Hope for Britian's fastest decling mammal RECIPE OF THE MONTH Potter pasta with bacon and spring onions
HAMPSHIRE OPEN STUDIOS
300 artist venues and galleries to visit free of charge
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Transform your home with bespoke interior designs tailored to your lifestyle. Our expert designers craft elegant, functional spaces that blend premium materials, intelligent storage, and timeless aesthetics.
From concept to installation, we collaborate closely to bring your vision to life, whether modern minimalism or classic warmth. Every detail is considered: custom cabinetry, lighting, worktops, and integrated appliances, all seamlessly finished to the highest standard. Elevate everyday living with a interior space that reflects your personality and enhances your home’s value.
Discover interiors designed around youbeautiful, practical, and uniquely yours. Book a consultation today and start creating your perfect interior space now.
Time to soak up the sun…
This is the time we’ve all been waiting for; lazy days in the garden and summer holidays to enjoy. We’ll be back to normality soon enough but, for the moment, it’s time to relax and cherish this special time of the year.
name you can count on in a changing world…
Hellards have been advising and helping people in the Alresford area for nearly 40 years. Experience has taught us that moving home is not a decision to be taken lightly and, for most people, may take a while to come to fruition.
If you are considering a move, whether this summer or next, we would love to hear from you. Our friendly and knowledgeable team are here to help and will gladly offer impartial and honest advice to help with your moving decisions.
We hope to hear from you soon!
As the summer sun beams across gardens and illuminates living spaces, there’s no better time to showcase your property at its absolute best. While autumn may be one of the busiest seasons for the property market, the savvy move is to prepare now – and it all begins with great photography.
Summer provides the perfect canvas for capturing the essence of a home. Gardens are in full bloom, natural light floods interiors, and blue skies elevate every shot. These vibrant, sun-drenched images can make all the difference when launching a listing later in the year. By photographing now, sellers can take advantage of the season’s aesthetic strengths and avoid the muted tones and bare branches of autumn.
Beyond the visual appeal, preparing now gives sellers breathing room. With professional photograph already in place, you can launch at the perfect moment – be it back-to-school season, post-holiday resets, or the wave of buyer activity that typically surges in September. It allows time for brochures to be beautifully designed, floorplans refined, and marketing materials thoughtfully prepared.
Even if you’re not quite ready to sell yet, a summer photoshoot futureproofs your sale. Life moves fast, and when the time is right, you’ll already be one step ahead.
Contact our friend and professional team today for a no obligation appraisal and marketing prep meeting. 01962 736333. PHOTOGRAPH NOW, SELL LATER! WHY SUMMER IS THE SMART SEASON FOR PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPHY
Forthcoming Events
Singing for the Brain
Alresford
Wednesday 5 August
From 2pm to 3pm
St Gregory’s Catholic Church Hall, Grange road, Alresford, SO24 9HB
A dementia-friendly, free event open to all, offering the chance to connect through the power of song in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. Whether you're living with dementia, supporting a loved one, or simply enjoy singing, everyone is welcome. For more information, please contact Home Instead Central Hampshire at 01962 736681.
Come and see the vegetables and fruit, flowers, floral art, eggs, photography and cookery classes. There are also children’s classes for design and create, grow and cookery. Entry and parking FREE, all welcome. Refreshments and RaffleEnquiries: Jill 01962 772425
Alresford & District Horticultural Society Meeting
Wednesday 12 August
From 7.30pm to 9.30pm
St Gregory’s Catholic Church Hall, Grange road, Alresford, SO24 9HB
A talk by Ollie Bentley about his work as Head Gardener at Langton House. Visitors welcome, £3. Refreshments available. Further information at: www. alresfordhorticultural.org
Alresford Antiques Fair
Saturday 15 August
From 9.30am to 4.30pm
Alresford Community Centre, West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AG
We offer a wide range of Decorative,
Useful, Interesting, Unusual and Quirky items including good quality Furniture, Silver, Jewellery, China and Glass. We will also buy. Free Admission and 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/ Contact: Instagramcarolfentumantiques | Carol - 01264 335769 / 07870 432805
Alresford Heritage Open Days
Sunday 16 August
From 10am to 4pm
Various Locations (see below)
Alresford’s heritage. Entry is free but donations are appreciated to maintain these attractions. Alresford Museum: Located in the Old Fire Station on Broad Street, Medieval Soke Bridge: Accessible from Mill Hill. It is considered the oldest surviving stone bridge in Hampshire, The Eel House: Accessible via the river walk. This is a rare 19th-century brick structure used to catch migrating eels.
Car Boot Sale
Monday 31 August
From 8am
Wood Lane, Bramdean, SO24 0JW
Help us to support local families. Everyone welcome. Buying or browsing? Admission is by donation (cash only, please). Selling? - Car Boots £10, Vans & Trailers £15, (cash only, please). Grab a bargain, refreshments available. www.homestartwinchester.org.uk | Registered Charity 1108170 | For more information: Call: 01962 773185 or 07802 354444. This event is kindly sponsored by Hellards Estate Agents. New Alresford WI “My life as a falconer”
Wednesday 2 September
From 7.30pm
St Gregory’s Catholic Church Hall, Grange road, Alresford, SO24 9HB
Visitors Welcome £3 - Anita will talk about living and working with birds of prey. A light-hearted and educational talk about the ups and downs of being a falconer. She will bring four of her birds, including a barn owl.
Alresford Show 2026
Saturday 5 September
From 8am to 6pm
Show Ground, Tichborne, Alresford, SO24 0PN
The Alresford Agricultural Show is an annual event that brings the community together for a day filled with farming fun and family entertainment. This vibrant gathering, held in New Alresford, United Kingdom, attracts around 15,000 visitors each year. Attendees can look forward to a spectacular showcase of prize-winning animals and thrilling horse competitions. The show also features an array of delicious local food and drink, allowing guests to sample the best culinary offerings from the region. In addition to the agricultural displays, visitors will be captivated by both vintage and modern machinery exhibits. The event provides ample shopping opportunities with numerous local craft stalls, showcasing handcrafted goods and unique items. There is even a chance to enter their furry friends into the dog show, adding a delightful element to this community celebration.
Itchen Valley Spiritualist Fellowship
Friday 11 September
From 7pm to 8pm (Doors 6.45pm)
Tubbs Hall & Kings Worthy Community Centre, 1 Harwood Place, Kings Worthy, Winchester, SO23 7PJ
Come along for an uplifting opening evening Service of community, comfort, and spirit connection. Entry Fee: Donations welcome. Parking: Free on-site parking
Ropley Live Gig - The Ariston
Saturday 12 September
Doors and Bar from 7pm
Ropley Parish Hall, SO24 0DU
Please join us for an intimate yet energetic cabaret-style performance from The Ariston, a rapidly rising indie-rock band, fresh from Summer Festival performances including the IOW and Guilfest. Londonbased but with local links including the recording of their latest single in Ropley Parish Hall “recording studio”, they feature Alresford-born and based drummer Finn Bunce, Luca Slade on vocals/guitar, Rich Hiett on guitar and Will Parsonson on Bass. Known for their anthemic choruses, atmospheric guitars and energetic stage chemistry, they combine big melodies with a dynamic, guitar-driven sound. The gig will be cabaret layout with seating at tables. Tickets are £20 online from ropleyparishhall.org.uk/events, For more information email ropleylivegigs@btinternet.com
Cheriton Village Show
Saturday 12 September
From 1.30pm
Cheriton Village Hall and Primary School, Cheriton, Alresford, SO24 0PZ
(Vegetables, Fruit, Chicken Eggs, Flowers & Plants, Flower Arranging, Cookery, Craft, Photography & Children’s Categories) will be held on Saturday 12th September 2026, in Cheriton Village Hall and Primary School. Show schedules available from Cheriton Village Shop and The Flowerpots Inn with last entries by 4pm on Thursday 10th September. Entry open to everyone. Viewing of Exhibits from 1.30pm. Prize giving, Raffle Draw, Sale of Produce at approximately 3.15pm. This is a cash only event.
