovens
• Change stand alone appliances to integrated appliances
• All doors made to order to any size
Our head fitters are ex-shipwright joiners so you are guaranteed excellent quality installation and we only use good quality UK
Creamy Crab Linguine
INGREDIENTS
Serves 2
• 200g linguine
• 150g dressed crab
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 100ml double cream
• Zest & juice of ½ lemon
• A handful of fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or pea shoots)
• Parmesan shavings to serve
• Salt & cracked black pepper
METHOD
• Cook the linguine in salted water until al dente.
• In a pan, gently sauté the garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
• Stir in the crab, lemon zest, and cream. Heat gently - do not boil.
• Add the drained pasta with a splash of the cooking water, tossing until coated.
• Finish with lemon juice, herbs, and generous Parmesan shavings.
• Plate up and garnish with extra herbs for that spring-fresh touch.
ALRESFORD ROTARY - PEOPLE OF ACTION – WORKING WITH AND FOR THE COMMUNITY
Despite the weather being dull and misty a good number of local residents gathered at Arlebury Park on March 7th to contribute to New Alresford Town Council’s annual litter picking morning. This year it included Alresford Rotarians
Jon McKenzie and Richard Barnes and some 20 students, staff and parents from Perins School including Muriel Sautier (Perins Year 11 head) and by the end of the morning most of Alresford’s streets and public places were litter free and the participants were rewarded by hot drinks kindly provided by the Town Council.
Alresford Rotary’s contribution continued early the next day when it carried out what has now become an annual “spruce up” of Broad Street. It is amazing how much mud and decaying vegetation accumulates alongside the kerbs and in the parking spaces, concealing may of the drain covers!. Alresford Rotary is grateful to New Alresford Town Council for providing a large “grab bag” for the rubbish.
The dry summer and wet winter have proved to be wonderful growing conditions for the daffodil and crocus displays on The Avenue and elsewhere this Spring. Many of those have been planted by Alresford Rotary over the years. In particular you may have noticed the deep purple crocuses on the South side of The Avenue and outside the Flowerpots Inn in Cheriton, planted as a symbol of the continuing “End Polio Now” campaign. Alresford Rotary will plant another 4000 purple crocus corms this Autumn. Please let us know if you have a suggestion for an appropriate location – either in New Alresford or in any of the local villages.
Alresford Rotary’s next major event is the annual 10K road race on 21st June. Although it is normally part of the Hampshire Road Race League, local participation is very much encouraged. If you’d like to take part have a look at Alresford Rotary’s website for further information and don’t delay –capacity is limited to 500 entrants. If not a runner can you spare a couple of hours or so that Sunday morning to help us marshall the event?
Interested in Rotary?
If you are interested in being involved with Alresford Rotary on an occasional or regular basis we’d love to hear from you! Help us to become a younger and more diverse group of “people of action”! If you’re a local business that would like to be involved with your local community ask us about “Rotary corporate membership”. It’s a new way for Rotary clubs to engage with local businesses and organizations, and for businesses to participate in Rotary activities for the benefit of the local community!
There is a particular kind of tiredness that doesn’t come from a bad night’s sleep. It’s the sort that builds slowly from juggling work, family routines, friendships, community commitments and everything else that makes up a full, meaningful life. It’s no wonder that our homes sometimes end up reflecting that fullness.
You see it in the unopened post on the sideboard, in wardrobes that don’t quite close properly, in the drawer that’s become a holding place for things you’ll “deal with later”. None of it is dramatic. Just the quiet accumulation of everyday life.
Claire and Sissi, the founders of Declutter Duo, know this pattern well. After more than a decade of friendship, sharing busy households, careers, celebrations and everyday rhythms of family life, began to notice how often capable, thoughtful people felt stuck when it came to their homes.
Not because they didn’t care. Quite the opposite.
For many, clutter isn’t about effort. It’s about mental overload. It’s about decision fatigue at the end of a long day and further on in later life. It’s about keeping track of everything and finding there’s very little energy left for sorting the garage at the weekend.
Modern life asks a lot of us. Our homes quietly absorb what we don’t have time to process. What Claire and Sissi have learned through their work is that most people don’t need dramatic clear-outs or rigid systems. They want to reclaim their space. They need time to make decisions without pressure. They need a steady presence alongside them while they work through what stays, what goes, and what simply needs a better home.
Their approach is calm and practical. They don’t sweep in with big declarations or impose rules. Instead, they sit with the reality of each space. They listen. They help untangle the practical from the sentimental. They support thoughtful decision-making, one manageable step at a time.
Having two of them there creates a gentle rhythm. While one is reorganising a cupboard, the other might be talking through a box of keepsakes. There’s momentum, but no rush. It feels purposeful, but not overwhelming.
What often shifts isn’t just the space itself. It’s the feeling within it. Cupboards that open easily. Surfaces that feel lighter. Rooms that can be used as they were intended. And with that, a sense of clarity that extends beyond the physical.
Homes don’t become cluttered overnight, and they rarely need to be transformed overnight either. Sometimes, they just need attention, patience and a bit of shared effort. Life will probably always be full. That isn’t something to fix. But it is possible for our homes to feel calmer within it and that can make all the difference.
www.declutterduo.co.uk
Tel: 07977 167302 or 07769 228059
admin@declutterduo.co.uk
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We did it! Triumph for nature as National Park hits tree-planting target
The South Downs National Park has smashed its target of planting 100,000 trees by the middle of this decade.
The popular Trees for the Downs initiative has now set its sights on planting at least one million more.
The huge tree planting drive includes a muchneeded resurgence of the iconic elm tree, a lost beacon of the British countryside due to elm disease. A total of 3,500 disease-resistant elms will be in the ground by the end of this winter, providing havens for threatened species such as the White Letter Hairstreak butterfly.
