ISSUE 238 OCTOBER 2026
Forum Publications
Itchen Valley Magazine
NEWS & EVENTS FOR OCTOBER
HALLOWEEN FEATURE
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
GHOST ENCOUNTERS OF THE BLURRED KIND
Find out what's going on in the Itchen Valley
Halloween: The dark history behind the night of fright
Cauliflower and coconut milk curry with sprouts
Our regular feature written by Lucia Foster-Found
STYLE ˙ INTERIORS ˙ HEALTH & BEAUTY ˙ INTERVIEWS ˙ FOOD & DRINK ˙ ENTERTAINMENT ˙ EVENTS
Be prepared for autumn, with a vehicle safety check Uneven and heavy tyre wear can go unnoticed. It is surprising how many people do not check their vehicles for problems before undertaking a journey. It was lucky that this customer came to us for a FREE vehicle check before setting off on a trip. With wet and frosty weather conditions on their way safe tyres with good grip are essential. We also check oil, water and coolant levels and brakes. These simple, but important checks, can save you a lengthy wait for a breakdown recovery vehicle or even save your life!
Call today: 01962 736343 www.phoenixautoservicesltd.co.uk Free local collection and delivery service
PHOENIX AUTO SERVICES LTD, PROSPECT ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QF
ITCHEN VALLEY MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2026
CONTENT S
The Team
Buying, selling, letting?
Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk
04 Property
Find local estate agents and property management services
10 Education
38 Feature
20
42 Wellbeing 42
Looking after your health and yourself!
Find local schools and educational experts
54 Feature 54
12 Forthcoming Events
Ghost Encounters of the Blurred Kind - By Lucia Foster-Found
13 Retail
Our regular retail feature, Unique, Bespoke, Eclectic and Local shopping
Halloween: The Dark History Behind the Night of Fright
Director of Advertising Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk
Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk Feature Writer Lucia Foster-Found
See our other Titles
55 Garden 55
34
Make your garden dream come true
14 Forthcoming Events
59 Motoring 63 Retail Continued
15 Travel 16 Entertainment 17 Professional Services
64 Wellbeing Continued
From photographers to solicitors every professional service you need
Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk
Winchester City forumpublications.co.uk/winchester
Meon Valley forumpublications.co.uk/meon-valley
38
20 Recipe of the Month
Cauliflower and coconut
Test Valley forumpublications.co.uk/test-valley
milk curry with sprouts
24 Entertainment
Family Halloween Events
Forum Publications
25 Home
Alresford, SO24 9QE
New Farm Road,
Tel: 01962 735137
Trades, services, designers, All you need for your home
30 New Alresford Town Council News 34 Environment 34
We're young, we're involved, and we're making a big difference to the South Downs
www.forumpublications.co.uk
54
The Itchen Valley Magazine contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine. The Itchen Valley Magazine takes reasonable efforts to include accurate, current information on its pages, but make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, safety or value of the published items that are displayed. No liability or responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions in magazine content. The Itchen Valley Magazine magazine content does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or recommendations of its creators and any reliance upon its content is taken at the user’s sole risk. Adverts designed by Forum Publications remain the magazine's legal ownership. Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household. © Forum Publications Ltd, 2026
Sales | Property Management | Lettings CHERITON Guide Price: £1,000,000 | EPC Rating: D
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ITCHEN ABBAS To Let: £2,400pcm | EPC Rating: C
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Sales | Property Management | Lettings Sales | Property Management | Lettings
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A you can count ontheinbest-made a changing world… Therename any number of hurdles and challenges that can upset plans, which is why you need the support Aofarename you can count on in a changing world… experienced and qualified property professionals to guide you through the ups and downs of moving home. If you are thinking of a move, we would be happy to offer a helping hand. A good starting point would be to have an up-to-date valuation of your current home. Contact one of our team of property professionals on 01962 736333 to discuss your requirements or pop into our Broad Street office for a friendly chat. We hope to hear from you soon!
11 Broad Street, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9AR | alresford@hellards.co.uk 11 Broad Street,www.hellards.co.uk Alresford, Hampshire| SO24 9AR |736333 alresford@hellards.co.uk Tel. 01962 www.hellards.co.uk | Tel. 01962 736333
COMMUNITY / PROPERTY
LANDLORDS: GET READY TO REGISTER YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY
Importantly, landlords will also need to provide health and safety information, including relevant gas safety records, electrical safety certificates and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
Landlords: Get Ready to Register Your Rental Property A new registration service is coming this winter – and landlords across England will need to take note.
Using a letting agent does not remove the landlord’s responsibility. Agents will be able to provide some information on a landlord’s behalf, but the landlord must still start the registration process and remains responsible for supplying the required information.
A new government service requiring landlords to register their rental properties is due to launch from 15 December 2026, as part of the second phase of the Renters’ Rights Act. If you are a landlord of an assured or regulated tenancy, you will need to register yourself and each of your properties. There will be an annual £65 registration fee for each property, with landlords required to renew their registration every year. Failure to register could result in a fine. Offline registration options will also be available for landlords who need them. When do landlords need to register? The rollout will happen region by region, giving landlords a threemonth window to complete their registration. The South East will have to register from 15 March 2027, with a deadline of 14 June 2027. What information will be needed? Landlords should start getting their paperwork together now. Registration will require details about the property, including its address, number of bedrooms, occupants, rent and tenancy arrangements.
THE Gospel of John Ch.5 v24
'Jesus said, "Truly, truly I say to you, He who hears My word, and believes on Him who sent Me, has everlasting life and shall not
What does it mean for the rental sector? The government says the new service will help landlords demonstrate compliance while giving councils a stronger tool for identifying and tackling poor practice. In the future, tenants will also be able to check whether landlords meet key legal requirements, helping them make more informed decisions about where they rent. For landlords, the message is simple: know your deadline, gather your documents and be ready to register.
Hellards Estate Agents, 11 Broad Street, Alresford, SO24 9AR Tel: 01962 736333 | www.hellards.co.uk
We are specialists in rural land management and agents for both residential and commercial country property sales and lettings.
come into Judgement, but is passed from death unto life."
NEW FARM CHAPEL
Get in touch, we’d love to hear from you! info@moundsmere.co.uk 01256 389253
PROCLAIMING JESUS 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
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www.moundsmere.co.uk
PROPERTY
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Modern family living in a countryside setting W HERE V I L L AGE L IFE M EET S EASY LO NDON CON N EC T ION S Alresford Down offers a beautiful collection of 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes, set within a thoughtfully planned new community surrounded by Hampshire countryside. With generous living spaces, gardens and a choice of flexible layouts, these are homes designed to grow with modern family life. From busy family mornings to relaxed weekends together, there is space to make the most of every day.
A community designed for family life At the heart of Alresford Down is a welcoming new community, designed around modern family life. With generous open spaces, a community orchard and wildflower meadows, there is plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors, explore, spend time together and make the most of the Hampshire countryside. From morning walks and weekend adventures to getting to know the neighbours, Alresford Down offers a friendly environment where families can put down roots and grow together. Families are also well placed for local schooling, with Sun Hill Infant School and Perins School both nearby. Combining open green spaces, local amenities and connection to nature, Alresford Down provides the ideal backdrop for family life.
Well connected for family life Set on the edge of the beautiful Georgian village of New Alresford, Alresford Down places residents within easy walking distance of a wonderful selection of boutique shops, independent cafés, traditional country pubs and the surrounding Hampshire countryside. The charming town offers plenty to discover, from riverside walks and the scenic Alre Valley Trail to the much-loved Watercress Line heritage railway, which runs through the heart of the local landscape.
WELL CONNEC TED F OR EVERYDAY LIF E While Alresford Down enjoys a peaceful countryside setting, everyday destinations are within easy reach. The A31 provides access to the M3 towards Winchester and Southampton, while Winchester itself is just a short drive away.
With New Alresford nearby, everyday essentials and transport links are all within easy reach. From countryside walks to family days out, Alresford Down offers the ideal balance of village character and effortless modern living.
For journeys further afield, an hourly bus service connects with Winchester railway station, with regular trains reaching London Waterloo in just over an hour.*
Room to grow Alresford Down is a brand-new community of beautifully designed 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes, thoughtfully created for modern family living. Inspired by the character of the local area, the homes feature attractive architectural details, including distinctive flint-flecked elevations, alongside contemporary interiors, generous layouts and stylish finishes. Designed with the way people live today in mind, each home offers flexible spaces for busy family life, entertaining and relaxing, complemented by energy-efficient features for greater comfort. Whether you are looking for more space for a growing family or searching for a beautifully considered forever home, Alresford Down offers an exceptional combination of character, comfort and contemporary living in a truly special Hampshire setting.
FIND THE RI G HT H OM E FOR YO UR FAM ILY
3 Bedroom Homes: Including the versatile Owlton townhouse and spacious Aynesdale.
Our current selection features flexible spaces for growing families and modern lifestyles. Highspecification interiors come as standard, with many homes offering stylish integrated kitchens with Silestone worktops and generous living spaces.
4 Bedroom Detached Homes: Featuring sought-after designs including the Ayleford, Henford, Tewksdale and Shilford. 5 Bedroom Homes: Premium homes such as the Aireton, offering approximately 1,900 sq. ft. of contemporary living space.
#taylorwimpey
Call 01962 418 145 taylorwimpey.co.uk
2026
Normal Taylor Wimpey terms and conditions apply. Images used for illustrative purposes only. Please speak to our Sales Executives regarding the tenure of our new homes. Taylor Wimpey has 7,048 5-star reviews on Trustpilot as of 13/05/26. The HBF 5-star Award is awarded to homebuilders that achieve above 90% in the percentage of customers who would recommend Taylor Wimpey to a friend eight weeks after legal completion. Please visit HBF 5-star Award Taylor Wimpey for more information. *Time taken from nationalrail.co.uk and are approximate only. September 2026.
EDUCATION
Let them wonder
O
By Liz Norris, Head of St Swithun’s Prep
ne of the special things about spending your working life around children is being reminded just how much there is to wonder about. Why is the moon out in the daytime? Who decides the names of colours? How do birds know where home is? Can fish get thirsty? Where does the sun go at night? And, perhaps most urgently of all, what happened to my snowman? Children ask extraordinary questions. As adults, one of the most important things we can do is make time to explore the answers with them. The answer itself is not always the most important thing. Sometimes it is better to respond with another question: What do you think? or Shall we find out together? Curiosity is where so much learning begins.
At St Swithun’s, we are fortunate to witness the very beginning of that journey in our co-educational Nursery and Preschool, where we welcome boys and girls from nine months to four years. Those earliest years are full of firsts as children discover the joys of play, stories, movement, creativity, friendship and the natural world. The adults around them remain close, knowing when to offer a helping hand and when to step back and let discovery unfold. As children grow, so does their world. From Reception onwards, St Swithun’s Prep is for girls. One of the things I value most about educating girls from a young age is that it gives them the freedom to discover who they are before the world starts suggesting who they ought to be.
A puddle on a hot day becomes an experiment. Building a home for a favourite toy becomes an engineering challenge. A walk in the park becomes an exploration of colour, smell and texture. Children are constantly making connections, testing ideas and changing their minds, often without realising they are learning at all. Our job is to notice what captures their imagination and sparks their enthusiasm, then help them follow where it leads.
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Scientist, artist, footballer, veterinarian, mathematician, musician, writer, explorer or performer: all are possible futures. Better still, they are not mutually exclusive. A child can be imaginative and analytical, creative and scientific, ambitious and kind. Possibilities should have no limits when you are a young, curious child. Of course, nurturing curiosity does not mean filling every moment with structure and activity. Some of the most meaningful discoveries happen when children have
time to potter, stumble, make mistakes and try again. Curiosity can mean following an unexpected idea, getting lost in the moment and happily abandoning even the most carefully made plans. Perhaps that is what it means to light the way for a child. Not choosing their destination or providing every answer, but giving them the confidence, encouragement, opportunities and space to begin finding their own path. From a baby's first discoveries in Nursery to the increasingly ambitious questions of Prep, I hope we never lose sight of the value of that small but powerful phrase: I wonder...