Fundraising concert for Cancer Immunology Research Southampton
Saturday 19 September
From 6.15pm to 8.15pm
St Nicholas Church, Church Lane, Bishop's Sutton, SO24 0AD
The choir of Celestia Music conducted by Peter Gritton presents 'Music for a while' - madrigals, folksongs and golden oldies. 6pm drinks and canapes, 7pm concert. Tickets £25 from stnbconcerts@gmail.com Generously sponsored by Strutt & Parker and NFU Mutual.
A talk by Anita Ebdon
As The Alresford Assistant I offer remote or in-person admin, PA, book-keeping, retail and other help to local businesses and households who need ongoing, one-off or ad-hoc support. If there are too many things on your to do list, why not get in touch to see if you can put some of them on mine?
Contact Beccy on 07957 600587 or at thealresfordassistant@gmail.com www.thealresfordassistant.co.uk
Specialist wealth management and financial planning
• Independent and objective advice
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• Attentive service
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Contact us for an obligation-free meeting. www.ajbwealth.co.uk info@ajbwealth.co.uk 01428 774 070
FIRE method: Could it help you retire early?
FIRE – ‘Financial Independence, Retire Early’ – is a movement where people save aggressively with the aim of retiring decades earlier than traditional retirement age. It aims to achieve financial independence, defined as having an income sufficient for your basic needs and comforts from a source other than paid employment1
How does FIRE work?
Per the FIRE method, you need to save up around 25 times your annual expenses to achieve financial independence. So, if you expect to spend £20,000 a year when you retire, you’d need to save around £500,000. This calculation assumes you withdraw 4% of your savings each year in retirement.
What are the benefits of the FIRE method?
Working towards financial independence could help improve your financial wellbeing. Saving for your future is also wise, as you might not be able to entirely rely on the state to fund your desired retirement. Investing can help mitigate the impact of inflation on your savings, giving your money the opportunity to grow over time.
What are the potential pitfalls?
Your savings may not be sufficient to fund a potentially extremely long retirement. A 40-year-old UK woman has an average life expectancy of 87 and a one in ten chance of living to 100², so your money might need to last another 50 years or more.
The 4% withdrawal rule was developed using U.S. market performance data from 1926 to 1992 and targeted at retirees with a 30-year time horizon. For a UK investor in the 2020s, with a 50-year time horizon, there’s a real risk that relying on the 4% rule results in savings being depleted too quickly.
As you can’t access money inside personal pensions until age 55 (rising to 57 from April 2028), you would need to have saved a large chunk of money in Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), which don’t have quite as many perks as pensions.
Next steps
If retiring early is important to you, you may wish to speak to a wealth manager. By understanding your financial circumstances, they can determine whether your target retirement date is achievable.
The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. 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. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness.
MR MAC - AUGUST NEWS
Windows users, there's a big update on the way. Microsoft's summer update, rolling out from mid-July, adds a genuinely useful new recovery tool called Point-in-Time Restore. It quietly saves snapshots of your settings, files and apps, so if something goes wrong, you can roll your PC back to a point when it was working fine. Mac users may recognise this idea — it's similar to what Time Machine has offered for years. The update also brings a proper “pause updates indefinitely” option, a faster-loading File Explorer, and printers that now install themselves automatically using a modern industrystandard system, instead of fiddly old drivers. Hooray for that!
Speaking of Microsoft, are you fed up with paying every month or year for Word, Excel and the rest of Office 365? If you'd rather not be tied to a subscription, I can supply a legitimate version for a single one-off payment, at a fraction of the price. I can also install it for you for a small extra charge. Please note this offer is for Windows only; the Mac version costs quite a bit more.
Finally, a lot of tech prices have risen sharply over the past few months due to a worldwide shortage of memory chips. Before you buy anything new, it might be worth giving me a call for some advice.
Andy – Mr Mac 07392 552 592
VITA MULTI ACADEMY
TRUST SECURES £4.5 MILLION GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABILITY AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
The Vita Multi Academy Trust has secured a further £4.5 million in the latest round of the Department for Education's Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), bringing the total value of successful funding bids for the Trust to an impressive £10 million over the past three years and £15 million in total across its schools.
The latest funding will enable Perins School and Sun Hill Junior School to replace ageing and inefficient heating and cooling systems with modern, energy-efficient boilers, additional air source heat pumps and air conditioning. Recent periods of exceptionally warm weather have highlighted the impact that extreme temperatures can have on students' wellbeing, concentration and ability to learn. Once completed, the improvements are expected to create significantly more comfortable classrooms and social spaces, ensuring students can learn in an environment better suited to their needs.
Sun Hill Junior School has also secured funding that will see the installation of double-glazed windows and doors across the entire site. A new boiler management system will also be installed to significantly improve heat distribution across the school sites, creating a more comfortable and efficient learning environment for students and staff.
Helping you make the most of your Macs, Windows laptops and PCs. Wi-Fi, printer and email trouble shooting. Remote Support Available 07392 552 592
andy@mistermac.co.uk www.mistermac.co.uk
The successful bids are the result of the continued hard work and expertise of Chief Operations Officer, Mr Surry, Mr Topping, Estates Manager and the wider estates team, who have successfully secured multiple CIF grants that continue to transform the Trusts facilities. This latest investment builds on a series of major improvement projects funded through previous CIF awards. Over the last three years, the Trust have invested in extensive solar generation across both The Vita Trust, improving the school's renewable energy capacity.
Importantly, the project also supports the Trust’s ambitious 2030 Environmental and Sustainability Strategy, helping the schools reduce its direct carbon emissions by 50% while lowering energy consumption and future operating costs.
Hampshire Open Studios
Saturday 22 – Monday 31 August 2026
Art lovers and curious visitors are invited to step inside the creative heart of Hampshire this summer as Hampshire Open Studios returns from 22 – 31 August 2026.
For ten inspiring days, 300 venues across the county will open their doors free of charge, offering a rare chance to meet local artists and makers in the places where creativity happens. From painters and potters to sculptors, jewellers, textile artists and printmakers, visitors can explore an extraordinary variety of art and craft while discovering the stories and techniques behind the work.
The Itchen Valley and Alresford area offer a beautifully scenic Hampshire Open Studios trail, combining creativity with the charm of Hampshire’s chalk stream villages and Georgian market towns. From the welcoming communities of Kings Worthy and Martyr Worthy to the independent shops and galleries of New and Old Alresford, visitors can enjoy an inspiring journey through studios, exhibitions and creative spaces set within the stunning Hampshire countryside.
Artists across the area will be opening their homes and studios to showcase a wide range of work including ceramics, glass, painting, jewellery, printmaking and textiles. In Kings Worthy, the highlights for 2026 are several distinctive studios and artists showcasing a wide range of creative disciplines. Visitors can discover the striking contemporary glasswork of Sue Tinkler who exhibits alongside Elizabeth Welch and Jo Richards showing mixed media
and silver jewellery. They will be running demonstrations on 22nd and 23rd August. Nearby explore the evocative artwork of Emma Lowres, and experience the imaginative creative works of Artswyld and Strange Timesquest.
Saturday 22nd - Bank Holiday Monday 31st August
Planning your own art trail is easy with the free full-colour catalogue, available from mid-July, or through the Hampshire Open Studios app on both Apple and Android devices. The app allows visitors to search venues by location, medium or opening date, save favourites and navigate using interactive maps.