The Trees for the Downs campaign launched at the end of 2019 and has far exceeded all expectations, raising over £400,000 from donors and members of the public to kickstart nature restoration across the South East region. This winter alone, over 40,000 new trees are
going into the ground, bringing the total to 117,700 trees across 150 sites in Sussex and Hampshire.
The tree planting is a mixture of woodland, civic and community planting, hedging and orchards – all providing a range of oxygenating, carbon-storing trees to provide homes for birds, mammals and insects. But the South Downs Trust’s campaign is just getting started. A target has been set to plant 1m more trees between
now and 2035, focusing on identifying suitable sites for tree planting, including new woodland and hedges.
The potential for planting trees in the region is huge. A major study three years ago covered just over 439,000 hectares – all of Sussex plus Hampshire’s portion of the National Park –and found almost 23,000 hectares is highly suitable for creating new woods – around five per cent of the land area. The potential new area of woodland – twice the size of Manchester – could store up to 37,667,500 tonnes of CO 2 after 100 years.
None of the tree planting would have been possible without significant support from businesses and the public.
Among the donors are:
Aspinal of London, The Boltini Trust, Boomtown Festival, Chalk Cliff Trust, Friends of the South Downs, Higgidy, Jude’s, London to Brighton EV Rally, Nyetimber, OSB Group, South East Water, Sykes Cottages, Southern Co-op, University of Sussex, Willmott Dixon, together with founding patrons of the charity and hundreds of members of the public.
Nick Heasman, of the South Downs National Park Authority, a forester and ecologist, helping to lead the campaign, said:
“When we launched Trees for the Downs six years ago, we were never quite sure how big it would become. The reaction has been nothing short of extraordinary and I think it underlines people’s affection for trees. In a tough and uncertain world, trees really are a symbol of hope and restoration and that’s exactly the impact they are having in the South Downs National Park.
“It’s a big moment for us to have reached our target as we celebrate the National Park’s 15th birthday.
“Trees provide clean air for us to breathe, enrich our soils, provide vital habitats for wildlife and are amazing at capturing carbon carbon. Trees such as ash and elm have been facing unprecedented threats from diseases, but we’re slowly fighting back. It’s wonderful to see elms back in the landscape for future generations.”
And Nick added: “Planting a variety of native species, in the right place, continues to be our focus and will be crucial to tackling biodiversity loss and a changing climate. It’s a real mixture of treescape we’re creating, including many new hedgerows which are real powerhouses for nature recovery. Tree planting is a key part of the National Park’s ReNature campaign to create much-needed and diverse wildlife habitats across this region, including woodlands, wetlands, grasslands and wildflower meadows.”
Vanessa Rowlands, Chair of the National Park Authority, which has been working with the Trust to deliver the tree planting, said:
“This is the most fantastic, inspiring news and shows what National Parks can achieve when we all pull together for nature and climate.
“I’d like to thank each and every organisation and individual who has contributed to this wonderful effort. Your support will make a huge difference for decades to come, creating a lasting legacy for the natural environment that everyone can be really proud of.”
South Downs National Park Trust www.southdownstrust.org.uk
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New Alresford Town Council
New Zip Wire Arlebury Park
We’re delighted to share some positive news for park users…the brand new zip wire at Arlebury Park has now been fully installed!
At the same time, the new fencing around the whole playground has been completed. It will help ensure the park remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.
Following installation, the area around the zip wire may be temporarily fenced off to allow the ground and newly repaired grass to settle and establish. Allowing the surface time to recover helps ensure the area is safe, stable and able to cope with the level of use expected once it opens.
Importantly, the rest of the park is fully open as normal, and visitors are very welcome to continue enjoying all other areas and facilities.
We know many people are looking forward to trying the new zip wire, and we really appreciate everyone’s patience while this final stage is completed. Taking a little extra time now will help make sure the area is in the best possible condition for the long term.
We’re very excited about this fantastic new addition to Arlebury Park and look forward to seeing it enjoyed by the community once it opens.
Community Litter Pick Success
The annual community litter pick held on Saturday 7 March was a great success, with around 60 people joining throughout the
morning at Arlebury Park to help tidy up the town ahead of the spring season.
Volunteers of all ages took part, collecting bags, litter pickers and gloves before heading out in groups across New Alresford. Teams cleared litter from streets, parks, footpaths and green spaces, helping to make a real difference to the appearance of the town.
There was a fantastic sense of community spirit throughout the morning, with families, friends and neighbours working together to care for the local environment. The event showed how much pride residents take in keeping New Alresford clean, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. A big thank you goes to everyone who gave up their time to take part. It was a great effort all round and a wonderful example of the community coming together to look after the town.
Council Notice Board Update –West Street
New Alresford Town Council would like to advise residents that the Council notice board in West Street has now been repaired and refurbished and is back in place.
Residents can also continue to access council information on the Council notice board at Arlebury Park and on our website: www. newalresford-tc.gov.uk.
In addition, there is a general community notice board at Arlebury Recreation Centre
which residents are welcome to use for local notices and information.
Thank you to everyone for your patience while the West Street notice board has been improved. We hope you enjoy the refreshed look and find it a useful source of information for the community.
April Calendar
Please see this months Calendar of events & meetings. You are very welcome to attend all meetings with an opportunity at the start of the meeting to share any thoughts or ideas. Meetings are held in the ground floor meeting room at Alresford Recreation Centre.
Please don’t hesitate to contact our Town Clerk Richard Doughty: townclerk@newalresford-tc.gov.uk
Planning Committee Meeting Tuesday 14 April from 7pm to 9pm
Property Community Committee Meeting Tuesday 21 April from 7pm to 9pm
New Alresford Town Council Recreation Centre, The Avenue, New Alresford, SO24 9EP www.newalresford-tc.gov.uk
Phone: 01962 732079
Egg-Cellent
“It’s at Easter that I most miss the children. They’ll always be our children, but they’re not our children anymore.”