St Swithun’s Prep School, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HA T: 01962 835700 www.stswithuns.com
Prep School
FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 26 | 1.30PM
PREP OPEN AFTERNOON Come and discover St Swithun’s Nursery, Preschool and Prep. Meet our Head of Prep, Liz Norris, ` hear more about life at St Swithun’s, and explore the school on an individual tour led by one of our current pupils. Open to families considering our co-educational Nursery & Preschool (9 months–4 years) and girls’ Prep from Reception to Year 6.
FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2026, 9.30AM - 10.30AM
EARLY YEARS STAY & PLAY Come and play, explore and discover. Once a term, we open our doors for a free Stay & Play session for children aged 18 months–4 years. A relaxed chance for little ones to explore, and for you to meet our Early Years team and get a feel for life at St Swithun’s.
TO BOOK YOUR PLACE: Please visit: stswithuns.com/prep-events or scan the QR code below.
EVENTS
Forthcoming Events Itchen Valley Spiritualist Fellowship
Alresford Art Society Art Demonstration
Friday 9 October
Thursday 15 October
Doors Open: 6.45pm - 9pm Service: 7pm - 8pm
From 7.30pm
School House, Church Lane Bishops Sutton, Hampshire, SO24 0AD
Step into a warm and welcoming space for an uplifting evening of Service of Spirit with mediumship and fellowship, featuring our special guest medium, Claire Sutton on, Admission: Donations are warmly welcomed on the night to help cover the cost of hiring the hall and supporting our guest medium. Free parking. Join us for complimentary refreshments and a chance to chat following the service. All are very welcome to share in a peaceful and supportive atmosphere.
Alresford Funfair is Back
Bishop's Sutton Village Hall, Alresford, SO24 0AH
A demonstration of seascape, colour and lught in Acrylic by Mark Warmer. Non-members welcome admission £5.
One night. One extraordinary story - The Post Office Scandal and Cover Up
Thursday 15 October From 6.30pm (Doors 7pm) Bighton Village Hall, Bighton Road, Bighton, Alresford, SO24 9RB
Thursday 15 October From 3pm until late Broad Street, Alresford
One of Alresford’s most traditional events is back! This is believed to be one of the oldest traditional events still taking place in Alresford today, and we’re delighted to be bringing the funfair back to Broad Street once again. There will be a great selection of rides for all ages, delicious fairground food and a fantastic atmosphere. Its a wonderful traditional day out for all the family The fair only comes to Alresford once a year, so please come along, support this fantastic traditional event and enjoy the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the funfair! Bring your family and friends and come and enjoy a proper traditional funfair. We can’t wait to see you there.
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Imagine discovering that everything you believed about one of Britain's biggest scandals was only part of the story. ‘Watercress Bistro’ will open its doors for an unforgettable evening as Dr Kay Linell FCA OBE and Barbara Jeremiah JP MSc (Criminology and Criminal Justice) reveal the inside story of the Post Office scandal. Long before the headlines and television drama, they stood alongside the sub-postmasters - working tirelessly and without payment - to help secure the first legal victory and continuing the fight for justice and fair compensation. Hear first-hand how one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in modern Britain unfolded, the shocking cover-up involving the Post Office and Government and discover what is still happening today. There will be a prompt start. Tickets are £25 per person, including delicious savoury canapés beforehand and sweet treats afterwards. A licensed bar will run before and after the event. Book your tickets now at: https://tinyurl.com/BightonBistro | Don't miss this fascinating, one-off event while helping to raise vital funds for Bighton Village Hall.
Music for an Autumn Evening
Saturday 24 October
Saturday 17 October
From 6pm
From 6.30pm
St.Johns Church, East Street, Alresford, SO24 9AG
Alresford Methodist Church, Jacklyns Lane, Alresford, SO24 9JJ
Performed by Candover Valley Choir. Tickets - £10 to include fruit punch, coffee and biscuits (under 18s free) available on the day at the door or in advance by phoning 01962 736554
Alresford Antiques Fair Saturday 17 October 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: Instagram carolfentumantiques | Carol - 01264 335769/07870 432805
Alresford Community Cinema presents Wuthering Heights Tuesday 20 October From 7pm The John Pearson Hall, East Street, Alresford, SO24 9AG
Licensed Bar, Tickets £10 per person. Operated by The Friends of St Johns Church.
Alresford Historical and Literary Society Talk Wednesday 21 October From 7.30pm Methodist Church, Jacklyns Lane, Alresford, SO24 9JJ
The Wit and Satire of Gilbert and Sullivan - Act 1 a talk by Dr Stephen Goss.
Italian Opera Gala
An enchanting evening of the finest Italian opera. Soprano, Tenor and
Pianist. Followed by a gala dinner. Meal includes a glass of prosecco on arrival and an elegant three course Italian dinner at The Vault at the Swan Hotel. Plus a special musical interlude for our soprano and tenor. Gala Opera only tickets £25, Gala Opera plus dinner tickets. To book tickets email: info@italianopera.co.uk
Southern Voices Autumn Concert - Rejoice! - Sacred Music at its Boldest
Saturday 24 October From 7.30pm St Paul's Church, Saint Pauls House, 26 St Paul's Hill, Winchester, SO22 5AB
Rejoice! will showcase Benjamin Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb, a truly unique work paired with Leonard Bernstein's declamatory Chichester Psalms alongside William Walton’s dramatic Chichester Service and works by Elgar, Stanford, Rubbra and Berkeley. Winchester-based chamber choir, Southern Voices have a longestablished reputation for performing a wide variety of choral music and styles to a very high standard. The programme has been put together by the choir’s Musical Director: Jamal Sutton whose flair for choosing imaginative, exciting and inspiring music continues. They will be joined by former royal harpist: Alis Huws and percussionist George English. Tickets £20 (concessions £12) from southernvoices.co.uk or 0333 666 4466. Booking fees apply.
More events on page 14>>
BOOK YOUR FREE VALUATION TODAY
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02380 119936
1
www.dalmenys.co.uk
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sales@dalmenys.co.uk
o 1A Toll Gate Estates, Stanbridge Lane, Awbridge, Romsey, SO51 0HE
EVENTS
Forthcoming Events Charity Quiz Night Saturday 24 October 7pm - 10pm (Doors 6.45pm) Alresford Community Centre, 7 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AG
Charity Quiz Night at Aresford Community Centre. Teams of up to 6. £10 per person (supper included in the price). Tea, coffee and soft drinks will be on sale so please bring cash with you. Please email:nashfamilytogether@outlook. com for an application form. Applications close on Monday 19 October. All proceeds will go to the Honeypot Children's Charity.
Horticultural Society - Talk Monday 26 October From 7.45pm Ropley Parish Hall, Vicarage Lane, Ropley, SO24 0DU
“Seasonal Plants with Impact” with Martyn Cox. Parking free. Guests £5 on the door includes refreshments, all welcome. Enquiries: Jill 01962 772425
Alresford Flower Club Demonstration Wednesday 28 October From 7.30pm (Doors 7pm) St. Gregory's Church Hall, Grange Road, Alresford, SO24 9HB
The Alresford Flower Club meets on the last Wednesday of almost every month at 7pm. A demonstration by Graham King 'Beauty in Sculpture'.
Save the Children Alresford Branch Quiz Friday 30 October 7pm for 7.30pm start St. Gregory's Church Hall, Grange Road, Alresford, SO24 9HB
Tickets £15 pp. Tables for 6 - 8 people. To include supper of fish and chips. Raffle and licensed bar. Tickets available form 1 October. Phone: 01962 732009
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Alresford Twinning Association Wine Tasting Evening Saturday 31 October From 7.15pm John Pearson Hall, St John the Baptist Church, East Street, Alresford, SO24 9AG
Alresford Rotary Fireworks and Bonfire
Friday 6 November From 7pm (top of Broad Street) Broad Street, Alresford & Alrebury Park Recreation Ground
The Torchlight procession will start from the top of Broad Street at 7pm. The Bonfire and Fireworks start from 7.45pm in Arlebury Park. Buy tickets early and save! Order online from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ alresford-rotary Tickets available from 1 October. Under 5s free, Tickets purchased in October Child £5, Adults £10. Tickets purchased in November, Child £6. Adults £12. Supporting locval and Rotary Charities. Charity no: 1014447.
Ropley Live Gig - Moscow Drug Club Saturday 7 November Doors 7pm Ropley Parish Hall, SO24 0DU
Moscow Drug Club, 5-piece band featuring on Vocals Katya Gorrie, Guitar Daryl Kellie, Trumpet Johnny Bruce, Accordian Mirek Salmon and Double Bass Andy Crowdy. Named after the BB Gabor song about an underground Jazz club during the cold war… they perform a heady and waggish mix of Jazz French musette, Latin Grooves and New Orleans Swing… combining their original material with songs by the likes of Jaques Brel, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen & Eartha Kitt. You are cordially invited to share a wry smile with us as you enter the darkly
comic world of Moscow Drug Club, an intoxicating and intimate musical experience… this way please and mind the stairs. See moscowdrugclub.com for more information about the band PS: No actual drugs are featured or allowed! Tickets are £20 online from ropleyparishhall.org.uk/page/events For more information email ropleylivegigs@btinternet.com
Table Top Sale at Bramdean Village Hall Saturday 14 November
Thur 19 November
From 10am to 12 noon
From 7.30pm
Bramdean Village Hall, Wood Lane, Bramdean, SO24 0JN
Bishop's Sutton Village Hall, Alresford, SO24 0AH
Fund raising event for the Village Hall. To book a table, contact bvhbkgs@gmail.com or phone 01962 771991. £10 per table, payable on booking. Doors open at 9am for setting up. Refreshments available: cash only. W.I. cakes, crafts and lots more.
Ropley Horticultural Society Talk
Cheriton Singers and and Southampton Choral Society perform Mendelssohn's 'Elijah'
Persian Gardens. a talk by Souren Ala. Visitors welcome £5. Free Parking. More info.
Saturday 14 November
Monday 30 November From 7.45pm Ropley Parish Hall, Vicarage Lane, Ropley, Alresford, SO24 0DU
St.Peter's Christmas Tree Festival
From 7.30pm
Thur 10 to Sun 13 December
Chandler's Ford Methodist Church, Winchester Road, Chandler's Ford, SO53 2GJ
Various Times (see below)
Cheriton Singers will be joining forces with Southampton Choral Society to sing Mendelssohn's "Elijah". Tickets are £20 (£5 for under 18s) and are available from: https://www.ticketsource.com/ southamptonchoralsociety/
Alresford Historical and Literary Society Talk Wednesday 18 November From 7.30pm Methodist Church Hall, 24 Jacklyns Lane, Alresford, SO24 9JJ
'It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times' - The Charles Dickens Story. A talk by Brian and Jacqueline Sutton.
Alresford Art Society Talk on Art Deco Painting A talk on Art Deco painting with Scott Anderson. Non-members welcome. Admission £5.
St. Peter's Church, Church Street, Ropley, SO24 0DS
Festival Opening Times: Thursday 10 December - Preview Evening from 6.30 to 8.30pm (Book tickets online at https:// www.stpetersropleyvenue.org.uk/ buy-tickets/p/christmas-tree-festivalpreview-evening). Friday 11 December from 10am to 4.30pm, Saturday 12 December from 10am to 4.30pm (music session for young children 10am, Sunday 13 December from 12.30pm to 4.30pm.
Include your event on our events pages FREE of charge. Simply send your content to editor@forumpublications. co.uk Please note that we are unable to guarantee publication and that all contributions are placed where space is available.