There is also the chance to win a £100 prize draw towards purchasing artwork from a favourite Hampshire Open Studios artist. Simply pick up a brochure, download the app and follow the distinctive pink directional arrows guiding you to studios and exhibitions across Hampshire.
Atmospheric painting by Emma Lowres
BROUGHTON VILLAGE ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL
Now in its sixth year, the Broughton Art & Crafts Festival brings together 70 local artists all exhibiting under one roof. This year we welcome 14 new artists displaying their works for the first time. Open
every day between 22 and 31 August 2026 from 10am to 5pm. As part of the Hampshire Open Studios program, the Festival provides the opportunity of seeing a wide variety of creative works including being able to speak with the artists.
Last year’s event attracted over 3,000 visitors across the 10-day event. Still the single biggest art exhibition in Hampshire under one roof, work featured includes paintings, drawings, cards, photographs, ceramics, jewellery, wood carvings, glass ware, basket weaving and much more. Lots of gift ideas and the chance to meet and talk with the artists.
Now in its 6th year, the exhibition has become one of the most popular Hampshire Open Studios venues, offering visitors not only a wide and eclectic display of art and crafts but also providing refreshments in conjunction with the Broughton Community Shop.
The Village of Broughton nestles in the Test Valley between Winchester and Salisbury. It is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside with the River Test’s tributary, The Wallop Brook, flowing through the village.
A visit to the Broughton Art and craft festival makes a perfect day out for all. With plenty of free parking, onsite refreshments and lawns to relax in, it makes for a great day out in the picturesque Test Valley Village of Broughton.
www.broughtonvillage.art
Broughton Village Hall, High Street, Broughton, SO20 8AX
• Families welcome
• Broughton Community Village Shop & Post Office on site for refreshments.
• Choice of pubs for lunches.
Hope for Britain's fastestdeclining mammal
Water voles thriving at St Clair's Meadow Nature Reserve, survey finds Water voles are Britain's fastest-declining mammal. Once widespread across the country's rivers, streams and wetlands, they have declined due to habitat loss, pollution, agricultural pressures and predation by non-native American mink. National estimates now stand at between 58,000 and 186,000 individuals, making every stronghold for the species increasingly important.
The survey, carried out by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust with the River Meon Conservation Volunteers, recorded extensive evidence of water vole activity including feeding stations and remains, burrow entrances and latrines.
The findings suggest a healthy and active population during the breeding season and are thought to be among the strongest recorded at the reserve using a new monitoring method.
Andy Reeves, Reserves Officer (Central Rivers & Downs) at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: "What makes a survey like this so exciting is seeing just how much evidence water voles leave as they go about their daily lives.
“Water voles can be difficult to spot, so we look for clues. We found feeding stations with neatly cut stems clipped at the distinctive 45-degree angle that water voles are known for, plus active burrows and characteristic latrines along the riverbank. Some of their green, tic-tac-shaped droppings have been flattened into what we call 'trampled latrines', where water voles stamp them down to scent mark their territory during the breeding season. Finding so many of these signs shows that the population is feeding, breeding and thriving here at St Clair’s Meadow Nature Reserve."
Rather than surveying solely from the riverbank, trained staff and volunteers now search the vegetation for field signs from within the river itself, following water safety procedures and wearing appropriate clothing and safety equipment. This has proved highly successful, enabling a much more detailed assessment of water vole activity and has significantly increased the number of sightings.
The results reflect a wider encouraging picture emerging along the River Meon. Survey data collected by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) and SDNPA volunteers in 2025 recorded water voles at 32 of the 35 sites surveyed, with evidence of breeding at 22 locations.
The SDNPA results contribute to emerging evidence of a slight recovery in water vole populations at a national level. However, water voles remain the UK’s fastest declining mammal, and long-term continued conservation effort is essential.
A key reason for the species' recovery on the River Meon has been the Meon Valley Water Vole Project. Launched in 2013 by the SDNPA and the Meon Valley Partnership, with support from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the project saw more than 2,800 water voles released into the river system. It is the UK's largest water vole reintroduction within a river valley and the only project of its kind to have taken place in Hampshire.
The River Meon is one of the most important strongholds for water voles in Hampshire. Its clear chalk stream waters, well-vegetated banks and good habitat conditions provide an ideal home for the species. In addition to the reintroduction, years of partnership work to improve river habitats, reduce predation pressures, and support species have helped create the conditions for populations to recover and thrive.
Andy adds: “Water voles may be small, but they play a surprisingly important role in a healthy river ecosystem. Their feeding and burrowing behaviour helps shape riverbank habitats, benefiting a range of other species and helping maintain the rich wildlife that helps makes chalk streams like the Meon so special.”
Monitoring work is made possible through a longstanding partnership involving Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the South Downs National Park Authority and dedicated volunteers. The River Meon is believed to be one of the most intensively surveyed rivers for water voles in the country, providing valuable data on the species' status and recovery and contributing to national monitoring efforts.
Andy said: "Monitoring is absolutely essential. Conservation doesn't stop once a species has been reintroduced. We need to keep tracking populations to make sure they remain healthy and to identify any threats early.
“I'd like to thank the River Meon Conservation Volunteers, whose efforts collecting data feed into national monitoring programmes and help us understand how water voles are faring not just here on the River Meon, but across the country."
The survey is thought to be one of the most successful at the site to date using a new monitoring method, which records detailed field signs directly into a national monitoring programme. The National Water Vole Monitoring Programme helps conservationists build a better understanding of how the species is faring nationally.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust plays a leading role in water vole recovery, not only regionally but also nationally. The Trust is co-author of the National Water Vole Database and Mapping Project, which collates records from across the UK which helps guide conservation action to the areas where it is needed most.
Visitors can also help protect water voles and other wildlife by staying on paths and keeping dogs on leads when near riverbanks to minimise disturbance to wildlife and sensitive habitats.
The success at St Clair's Meadow reflects Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust's aim to bring more land into nature recovery. Alongside managing existing wildlife-rich sites, the Trust is restoring habitat at nearby Court House Meadows. This newly acquired land, which has the River Meon running through it, is creating more space for nature and supporting the long-term recovery of water voles and other species across the wider landscape.
To help support the recovery of water voles and other wildlife, become a member of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust today. Membership helps fund vital conservation work, habitat restoration and species monitoring across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, including work along the River Meon. Join today at: www.hiwwt.org.uk/join-today
D. Barker & Son Ltd
D. Barker & Son Ltd
vickiothen@designertravel.co.uk
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40a West Street, Alresford, Hants
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40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200
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www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
Tel: 01962 732200
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Premier Sporting Events & Experiences
Home of Independent Education in Hampshire
Winchester
Romsey
King
Southampton
King Edward VI School Senior | Sixth Form | Age 11-18
New Forest Portsmouth
Edward VI Preparatory School Nursery | Prep | Age 2-11
Prince’s Mead Nursery | Prep | Age 2-11
Nursery Prep Senior Sixth Form Nursery Prep Senior Sixth Form
Discover a seamless journey from age 2 to 18 across our exceptional Group of schools.
From those first steps in Nursery to the confidence and independence of Sixth Form, we offer a truly joined-up experience.
1.
A nurturing start from age 2
Our nurseries are open 51 weeks of the year with flexible wraparound care and access to early years funding, supporting busy families while giving children the very best start.
Making excellence more accessible
Stepping Stones Awards (Reception to Year 3) and Bursaries at our Senior School and Sixth Form offer fee reductions and full funding for eligible families.
2. A smoother transition to Senior School
Our Head’s Recommendation Pathway offers eligible pupils, at Prince’s Mead and King Edward VI Preparatory School, a guaranteed Year 7 place at King Edward VI School.