“Sorry darling? Whose children are they?” Himself was wearing the puzzled and slightly cautious look he adopted on these occasions. She was prone to making statements that confused him, but he’d largely stopped pointing this out; she’d advised that with her fluctuating oestrogen levels, it would be wiser if he didn’t.
“I mean, Easter isn’t Easter without an exciting Easter Egg Hunt!” she went on.
‘Exciting’ was one word you could use. There was an adrenaline rush for sure: what with all that feral elbowing, shoving and-the-like. ‘Emotional’ was another; tears when someone ended up with fewer eggs. ‘Bloodbath’ was a word that came to Himself’s mind too; the year of the nosebleeds returned with particular clarity, a result of all that feral elbowing, shoving and-the-like.
“Yeesss, I suppose.” He agreed half-heartedly, quashing visions of wailing, blood-soaked offspring.
“And something so poignant about finding an Easter egg, in a tree, months later,” she enthused.
Himself couldn’t disagree, but not as poignant as finding her missing Christmas present, in his glove box, months later. He couldn’t for the life of him remember what was in the snowman gift-wrapped box. When he’d tried to give it to her in March, she’d told him to keep it ‘till her birthday. It’d be a lovely surprise for them both.
“And Easter Sunday’s anticipation of those eggs in brightly coloured foil,” she reminisced.
Removing his (lately well-worn) grumpy old man hat, Himself bit his lip; he elected not to mention that there was a lot of packaging involved and it was an expensive way of buying chocolate.
Looking back ‘though, he’d consumed his fair share: over-packaged and expensive though it was. All feral elbowing, shoving and-the-like concluded, they’d sit on the sofa, unable to resist the pieces of strangely alluring, foil-covered, curved chocolate. One of the brood would comment on their ‘egg-ceedingly’ tasty over-packaged and expensive egg. Another would fabricate a reference to ‘egg-centricity’, or maybe ‘eggs-acerbating’. Everyone would groan, but it had to be done. The year that ‘eggs-istential’ made an appearance was a proud moment. King of Kings, The Robe, or maybe Quo Vadis would be on the TV. Occasionally, all three in their technicolour cinemascope glory. And some years, absolutely no-one would feel sick. Happy days.
To be honest, though, Himself preferred his eggs boiled, poached, fried, scrambled. Baked in cheese sauce, chopped up in kedgeree, in a slice of gala pie or wrapped in sausage meat and deep fried.
And his favourite eggs were a special treat. She brought them home from work periodically with a cry of, “Got some of Charlie’s eggs for you!”
Visions of Charlie scratching about the vegetable borders, keeping the slugs at bay and enjoying dust baths in the sun, brought a fond smile to Himself’s face. Free range, nutritious, made from a diet of organic fresh greens and bugs from the garden, they were the best.
Yolks as golden as the sovereigns he hoped to find whilst metal detecting one day. Whites as blinding as the snows seen from the Northern Lights Train he hoped to take her on one day. One day..
Easter Sunday came and was spent at one of the children’s houses. It transpired that they did still have children, in spite of his earlier confusion. And now grandchildren. The Easter Egg Hunt baton had been passed to the next generation and the adrenaline-fuelled shoving and elbowing, and the tears, were reassuringly familiar. No bloodshed though, which was nice. And another rare year where no-one felt sick, which was even nicer.
When they returned home to a (largely) chocolate-less house, she disappeared into the kitchen to cook some supper.
“They’re Charlie’s eggs,” she said as she placed a plate of bacon and mushroom omelette in front of Himself. “We haven’t had any for a while – but now the days are longer and Spring has really sprung, egg production seems to have stepped up a bit.”
“Mmn, delicious,” Himself made appreciative noises as a forkful of egg and bacon disappeared. “Good old Charlie – I’m glad she’s laying again. I’ve missed her. She must be a happy chicken to produce so many..”
“Oh, Charlie’s not a chicken. Charlie’s a man. He’s got a smallholding and sells the eggs in the canteen at work.”
Himself’s mental image of Charlie the chicken, clucking contentedly in her nest of sweet-smelling hay, laying a clutch of big, brown-shelled eggs, evaporated.
To be replaced by fleeting visions of a chap wearing green wellies (probably) and a Barbour jacket (likely), scratching about amongst the cabbages and pecking at the greenfly. Strangely disturbing, like a Stephen King short story, they were quickly dismissed.
With a slight shake of his head, Himself returned his attention to his delightful omelette. “Well, all credit to whoever lays them – and I don’t much care who - Charlie or his chickens. They’re egg-cellent...”
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Winchester City Councillors' Report April
Central Winchester Regeneration
City Councillors have been given a useful briefing on progress of the Central Winchester Regeneration. Considerable work on moving this difficult and very complex project forward has been going on. There were public consultations and exhibitions in the Guildhall and at the Nutshell Theatre which were very well attended. The information panels of plans and architects perspectives are now on the website: www.winchesterregeneration.co.uk/ Please look at the plans and ideas contained within them and leave your comments.
The City Council’s vision for Central Winchester Regeneration (CWR), is for a mixed-use, sustainable, pedestrian-friendly quarter that reflects the distinctive character of the city centre, set within a network of attractive open spaces. Working with our development partner, Jigsaw – Partnerships and Places, the council is proposing to deliver a wider choice of shops, an hotel, restaurants, cafés, and office and creative spaces across the centre of Winchester alongside new homes, community, and cultural spaces. The regeneration site includes Kings Walk, Friarsgate and the bus station. The rebuilding in this area of Winchester would increase footfall in the city centre as a whole and attract shoppers and help to re-vitalise the district. One of the old culverted streams is to be opened to daylight once more and will run alongside newly created Abbey Mill Lane
New housing within the city centre will help to meet demand for homes across the district. The development will include homes designed
to encourage young people and graduates of our universities and colleges to stay in the city, adding to our economy and – in particular – driving innovation and entrepreneurial businesses.