RETAIL / TRAVEL
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Bespoke Luxury Holidays Private Jet–Curated Journeys Exclusive Villas for Families & MultiGenerational Travel Worldwide Luxury Escapes Luxury Rail Journeys Ocean, River & Expedition Cruises Romantic Escapes & Proposal Experiences Luxury Family Holidays
Escorted Worldwide Tours Adult-Only Getaways Tailor-Made Itineraries Destination Weddings & Honeymoons City Breaks & Multi-Centre Journeys Cultural Luxury Experiences Private Group Travel Premier Sporting Events & Experiences
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ENTERTAINMENT
AV PROJECTIONIST WOULD YOU LIKE TO REQUIRED FOR THE LEARN MORE ABOUT ARTS SOCIETY ART AND ART HISTORY? ALRESFORD (formerly NADFAS) We are looking for someone to help with the set-up and operation of our AV projection and audio system for our monthly lectures, held on the 4th Tuesday of each month (not August and December) at 2.15pm at Itchen Abbas Hall. Full training will be provided. Once trained, you would share the role with our existing projectionist, taking responsibility for every other lecture. You would need to: * Arrive at the hall at 12.30pm to set up the equipment and liaise with the lecturer. * Operate theOur laptop, projectorare andregularly audio lectures rated as equipment during the lecture.or ‘OUTSTANDING’ ‘EXCELLENT’ * Pack away the equipment afterwards, normally An example of our 2025 Programme Become of our friendly and finishingpart by 4.00pm. (more details can be found on our website) welcoming membership at The • City of Angels Artsshould Society and enjoy You beAlresford* comfortable using and updating a Windows • Along the River Tiber engaging lectures onfamiliarity a broad with •PowerPoint The Explosive World laptop and have some and of Cornelia Parker Singer Sargent: The Private Radical variety of art subjects twice You• John connecting a laptop to awith projector. don’t need to be an AV • The Great Poster War 1914-1918 yearly-Art and Special expert fullVisits training will be given. • Celebrating the Centenary of the 1925 Interest Days. Paris Expo • Making Sport: Jane We pay per lecture, andAusten you & The Art of Heldcurrently at 2.15pm on theour 4thprojectionists Tuesday of each £55Satire month (except a August & December), at free. • Dressed to Thrill: The Art of the Japanese get to watch superb lecture for Itchen Abbas & Avington Village Hall.
Kimono • The English Garden: A Quest for Paradise Scan the OR... Please visit our website If you are interested in helping The Arts Society Alresford, • From Tchaikovsky to Tin Pan Alley for more information, and please Kerby details contact: on how toJulia become a on •01962 Private734768 tours ofor Stratfield Saye House, and member. We look forward to Jane Austen’s House, Winchester by email juliamkerby@outlook.com welcoming you. • Special Interest Days; The Brilliance of British Architecture and Engineering, and 2025 Membership: £46 Monet and the Impressionists.
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* part of The Arts Society network of 360 societies in the UK and abroad
www.theartssocietyalresford.org.uk
ENTERTAINMENT / PROFESSIONAL
Alresford Street Fair
THUR 15th OCT ONE DAY ONLY
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Are you making the most of your money?
Making your money work harder could help you reach your goals more quickly and boost your long-term financial security. Whether you want to grow your wealth, save for retirement or ensure your loved ones are provided for, the place to start is to ask yourself the right questions.
1. What do you want your money to do for you? The answer will partly depend on your circumstances and priorities. What are the financial milestones you want to hit? Do you have a secure plan in place for your retirement or is, say, saving for your children’s future your priority?
2. Are your savings growing? Although the stock market goes down as well as up, history shows that it tends to perform more strongly than cash over the long term. Investing could therefore give at least some of your money the opportunity to grow faster.
3. When do you want to retire? This question will be at the core of any long-term financial strategy. Working backwards will allow you to cross-reference your desired lifestyle with the funds you need to sustain it and the time needed to accumulate them.
4. Are you separating your long and short-term priorities? Defining your goals is one thing – but considering how much time you need is just as important. You’ll most likely have different priorities over your lifetime that may require separate financial strategies.
5. Do you have debts to tackle? The interest rates on credit cards, overdrafts and personal loans are usually higher than the interest rates on cash and the average return on investments. By paying off expensive debts, you’ll be in a better overall position in the long term.
6. Are you using all your tax allowances? No one knows what tax changes may lie ahead. Maximising your tax allowances now could give your finances a boost. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities to benefit from tax efficiency today and profit over the long term. Our wealth managers can help you keep abreast of changes in the tax landscape and make decisions that optimise the allowances that do exist, such as pensions and Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). We live and work local to you. We would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability. Kirsty Simpson Wealth Manager Director E: kirsty.simpson@brewin.co.uk Matt Lyth Wealth Manager Director E: matt.lyth@brewin.co.uk 46 Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8RY T: 01962 798000 W: brewin.co.uk/our-offices/winchester
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. Neither simulated nor actual past performance are reliable indicators of future performance. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of RBC Europe Limited. RBC Europe Limited is registered in England and Wales No. 995939. Registered Address: 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AA. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. ® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence.
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Cauliflower and coconut milk curry with sprouts INGREDIENTS
METHOD
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder • 1 dessert spoon med hot tandoori or curry powder • 1 teaspoon garam masala • 1 teaspoon cumin • 2 pinches of salt • 1 dessert spoon cooking oil • 1 onion • 4 cloves garlic • ½ a cauliflower • 10 sprouts • A thumb sized piece of ginger • 4 balls of frozen spinach • 1 tin of coconut milk • 1 handful of red split lentils
• Peel and thinly slice the onion; peel and grate the garlic. • Peel and grate the ginger – don’t worry if it doesn’t grate well, it will cook well into the sauce regardless. • Give the sprouts a good wash and discard any damaged outer leaves. Then thinly slice. • Roughly chop the cauliflower (stalks, leaves and all) into bite sized pieces. • Now, heat the oil in a medium sized frying pan on a medium heat; add the garlic, ginger and onion, mix well. • Then add the spices and curry powder and gently mix well with a wooden spoon. • Now add the cauliflower and sprouts, mix well and cook for about 30 seconds. • Open the coconut milk and give it a stir (the fats tend to separate) Now add the coconut milk to your pan. Add the lentils. Give it all a really good stir and cook for about ten minutes. • Keep an eye on the sauce, giving it an occasional stir. If it starts to boil down too much add a touch of water (about half a mug). • Add the spinach to the sauce and cook for a further five minutes, gently breaking it down with a fork as it starts to defrost. • Cook until your sauce has thickened and the cauliflower and lentils are soft. • Serve with a white and brown rice mix, pitta or cous cous. ENJOY!
RECIPE COURTESY OF HAMPSHIRE FARE
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COMMUNITY / PROFESSIONAL
THE CURTIS MUSEUM, ALTON
MR MAC - OCTOBER NEWS
The Ghastly Funfair
Introducing the iPhone Duo. Folding phones aren't new, Samsung and Motorola got there first, so Apple isn't innovating with the format itself. Still, it's a gorgeous device, loaded with the polish you'd expect from Apple. I haven't tried one in store yet, and honestly, that's telling: no Face ID, and a camera that falls short of the iPhone 17 Pro or 18 Pro, make this feel like a first draft. The one to buy is probably the next one.
Saturday 31 October from 4.30pm - 7pm. Free entrance Family Fun, Games, Prizes - from the team who brought you the Museum by Torchlight. On Halloween night, the Curtis Museum transforms into a marvellously macabre funfair, filled with ghostly games, frightful fun and mysterious surprises around every corner. Collect your tokens and try your luck at our spooktacular fairground stalls. Test your skill, win gruesome goodies and remember... it's a prize every time! Meet peculiar characters, discover curious treats and enjoy a delightfully eerie evening as you wander through the museum by torchlight. Whether you're a daring ghost, a wicked witch, a mischievous monster or a brave explorer, there's fun for all the family at this hauntingly entertaining Halloween event. Get your tokens, try your luck and see what lurks around the next corner... if you dare! Suitable for families and children of all ages. Fancy dress warmly encouraged!
Medieval Monster Hunt
Autumn Half Term - Saturday 24 to Saturday 31 October Track down dragons, unicorns, manticores and other medieval monsters in this family-friendly hunt through the Curtis Museum! £2.75 per Monster Hunter Pack, with a reward on completion.
Do you have what it takes to become a Medieval monster Hunter?
Object of the Month
We continue our display of objects from the Allen Gallery Collection. October's piece is a brown 18th Century Bellarmine 4-gallon salt-glazed stoneware bottle which belonged to WH Allen himself. There will be a Collections Study Day looking at similar works, with Nigel Jeffries, leader of the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) ceramics team. Wednesday 14 October. £23 per person, to include a light lunch. More details and booking form on our website.
Dotty the Dodo
A new Autumn Facts Trail to follow. Until 28 November. FREE.
Talk on fire safety in the home
The Friends of the Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery present a talk by Josh Grant, Alton Fire Station Watch Manager on Thursday 8 October. 7 for 7.30pm in Room 7, Alton Community Centre. Free to Friends, £2 for guests. Tea/coffee provided.
Curtis Museum Opening Times
Tuesday to Saturday from 10am – 4.30pm Tel: 01420 82802 www.hampshireculture.org.uk/curtis-museum
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Amazon's automated fulfillment machines avoided 288 million plastic bags in North America in 2025, as single-use plastic packaging fell from 37% to 27% of shipments in a year. The shift relies on "extensible paper," a stronger material that stretches 5–7% before tearing (versus standard Kraft), making it machine-compatible. Since 2015, Amazon has avoided 5.4 million metric tons of packaging across North America and Europe. My favorite radio station is Times Radio, operated by the Times and Sunday Times newspapers. It is available online, on DAB, and now live on YouTube. If you haven't tried it, may I recommend that you give it a listen. For those of you who subscribe to the digital version of the newspapers, there's a very handy feature that lets you listen to any article. Look for this logo. Andy – Mr Mac | andy@mistermac.co.uk
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ENTERTAINMENT Hawk Conservancy Trust, Owl-O-Ween Thur 29 to Fri 30 October From 5.30pm Hawk Conservancy Trust, Sarson Ln, Andover, SP11 8DY
Food available to purchase from: 5:30pm. First flying display commences: 7pm. Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening this Halloween. Enjoy ghostly storytelling and marvel at our owls as they put on two mystical flying displays against the backdrop of our moonlit grounds. Before the first flying display begins, you can take part in our fiendish Halloween Trail around the Trust, and explore our grounds and see our birds in their homes. If you fancy a bite to eat, a delicious barbeque and fresh hot churros will be available to purchase! Feathers Restaurant will be open to buy warm drinks and light snacks. All children must be accompanied by a full paying adult. Dressing up is encouraged! For more information and booking visit: https://www.hawk-conservancy.org/ events/owl-o-ween/
Wizard Week at the Watercress Line Sun 25 Oct to Mon 2 Nov From 10.30am to 4.30pm The Watercress Line, Station Road, Alresford, SO249JG
We have lots of spooky activities to keep the kids entertained this October half-term. Grab your cloak and wave your wand to climb onboard our Wizard Express! Have a go at circus skills and tricks to frighten your friends. Get stuck into the slime laboratory with Professors Slugwind and Apricus, and create your own slime to take home! Children of all ages are invited to dress up as their favourite scary Halloween character – little monsters, ghosts, witches and wizards are welcome. There are prizes to be won at the fancy dress competition, to be held each day – with three age categories: Under 4s – ‘Brand New Wizards’ 4 to 8 year olds | ‘Emerging Wand Talent’ | Overs 8s – ‘Potion Masters’. Spine-tingling treats are in store – including terrific rides on the
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FAMILY HALLOWEEN EVENTS
it will be running throughout the week so solve the clues and find out some freaky facts! Messy madness with pumpkin carving bring your imagination and we will tidy up… YUCK! Enjoy some forest school fun to celebrate all things Halloween and Autumn! Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November – Creepy Creatures Outdoor Trail | Tuesday 29 October – Pumpkin Carving | Wednesday 30 October – Little Adventures Halloween Forest School For more information: https:// www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ countryparks/qecp/visit-us/whatson
Pumpkin Time at Sunnyfields Farm Sat 3 Oct to Sat 31 October
Wizard Express heritage train. For more information visit: https:// watercressline.co.uk/special-days/ wizard-week/
The Rogate Pumpkin Patch 2026 Fri 16 Oct to Sun 1 Nov Various Times (see website) Slade Farm, Slade Lane, Rogate, Petersfield, GU31 5EG
The Rogate Pumpkin Patch is now in its 12th year, the pick your own autumn pumpkin event. We'll close the event with our muchloved Pumpkin SMASH! Autumn Finale! a one-day ONLY event where visitors return to smash the remaining pumpkins, which are then enjoyed by our grazing cattle over the winter. For tickets visit: www. rogatepumpkinpatch.com/
Supernatural Tours at Winchester City Museum 2026 Sat 25 October From 10am to 5pm (Sun 11am) Winchester City Museum, The Square, Winchester, SO23 9ES
Join Supernatural Tours at Winchester City Museum for an evening of ghost stories! Wander the museum after dark and listen to spooky stories about Winchester. The content is family friendly but still scary. Supernatural Tours and Events and is the UK’s leading supernatural events company. For more information and booking visit: https://supernaturaltours.co.uk/
winchester-ghost-stories/
Various Times (see website)
Glow Night - Halloween Spectacular at Hollycombe
Sunnyfields Farm, Jacobs Gutter Lane, Totton, SO40 9FX
Saturday 31 October From 6pm to 10pm Hollycombe Steam in the Country, Iron Hill, Liphook, GU30 7LP
The perfect mix of spooky and fun... not too scary for little ones but scary enough for the adults! Grab your Halloween fancy dress and join us for the BEST Halloween party going! Unlimited Ride Wristbands, Eerie Quarry Railway, Spooky Garden Railway, Haunted Ghost House, Golden Galloping Horses, Steam Chair-o-planes, Children's Dobby, Hall of Mirrors, Children's Chair-oplanes, Children's Toyset Ride, Plus more rides to be announced. There will also be Let's Toast Bar, Hot food traders, Candy floss, Fairground games, Fancy dress prizes, Pumpkins and Halloween decor, Spine-tingling tunes on fairground organs, Sinister Shooting Gallery (over 16’s) and a Showman's engine powering the fun.