Open Events
2 October 2026
King Edward VI School
9 October 2026
Prince’s Mead
16 October 2026
King Edward VI Preparatory School
Personalised tours and taster mornings also available via the QR code.
3.
Outstanding Exam Results
Ranked Top 10 in the South West (The Sunday Times Parent Power 2026).
98% GCSE grades A*-C
96% A Level grades A*-C
The KES Group launch marked by time capsule to be opened at 500th anniversary of King Edward VI School, Southampton in 2053
In June, King Edward VI School announced the launch of The KES Group, bringing together King Edward VI School in Southampton, KES Preparatory School in Romsey and Prince’s Mead in Winchester, reinforcing KES as the home of exceptional independent education for children across Hampshire aged 2–18.
At the heart of the Group sits King Edward VI School, recently named among the Top 10 schools in the South West in The Sunday Times Parent Power 2026 league tables, based on exceptional A Level and GCSE results. The school was also recognised as a Finalist for Regional Independent School of the Year (South) in the 2025 Independent Schools of the Year Awards, a recognition that reflects not only its academic strength, but the clarity of its recently redefined values and Boundless Futures vision, which now unite King Edward VI School, KES Preparatory School and Prince’s Mead in a shared sense of purpose.
That family extends across Hampshire, with the Preparatory schools and nurseries in Romsey and Winchester playing a vital role. KES Prep and Prince’s Mead bring their own thriving communities and cherished traditions, strengthening the breadth and continuity of education offered to families.
On Thursday 25th June 2026, that connection was brought to life through the creation of a time capsule, holding a moment in their shared story while looking ahead to the future they are shaping together.
Placed in the grounds at Hill Lane, the capsule will be opened in June 2053, when King Edward VI School celebrates its 500th anniversary. It contains a snapshot of life across the Group in 2026 and the ambitions that will shape the years to come.
The initiative brought together contributions from across the KES community, both past and present. Letters from the Heads of each school sit alongside messages from pupil leaders and pupil voice groups, who wrote directly to future generations, sharing their
hopes for the schools and the opportunities they believe lie ahead. Old Edwardians (the school’s alumni) also contributed, ensuring the capsule reflects not only where the schools are today, but the strength of the community that has shaped them over generations.
Neal Parker, Head of King Edward VI School, said:
“As ever, our children are at the heart of every decision we make, so it felt only right to mark this moment in a way that amplifies their voices and reflects their experiences. The time capsule brings together perspectives from across our communities, from age 2 through to 18, capturing what school life means to them today and the hopes they hold for the future. When it is opened in 2053, it will speak directly to future pupils about the moment our schools came together with a shared purpose.”
As the oldest school in Southampton, King Edward VI School looks ahead to 500 years of educating children across Hampshire, marking a defining moment in its story.
It honours a remarkable heritage while setting the course for its own Boundless Future.
OAKHANGER JOINERY
COMMUNITY
JACKIE’S COUNTY CORNER
Having a GP is not the only access to healthcare that we need: Dentists, Physiotherapists, Opticians and Pharmacists and of course a local hospital are among the components we need for healthier lives. If you are off to University this Autumn, PLEASE act now and take up the opportunity for the Meningitis vaccinations- they could save your life.
HCC Councillor Grant Scheme Changes
The HCC Councillor Grant scheme started in July: maximum grant is £1000, minimum £100. This year, the grants are not available for Parish Councils, but extended to community groups only. Please contact me before you apply. See all HCC Grants by searching ‘grants’ on hants.gov.uk Links to the guidance and application can be seen here. https://www.hants.gov.uk/community/ grants/grants-list/county-councillor
EV Chargers near your home or village centre?
Hampshire County Council has secured a grant for 17000 EV chargers to support residents who don't have the opportunity to install EV charging on their own property. Interested residents, groups and Councils are invited to submit requests. You can see more detail on https://www.hants.gov.uk/ News/20260506EVChargingScheme
The change to Unitaries could mean massive changes for Hampshire schools- the way forward is yet to be decided.
In my roles as a member of the HCC Education Advisory Committee, Employment in Hampshire Committee(covering HCC school staff too) , Audit and Governance , and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committees, there has been no mention yet of how this will be done, and it is obviously complicated. I want Hampshire to find out and learn how other authorities have managed this. From my postbag, there are many occasions where SEND children are not getting the education they deserve, but the upkeep of schools and quality of mainstream education is a Hampshire asset which must not be lost in the disaggregation. However, breaking up into smaller unitary areas may offer welcome opportunities for true inclusion.
Bus Service Improvements Partnership Funding
I was pleased to provide a grant to a Pariah Council to re-purpose a bus shelter and support the Men’s Shed. But now, as part of the BSIP finding, there are opportunities to apply for a bus shelter- if you have a place where you stand regularly in the rain or hot sun without a shelter, please let me know.
Introduction of DTRO’s- the acronym challenge!
Traffic Regulation Orders can change speeds, access and traffic flow design. WE all knows them as TRO’s. But we all know that our phones tell us to travel down roads that we really shouldn’t have tried! Organisers like Boomtown usually add Temporary TRO’s for short periods: a TTRO. But as of April 2026, there is now an important addition: the DTRO- these once confirmed can also remove roads for access on all SATNAVS. These would also be shown on one.network- search for your road, and you can choose one day, two weeks or three months ahead. This innovation should be an improvement for the M3 works as the major works really kick in over the next 12 months. For more details see DTRO on gov.uk
Nature- do we need it? Of course we do!
The hot days of this summer have shown us the power of heat, and the power of shade, and the risk to our natural world. Should nature be part of our critical infrastructure? I think it should. So it was disappointing not to see it in a list of critical infrastructure I’ll reflect on this more in my next County Corner, but meanwhile, let me know your views too. https://www.npsa.gov. uk/about-npsa/critical-national-infrastructure
Jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk Tel/Text 07973 696085
WATER TESTING PROJECT ON THE UPPER RIVER ITCHEN
Winchester Downs Farmers Cluster (WDC) and the Upper Itchen Restoration Community Interest Company (UIR CIC) are launching a new partnership to improve water quality on the upper Itchen.
Chalk streams are one of the rarest freshwater habitats on Earth, and England is home to approximately 85% of them. Our river Itchen has a unique ecosystem in need of help due to climate change and pollution. The partnership aims to gather data on nutrient contamination and it’s sources within the upper Itchen.
WDC is a group of farmers, land managers and river keepers who work together to support wildlife and biodiversity by improving soil and water quality. UIR CIC is a not-for-profit group which exists to improve the quality of the aquatic environment in the Upper Itchen.
WDC, via the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and Rothamsted Research, is providing lab-quality testing equipment with a base at Park Farm, Avington. This approach and kit is already in use in Farmer Clusters allied to the Environmental Farmers Group (EFG) in the Test and Hampshire Avon catchments. It will enable monitoring to a higher level of accuracy and credibility with regulators, than currently.
UIR CIC will provide volunteer citizen scientists to collect and analyse samples, building on its experience with the Angling Trust monitoring scheme, and reporting of nutrient issues on the Itchen, Test and Meon via the Test & Itchen Association. The plan is to sample weekly, at a higher frequency and density than the official monitoring by the Environment Agency.
Robert Stent of WDC said: “By working together, the 38 members of the Cluster and UIR CIC’s 90-strong local citizen scientists intend to take water quality monitoring to the next level, by resolving any issues we identify with run-off or nutrient spikes in the river. Our goal is to move from monitoring and analysis, to action to restore our river to what it once was.”
Ian Diver of UIR CIC said: “During the recent heatwaves, river keepers are seeing algal blooms developing due to a combination of low flow, high temperature and excess nutrients in the water. Partnering with the WDC enables us to work with land managers who are best placed to carry out improvements, based on shared data and common evidence.”