The planning and design are part of the story, but the mention must be made of the successful work undertaken to attract the £120 million investment to actually carry out the construction. All this in a time of distinctly pessimistic economics.
Selection criteria for extending wild verges
Some parishes, and residents have asked if they could be part of the wild verges program. We are looking to extent this next year. If you are aware of any particular verges that could possibly be included in the project (close to existing wildflower verges for ease of transporting the cut and collect machine, large enough to be viable, no highways safety concerns and good potential seedbank etc.) we are happy to take a look at them for inclusion.
Budget Agreement
The Winchester budget is now agreed. Two amendments were tabled during the debate. One proposed to spend £130,000 of reserves on a river catchment partnership officer. This proposal lacked clear outcomes and ignored the difficulties of recruiting in this field, furthermore it would duplicate work already being done by other organisations; we were unable to support this. The other amendment proposed spending £1 m of reserves on a one year only support for restaurants, bars and pubs. The distribution would be according to the amount of business rates paid. Hence the vast majority any such funding would go to those companies with the biggest rates bills, Nando’s and McDonalds for example rather than struggling rural pubs. There was no detail on the methodology of how this would be achieved; it did not have general support from councillors.
It is worth explaining that the development of the budget takes some months and during
scrutiny meetings (several) and the Cabinet meeting there is plenty of time for budget amendments and serious economic ideas to be incorporated. In our view a better way to proceed than to submit cobbled together ideas at the last moment that actually have unintended and indeed harmful consequences.
Improvements to Waste Recycling
HCC have confirmed that they will be building a new Materials Recovery Facility to accommodate the full suite of Simpler Recycling materials, which includes plastic pots, tubs, tray, cartons, co-mingled glass and recycling, and separated paper and card. The Project team have started working on a delivery timetable to accommodate these changes by Spring/Summer 2028 when the new MRF is expected to become operational.
Local Government Reorganisation
On 18th March the Government has said it will publish its decision on the composition of the new unitary authorities in Hampshire. The preference of Winchester City Council is to be linked in with Test Valley, and East Hants, with whom we have the most in common. Winchester has spent a huge amount of time, money and office resources pushing for a sensible solution.
Bluebird Care Partners with Sarum Road Hospital to support Hampshire residents recover from surgery
Bluebird Care has partnered with Sarum Road Hospital in Winchester to launch a ‘Postoperative Care at Home’ service, helping patients recover from surgery safely and comfortably in their own homes.
Care needs can arise at any time in life, and this is especially true following surgery. The two Winchester-based care experts have joined forces to speed up hospital discharges, support faster recoveries, and deliver tailored reablement care for patients’ daily living, mobility and physiotherapy.
This means patients can enjoy a safe, comfortable recovery at home, return to their loved ones and usual routines sooner, and achieve better outcomes with a reduced risk of readmission.
Following surgery at Sarum Road Hospital - such as hip replacements, ligament repairs, urological operations, or cosmetic procedures - Bluebird Care’s team will assist patients with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, and personal care. They also support with mobility, meal preparation, medication management, physiotherapy plans, wound monitoring and tissue viability.
Mrs H, who received the service after her knee replacement surgery, said: “Bluebird Care got me mobile, confident and well on my way to recovery. They helped me with personal care and the things I couldn’t do on my own, which removed the pressure from my family having to take time off to support me. It really did help.”
Sarum Road Hospital chose Bluebird Care as its partner due to the company’s five-star Outstanding CQC rating and its track record of award-winning home care.
Sarum Road Hospital - part of Circle Health Group - is a well-established and leading private hospital in Winchester, while Bluebird Care provides care to people in their own homes across Winchester, Alresford, Romsey, Andover, Stockbridge, Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford, Hedge End and the surrounding areas.
Norman Murphy, Managing Director of Bluebird Care, said:
“It’s an honour to work with Sarum Road Hospital to bring this vital service to the local community. Helping people recover quickly and confidently in the comfort of their own home is at the heart of what we do, and it’s a privilege to help relieve some of the post-surgical stresses experienced by patients and their families.”
Martin Page, Executive Director of Sarum Road Hospital, said:
“Working with Bluebird Care allows us to
offer our patients a truly seamless transition from hospital to home with exceptional, personalised support. Bluebird Care’s outstanding CQC rating and local expertise make them the ideal partner to help our patients recover quickly and safely at home, and we’re delighted to work with them.”
In today’s world, where conversation, culture and connection shape our daily lives, the ability to hear clearly is not a luxury it is essential. Yet many people continue to live with compromised hearing, unaware of just how transformative modern solutions have become.
As explored in our recent feature on advances in hearing care on
Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care’s website blog, innovation has redefined what is possible. Today’s intelligent digital hearing aids are remarkably sophisticated. They automatically adapt to different environments, whether enjoying a quiet dinner at home, attending a lively social gathering or watching a favourite performance. Advanced noise reduction and speech-enhancement technology significantly reduce listening effort, allowing conversations to feel natural again rather than exhausting.
Design has evolved too. Modern devices are discreet, lightweight and tailored with precision. For many, the subtlety of today’s hearing aids comes as a welcome surprise elegant solutions that fit seamlessly into daily life without drawing attention. Personalisation ensures each device is programmed around the individual, supporting not only hearing levels but lifestyle, preferences and long-term comfort.