Halloween Fun at Queen Elizabeth Country Park Sat 26 Oct to Sun 3 November From 10am to 4pm Queen Elizabeth Country Park Gravel Hill, Horndean, PO8 0QE
October half term spooky goings on! Take part in our outdoor Halloween trail around the forest,
The farm will be turning orange as thousands of pumpkins await your arrival. Photo opportunities, WOW displays and pumpkin picking are just the start for this event. Pumpkin Time 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest and best yet! There will be two brand NEW indoor experiences, a photobooth area, and familyfriendly roaming characters bringing the magic to life. From Saturday 10th October, our DJ will be on site every open day from 2:30pm - bringing the perfect soundtrack to your pumpkin picking and keeping the good vibes going all afternoon and into the evening. For more information visit: https://sunnyfields.ticketsrv.co.uk/ product-collection/4
Halloween Family fun - Hinton Ampner Sat 17 Oct to Sun 1 Nov From 10am to 4pm Hinton Ampner, Alresford SO24 0LA
Head into the spooky corners of Hinton Ampner’s gardens and discover a Halloween adventure packed with games and challenges for the whole family. Race your broomstick, toss eyeballs into the bubbling cauldron, see if you can land a ring on the shooting star and take on plenty more spellbinding challenges along the way. So grab your little witches and wizards and get ready for some seriously spooky fun this half term… if you dare!
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COMMUNITY
New Alresford Town Council Arlebury Bark Raises £601.20 for Hampshire Paws Animal Rescue
Following the success of our Arlebury “Bark” Family Fun day at Arlebury park in July, New Alresford Town Council was delighted to present Hampshire Paws Animal Rescue with a cheque for £601.20. The money was raised through ticket sales for the dog shows and raffle ticket sales, with fantastic support from everyone who attended the event. We would also like to thank the many local businesses who kindly donated raffle prizes, helping to make the raffle such a success. The day brought together families, friends, dog lovers, and visitors from across the community, with entertainment including the Dog Scurry, Punch and Judy shows, live music, a bouncy castle, face painting and the ever-popular Bubblesman. We were thrilled with the support the event received and are incredibly pleased that it resulted in such a fantastic donation to Hampshire Paws Animal Rescue. A huge thank you once again to everyone who bought a dog show or raffle ticket, donated a prize, supported the event or helped make the day such a success.
£601.20 is a wonderful total and will help Hampshire Paws Animal Rescue continue the valuable work they do caring for animals in need. Pictured: Cllr Bean and Cllr Lipton presenting the cheque alongside representatives from Hampshire Paws Animal Rescue.
Watercress Gardens allotments
Watercress Gardens, our newest allotment site, is continuing to flourish, with plot holders making great progress and creating a real sense of community at the site. New Alresford Town Council is responsible for the overall management
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of the town’s allotments at Watercress Gardens and Spring Gardens, working alongside the Allotment Society, who support the day-to-day running and maintenance of both sites. One particularly lovely initiative at Watercress Gardens has been the creation of a dedicated plot to grow fresh produce for the local food bank. Plot 26 had previously been used to store manure and had become quite overgrown. This spring, around 10 volunteers came together to clear the area, completing the work in about an hour and still finding time for tea and cake afterwards!
Potatoes were the first crop to be planted, followed by tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers, peas, beans and winter squash as the weather warmed. The plot has produced well throughout the summer, with fresh vegetables donated to Alresford Foodbank every week. The volunteers are already looking ahead, with plans to plant fruit trees over the winter and grow an even greater variety of vegetables next year, helping to continue those regular donations. The project is a wonderful example of what allotments can bring to a town, providing opportunities to grow fresh food, enjoy the outdoors, meet others and support the wider community. New Alresford Town Council would like to thank the Allotment Society and all the plot holders involved, particularly those giving their time to the food bank plot. We look forward to seeing both the Watercress Gardens community and the food bank plot continue to grow.
Thank You for a Blooming Beautiful Summer!
Once again, our hanging baskets and “up-thepole” planters have brought a wonderful splash of colour to Alresford throughout the summer. From West Street to East Street, along Station Road and Pound Hill, the floral displays have helped keep the town looking bright, welcoming
and cared for. This summer has been a particularly challenging one for Windowflowers, with the prolonged hot and dry weather making the job of keeping the displays looking their best even harder than usual. We would therefore like to say a very big thank you to the Windowflowers team for all their hard work throughout the season. Their regular watering, maintenance and care have helped keep the baskets and planters looking lovely despite some very testing conditions. We would also like to thank all of the local businesses and residents who have supported the hanging basket scheme again this year. It is always lovely to see the displays adding colour to shopfronts, streets and buildings across the town. The baskets are still in place for now, and we are currently waiting for confirmation of when they will be taken down for the season. So, for a little while longer at least, there is still time to enjoy the last of this year’s floral displays. Thank you to everyone involved in helping keep Alresford looking so beautiful throughout the summer.
October Calendar
Please see this months Calendar of events and meetings. You are very welcome to attend all meetings with an opportunity at the start of the meeting to share any thoughts or ideas. 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/Community Meeting Tuesday 6 October from 7pm - 9pm Property Committee Meeting Tuesday 13 October from from 7pm - 9pm Full Council Meeting Tuesday 20 October from 7pm - 9pm
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ENVIRONMENT
We’re young, we’re involved, and we’re making a big difference to the South Downs!”
Paula da Luz, the National Park’s Youth Engagement Officer, writes about how young people are helping to shape the future of conservation and highlights the many volunteering opportunities we have for people aged 16 to 25.
Think young people don’t get up at the weekend? Think again. Across the South Downs National Park, young volunteers aged 16 to 25 are swapping lie-ins for loppers, scythes and teamwork as part of South Downs Youth Action – a hands-on conservation group making a real difference to the landscape. Every month, volunteers give up their weekends to take part in practical conservation projects that help protect and enhance the National Park. Depending on the season, they might be restoring wildlife habitats, managing chalk grassland, tackling invasive species, building accessible paths or supporting nature recovery projects with partner organisations. South Downs Youth Action runs across the National Park, with several opportunities to volunteer, including: Monthly sessions at Seven Sisters Country Park with Ranger Lawrence Leather. At a variety of locations across the South Downs, often alongside partner organisations including the RSPB and Sussex Wildlife Trust for example. In the western part of the National Park with Heathlands Engagement Ranger Kirsty Murray. Kirsty has seen first-hand the enthusiasm and determination that young volunteers bring.
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She says: “One day that really stands out was when a small group of volunteers had to change tasks completely after a large silver birch tree came down across a public footpath during high winds.
working as part of a team has proven benefits for mental wellbeing, while every task completed benefits the landscape too – a win for both people and nature.
“We only had bow saws, but they got stuck in, worked their way through the whole tree and reopened the path for everyone to use again. They had great fun doing it too!” To make volunteering as accessible as possible, reasonable travel expenses and lunch are provided. It’s an investment in the next generation of conservationists.
Volunteer Bea explains: “I initially started looking for volunteering opportunities for college, but also for my own personal interest and to give something back to the local countryside and environment. I have developed lots of useful new skills and knowledge from my time volunteering, and it’s been wonderful getting to know other young people with similar interests.”
Young people are essential to the future of the National Park. Their ideas, enthusiasm and perspectives will help shape how conservation is delivered for years to come.
Whether it’s clearing invasive Himalayan balsam from riverbanks, restoring habitats, repairing footpaths or tackling unexpected challenges, every volunteering day leaves a lasting impact.
Volunteer Fraser Smith says the experience has already made a difference to his studies and confidence.
Just as importantly, it builds friendships, confidence and teamwork. Even if volunteers arrive not knowing anyone, they leave having achieved something together and with a real sense of pride in what they’ve accomplished. Skills, knowledge and experience are shared throughout the day, creating opportunities for young people to grow while helping care for one of Britain’s most treasured landscapes.
He says: “I had a really good day learning how to make a new path. It was quite hard work but great fun to have the opportunity to learn a new skill. Coming out with the Youth Action group is really helping me develop my range of skills as I am studying conservation at college. I really appreciate these opportunities and the chance to meet and work alongside new people.” For staff and rangers, the rewards go beyond the practical work. Listening to young volunteers talk about their ambitions, motivations and experiences reveals a common theme. Many join to improve their wellbeing, connect with nature and make a positive difference to the environment. Spending time outdoors, learning practical skills and
The South Downs National Park is always looking to welcome new members to the Youth Action programme.
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COMMUNITY
Winchester City Councillors' Report October
Anything but a quiet month!
Usually, councillors can be confident August will be a quiet month with not many meetings. Generally, parish councils too have a quiet few weeks. Not this year though. The reality of the changes to be brought about by the Local Government Re-organisation appeared to be looming up ever more quickly, except that on Monday 7 September, a letter was sent out by the Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth saying that the LGR process was to be delayed and the changes reviewed. Ministers then made somewhat conflicting statements in Parliament. It seems the threat of a Judicial Review from various counties has sharpened their thinking. All work has been put on hold until a ‘quick’ review has been undertaken. It has been suggested this will be undertaken during the party conference season, about October 15th. The concept of the Local Government Reorganisation has not been dropped and the intention is that it will happen, when is uncertain. The council elections in May 2027 will therefore will be to the existing boundaries, so people will be voting for city councillors, but not for the new Mid Hants Authority. There are a number of issues raised by Winchester about the change and its process that need to be sorted and which WCC have raised with the Ministry. These include the governance of Winchester itself and the future of the 827 year old mayoralty. More critically there is a danger that the district is left without a legally valid Local Plan. Perhaps during this review period some of the time can be spend solving these problems.
some elements have become outdated. It has been a major effort to reach this stage against what is a severe economic headwind and, in an age, racked by deep economic uncertainties. The fact that Winchester is perceived by the Government as a prosperous area cuts it off from sources of funding. High interest rates reduce the viability of re-development and make some elements impossible to achieve. Inflation in construction costs has had a severe impact too. In many parts of the country the plans for city re-generation schemes have been folded away and put on a high shelf. Despite all this WCC is still moving ahead.
The design of the new lido will have to have planning approval and meet environmental standards. The old building has been repeatedly vandalised and has been an eyesore in the park ever since it closed.
Time is very much not on our side. Certain voices have been raised suggesting the project needs to be reviewed again. To re-think the whole project is in many councillors’ opinion is, in effect to stop the re-development perhaps for decades.