The partnership plans to add sediment fingerprinting in the future, to be able to identify sources of sediment run-off into the river.
A Class Roofing and Construction Ltd (A Class Roofing) is an established roofing and construction business. We have been established, well known and well credited business and between us have more than 100+ years of roofing experience.
We are a fully licenced and insured roofing business and perform our work with pride, safety and professionalism. We appreciate how important your home or business is to you and therefore we ensure our work is given the same care and attention as we would complete if we were performing on our own property.
We pride ourselves with our customer service, health and safety knowledge, and our attention to detail. We will always try to ensure that any work is a "stress-free" project from start to finish for our clients.
Please do contact us if you wish to discuss any roofing needs further or have a query in mind. We are always more than happy to help.
New Alresford Town Council
New Multi-Use Games Area
Coming to Arlebury Park
We are delighted to announce that the Town Council has approved the next step in an exciting improvement project for Arlebury Park.
A tender has now been issued for the design and construction of a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), together with a new sheltered seating area, on the site of the former zipwire. The new facilities will be located between the children's playground and the skatepark, creating a wellconnected recreation area that offers something for people of all ages.
The proposed MUGA will provide a dedicated space for a variety of sports and activities, including football, basketball and other informal ball games, encouraging outdoor exercise, social interaction and active lifestyles. The addition of sheltered seating will provide a comfortable place for parents, carers, spectators and park users to relax, meet with friends or simply enjoy the surroundings.
This project forms part of the Town Council's ongoing commitment to investing in highquality community facilities and enhancing Arlebury Park as a welcoming, inclusive space for residents and visitors alike. We look forward to sharing updates with the community as the project progresses and will keep residents informed of key milestones along the way.
A Wonderful Day at Arlebury Bark
families, friends, dog lovers and visitors enjoying everything the event had to offer. There was something for everyone, including the lively Dog Scurry, Punch and Judy shows, live music from Resonance and Tongue & Groove, plus a free bouncy castle, face painting and the ever-popular Bubblesman, who kept children and adults entertained throughout the day.
A huge thank you to our local businesses and organisations, including Cedar Vets, Gamekeepers Goods, Flower Pots, New Leaf, the New Alresford Town Trust (NATT), Perins School, Barnes & Liddiard, and Alresford Rotary, for their generous support. We would also like to thank the many local businesses who donated raffle prizes, helping to make the raffle a great success. We are delighted to announce that, thanks to everyone's generosity, the event raised over £600 for Hampshire Paws Animal Rescue. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make it such a memorable community event
New Picnic Benches Installed at Arlebury Park
We're pleased to let residents know that four new picnic benches have been installed at Arlebury Park.
Two benches have been positioned at the top of the field beside the pétanque gravel playing area, providing a great spot to sit and enjoy the activity and views across the park. The other two benches have been installed closer to the river, offering a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. We hope these new additions will be enjoyed by walkers, families, visitors, and everyone who spends time in our beautiful park. Next time you're at Arlebury Park, why not take a seat and enjoy all that the park has to offer?
Keeping New Alresford Blooming Through the Summer Heat
The prolonged spell of hot, dry weather in July has brought significant challenges
for the team at Windowflowers, the Town Council's contractor responsible for supplying and maintaining New Alresford's beautiful hanging baskets. Our vibrant floral displays brighten the town throughout the summer, but the recent heat has meant they have required an enormous amount of care and attention to keep them thriving. Regular watering has been essential, with the baskets needing far more frequent attention than they would during a typical British summer.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the fantastic team at Windowflowers, whose hard work, dedication and expertise have ensured that the displays continue to flourish despite the challenging weather. Their commitment has kept our town looking colourful and welcoming for residents and visitors alike. We would also like to thank the New Alresford Town Trust (NATT) for capturing photographs of the watering van as it made its way around town. It's a wonderful reminder of the work that goes on behind the scenes to maintain these much-loved floral displays. If you see the watering team out and about around town, why not give them a friendly wave? Their hard work deserves our appreciation, and thanks to their efforts, New Alresford continues to bloom even during the hottest days of summer.
August Calendar
Please note that New Alresford Town Council will be taking its annual summer recess during August. There will be no Council or Committee meetings during this period. Meetings will resume on Tuesday 1 September, when the Council returns to its regular schedule. Although formal meetings will not take place during August, the Town Council office will remain open during normal office hours, and staff will continue to respond to enquiries and support residents.
We wish everyone a happy, safe and enjoyable summer and look forward to welcoming residents back to our meetings in September.
What a fantastic day we had at Arlebury Bark on Sunday 5 July! It was wonderful to see so many
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Winchester City Councillors' Report August
Men’s Shed saved until at least 2032
Alresford Town Council have granted a seven year lease to the Men’s Shed for new premises at Arlebury Park. A long term solution to the needs of both the Men’s Shed and the valuable stock of mobility equipment maintained by the Alresford Pigs. The new premises have much less space. Winchester Council have found a site for storage of the mobility equipment, and for the Men’s Shed for their extensive stock of materials. These locations are quite remote. When all the storage and the Men’s Shed were located together it worked very well, as equipment could easily be viewed.
The ideal long term solution would be a community building, near the centre of town, with extensive storage, all mains services and good access. Much like the redundant light industrial premises they, and we, have enjoyed for the last few years. An evening use by the community would make it a main hub of life in the town. It could provide financial security and the income necessary for maintenance.
Their sterling work continues in their current premises over the summer. Your councillors, like so many in Alresford, are aware of the very many benefits the organisation brings to the town and indeed the ward, both for its members and for the wider community.
We’re looking, but our inventive community needs to look too.
Local Government Reorganisation
The new unitary authority is likely to have the name ‘Mid Hampshire’, not very inspiring, but accurate. For our new proposed Itchen Valley ward there will be 3 councillors, with a total of 78 for the entire unitary authority. This works out at about one councillor for every 4,800 residents. The ratio of city councillors and county councillors in wards at the moment is about 1 to 2,500.
Hampshire Council are proceeding with a Judicial Review on the whole process. The New Forest District Council have also sought legal advice about a JR. Their lawyers sensibly advised that the NFDC would be wasting their tax payers’ money.
WCC is more concerned at the moment with working on an implementation plan that is safe and legal and that can function from May 2028. Vesting day will be April 1st (Really!) 2028 when the new unitary takes over. LGR is evolving week by week and we will keep you informed, as soon as we are.
Local Plan Impasse
A very complex situation is developing with the new local plan. Planning changes brought in by the Labour Government mean that the only just-completed local plan has to be revised immediately. We are racing to finalise this, but Winchester City Council will not exist after May 2028. Only a legally constituted local council can produce a valid local plan. The Leader of Winchester City Council has written to Whitehall, pointing out these contradictions which appear to have been overlooked. The letter has been acknowledged and we await advice.
Winchester has succeeded in managing their Local Plans well, always having a legal plan in place and meeting the obligatory 5 year land supply and other requirements. A lack of forethought by the Government might leave the old Winchester District with a local plan that although solid and robust, is no longer legally valid. Potentially a critical situation.
River Matters
The program of upgrading Winchester Council owned Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTPs), is going well. All those installed are now performing as expected to remove nitrates and phosphates. As many of you will know we were hoping that the Hobbs Close WWTP would be upgraded. Investigations have shown that this plant puts very little nutrients into the river, so that a replacement system would not generate sufficient nutrient credits to justify the cost. The WWTPS at Kiln Lane and The Brook in Old Alresford, and the Pastures in Cheriton are still in the plan.
There is also a pilot scheme in Bishops Sutton to have completely funded replacement systems. This has the potential to improve water quality in the Upper Itchen. This is funded by Government money, not our local money, and they have different motives, but strong local concern over the need to improve our chalk streams, encourages us to take any measures we can to improve our unique, precious rivers.