For those considering their options, it is worth understanding the distinction between NHS and private provision. While NHS hearing aids provide invaluable support and reliable amplification, private hearing solutions often offer enhanced sound processing, improved performance in complex listening environments and a wider choice of styles. Crucially, private care also allows for extended appointments, detailed fine-tuning and ongoing reviews to ensure optimal performance over time.
Connectivity further enhances the experience. Many devices now link directly to smartphones, televisions and tablets, streaming calls and media effortlessly.
At Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care, we believe better hearing enriches every aspect of life from meaningful conversation to cultural enjoyment. With the right expertise and technology, hearing well is not simply about sound; it is about living fully, confidently and connected.
Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Centre Bay Tree House, 26 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AT Tel:
734744
Celebrating Five Years in Alresford and Growing
A milestone built on trust, expertise and innovation
Over the past five years, Saddle House Medi Spa has become a destination for advanced skin and body treatments. From skin medical-led aesthetics to body contouring with EMSCULPT NEO® and pelvic floor health and strengthening with Emsella® (and much more!), we remain committed to innovation, safety and exceptional client experience. We are proud to have built our reputation through results, professionalism and recommendation. Our calm, discreet setting is designed so that clients feel confident and cared for. Expertise you can trust
treatment
Skin
IPL
Thread Vein
Beauty and Massages
Facials
The
Dermal Fillers
Wrinkle Treatment
Profhilo
Profhilo Structura
Vitaman B12 Injections
Chemical Peels
Polynucleotides
Pain
Radiofrequency
Viscoderm
Fat Reduction and Toning
Pelvic Health & Bladder Weakness
Face and Body Packages
SADDLE HOUSE BEAUTY
New Opening Announcement
Introducing Saddle House Beauty
We are delighted to introduce Saddle House Beauty — a new destination where modern beauty meets wellbeing.
Situated next door to our Sister Saddle House Medi-Spa, Saddle House Beauty offers all of your beauty essentials and also acupuncture and wellness-focused therapies, supporting both physical balance and emotional wellbeing. Our approach brings together expert treatments and a tranquil environment designed to help you truly switch off.
Clients are invited to relax in our beautiful garden overlooking the lakes and surrounding wildlife, creating a peaceful retreat before or after treatments.
Beauty essentials, massage & skin treatments
Acupuncture & holistic wellbeing
Garden setting with lake views
Set within a private, discreet location with on-site parking, Saddle House Medi Spa offers a calm, professional environment where clients can relax and focus on their treatment journey.
Alresford Surgery News
Working together to improve Alresford Surgery
Thank you to everyone who shared their views in our recent Patient Participation Survey. Your feedback very helpful and is helping us improve how we listen and respond.
What you
told
us
• You prefer quick surveys or simple written feedback
• You’d like more regular opportunities to share your views
• You want to see how feedback leads to real change
What we’re doing
Running at least two short surveys or polls each year
Holding two patient meetings, one in person and one online meeting
Sharing clear “You Said, We Did” updates
Making feedback easier with QR codes, SMS or email invitations, and paper copies at reception
All patients registered at Alresford Surgery can take part as often or as occasionally as you like. Every response helps us improve services for our community.
To kick things off – Patient meeting We would like to relaunch our Patient Forum making it more interactive and to give our patients a voice in shaping the care and services at Alresford Surgery. Your experiences and insights are invaluable to help us ensure patient centred care. You can share ideas, ask questions and participate in discussions with staff and fellow patients.
Date and Time: 21st May at 5pm for 1 hour
Location: Surgery waiting room
Use the above QR code to let us know if you are coming to the meeting or if you would like to submit any questions or comments. Thank you for helping shape the future of Alresford Surgery.
Co-ordinators wanted!
Alresford & District Voluntary Care Group (ADVCG) is looking for a volunteer to join the Co-ordinator Team – these are the volunteers who answer the central telephone line which people ring when they need help with transport to their medical appointments; the line is diverted to the landline or mobile of the duty Co-ordinator, so it can all be done from home.
Co-ordinators carry out a week manning the telephone line on a rota basis, once every seven weeks or so. Details of requested journeys are recorded on our web-based computer system, and the Co-ordinator then allocates the journey to one of our pool of approximately seventy volunteer drivers.
Co-ordinators carry out a very important and rewarding role for ADVCG, as they are the ‘bridge’ between members of the public who need assistance, and our volunteer drivers; so if you can spare some time, please either email us at alresfordvolcare@gmail. com or contact David Cooper, Chairman, on 07766 406704
COVID- Spring Boosters
The practice will be offering the spring boosters COVID-19 from 13th April. COVID is more serious in older people and in people with certain underlying health conditions. For these reasons, people aged 75 years and over, those in care homes, and those with a weakened immune system are being offered a spring booster of COVID-19 vaccine.
You should be offered an appointment between April and June, with those at highest risk being called in first.
Stress awareness month 2026 is observed annually in April
This year’s theme, #LittleByLittle, emphasises the transformative impact of consistent, small positive actions on overall well-being. Even seemingly minor steps taken daily toward self-care and stress reduction can yield significant improvements in mental health over time.
Here are some practical suggestions to incorporate into your routine:
Connect with someone: Check in with your support network or connect with someone new. A sense of belonging and community can help reduce feelings of loneliness.
Go outside: Spending time outdoors can have a positive impact on mental well-being.
Get moving: Physical activity, even in small increments, contributes to stress reduction.
Be mindful: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present and manage stress.
Breathe deep: Deep breathing exercises can help calm the mind.
Prioritise sleep: Make small adjustments to your bedtime routine. Wind down by minimising screen time, creating a techfree bedroom environment, and jotting down thoughts to set aside for the next day.
House Analogy: Think of building mental well-being like constructing a house - one brick at a time. Each small action, such as taking deep breaths during a stressful moment or expressing gratitude daily, serves as a foundation for resilience.