Food waste Recycling
The old River Park Leisure Centre decisions
The council has decided on a preferred bidder for the disposal of the old RPLC. The preferred bidder has a plan to develop a lido and some padel courts and a cafe facility that complement the leisure use of the park. There has been pressure for some years for a lido, despite the existence of the superb indoor pool in the Sports and Leisure Centre which suggests that an unfilled need will be met. The site has been disposed off with a 250 year lease. Solutions to the problem of funding, development and management have been carefully developed and seem in expert consultancy to be water tight. The problems will belong to the new owners and not the City Council.
Central Winchester Regeneration
The first phase of the regeneration has been approved by the Cabinet to be submitted by Jigsaw, the city’s development partner, for planning permission early next year. Much of the urban design quality developed in the Supplementary Planning Document as approved in 2018 has been included, although
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Lido proposed by Sea Lanes on the site of the old Leisure Centre in River Park
The recycling rate in the district is now at 47.3% which is a rise form the 40.4% in the previous reporting period. This rise is attributable to the introduction of food water collection, now complete across the district. This is a significant rise and a step reduction in the residual (grey bin) waste that is sent to incinerators. Instead of being burnt the food waste is used to produce compost for agriculture, thereby reducing the need for imported fertilisers and methane to feed into the national gas grid system.
Margot Power T: 01962 734167 mpower@winchester.gov.uk
Clare Pinniger T: 01962 738788/07790 032349 cpinniger@winchester.gov.uk
Russell Gordon-Smith T: 01962 733219 rgordon-smith@winchester.gov.uk The original Winchester Lido on Worthy Lane
FEATURE
E
Halloween: The Dark History Behind the Night of Fright
very October, darkness takes over. Pumpkins grin from doorsteps, shadows move behind windows, and children dressed as ghosts and monsters roam the streets. But Halloween was not born in a supermarket aisle or a Hollywood horror film. Its origins are far older—and far darker. Long before trick-or-treating, haunted houses and buckets of sweets, people gathered around roaring fires as winter approached. More than a thousand years ago, Celtic communities across Ireland, Scotland and parts of Europe celebrated a festival called Samhain. It marked the end of summer and the beginning of the cold, dangerous winter months. For these communities, winter was more than simply a change in weather. It was a season of darkness, hunger and death. Crops had been harvested, animals were brought indoors and people prepared to survive the months ahead. Samhain marked the mysterious boundary between the old year and the new. And according to ancient beliefs, something else happened on that night. The barrier between the world of the living and the world of the dead was thought to become dangerously thin. Spirits were believed to wander among the living. Some might be harmless, while others were feared. To protect themselves, people lit enormous bonfires and sometimes disguised themselves in animal skins or costumes. Whether these disguises were intended to frighten spirits away or prevent spirits from recognising people remains uncertain. Either way, the ancient celebrations contained
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something recognisably Halloween: fire, darkness, mystery and fear. As centuries passed, Christianity spread across Europe, and older traditions became intertwined with Christian festivals. 1 November became All Saints' Day, also called All Hallows' Day, a time to honour saints and holy people. The evening before became known as All Hallows' Eve—eventually shortened to the word we know today: Halloween. But the connection with the dead did not disappear. The following day, All Souls' Day, was dedicated to remembering those who had died. During the Middle Ages, poor people sometimes travelled from house to house, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food. This tradition, known as “souling”, is often considered one of the influences behind modern trick-or-treating. Then Halloween crossed the Atlantic. European immigrants brought their customs to North America, where different traditions collided and evolved. Over time, Halloween became less focused on religious observance and more focused on entertainment, community celebrations and, of course, frightening fun. One of its most recognisable symbols also underwent a transformation. In Ireland and Scotland, people traditionally carved turnips and other vegetables into lanterns. These strange glowing faces were connected to folklore about supernatural beings. When the tradition arrived in North America, pumpkins were found to be much larger and easier to carve.
The jack-o'-lantern was born. By the 20th century, Halloween had become a major celebration, particularly in the United States. Costumes became more elaborate, parties became popular and children began travelling from house to house demanding treats. The playful threat of a “trick” eventually produced the familiar phrase “trick or treat.” Today, Halloween is celebrated around the world. Streets are decorated with cobwebs, graveyards and skeletons. Horror films dominate television screens, haunted attractions draw crowds and millions of pumpkins are transformed into glowing faces. Yet beneath the costumes and candy lies something much older. Halloween is a reminder of humanity's ancient fascination with the unknown. It began in a world where winter could mean death, where the darkness outside was genuinely dangerous, and where people looked into roaring flames and wondered what might be waiting beyond the edge of the light. Perhaps that is why Halloween has survived for so long. Because even in the modern world - with electric lights, smartphones and busy cities - we are still fascinated by ghosts in the darkness. And every October, when the sun disappears and the pumpkins begin to glow, Halloween whispers the same question it has asked for centuries: What if, just for one night, the dead really could come back?
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COMMUNITY
ALRESFORD RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB NEWS As we start the process of recovering from a long, hot summer, Alresford Rugby Club are already deep into preparations for what will be our 35th season. We have learnt of our opponents, with the release of the fixtures for both the First and the Second teams, our preseason training has started, and we are looking forward to another year of rugby. Firstly though, we would like to thank all those who stopped by the Arlesford Rugby Club stand at the recent Alresford Show – it was lovely to welcome old friends and new, and to spread the word about the club. You may have noticed the Marshalls helping to organise the car parking for the show; these were all Alresford Rugby club members giving their time to ensure that the day ran smoothly. Our Men’s Training have started, and new attendees are always welcome. The sessions run on Tuesday evenings at the NATTA ground at the back of the Arlebury from 7pm to 8.30pm, with our Women’s team, the Black Swans, having their training sessions on Wednesday evenings, at the same times. However, the unprecedented weather of the last few months has played havoc with our training, in that the pitches are still too hard for contact and tackling practice. This has meant the Rugby Football Union making the sensible decision to postpone the start of the season to 26 September , when we are due to welcome Southsea Nomads to Alresford. We are also due to have our first lunch of the season on that day, but as you will understand, this is dependent on us getting more rain, to enable our pitches to be deemed playable, which is currently looking questionable! On 22 August we had a general ground and changing rooms tidy up, to ensure that we are ready for the season. A wonderful summers day, with members new and old gathering to ensure that our ground is amongst the best in the league. Our fixtures for October are; • 3 October – Locksheath Pumas (away) • 10 October – Hook & Odiham (home) • 17 October – Bognor 2s (home) • 24 October – Millbrook 2s (away) • 31 October – Havant 3s (home) We would love to see as many of you as possible at these matches to cheer our players on throughout the season. We are constantly looking for new players, members, administrators and sponsors to join this thriving club, with further details shown below. Further details, particularly with regards to sponsorship opportunities can be found on our website. So, on behalf of Alresford Rugby Club, we thank you for your support over the years and look forward to seeing you at some point over the coming months.
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PERINS SCHOOL CELEBRATES GCSE SUCCESS AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Perins School is immensely proud of all 230 students who entered qualifications in this summer's national examinations. Today, we celebrate not only their achievements but also the dedication, resilience and determination they have shown throughout their time at Perins. As our students move on to the next stage of their education, training and career pathways, we wish each and every one of them every success for the future. We hope that the study habits, independence and lifelong learning skills developed at Perins will continue to serve them well in the years ahead. Among this year's many success stories were several outstanding individual performances: • Ivan achieved a remarkable eight Grade 9s across his GCSE subjects. • Alfie, Rebecca and Anna secured all their grades at Grade 8 or above. • Justin and Harry each attained seven grades at Grade 8 or above. Alongside these exceptional results, many students made outstanding progress and exceeded expectations, particularly in English and Mathematics. Their achievements have opened doors to a wide range of post-16 opportunities, including college courses, apprenticeships and further study. There was also excellent performance across a broad range of subjects. Ten subjects achieved a 100% pass rate at Grade 4 or above, including the separate sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as one of the school's flagship subjects, Drama. The strong momentum established in the core subjects of English and Mathematics has continued. Following a year in which Perins was recognised as one of the most improved schools in Hampshire from an already strong starting point, this year's results demonstrate sustained excellence. Eighty per cent of students achieved a Grade 4 or above in either one of the core subjects of English and Mathematics, while more than 60% of students entered for Mathematics and over 59% of students taking English achieved a strong pass at Grade 5 or above. Over a quarter of our Mathematics entrants attained a grade 7 or higher. Head of School, Mark Nevola, said: "We are incredibly proud of our students and all they have achieved. These results reflect years of hard work, perseverance and commitment, supported by our talented staff and the unwavering encouragement of families. It is particularly pleasing to see so many students making exceptional progress and achieving outcomes that will enable them to pursue their chosen pathways with confidence. "At Perins, we are committed to encouraging every student to have high aspirations and to fulfil their potential, while inspiring those around them to do the same. This year's results are a testament to that shared ambition and the dedication of our students, staff and families. We congratulate all of our students on their success and look forward to seeing them continue to thrive as they embark on the next chapter of their journeys." The whole Perins community congratulates the Class of 2026 and wishes them every success and happiness in the future.
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Alresford Surgery News
October Covid & Flu Vaccinations
We are inviting the following eligible patients for their covid & flu vaccinations (these need to be co-administered) From 1st October: • 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 are inviting the following eligible patients for ONLY their flu vaccinations. From 1st October: • 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. We are well underway with inviting and starting to vaccinate our patients. Invitations have gone out to eligible patients initially via SMS text message with a simple online booking option. To avoid clogging our phone lines please call after 11am. We will have appointment availability throughout the week and some Saturdays. Vaccination clinics are being held here at Alresford Surgery. Please ensure that your mobile phone number is up to date (this can be done via updating your contact details on our website or on the NHS APP) as initially we will be inviting patients via text using a booking link.
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Thank you, once again, for your support with this vaccination programme.
Dress to impress – ahead of your flu/covid vaccination
Please ensure you wear loose fitting or short sleeves, as the flu and covid vaccination is usually injected into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. Please remove as many layers of clothing as possible, ahead of coming into your appointment so that we can carry out your vaccination in the most efficient way possible.
Reminder - Afternoon Closure Thursday 1st October
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.
We’re Proud to Be a GP Training Practice!
At The Alresford Surgery, we are committed to delivering the highest standards of care — not just for our patients, but also for the future of general practice. That’s why we are proud to be a training practice, supporting the development of GP registrars (fully qualified doctors completing their specialist GP training). Our registrars work closely under the supervision of our experienced GPs and bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and up-to-date medical knowledge to the team. Patients may be offered appointments with a GP registrar and can be confident they will receive high-quality, compassionate care. By supporting the next generation of GPs, we’re helping ensure strong, sustainable primary care for years to come.
transport to medical appointments. The telephone line is diverted to the duty Coordinator’s landline or mobile phone, so the role can be carried out entirely from home. Co-ordinators take responsibility for the telephone line for one week at a time, on a rota basis, typically once every seven weeks. Using our web-based computer system, the Co-ordinator records the details of each transport request and then allocates the journey to one of our approximately 70 volunteer drivers. This is a vital and highly rewarding role, as Co-ordinators provide the essential link between members of the community who need assistance and the volunteer drivers who make these journeys possible. If you are organised, comfortable using a computer, and would like to support local people in accessing healthcare appointments, we would be delighted to hear from you. For more information, please contact ADVCG at alresfordvolcare@gmail.com or telephone David Cooper, Chairman, on 07766 406704.
Got a Nexplanon contraceptive implant?
Great news! The contraceptive implant is now licensed to last up to 5 years (instead of 3) and remains highly effective throughout. If your implant was fitted less than 5 years ago, you do not need to have it replaced. You’ll only need an appointment if you’d like it removed or have any concerns.
Volunteer Opportunity – Alresford & District Voluntary Care Group (ADVCG)
Alresford & District Voluntary Care Group is looking for a volunteer to join its Coordinator Team. Our Co-ordinators are the volunteers who answer the central telephone line used by local people who need help with
Health Visitors, Surgery, Station Road, New Alresford, SO24 9JL Tel: 01962 732345 www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk
COMMUNITY / WELLBEING
ALRESFORD MEN’S SHED A NEW CHAPTER What’s it all about?