Margot Power - T: 01962 734167 mpower@winchester.gov.uk
Russell Gordon-Smith - T: 01962 733219 rgordon-smith@winchester.gov.uk
Lib Dem team will continue to support the Shed find a new home in any way we can.
Hair Art Your professional Aveda™ Hair Salon in Alresford, Hampshire
Hair Art in Alresford has a philosophy that places customer service at the forefront of the Company’s Activities. Our Aveda™ Salon was established in March 2000 and has become recognised as one of the most prestigious salons in the area.
Director Simon Sothcott has created a relaxing environment where clients can enjoy a first class hairdressing experience. All members of the highly trained team feel passionate about client satisfaction. Hair Art aim to give clients the best quality care available, a hairstyle that makes them feel fantastic and individual attention to service.
Simon started his hairdressing career in St Thomas Street, Winchester, before moving on
to work at Hair Art in Bishop's Waltham, then moving over when the company opened Hair Art Alresford.
Simon left Hair Art and went on to become a successful hair and make-up artist in films and television. Screen credits for his work include epics such as Troy with Brad Pitt, Alexander with Colin Farrell and television series such as Messiah III and Murder City. Where he looked after well known leading actress Amanda Donahoe. He then returned to Alresford and purchased Hair Art Alresford in 2006
Hair Art in Alresford is excited to welcome the arrival of two new Stylist’s to the Team. Carly Christie is our new Senior Stylist. With
over 30 years in the hairdressing industry
Carly brings unmatched expertise and a creative spark to every client.
Carly joins us from Winchester where she worked for the renowned salon Storm/ Harringtons.
Megan Simpson joins us as our new stylist. Megan is formerly from Misho Hair Studio in Stockbridge where she built a strong following. Megan is a bubbly professional who has six years hairdressing experience and is passionate about her career and all things hairdressing.
Hair Art in Alresford has a philosophy that places customer service at the forefront of the company’s activities.
Please phone for a free Consultation with our stylists. All colour services require a skin test 48 hours prior to your colour treatment. You can purchase gift vouchers to your specified amount and are valid for six months from date of purchase, an ideal gift for a friend or loved one.
We are proud to be the only exclusive Aveda™ salon in the area, Aveda™, The Art and Science of Pure Flower and Plant Essences™, was founded in 1978 with the goal of providing beauty industry professionals with high performance, botanically based products that would be better for service providers and their guests, as well as for the planet.
For more information or book an appointment contact: Simon@Hairart.net or call us on: 01962 736398 | www.hairart.net
Potter pasta with bacon and spring onions
INGREDIENTS
200G POTTER
4 RASHERS STREAKY BACON
1 CLOVE OF GARLIC, CHOPPED HANDFUL OF BUTTON MUSHROOMS, SLICED
5 SPRING ONIONS, SLICED
1 TBSP BUTTER
A LITTLE OIL
LINGUINE (OR ANY PASTA)
METHOD
Cook your pasta in salted water following packet instructions until done and when draining, reserve some of the pasta water. Pop the drained pasta back into its cooking pot. Whilst the pasta is cooking, fry off the streaky bacon in a pan with a little oil so that the bacon is crisp. Keep the bacon on a plate for later.In the same bacon-y pan, in that lovely bacon fat, add the butter and the mushrooms. Once frying and the mushrooms beginning to change colour, add the garlic and spring onions. Season well with pepper and salt if needed (although the bacon will have already added saltiness here).
Once the mushrooms have turned a lovely golden brown, cut up the crispy bacon and add to the pan and then add in the Potter and stir in so that it melts. Keep this mixture on a low heat until the pasta is ready.
Put the pot with the pasta back onto a gentle heat and add in a little of the pasta water followed by the cheesy Potter sauce and mix well until the pasta is glossy with sauce. You can add more pasta water if you need to until you get the desired sauce consistency.
Serve and enjoy!
This recipe is from the Book & Bucket Cheese Company website by Heather Brown from Dorset Foodie Feed. It features their Porter, a kind of hybrid cross between a soft cream cheese and a curd.
Which feels
CLEANSE. REFRESH. GLOW.
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£10 VOUCHER redeemable towards either Saddle House Medi-Spa or Beauty
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TWO-COURSE MEAL AT THE SHIP, BISHOP’S SUTTON (£40 credit per person)
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Alresford Surgery News
Appointment Booking
We have a range of appointments available to book online giving patients the convenience of booking, checking or cancelling appointments at any time and place. Using the NHS App you can avoid the need to call or visit the surgery during opening hours.
The appointment types available to book online are:
GP Consultation - You can choose whether to have a face-to-face appointment or a telephone call, please just state your preference in the booking notes. Please note that availability can be very variable and if there is a particular doctor you would like to see we suggest checking back over several days.
Blood Test - If your GP has asked you to have a blood test these are usually available from 8.30am to 2.30pm five days a week.
Smear Test - If you have received a letter inviting you to book cervical screening (smear test) these appointments are available with our Practice Nurses.
Physiotherapy - We have a physiotherapist at the surgery every Tuesday and Thursday who can carry out an initial assessment of any joint problems you may be experiencing. Having carried out an assessment the physiotherapist may advise you to carry out some specific exercises which will be explained to you or they may refer you on for an x-ray or to an orthopedic clinic for further treatment.
August bank holiday closure
The surgery will be closed on Monday 31st August from 8.00 - 18.30pm. If you need urgent medical care, you can access the Out of Hours service for advice, a face to face appointment or, if it is necessary, a home visit and the number to call is 111.
e-Consults will not be able to be submitted after 6.30pm on Friday 28th August and will not restart again until 8am on Tuesday 1st September.
Reminder - Afternoon Closure –Thursday 3rd September
The surgery and dispensary will be closed from 12.30pm to enable all GPs & Nurses to attend a compulsory training meeting this afternoon. Our phone lines will not be
open on this afternoon. If you require urgent medical attention, please call 111.
Medications can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, especially in hot weather
Make sure you:
• Stay hydrated
• Keep cool
• Consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions
Check and Cancel: A Quick and Easy Way to Manage Your Appointments
We’re excited to introduce a new feature available through our phone system that makes managing your appointments easier than ever – Check and Cancel.
With this simple option, you can now quickly check your upcoming appointments and, if needed, cancel them easily by using the phone system, without the need to speak to a member of the team.
This means:
• Less time on hold – No need to queue to check or cancel
• Fewer missed appointments – A quick check helps you remember your bookings
• Better access for all – Helping free up appointments for other patients who need them
• 24/7 flexibility – Available even outside surgery hours
• Simply enter your date of birth on the phone keypad when prompted. If the system matches your details with the number you are calling in on, it will read out your upcoming appointments. You can also cancel an appointment with a key press and receive a confirmation via SMS.
To use this service, just follow the voice prompts when you call the surgery and select the option to check or cancel your appointment. It’s a fast and easy way to stay on top of your healthcare needs!
September Flu Vaccinations
We will be inviting the following eligible patients for their flu vaccine From 1 September:
• Pregnant women
• All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2026
Children in years R-11 will be vaccinated in school by School Health.
October Covid & Flu Vaccinations
We will be inviting the following eligible patients for their covid & flu vaccinations (these need to be co-administered) From October, exact start date to be confirmed by NHS England in due course:
• Those aged 75 years and over
• Residents in a care home for older adults
• Those aged 18 years and over in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, Covid-19 Chapter 14a 9
October Flu only vaccinations
We will be inviting the following eligible patients for ONLY their flu vaccinations. From October, exact start date to be confirmed by NHS England in due course:
• Those aged 65 years and over
• Those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, Influenza Chapter)
• Those in long-stay residential care homes
• Carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• Frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer-led occupational health scheme, including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets), or Personal Health budgets, such as personal assistants
Please support the surgery and wait for us to invite you for your flu jab at the recommended time.