Ball Analogy: Just a 1mm change in the angle direction of a rolling ball can alter its trajectory significantly. Similarly, small positive actions accumulate and create a remarkable outcome over time.
The Butterfly Effect + The Positive Ripple Effect: Lorenz’s butterfly effect theory highlights how seemingly insignificant initial changes can lead to significant consequences. Your small efforts contribute to a positive ripple effect in your life.
Remember, even the tiniest steps matter, and collectively, they build a stronger foundation for mental well-being. If you’re feeling stressed, consider checking your stress levels and explore ways to manage stress throughout the month.
For more information and resources related to Stress Awareness Month, you can visit The Stress Management Society; www. stress.org.uk
Classically trained in both Men’s and Women’s hair cutting, colouring and styling. He has worked in the creative and service industries for over 18 years.
Callum commented, “I am extremely excited to be working alongside Eliza, welcoming new clients into my chair and becoming part of the local community”.
Book an appointment through Fresha by searching “Callum Does Hair” or contacting Callum directly on 07709 715713
Grace Mann Osteopathy
Spring Skin Starts Here
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your skin and restore your glow
At Face and Skin Clinic Wickham, we specialise in advanced skin treatments and natural aesthetic results, all tailored to you. From rejuvenating facials to results-driven skin plans, we help you feel confident in your skin—whatever your age.
Hydrafacial
Skin Tag Removal
Wrinkle Treatment
Profhilo
Polynucleotides
The Perfect Peel
IPL Treatments
Thread Vein Removal
Medical Grade Facials
Laser Hair Removal
Dermal Fillers
Profhilo Structura
Viscoderm Hydrabooster
Regenerative Medicine
Medical Microneedling
Purasomes (Exosomes)
Face and Body Packages
Aqualyx
Chemical Peels
Fat Reduction and Toning
Pelvic Health & Bladder Weakness
Professional Mole Checking & Skin Monitoring
Expert assessment. Clear answers. Peace of mind.
Monitoring changes in your skin is an important part of long-term health.
We are pleased to offer Map My Mole, an affordable and advanced mole assessment and skin lesion checking service that combines high-resolution imaging with expert review by a Consultant Dermatologist.
This service provides clarity and reassurance, helping to identify which moles are harmless and which may require further investigation — without unnecessary worry.
Affordable Medical-grade imaging and assessment
Specialist dermatology review by Consultant Dermatologists
Clear, easy-to-understand reports
Early identification of concerning changes
Professional reassurance when no action is needed
Scan to find out more
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Yes, You SHOULD Feel Good (About Your Vagina)
Those of us who have issues down there know the impact our vagina can have on our quality of life. But we should ALL feel good about our vaginas.
Ultra Femme 360 is the painless radio frequency treatment that promotes the body’s own natural collagen production to restore and tighten the vaginal area.
From puberty, childbirth, menopause, and all the fun stuff in between, our vaginas go through a lot, and we rarely give them the care they need. Our vaginal area is just as prone to damage and ageing as the rest of our body. Distressing problems with vaginal laxity, stress incontinence or reduced tissue quality are all experienced by most women at some point in their life.
The Ultra Femme 360 treatment provides total vaginal rejuvenation in one quick and painless treatment that lasts just eight minutes*.
What is Ultra Femme 360?
Ultra Femme 360 is a non-surgical solution for restoring the internal and external vaginal area. As the applicator is guided in and around the vagina, the radio frequency activates our own body’s natural collagen and elastin production, which tightens the vaginal canal and surrounding skin. The low levels of heat from the treatment also encourages blood flow to the area, further boosting the effects.
Feel good…
Who can benefit from Ultra Femme 360?
This is a safe and gentle treatment that is suitable for most women. If you have experienced vaginal changes since childbirth or menopause or have functional issues including stress incontinence or reduced sexual enjoyment, Ultra Femme 360 can tighten, restore, and rejuvenate your vagina for increased confidence and personal wellbeing.
Does the treatment hurt?
We understand that this kind of treatment can feel daunting. However, we aim to make you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the treatment, which is entirely painless and lasts only 8 minutes. There is no downtime, and you can return to your normal daily activities immediately afterwards. *Recommended one treatment per week for three weeks for the best results.
We are one of the first clinics in the country to offer this treatment and look forward to welcoming you at The Face & Skin Clinic.
CELEBRATION OF SPRING CONCERTHAMPSHIRE MEDICAL FUND
Local charity Hampshire Medical Fund invites you to Celebration of Spring at the beautiful Hospital of St Cross, Winchester on Wednesday 29th April 2026. Set in one of Winchester’s most historic and atmospheric venues, this uplifting evening, organised in association with Savills, starts with a drinks and canapés reception followed by an inspiring programme of live music.
The evening features the dynamic Oscar Ellis Quartet, a group of outstanding young musicians from two of London’s leading conservatoires. Inspired by jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane, their performances promises a combination of classic jazz moments with skilled improvised solos. Also performing are Cantores Episcopi, Winchester College’s acclaimed close-harmony group, known for their polished a cappella performances, as well as Farleigh School’s talented Senior Jazz Bands, 5 ft 6 and Sub Zero, whose lively repertoire ranges from traditional jazz to favourites from the Great American Songbook.
Tickets include drinks and canapés with proceeds supporting the Hampshire Medical Fund’s work funding cutting-edge medical equipment for local NHS hospitals. Tickets available at www.hampshiremedicalfund.org
DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF HEALING PLANTS AT HAMPSHIRE GARDENS TRUST STUDY DAY
Gardeners have long understood that plants are not only beautiful but also powerful. For thousands of years, people have turned to plants for medicine, guided by observation, tradition and belief. This fascinating relationship between people and plants is the focus of this year’s Hampshire Gardens Trust Study Day.