Alresford Men’s Shed is much more than a workshop. It is a place where people come together to share skills, learn new ones, make and repair things, and, perhaps most importantly, enjoy good company. Although the name says “Men’s Shed”, we welcome both men and women, and we now have several regular female members. Our members, or “shedders”, as we affectionately call them – put their skills to good use in projects for the local community. Over the years, these have included designing and building a Poppy frame for St John’s Church tower, a new bus shelter for Martyr Worthy, noticeboards for local councils and display boards for the National Trust. Wherever possible, we also try to be environmentally friendly by recycling and reusing materials that might otherwise end up in landfill. People come to the Shed for many different reasons. Some want to continue using skills they developed during their working lives, with the benefit of having access to a well-equipped workshop. Others come to learn new skills or simply to try something different. Many members derive much satisfaction in being able to pass on their skills to another generation. But the Shed is about much more than making things. The sense of community is a hugely important part of what we do. There is plenty of banter and camaraderie among members, and for many people the companionship is just as important as the practical activities. We also undertake a wide range of repair and renovation projects for local people. Recent examples have included refurbishing a rickshaw, building a hedgehog shed, and renovating a ship’s bell. Our shedders love a challenge and enjoy tackling something new.
A new home
premises on the Dean, we are moving to new facilities at Arlebury Park. On 8th September, the new sheds were delivered, and the build has now begun. There is still plenty to do before we can move in. The fit-out is expected to take several weeks, and, as with any construction project, there may be the occasional delay. However, we are currently hoping to be fully operational at our new site by midOctober. We are particularly excited about the opportunities the new premises will bring.
Looking ahead
Once the new Shed is fully operational, we plan to open for longer hours – expanding to add afternoon sessions and potentially evening classes and sessions. The extended opening hours will allow us to undertake more repair work and community projects. We also hope to hold open days so that local people can come along, see what we do and find out more about the Shed. Subject to sufficient interest, we are also hoping to offer training classes in the future.
Continuing our work with mobility aids
For the past eight years, we have worked in partnership with the Alresford Pigs Association, helping to repair and supply mobility aids to local people. Following the move, most of the mobility-aid stock will be stored by the Alresford Pigs at their new location. The Men’s Shed will retain a small stock of smaller mobility aids and will continue to help with repairs. Larger items, including wheelchairs and mobility scooters, will be loaned directly through the Alresford Pigs (typically on Thursdays). If you need information about mobility aids, please contact the Alresford Pigs Association directly on 01962 658961 or at info@ alresfordpigs.org.uk If you are interested to know more about becoming a member, please email us at membership@alresfordmensshed.org.uk
It has been a long and sometimes challenging journey, but the Shed is now preparing for an exciting new chapter. After many years at our
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Find out more about Alresford Men’s Shed: www.alresfordmensshed.org.uk admin@alresfordmensshed.org.uk Tel: 07356 219987
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COMMUNITY / WELLBEING
ALRESFORD ROTARY NEWS Apple Juicing (Cancelled)
Please note that this event (previously advertised to take place at The Flowerpots Inn on 3 October) has been cancelled. We regret any disappointment caused but it was felt to be the appropriate decision partly because this year’s apple crop is generally early and poor, and partly because of the quantity of water used in the process. Hopefully next year apples and water will be plentiful!
Sun Hill Infants School Wildlife Pond
Over the past 15 years or so Sun Hill Infants school has made great use of the pond and surrounds created by Alresford Rotary, but time has taken its toll with the pond leaking and reeds becoming invasive. At the start of September Alresford Rotary cleared and tidied the area and over the next month or so a new liner will be put in place to enable the pond to return to its former glory for the benefit of the infants school for many years to come! Quality pond liners are not cheap but your support of Alresford Rotary’s fund-raising events has made this possible. Thank you!
Christmas Shoeboxes
Until the end of this month there’s still time to make up a Christmas shoebox of suitable presents for a disadvantaged or displaced child in eastern Europe – a child who may never before have received a present! For further information have a look at https://wessexrotaryshoebox.org.uk/ and/or contact wjrp@hotmail. co.uk / 01962 738788.
Remember, Remember 6th November!
Alresford Rotary’s torchlight procession, bonfire and wonderful firework display is on Friday 6 November. Discounted “early bird” tickets are available throughout October – see the advert in this magazine or Alresford Rotary’s website for details. It is Alresford Rotary’s main fund-raising event of the year and the more money that is raised, the more Alresford Rotary is able to benefit good causes locally and internationally. Sponsorship from local businesses is always very welcome! We can never have too many volunteers to help on the night! Please let us know if you can help. James Pinniger
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CARE THAT GOES BEYOND THE APPOINTMENT When it comes to your sight and hearing, exceptional care shouldn’t begin and end with an appointment. At Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care, we believe the best healthcare is built on long-term relationships. It’s about knowing our patients, understanding their individual needs and being there when they need advice, reassurance or support.
That philosophy is at the heart of our Vision Plan and Hearing Plan. Our plans are designed to make looking after your eyes and hearing simple and convenient, while giving you access to the high level of personal service that generations of Rawlings patients have come to expect. With our Vision Plan, regular professional eye care becomes part of your routine, helping us monitor changes in your vision and eye health over time. Rather than simply thinking about your eyes when something feels wrong, ongoing care allows our experienced team to build a much clearer picture of your individual needs. Our Hearing Plan brings the same approach to your hearing care. Hearing needs can change gradually, and regular contact with your audiology team means your hearing, hearing technology and ongoing requirements can be reviewed and supported over the longer term. But the real benefit of both plans goes beyond the appointments themselves. It’s knowing there is a familiar, local team you can turn to. It’s having time to ask questions. It’s receiving advice based on what is right for you rather than feeling rushed into a decision. And it’s the reassurance that your care continues long after you leave the practice. Rawlings has been caring for families since 1895, combining clinical expertise with something we believe is equally important: outstanding personal service. Our Vision and Hearing Plans simply make it easier to enjoy that standard of care year after year. At Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care great care isn’t a one-off appointment. It’s an ongoing relationship. Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care Bay Tree House, 26 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AT www.rawlingsopticians.co.uk | Tel: 01962 734744
Eye care
Hearing care
ALL ALL YOUR YOUR CARE CARE COVERED COVERED EYE CARE & HEARING CARE UNDER ONE TRUSTED BRAND EYE CARE & HEARING CARE UNDER ONE TRUSTED BRAND
Bay Tree House, 26 West Street Alresford, SO24 9AT Bay Tree House, 26 West Street Alresford, SO24 9AT alresford@rawlingsopticians.co.uk 01962 734744 alresford@rawlingsopticians.co.uk 01962 734744 rawlingsopticians.co.uk rawlingsopticians.co.uk
Since 1895 Since 1895
WELLBEING
Why a Hearing Test Still Matters Even now you can buy hearing aids without one
You may have seen the headlines: since early 2025, it's been possible to buy hearing aids in the UK without a professional hearing assessment. For the first time, certain devices can be ordered online or picked up over the counter, no appointment required.
as fall-detection alerts, activity trackers, or even translate spoken language in real time through a connected phone app. Fine-tuning happens partly in the clinic and partly through apps you control yourself day to day, and some platforms can be adjusted remotely by us between visits, without you needing to come in. This is the layer of technology and personalisation that a basic over-the-counter amplifier simply isn't built to offer — not because it's a worse product for what it is, but because it belongs to a different category of device altogether.
On the surface, that sounds like progress — more choice, faster access, lower cost. And for some people, it might be a reasonable first step. But it's worth understanding what you're actually getting, and what you might be missing, before you decide it's the right route for you.
A hearing test isn't just a formality
At Alresford Hearing Studio, the test always comes before the device. That's not bureaucracy — it's because no two people's hearing loss looks the same. One person might struggle mainly with high frequencies, like children's voices or birdsong. Another might find background noise in a busy café the real challenge. A proper diagnostic hearing test maps exactly where your hearing needs support, so the device you end up with is calibrated to you, not to a general assumption about what “hearing loss” sounds like. A thorough hearing test with us covers four distinct stages: otoscopy, to check the ear canal and eardrum for wax, infection or anything that needs medical attention before we go any further; middle ear analysis, to check how well the eardrum and tiny bones behind it are moving; speech testing, to see how clearly you can understand words at different volumes and in noise, not just whether you can hear a tone; and pure tone audiometry, which maps the quietest sounds you can hear across a range of frequencies. Together, these build a complete picture, not just a single number. An over-the-counter device, by contrast, typically applies a generic amplification setting. It might help. It might also amplify the wrong frequencies, leave you straining in noisy rooms, or mask an underlying issue — some hearing loss has causes that need medical attention, not just amplification, and a self-selected device won't catch that.
The dome isn't just for comfort
One of the most common misconceptions about hearing aids — OTC or otherwise — is that the
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Fitting and fine-tuning make the difference small dome or earpiece sitting in your ear canal is purely there for comfort and to keep the device in place. In fact, it plays a direct role in the quality and accuracy of the sound you hear. The size, shape and venting of the dome affect how sound pressure builds in the ear canal, which frequencies are reinforced or lost, and how well the device's calibration actually translates into what reaches your eardrum. Get the fit wrong and even a wellprogrammed hearing aid can sound thin, boomy, or simply not quite right — regardless of how good the underlying technology is. This is something we assess and adjust as part of every fitting, and revisit if your ear shape or hearing needs change over time. It's very difficult to get right without professional measurement, which is another reason a self-fitted OTC device can fall short even when the electronics inside it are perfectly decent.
Buying a hearing aid is really just the beginning. The devices we fit are fine-tuned over several visits as your brain adjusts — turned up gradually, rebalanced as you get used to new sounds, adapted as your lifestyle changes. That relationship is what turns “a hearing aid” into “a hearing aid that actually works for you.” It's also why our patients typically stay with us for years, not weeks.
When OTC might make sense
To be fair, over-the-counter options aren't without merit. If cost is the main barrier, or you're not yet ready to commit to a full clinical relationship, a basic device might tide you over. We'd rather you tried something than went without. But if you find yourself unsatisfied, or unsure whether it's really helping, that's usually the sign it's time for a proper assessment.
The simple test
Today's hearing aids do far more than amplify
If you've bought a hearing aid without a hearing test — whether OTC or elsewhere — and it doesn't feel quite right, we're always happy to talk it through. A hearing test with us is unhurried, thorough, and comes with no obligation to buy anything. Sometimes the most useful outcome of an hour with us is simply knowing, one way or another, whether what you have is working as well as it could.
Platforms such as Oticon's Zeal, Starkey's OMEGA AI and Widex's Allure AI go further still: some use onboard AI trained on real-world soundscapes to prioritise the voice you're trying to hear in a crowded room, while others double
Book a free hearing consultation at our Alresford clinic, or ask about a home visit if that's easier. www.alresfordhearingstudio.co.uk Tel: 01962 790749
Modern prescription hearing aids have moved well beyond simply making sounds louder. The devices we fit use AI-driven sound processing that analyses your listening environment many times a second — automatically distinguishing speech from background noise, softening sudden loud sounds like a car horn or clattering plate, and adjusting on the fly as you move from a quiet room into a busy street or restaurant.
Where compassionate care meets refined country living. Book a tour – we’d love to show you our beautiful home.
RESIDENTIAL LIVING | RESPITE & SHORT STAYS | NURSING CARE
www.thedowerhousewinchester.co.uk | P: 01962 882848
FEATURE
Ghost Encounters of the Blurred Kind (This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to real people, locations or events is entirely coincidental.)