Alresford Rotary
People of action – Working with and for the community
Alresford Rotary 10k Run
On 15th June 425 runners braved hot and humid conditions to participate in the 18th Alresford Rotary 10k run, again a fixture in the Hampshire Road Race League calendar attracting some of the best runners from across Hampshire and beyond. In the bright sunshine the runners took on the undulating course through the centre of Alresford to Abbotstone and back. Fred Slemeck (Hercules Wimbledon) won the men’s race for the second year in a row in 32 minutes 53 seconds, with Joshua Price (Vectis Academy) and Andy Greenleaf (WADAC) second and third. In the women's race Emma Jolley (City of Portsmouth) took the honours in 39 minutes 44 seconds followed by Sarah Shedon and Sarah Gurney (Winchester Running Club). They all received a bottle of Louis Pommery English Sparkling wine from the local vineyard. The rest of the field followed with some fabulous personal performances in trying conditions. The oldest runner in the race was once again Dr Hugh Bethel in the over 80 category who finished in a remarkable 1 hour and 9 minutes.
All age category winners (ages 40 to over 80) received hampers of local goodies prepared by the Arlebury Cafe which also baked hundreds of delicious cookies for the event. As well as receiving a cookie each runner received watercress from The Watercress Company and a Zombie (crushed fruit) bar. Alresford Rotary is very grateful for the significant assistance of students from Perins, and local Scouts, Guides and Brownies who organised the water point on the route. The support of local businesses contributed greatly to the success of the event
and The Watercress Company, Prospect Fencing, Chocolate Craft, The Arlebury Café, Louis Pommery, Winchester Blinds, BU Chiropractic Alresford, Run Walk Sport, Tesco Winnal, Thomas Miller, Long Barn, The Flowerpots Inn, Moon Roast Coffee, The Alresford Agricultural Show, Ritual Health and Beauty, and Stn Mill gym are all thanked for their generous support.
Alresford Rotary – People of Action in the Community
As mentioned in previous months members of Alresford Rotary have used their practical skills to improve the outdoor areas at both Perins and Sun Hill. Steve Jones (CEO of the schools’ trust) writes;
“On behalf of everyone at Perins Preschool and Vita Multi Academy Trust, I would like to offer our sincere thanks to Rotary for the generous support you have given to our preschool (and the other schools in our trust over the years). We are extremely grateful to everyone who helped to make the project possible. The completed work has made a real and lasting difference to the preschool environment and will be enjoyed and valued by many children in the years ahead. The generosity, practical support and community spirit shown by Rotary and its members is greatly appreciated. Projects such as this demonstrate the positive impact that local organisations and volunteers can have on children and families, and we feel very fortunate to have benefited from your kindness and commitment”.
At the start of July my time as President of Alresford Rotary ended to be succeeded by Andrew Castillo, the first Physician to be President since the first, GP Dr Michael Clarke in 1986! The saddest moment of my Presidency was the death of long-term Alresford Rotarian Stephen Pinch in July 2025.
His great contribution to the community has been recognised by Perins this year creating an annual award in Stephen’s memory with the following citation.
“This award is in memory of Stephen Pinch, a great support to Perins School over a long period of time through Alresford’s Rotary Club. Stephen always with great enthusiasm supported the year 11 mock interviews, helping alongside others to get the students ready for their college interview. Stephen always took great care with each student, encouraged them to show off their skills and pointed out to them how to “big themselves up”. Many students he was given had very low self-esteem and he was just what they needed; the students always came out of his interview walking 3 inches taller and a smile on their faces. Stephen was a gentleman with great kindness and understanding, a brilliant example to all the students he worked with”.
Like Stephen would you like to make a real difference to our local community? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
James PInniger
email: rotaryalresford@gmail.com
Phone: 07973 747305
Website: alresford-rotary.org
Hambrooks Landscaping
Expert gardening care & maintenance in Hampshire
Year round border & pond care
Keep your garden looking beautiful - without the hassle
Rich Webley FCIM is a Chartered Marketer with more than 20 years' experience helping SMEs improve results from their marketing. During his career he's held board-level marketing roles in highgrowth businesses before spending the last decade leading, building and advising marketing functions across a wide range of SMEs. Rich is the creator of Framework Twelve™, a practical methodology for marketing-led growth, and works with founders, CEOs and leadership teams through marketing assessments, advisory and Fractional CMO engagements. He's delighted to have joined Alresford Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to meeting and supporting local businesses.
The Chamber is about supporting and celebrating commerce in Alresford and the surrounding areas! Here’s how we do it: We help to encourage and support local businesses, whether established or startups, to flourish in our vibrant community. We’re committed to maintaining high standards of trading and creating a friendly atmosphere of trust between business owners and the wonderful public they serve. We advocate for our members, making sure their voices are heard by Parliament, government agencies, and local authorities on subjects that matter to them. We enjoy teaming up with the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and other organisations to host social and vocational events that bring us closer together. Our partnerships with local groups focus on community initiatives that benefit everyone because we can achieve more together! We also love giving back to the community by supporting local charities through donations and volunteer efforts, as decided by our committee. Promoting Alresford is key to sustaining its lively spirit and economic activity, and we’re all in!
In addition to our exciting activities, we proudly arrange vibrant community events that bring everyone together, such as our delightful Easter Egg Hunt and our thrilling Ghost Hunt—perfect for families and friends alike which encourages the community to walk around the town and support the local shops and businesses Our "Member of the Month" spotlight showcases a featured member, helping to promote their business and offering them the chance to host a Chamber Chat, enhancing their visibility in our network. Don’t miss our insightful "Ask the Experts" events held twice a year, where you can gain knowledge from our Chamber Committee. Plus, join us for our popular fish and chip supper at the Swan Hotel, where great food meets great company! Let's engage, connect, and celebrate together! Annual membership (1st April – 31st March £60) includes affiliation to the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.
Together we are stronger! To join the chamber, visit www.alresfordchamber.co.uk and download the application form or email info@alresdordchamber.co.uk
Keep track of our events, follow us on Facebook @AlresfordChamberofCommerce / AlresfordCofC / info@alresfordchamber.co.uk / www.alresfordchamber.co.uk
My husband, Paul, was champing at the bit to make his favourite tipple - mead. Personally, I’m not a fan. Honey has this taste. It doesn’t matter what particular variety: lavender, acacia blossom or heather – it tastes of honey. And it does something right at the back of the roof of my mouth, just as it reaches my throat. My body segues through surprise, suspicion and revulsion; ‘Oh? Wossat? Yuk!’.
Anyway, Paul had assembled plastic barrels and glass demijohns and the sort of enormous saucepan and ladle that you see in the orphanage scene in Oliver Twist. Just to clarify, it’s the version with Oliver Reed as Bill Sykes, dripping with sex appeal (the subject of an early crush).
I’ll mention here that I’m allergic to bee stings. One childhood summer, I was staying with a friend and trod on a hapless bee. My foot swelled, skin growing hot with the unhealthy sheen of being stretched too tightly. That night the allergic reaction triggered an asthma episode. Pre-diagnosis: no meds. Wheezing loudly, with a fat, shiny foot, I was the biggest nuisance to the sweetly caring mother of my friend. She slathered my foot in calamine lotion, to no effect save staining the sheets.
Many years of slim-footedness and bee-avoidance later, back at the caravan, Paul was outside dealing with the honey; decanting and weighing. The bees lived in a settlement of hives about thirty yards from the caravan. We couldn’t see them, but their daytime hum was like a distant road with constant but light traffic.