Taking place on Thursday 16 April at St Peter’s Church in Ropley near Alresford, the event will explore the theme “Beliefs, Values and Knowledge: The Role of Plants in Medicine.”
During the day, three speakers will examine how the medieval world understood the medicinal properties of plants, how some of this knowledge was later lost, and how modern science has rediscovered and is continuing the explore the importance of plant chemistry in medicine.
Study days bring together historians, gardeners, researchers and anyone with an interest in plants and landscapes. They offer a chance to hear expert speakers, learn about new research and exchange ideas with fellow enthusiasts. The day runs from late morning until mid-afternoon and includes refreshments on arrival and lunch, making it an enjoyable and informative outing for anyone interested in gardens, history or horticulture. For keen gardeners, it’s also a reminder that the plants we grow today often have stories stretching back centuries. Many familiar herbs and flowers were once valued not just for their beauty but for their
• equestrian maintenance • Ploughing
• field cultivation • Hedge cutting • Forestry
• spraying specialist • fencing • topping
• wood thining • Tree Felling & branch lopping
Load of logs - £80 per truck load
Tel: 01962 735452 / Mob: 07880 527049
healing properties. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply curious about the deeper history of plants, the Hampshire Gardens Trust Study Day promises to offer fresh insights into the remarkable relationship between people and the natural world.
Hampshire Gardens Trust works across the county to promote understanding, conservation and enjoyment of historic parks, gardens and designed landscapes. Through research, education programmes and events, the Trust helps highlight the importance of these special places and the role they play in our heritage and environment.
Secure your ticket at hgt.org.uk/event/study-day-2026/
WINCHESTER GARDEN MACHINERY
For over 50 years WGM Ltd has been supplying and servicing garden and commercial machinery across Hampshire and surrounding counties with some of the best known names in the industry. Over those years there have been many changes, more choices, and improvement on product year on year.
One major change across all products has been the introduction of battery power replacing petrol engines. Battery power is nothing new to the industry, there has always been some battery powered products but they have been limited and previously relied on large, heavy acid batteries taking a day to recharge. The game changer has been the introduction of Lithium–Ion technology. Lighter, smaller, offering more power and faster charge times. In most cases there is now a battery powered alternative to a traditional petrol engine. The advantages to battery product apart from the obvious is less vibration, less noise, no fumes or engine maintenance. In most cases the batteries can be used in products of the same brand, reducing overall cost.
One product line that stands out more than any other is the introduction of the robotic lawn mower. WGM fitted our first robotic mower back in the early 2000s. It was heavy and had to be taken to the lawn and retrieved once the battery had discharged.
Today, robotic mowers require very little human interaction once set up. Totally automated, with settings like start
WINCHESTER GARDEN MACHINERY
EVERYTHING
on your phone via the manufacturers app. It is as simple as that.
Over the last three years the technology has advanced even more. With the introduction of RTK (Real-Time Kinematic), there is no longer a requirement for perimeter wire as there was in the past. You simply map the garden perimeter using the robotic mowers app, save it, and you mower will cut that recorded area over and over, leaving a perfect finish every time. Other innovations include camera and AI collision avoidance, plus Lidar, which is a radar system not requiring any 4G or satellite requirements. Lawn sizes can be from a small town garden up to 5 or six acres depending on brand.
Winchester Garden Machinery is now in its 55th year and alongisde this new technology, there is still a place for the traditional petrol powered products
grass patterns are to set up
Spring into Action: Gardening Tips for April
April is one of the most exciting months in the gardening calendar. The soil is warming, days are longer and the garden is bursting back into life. It’s a perfect time to get outside and make the most of the growing season ahead.
1. Start sowing vegetables
April is ideal for sowing hardy vegetables directly outdoors. Carrots, beetroot, lettuce, radishes and spring onions can all be planted now. If you have space indoors or in a greenhouse, you can also start courgettes, pumpkins and runner beans ready for planting out later in the spring.
2. Plant summer-flowering bulbs
If you want colour later in the year, plant summer bulbs such as lilies, gladioli and begonias this month. Plant them in well-drained soil and sunny positions so they have time to establish before flowering.
3. Tidy borders and mulch
Early spring growth means weeds will begin appearing quickly. Remove them
before they take hold and add a layer of mulch such as compost or well-rotted manure to borders. Mulching helps suppress weeds and keeps valuable moisture in the soil as temperatures rise.
4. Care for your lawn
After a long winter, lawns often need attention. Rake out moss and dead grass, aerate compacted areas and apply a spring lawn feed if needed. Regular mowing can begin again as growth picks up.
5. Support wildlife
Gardens play an important role in supporting wildlife. Planting nectar-rich flowers, leaving a small patch of grass to grow longer, or adding a simple water source can help bees, butterflies and birds thrive.
April is a time to enjoy the garden coming back to life. Whether you are planting vegetables, planning flower borders or spending more time outdoors,
the rewards of gardening really begin to show this month. If you are interested in learning more, become a member of Hampshire Gardens Trust at hgt.org.uk to attend garden lecture days, open gardens and outdoor performances throughout the summer months.
Object of the Month: While the Allen Gallery is closed for refurbishment, the Curtis Museum will showcase each month a highlight from the ceramics collection in the Hampshire Cultural Trust stores. This month’s object - Remember the Natwest Piggies? Drop in to see our set of all five ceramic Natwest piggy-banks, along with some of the advertising from the day. While you’re here, have a go at drawing and designing your own piggy-bank.
Stepping Stones - Young People’s pottery sessions, (ages 10 -16).
Saturdays 11 April, 25 April, 02 May, 16 May, 23 May.
The Curtis Museum will be hosting free clay workshops for young people. Delivered thanks to support from the Museums Association Wellbeing Fund, these sessions aim to support young people’s wellbeing with creative and engaging art and heritage projects led by an experienced tutor. More details and pre-booking (essential) via the Museum website.