The Cathedral sat squatly in its grassy surrounds, anchored to the ground by flying buttresses made golden in the sunset. The high stained-glass windows gave one final gleam as the sun slipped down the sky, leaving the horizon to bloom red and orange. The streetlights glowed into life and the guide lit his lamp. "It's an interesting way to spend our anniversary." Himself gazed around at the other people in their party: the enthusiasts, the goths and the slightly sheepish – like Himself – who also seemed to be wondering what they were doing on a ghost tour. "Something different and memorable, I thought. How many other anniversaries do you remember?" He considered she had a point. Their guide was doing a hasty rollcall, talking and handing things out at the same time. Himself was suddenly in possession of some bent copper rods and an EMF. He could have brought his own if he'd known – the one he used for locating power cables in the wall before drilling. The guide was saying something about psychic energy readings, so he switched it on. The lights swiftly went all the way from green to red. The man next to him looked over. "Woah - steady on, mate – you must be energetic!" he chuckled, before strolling away. Himself laughed back, but switched it off, slightly embarrassed. The guide strode off with instructions to follow, and Himself noticed his wife was only a pace behind. She's keen, he thought, as he brought up the tail end of the group. The buildings on the ghost trail ranged from private houses and clubs to chapels, museums and even a pub; tales of the occult, of raising the dead, whispers of witchcraft and grisly murders were rife. The town had been a hotbed of executions, unsolved crimes and paranormal activity. He'd always thought the old streets pretty, and liked it for Christmas shopping. Now he was wondering if he'd rather find a new destination with a less gruesome past. Wondering what to do with the divining rods, he glanced around at everyone else. Some rods stayed resolutely still. Others refused to point at anything but the person holding them. More were crossing and uncrossing in random movements. Himself grasped one in each hand and walked about a bit. They spun like rotor blades. Thinking that couldn't be right, since no-one else's were doing that, he clamped them together and swapped hands. This made it worse. "Steady on, mate! Get some bigger ones and you could take off!" The 'wag' was back, and Himself glanced at him, but the guide was now saying something about
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selfies. Allegedly, spectral presences had periodically been captured by tourists in the background of their photos, and Himself thought he'd give that a go. Currently in front of a house where a ghostly ancestor had revealed the location of a long-lost property deeds, he thrust the malfunctioning rods into a pocket and retrieved his phone. Getting a picture of the building alone proved tricky, as the man with the quips kept moving in and out of shot, taking his own selfies. Himself noticed his wife was taking a double selfie with the guide. He frowned. His new and irritating friend sidled over and stood at his shoulder. "Steady on there, mate and don't take it to heart. I've been on a few of these and this guide's always a big hit with the ladies." Himself 'mmned' in what he hoped was a noncommittal way. Himself put his phone away and got out the EMF again, mainly to end the conversation. All the lights were red, but his new acquaintance looked down and tapped his foot on the pavement. "Steady on, mate, don't get too excited. Utilities; underground power cables," he said matter-of-factly, and sauntered off. The tour ended, and the guide did a quick count. "I like to count them all back in, don't want to leave anyone at the mercy of the ghosts." To Himself's surprise, his wife kissed the guide on the cheek. "I didn't recognise him at first," she explained later as they walked to their car, "but we were friends at college!" That explained it, thought Himself. "It was a load of nonsense, wasn't it." She reached for his hand. "How did you get on?" "You mean apart from the helicopter divining rods, the faulty EMF, the underground cables, and the guide who can't count – there were nineteen of us, not eighteen. Oh, there was also Mr 'steady on mate' following me around. Annoying." Himself huffed. "I think I want to go Christmas shopping somewhere new this year." He said as he scrolled through his photos. They'd come out alright; only bits of blurry 'mate' disappearing out of shot, but he could crop him out. She was looking at him strangely. "Actually, my friend the guide mentioned the chap who used to run this tour, before him. He was annoying too. One night he annoyed someone so much they took a swing at him. Anyway, he retired and passed on, but I think going somewhere else Christmas shopping might be a good idea, darling, because his last words were, 'steady on mate…'"
© Lucia Foster-Found 2026 | www.luciafosterfound.com | e @luciafosterfound
GARDEN
C&D Trees All Tree & Hedge Care
Sparsholt college trained & qualified Free advice & written quotations 15 years experience
www.cdtrees.co.uk
Telephone - 01962 738 420 - 07900 987 609 Bishops Sutton, Alresford
Chris Matthews Tree Care and Woodland Management
• Tree surgery / TPO applications • Hedge maintenance • Fencing / Garden structures • Woodland management / tree planting
Keep your logs dry for Winter Call Andrew or Ashley on 01962 733990 installation service available FENCING | GATES | PERGOLAS | TRELLIS | DECKING | PANELS
Qualified in arboriculture and countrsyide management. 15 years experience
Tel: 01962 732498 Mob: 07879 448141
Supply and planting large specimen trees and shrubs Espalier, pleached and instant impact hedges All trees and shrubs carefully selected Design, landscaping and ongoing maintenance Free site visit and consultation Bosque is a trading name of Just Limegrass Ltd. Harko: 07710 502798 Tom: 07855 656984 www.bosque international.co.uk
Daren George - your local pest controller from Alresford • Rats & Mice, Moles, Squirrels, Rabbits, Wasps, Crawling & Flying Insects, Live Bee removals
Fully insured - Discreet service assured at all time
T: 07778 141505 E: info@darengeorgeltd.co.uk www.traditionalpestcontrol.co.uk
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Hambrooks Landscaping Creating & maintaining beautiful gardens for over 55 years New-build plot transformations Patios, paths, fencing, driveways & walls Rockeries, ponds, & water features Lawns & border design, planting & care Garden Maintenance - year round care
Call: 01489 779998 Free Landscape Consultation
Year Round Garden Care
Hambrooks Garden Maintenance Beautiful gardens don’t happen by chance
Regular scheduled visits for homeowners who value expert horticultural care and consistent garden standards throughout the year.
Hambrooks Garden Centre, Titchfield
FREE drink with 01489 779998 a slice of cake in July
Autumn & winter workshops Coffee & cake Landscaped gardens Seasonal plants & furniture
Open Mon-Sat: 8am-4:45pm01489 Sun: 572285 10-4pm 135 Southampton Road, Titchfield, PO14 4PR
COMMUNITY
Mike’s South Downs Way Walk, Nearly But, Not Quite…
The Challenge
courtesy of the management, at the Flowerpots Inn and Brewery, Cheriton, Hampshire (https://www.facebook.com/ TheFlowerPotsInnAndBrewery).
Mike is a member of the Alresford Pigs and, for reasons known only to himself, he decided to walk the South Downs Way from Eastbourne back to Winchester. As well as good exercise, or maybe just a hard slog, this was to be an opportunity for some fatherson bonding, as he was joined by his 2 sons Edward & Alexander.
This year the Alresford Pigs will be involved, helping with the parking and also running a ‘cycle jumble’ stall. Apart from the cycle jumble there will be an auction, mobile cycle repairs, rides and lots more. So, it should be a fun day for everyone. Although this started out as just a fatherson adventure, Mike decided to use this as a great opportunity to raise some funds for the Alresford Pigs at the same time, so he setup a GoFundMe page and has had many supports helping him raise in excess of £1,500.
An Update to Mike’s Walk They intended to do the walk in 5 stages starting in Eastbourne on Saturday August 29th 2026 and ending up back in Winchester on Wednesday September 2nd, in time for Mike to do his 12-hour stint in the control tent of the Alresford Show! The stages were as follows: • Stage 1 – Eastbourne to Lewes (23 miles) - toughest day • Stage 2 – Lewes to Steyning/Bramber (19 miles) • Stage 3 – Steyning/Bramber to Cocking (20 miles) • Stage 4 – Cocking to East Meon (19 miles) • Stage 5 – East Meon to Winchester (19 miles) Unfortunately, Edward, Mike’s elder son, would only be able to do the first 2 stages of the walk between Eastbourne Steyning/ Bramber as he needed to return home to Darlington. Alexander would be with Mike all the way from Eastbourne back to Winchester before he too would need to head home to London.
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Unfortunately, Mike sustained a knee cartilage injury during stage 2 of the challenge and has had to pull out of the rest of the walk for the time being. The weather conditions on Saturday were atrocious, especially the excessively powerful wind gusts and it is believed that these are what caused his injury. Mike started stage 2 of the walk on Sunday but it quickly became apparent that to continue would cause severe injury to his knee and it was therefore decided to curtail the challenge. Understandably, Mike feels that he has somehow let people down, but we truly believe that is not the case at all, let’s face it, how many of us would be able to do the 23 miles that Mike achieved in fine weather let alone in the conditions that he was facing. He believes that once his knee is better and the pain has subsided that he will attempt to complete the challenge, although maybe not all at the same time!
Hampshire Cycle Jamboree – Saturday 26 September 2026 The next event that the APA will be involved in is a cycle jumble and auction which is going to happen,
There will be teas, coffee and breakfast butties from 9am, and the bar will be open from 10am till 6pm. If you have any cycling bits and bobs that you would like to donate to us, so that we can sell them, please drop us an email at jamboree@alresfordpigs.org.uk so that we can arrange to pick them up. Full details of the event can be found on the HCJ web site https://www. hampshirecyclejamboree.org.uk or on their Facebook events page https://www.facebook. com/events/s/hampshire-cycle-jamboreesell-/1441009911106768/ where you can register your interest in the event.
Covid Marshalling
We will again be helping to keep the crowds moving during the Saturday Covid/Flu vaccine events being held at the Alresford surgery during October, so do give us a smile and nice hello when you come and get yours. Remember, it’s only a sharp scratch! Please remember, if you know of anyone who needs our help, we are only a phone call, or email away. www.alrefordpigs.org.uk Email: info@alresfordpigs.org.uk Helpline: 01962 658961
GARDEN / MOTORING
Repairs Servicing M.O.T
WILCAN MOTOR COMPANY LTD
Servicing, MOT, Tyres & Bodywork Repairs
FREE Local collection and courtesy cars (T&C's apply) Free Safety Checks
Please ring our friendly team on: 01962 736186 andy.wilcan@live.co.uk www.wilcan.co.uk THE LONG BARN, WINCHESTER ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9EZ
AVAILABLE FOR:
• equestrian maintenance • Ploughing • field cultivation • Hedge cutting • Forestry • spraying specialist • fencing • topping • wood thining • Tree Felling & branch lopping
Load of logs - £80 per truck load
Tel: 01962 735452 / Mob: 07880 527049 www.appletoncontracting.co.uk
Most major makes of garden machinery serviced and repaired Collection and delivery available
PRESTIGE CARS OF ALRESFORD TEL: 01962 865602 MOBILE: 07752 570787
PRIVATE HIRE AIRPORT TRANSFERS OTHER JOURNEYS
OR VISIT WWW.PRESTIGECARSALRESFORD.CO.UK
The trusted private transport service
Standards you can rely on for airport, ferry port and city transfers Carpe Diem Executive Cars has built its reputation for excellence, professionalism and reliability offering a premium service at competitive prices
Contact us today and leave the rest to us
For enquiries please Matt: Telephone: 07780 708002 N o r t h Mo t o r Company Holden Farm, Cheriton, Alresford, Hants, SO24 ONX
Independent Garage and MOT Testing Centre Established in1999 - All makes of car serviced and repaired - Free collection, delivery and courtesy car (when available) Competitively priced tyres - Batteries - Vehicle Diagnostics - Exhausts
Telephone Gary on 01962 771331 or 771881 www.northmotor.co.uk info@northmotor.co.uk
Tel: 0330 6600 029 Mob: 07801 816 062
email: franco@carpediemec.com www.carpediemec.com
Specialising in 'your Social Life Lifts'
07838 167117 Steve Cleverley Pre-Booked Only
Alresford Town Private Hire Ltd www.alresfordtownprivatehireltd.com Alresford Town Private Hire
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COMMUNITY
CERAMICUS - OCTOBER 2026 POTTERY EXHIBITION AT THE FREEDOM THROUGH EXPRESSION GALLERY IN ALTON
NEW LEAF NOTES - IF YOU THINK ‘AIR QUALITY’ ISN’T A PROBLEM FOR ALRESFORD, YOU’D BE WRONG! We don’t live in the city or have gridlocked streets (apart from occasionally during the great bus exodus from Perins), so you might think air quality isn’t really an issue that affects Alresford. However, domestic wood burning is a major and growing source of air pollution in the UK. A recent study showed a very high prevalence of wood burners in the Winchester district, with Alresford and Itchen Valley topping the local leader board with an estimated 33.3% of homes burning wood!