We didn’t bother the bees and they politely ignored us. There was a mutual respect. At least, I had a huge respect for them because I’d seen that horror film The Swarm at a very impressionable age. I didn’t want to find myself covered in them and have to sit in a fridge until they went to sleep – like in the film. In any event, I have no idea whether they had respect for me. I doubt it. I just wasn’t a flower and at no time did I try to get into their hive to steal their food, so they left me alone.
Armed with my enormous respect (for ‘respect’, read ‘fear’), I elected to be inside the awning of the caravan. I was in charge of sterilising the equipment and manning the gas burner with its giant saucepan of water, into which I was going to pour the weighed honey. Like a modern-day alchemist, I was going to produce the nectar of the
monks. The first recorded alcoholic drink. We’d looked it all up on BBC Good Food. I love BBC Good Food. BBC Good Food made everything look easy. It was going to be a piece of cake, BBC Good Food practically said so.
There I was in the awning, all zipped up and bee-free. Paul was outside communing with the bees. They, having smelt the honey that had been so unceremoniously stolen from them, had come to investigate. They buzzed around him, coming in for a closer look, hovering about. Then presumably they decided that a sample might be in order and one or two landed on the bucket.
It must have been the equivalent shout-out of, “Yes chaps, it’s definitely ours,” as Paul was then inundated with their little bodies, flying in and landing. I’ve no idea what they thought they were going to do. Take it all back, one tiny bee mouthful at a time? Entirely feasible, given the amount of hard work and diligence it had taken them to manufacture the stuff in the first place.
Meanwhile, back in the awning…
I couldn’t work out what the little noises were. Sounded like the pitterpatter of raindrops, but couldn’t be – the sun was beating down on the awning, heat radiating through the canvas.
No, it wasn’t rain. It was the bees. They were batting against the canvas, first one or two, then more and more. The bees must have got a whiff of the honey that I was adding to the now-boiled water and they were making it their mission to come and get that too.
Feverishly, I was checking the door was completely zipped up. I couldn’t see anywhere they might get in, and relaxed a bit.
But for all they look so sweet and busy on these natural history programmes, doing their little waggle dance and flying around with pollen laden trousers, the little bees are cunning and devious little Bs. They circled the caravan and found they could get in under the skirt of the awning where there were gaps caused by the uneven grass. In just a few minutes I had my own contingent of nosy insects buzzing around me. I fled to the caravan and locked myself in, shouting for Paul in a panic. “They’re here! They’ve brought their friends. Millions of the little wotsits looking at me with accusing feelers.”
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forthcoming EVENTS HAMPSHIRE
HAMPSHIRE AIR FESTIVAL
The Hampshire Air Festival takes flight on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026 at Thruxton Aerodrome, Hampshire, celebrating “The Age of Flight” across a spectacular weekend of aviation and entertainment.
Experience an incredible journey through the skies, from the pioneering aircraft of the Great War, to iconic Warbirds including the legendary Spitfire in its 90th Anniversary Year, thrilling formation aerobatics, and the power of modern fast jets, all performing across both days.
Included in your Saturday ticket, in the evening, the sky comes alive with our breathtaking Pyro & Lights Extravaganza, featuring pyrotechnic aircraft displays, a dazzling light show, illuminated drone formations, and a grand fireworks finale lighting up the Thruxton skyline.
Aviation is fun and can inspire the next generation, getting young people interested in both history and the STEM subjects, we call it education by stealth! We also have ground attractions including motorcycle stunts, military re-enactors, vehicles and live music. These will take place around the flying display so as not to distract from the aviation but complement it.
For tickets and more information visit: www.hampshireairfestival.co.uk
THE ROMSEY SHOW
The Romsey Show is a traditional country show held on the 12 September 2026. From 8pm to 5.30pm.
The show is organised by The Romsey Agricultural and Horse Show Society and held on the magnificent and historic Broadlands Park, Romsey. With a regular annual attendance of around 20,000, the Show welcomes people of all ages and interests, from families to local businesses. There is something for everyone.
There will be a wealth of events such as: Coaching Class & Marathon, Extreme Bike Battle BMX Ring, Children’s Activities, Livestock Classes & Grand Parade, The Thrings Countryside Ring, Modern Machinery, The Sheep Show, Floral Art, Classic Cars, Family Dog Show & Scurry, Circus Skills Area, Reptiles, Horse & Donkey Classes, Vintage machinery, Falconry, Shopping & Craft Stands, Heavy Horse Parade, Fur & Feather Tent, Horticulture, Food Zone & Local Produce, Hobby Horse Competitons, Dog Agility, Bars and Fairground.
Each year, the show has a wonderful turnout of cattle, sheep, horses and donkeys. Other animal displays include the rabbits, cavies and the Angora goats. We also have a mobile petting farm.
For tickets and more information visit: www.romseyshow.co.uk
PORTSMOUTH INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL
The Portsmouth International Kite Festival returns in 2026, with the skies above Southsea Common bursting into life and colour on the weekend of 12 and 13 September from 10am to 5pm at Southsea Common, Southsea, PO5 3AE. What's more, to mark the centenary of Portsmouth getting city status, the 2026 event will have the theme: 100 Kites to celebrate 100 years.
The event features beautiful and awe-inspiring kites, flown by some of the world’s most internationally renowned flyers. There's so much for visitors to enjoy and admire. The festival has amazing demonstrations showcasing the art of kite flying and making, which will see UK and European champions flying multi-line kites to music - performing tricks and ballet routines.
There will also be a host of activities available, including craft stalls and local amusements, whilst dedicated kite traders will be on hand with a wide range of equipment to browse and buy. Don't miss the enchanting displays - featuring beautiful single line kites (intricately appliquéd or painted with magnificent designs), amazing cellular kites (flying miracles of structural engineering), and stunning 3D soft kites in a range of shapes and sizes. The best bit? This exhilarating familyfriendly festival is free to attend! The event is scheduled to run from 10am to 5pm on both days.
For tickets and more information visit: www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/whatson/portsmouth-international-kitefestival-p1726331
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Seven years ago, Alresford Hearing Studio opened its doors on West Street with a simple idea: that hearing care should feel unhurried, personal, and genuinely local. Today, we're marking that anniversary with heartfelt thanks to the community that has made it possible.
In that time, we've had the privilege of getting to know hundreds of local families — not just as patients, but as neighbours. We've fitted over 1500 pairs of hearing aids and carried out more than 10,000 microsuction appointments, but the numbers only tell half the story. We've fitted first hearing aids for people nervous about the change, celebrated when a grandparent heard their grandchild's voice clearly again, and become a familiar, friendly face on the high street for many who now pop in simply to say hello.
Hearing changes so gradually that it’s easy to miss
A television turned up a notch at a time, a habit of nodding along in a busy café, a quiet withdrawal from group conversations that no one quite mentions. Seven years in, we still find that the simplest thing we offer - time, and a proper listen - makes the biggest difference to the people who visit us.
“From
listen carefully and explain every step... I cannot recommend this audiology team highly enough - five stars without hesitation.”
A Lekas - 5 Google review
“I came in recently with wax build up that another specialist was unable to resolve. James not only resolved the issue but was helpful, friendly and very knowledgable. It was great value for money, these guys really are the best. I can’t recommend them enough, thanks guys”
R. Wood - 5 Google review
“Sam’s been absolutely brilliant. A genuine expert in what he does, and has made a life-changing difference to me! I’m so pleased with my new hearing aids, and the service that Sam has given me.”
M. Sadler - 5 Google review
I was a reluctant and occasional hearing aid user until I discovered Alresford Hearing Studio. Sam has listened to my concerns and provided me with some super aids which are now worn every day. A significant issue for me was the enjoyment of and participation in music. My fear that aids would get in the way of my music proved unfounded. I am now enjoying added clarity. My wife is even happier than I am, as her every word is heard first time!