Detective Bunny’s Easter Egg Hunt.
Join Detective Bunny on a code breaking adventure and win a chocolate prize! From 28 March - 12 April, 10am - 4pm, £2 per Trail. Can you find the hidden eggs? Find the eggs scattered around the Museum, discover some Easter facts and crack the code to receive a special Easter prize!
Thursday Craft Club (drop-in) and Tuesday clay workshops
Please pre-book via the website. Look out for family films and other fun activities throughout the school holidays!
April Talk
Mike Dawes on The Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Thursday 9th April.
This talk, courtesy of the Friends of the Museum, will be held in Room 7 of the Alton Community Centre, Amery Street, Alton GU34 1HN. Doors open 7pm for 7.30. FREE, donations welcomed.
Opening Times
Tuesday to Saturday from 10am - 4.30pm
Curtis Museum Assembly Rooms, 1a High Street, Alton, GU34 1BA
Visit the Easter Bunny and the special Easter Bunny Trains! The Easter Bunny will be visiting The Watercress Line this Easter. Enjoy travelling on our heritage trains with themed sing-along songs and jokes.
Bring your own furry friends along for a photo with the Easter Bunny, and get a little memento of your day. Activities will be taking place from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
What’s Going On?
• Meet the Easter Bunny at Ropley Station for photos and a free chocolate egg for children
• Hop onboard our trains for some Easter themed sing-along songs and jokes with the Easter Bunny helpers
• Children can enjoy our free activity sheet and Easter spotter trail
• Make your own Easter Ears activity and Easter colouring
• Enjoy Easter themed activities at Ropley & Alton stations
• Strike a pose with our Easter themed selfie spots
• Enjoy unlimited travel on our steam and heritage diesel trains
• Children can let off steam at our locomotive playground at Ropley station
• View the locomotives from above and see restoration being carried out from the Loco Shed Viewing Gallery
• Hot and cold drinks and food available at Alresford, Ropley & Alton stations
• Browse Alresford Shop for gifts and mementos of your day (10am – 4pm). Ropley shop open on selected days (volunteer dependent)
Please note on the 3 & 4 April there will be two steam trains running through the day. On the 2, 5 & 6 April there will be one steam train running and the Class 150 Sprinter Unit.
For tickets and information visit: www.water cressline.co.uk/special-days/easter-bunny-train/
THE BIG FAMILY SLEEPOVER
From 10 - 11 April (6 - 8.30pm)
An unforgettable overnight adventure at Winchester Science Centre. Is your family ready to explore science in a completely different way?
The Big Family Sleepover is a truly unique overnight experience, combining exciting, facilitated activities with free exploration across the Science Centre. With hands-on exhibits to spectacular live shows, this is a night packed with discovery, adventure and out-of-this-world fun!
Get hands-on. Stay up late. Sleep among the exhibits. Spend the evening exploring two floors of interactive exhibits. Play the huge 10-metrelong guitar. Learn some British Sign Language. Delve into the mysteries of space flight.
As night falls, the adventure continues. Enjoy a thrilling demonstration in science live, take part in a guided walk-through of our immersive Lunar Experience, and sit back for an incredible Planetarium show where you’ll fly through the stars on an unforgettable space journey.
After an action-packed evening, it’s time to get cosy. Snooze somewhere spectacular. Set up camp next to the out-of-this-world sonic rocket or get cosy beside the giant guitar. Drift off amongst the crash-landed spaceship of Explorer:Space. You’ll never forget it!
What’s included in your ticket?
• Evening access to the exhibition floors
• Live science show in Science Live
• Guided tour of the Lunar Experience
• Live Planetarium show
• Overnight stay on the exhibit floor
• Breakfast the following morning
For more information and to make a booking visit: https://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/ whats-on/big-family-sleepover/booking
DRIVE-IT DAY AT BEAULIEU
NEW for 2026, all owners of pre-2005 classic vehicles are invited to take part in Drive-It Day at Beaulieu on Sunday 26 April 2026.
National Drive-It Day was launched in 2005 by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs to celebrate motoring heritage. It marks the One Thousand Mile Trial, which took place in 1900 to demonstrate the potential of the newly invented motor vehicle! The event also raises funds for children’s charity NSPCC and a portion of each participant ticket will go to the charity. Visit the Drive-It Day website to purchase your fundraising plate, with proceeds donated to the NSPCC, and to access the JustGiving link for donations.
Owners of pre-2005 vehicles (inclusive of 2005) of any make and model are invited to join the celebration at Beaulieu and show their support for keeping motoring heritage alive on UK roads, whilst also supporting NSPCC and their work.
All participants have the opportunity to be chosen as the winner of the Best in Show Award, selected by public vote. Prizes are awarded to the winner and runners-up.
Don’t own a classic car?
You can still come and enjoy this event as a visitor. Purchase tickets in advance or on the day from Visitor Reception. Entry for visitors is from 10am via Visitor Reception.
For more information and to be a participant visit: https://shop.beaulieu.co.uk/ tickets/#tickets
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
trusted private transport service Standards you can rely on for airport, ferry port and city transfers
Carpe Diem Executive Cars has built its reputation for excellence, professionalism and reliability offering a premium service at competitive prices
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Tel: 0330 6600 029 Mob: 07801 816 062
email: franco@carpediemec.com www.carpediemec.com
ALRESFORD MOTOR SERVICES
• Welding specialists
• Tyres for cars and motorcycles
• 4 wheel laser alignment
• LPG for sale for cars
• Recovery services
TEL: 01962 865602 MOBILE: 07752 570787 OR VISIT WWW.PRESTIGECARSALRESFORD.CO.UK
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