Ceramicus is pleased to announce that this year’s 2026 exhibition will be held at the Freedom Through Expression Gallery in Alton. The Ceramicus exhibition, previously held at both the Allen Gallery in Alton and the City Space Gallery in Winchester, is a popular opportunity for seeing and purchasing unique ceramics in a wide rage of styles including Raku, reduction fired stoneware and beautiful porcelain. This year’s exhibition will run from Saturday 3 October until 31 October, Tuesdays through to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm. Entrance is free. The exhibition features individual ceramic works by 10 members of the group. A fascinating range of work in clay will be on display, showcasing diverse styles, skills and techniques. Items will be available to purchase and take away on the same day. There will also be an opportunity to meet the potters on the morning of the opening day, Saturday 3rd October.
Many of us love a ‘real’ fire. There is something almost hypnotic about the dancing flames and soft glow, the crackling sounds and smells that evoke feelings of winter, comfort and Christmas - but woodsmoke is in fact extremely dirty and contains a cocktail of nasties, including benzene, arsenic, formaldehyde, dioxins and carbon monoxide - as well as fine particulates which lodge in the lungs. Lung cancer is rising among people who have never smoked, and recent studies found that domestic solid fuel burning contributes to almost 2,500 deaths a year in the UK. Another study found higher wood stove usage was associated with 70% higher incidence of lung cancer and a higher incidence of breast cancer too. Similar to cigarette smoking, there is an effect from ‘passive wood smoke’. A single log burner can noticeably worsen neighbourhood air quality. The smoke lingers, and can enter nearby homes, impacting the health of residents who don’t burn wood at all. As well as the health costs, there are environmental costs. Whilst wood is renewable, in most cases burning wood for fuel is not sustainable. When you burn wood, you release in minutes the carbon that a tree has spent decades, sometimes centuries, absorbing. New trees take a very long time to recapture the carbon released by burning the old ones, and in the middle of a climate crisis, we simply don’t have decades to spare.The stove industry likes to claim that wood burning is “carbon neutral” but in reality, for the same amount of heat, wood actually emits more CO2 than oil or gas! So, the idea that it’s a clean, climate‑friendly fuel just doesn’t stack up. Most of the wood burned in UK homes isn’t local at all. Much of it is imported from Eastern Europe, and some comes from ancient forests, cut down to feed your burner.
Our tips to reduce your impact on air quality 1.
Ceramicus is a group of potters based in the Surrey and Hampshire area who have come together to exhibit their work. This talented group covers a wide range of throwing, hand building and sculpting methods in various types of clay, followed by a wide spectrum of glazing and firing techniques. These range from the ancient art of wood burning kilns with natural ash glazes and the oriental "raku" methods to traditional gas fired processes using oxygen-starved reduction atmospheres and modern electrically heated, electronically controlled kilns with oxidising conditions. The artists each have their own technique and show their individual expression of artistic form in their work.
For more information on Ceramicus please see their web site https://www.ceramicus.co.uk
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Stop or reduce wood burning: Don’t have bonfires – use local garden waste and refuse services or compost instead. Use alternative heating in your home like a heat pump - or a gas boiler. 2. Choose the cleanest sustainable fuel: Buy fuel accompanied by the 'Ready to Burn' logo. Do not burn wet or treated/painted/glued wood. Follow manufacturer instructions for fuel for your stove. Use a local sustainable wood provider. 3. Ensure your stove is burning efficiently: Use your open fire or stove in line with any guidance for use. Make sure it is installed by a registered/certified installer. Use a stove thermometer to understand how your wood stove is performing. Service your stove and sweep your chimney at least once a year. Make sure that the ventilation system is clean. For more help and information on environmentally friendly sustainable living visit newleafalresford.org/ water-air-quality
MOTORING
New Farm Motor Services Ltd New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QE
M.O.T TESTING CENTRE
Class 4 - Cars and Vans up to 3,000kg Class 5 - Minibuses Class 7 - Vans from 3,000 - 3,500kg All makes of cars and vans serviced and repaired All makes of truck and campervan up to 7500kg maintained and prepared for ministry plating tests
• FREE COLLECTION • COURTESY CARS
Tel: 01962 732338
ALRESFORD MOTOR SERVICES LTD MOT TEST CENTRE
• Welding specialists • Tyres for cars and motorcycles • 4 wheel laser alignment • LPG for sale for cars • Recovery services
• Free collection • Diagnostic testing (including Landrover) • Courtesy cars • Certificated engineers
MOT TEST CENTRE FOR: Cars, motorcycles and vans up to 3,000kg. All makes serviced and repaired.
Class 4 MOT's
Class 1 & 2 Motorcycles
MOT's WHILE YOU WAIT UNIT 5, SHELF HOUSE, NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QE
Tel: 01962 733888 e:mike1ams1@aol.com
CERTIFICATED ENGINEERS • RECOVERY AVAILABLE •
Service and repair of all makes of vehicle
Engine Diagnostics Offsite M.O.T Tests Nissan Elgrand Specialists Cambelt Replacement Exhaust Supply & Fitting Tyre Supply & Fitting Electrical Repairs Clutch Repair Courtesy Car
Opening Times Mon - Thur 8-5pm Friday 8-3pm
Contact Steve on: 01962 735777
See on Facebook: alresfordservicepointltd Shelf House, New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QE
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COMMUNITY
Jackie's County Corner October News The Crisis and Resilience Fund at HCC is available for everyone
T
here were so many local shows, fairs and fetes taking place in the division over the summer months. It was rotten luck if your fete was rained off – thankfully that rarely happened. Thank you if you have volunteered at an event Or you just enjoyed tea and cake - hopefully spending some money too. It was a delight to attend the massive Alresford Show. Seeing the children and young people playing their part showing livestock and listening to farmers as we discussed the challenge of producing enough grain and feedstock. Maybe because the mobile signasl was patchy , it was so good to be face to face and not tied to our phones! Which brings me to Digital Inclusion-and Exclusion. There is a part of the population that is 100% tech savvy, but there are others along the spectrum of ability back to none at all, but as services go increasingly digital, it is the Council’s responsibility to ensure services are open to everyone. For example, many older people don’t have a smart phone, so even using an ‘app’ is impossible. It was the last straw when we discovered that you can only book an HWRC (tip) place online and without a personal email address, you had to use the Library, it felt like ‘this is a world gone mad’. So our Lib Dem team are putting a motion to the County Council to allow phone calls again to enable everyone to use Council services. I’ll report back.
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If you need help with the cost of living and if you can, go online to the reference page www.hants.gov.uk search ‘Crisis and Resilience Fund’ or call me or Citizens Advice - 08082787861. This fund is available for anyone on a low income struggling with money for food, energy costs, or facing an unexpected financial shock. The information takes you direct to your local Citizens Advice who are administering the fund. Go to connect4communities@hants.gov.uk for an Easy Read version. Do you need an EV charger for your road or cul de sac?
How do you charge your electric car? Do you have a drive, or maybe you have to trail a wire through your kitchen window – there’s a better solution! Government Funding is in place, and a Project Manager has been appointed. If you think an EV charger in your road is a solution - submit your request on www.hants,gov.uk search transport/electricvehicles or contact me by phone? It is Flood Action Week from the 13-19 October There is a duty on home owners to protect
themselves, and unfortunately, not all flooding can be prevented. If you have experienced flooding, you’ll understand why it is useful to know how to be prepared, and what to do in case of emergency. Flooding Advice can be reached on the hants. gov.uk website and on gov.uk • For local reports near home, sign up to www.gov.uk/check-flooding • Receive texts by phone about flood risk go to www. get-flood-warnings • How to find out if you have riparian responsibilities, look at the hants.gov.uk website • How to protect your home using antiflood air bricks, door barriers. Search ‘barriers to prevent flooding’ for more ideas. You may want to think about sewage protection too • Contact Flood Re to insure your home if you have been flooded • Join or start your village Flood Action Group, and make sure your community has a plan Finally, I was going to talk about Local Government Reorganisation- but as you may have seen or heard, the process has been paused so that subject is a whole lot more complicated. Hopefully it will be a little clearer by the time I write in November! County Councillor Jackie Porter tel /text: 07973 696 085, email :Jackie.porter@ hants.gov.uk
DIAMANTINA Above and Beyond Quality
Sell Your Unwanted Gold, Jewellery, Diamonds & GoldWatches We will buy your antique and quality vintage jewellery or gold watches. We will also buy your unwanted or broken/damaged gold, silver or platinum jewellery. Items we buy include:
• Broken/tangled gold or silver jewellery • Platinum & Palladium Jewellery • Jewellery with missing stones • Gold Watches • Gold or silver coins (sovereigns, krugerrands etc) • Single or pairs of gold or silver earrings • Old rings – wedding & engagement rings • Certificated Diamonds
Best prices paid from people you can trust Simply bring along your Items in to our shop for an instant, free, no obligation cash offer. You will need to bring photographic ID and proof of address (driving licence or passport & utility bill). Payment methods - Cheque - Bank Transfer - Cash - Part Exchange. *Diamantina Jewellers reserve the right to refuse to buy any items offered to us.
Our other services include:
Jewellery Design
Jewellery Repair
Our pieces are not only featured in-store but appear in popups all over the world. Our designs will not only inspire you, they will transform you.
We have a full range of jewellery repair and maintenance services. From cleaning and tightening to repairing breaks and resizing, our team can help you.
diamantinastore.com 81 Parchment Street, Winchester, SO23 8AT Tel: 07951 760899
e are able to offer appointments at times to suit you, both evenings and weekends.
US ON 01962 790749
OK YOUR APPOINTMENT FORD H EARING STUDIO
ALRESF ORD HEARING STUDIO
REE T • ALRESFORD • HAMPSHIRE • SO24 9AU
ON: 01962 790749 • VISIT US AT: alresfordhearingstudio.co.uk ations · Invisible Hearing Aids · Tinnitus Advice · Phone & Mobile Compatible Technology · Home Visits
ALRESFORD HEARING STUDIO
Your Hearing What Journey, living in your best life 8 Simple Steps
sounds like.
From the moment you walk through our door to finding the right hearing solution for you — here's what to expect from your visit. 1 A Warm Welcome
2 Lifestyle Consultation
Settle in with a tea or coffee and get to know your audiologist.
We talk through your work, home life and hobbies to understand your needs.
5 Tympanometry A gentle, quick check of how well your middle ear is functioning.
6 Hearing & Speech Testing Pinpoint the softest sounds you can hear and how clearly you follow speech.
3 Ear & Medical History A quick, friendly chat covering past ear issues, tinnitus and noise exposure.
7 Results Explained We walk you through your results clearly — no jargon, no rush.
4 Video Otoscopy See inside your own ear canal on screen - clear and completely painless.
8 Hearing Aid Demonstration Try the latest technology, matched to your lifestyle and listening needs.
Hearing Tests | Hearing Aids | Ear Wax Removal | Tinnitus Consultations | Hearing Aid | Reprogramming & Repairs
Try Livio AI for yourself. Call today on 01962 790749
5.0
Google Rating | 400+ ReviewsPROBLEMS? | 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee HEARING MAYBE IT’S JUST EARWAX VISIT ALRESFORD HEARING STUDIO AND WE’LL REMOVE IT FOR YOU
specialise in |the Micro SuctionHearing TechniqueCare of earwax removal. Micro Suction is a safe & effective HCPCWe Registered Independent
process with no need for weeks of softening with oil based products. Our fee is £45 for one ear or £70 for both ears. We are able to offer appointments at times to suit you, both evenings and weekends.
CALL US ON 01962 790749
Call us on 01962 790 749 to book your appointment visit us at: alresfordhearingstudio.co.uk
TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT ALRESFORD H EARING STUDIO
ALRESF ORD HEARING STUDIO
Alresford Hearing Studio • 42 West Street 4•2 Alresford W E S T S T R E•E Hampshire T • A L R E S F O R• DSO24 • H A M9AU PSHIRE • SO24 9AU
CALL US TODAY ON: 01962 790749 • VISIT US AT: alresfordhearingstudio.co.uk Free Hearing Consultations · Invisible Hearing Aids · Tinnitus Advice · Phone & Mobile Compatible Technology · Home Visits