Meon Valley Forum - Issue 99 - February 2024

ISSUE 99 FEBRUARY 2024

Meon Valley

FORUM Life in your Community

SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Ground breaking wildlife study in parish is a first

Vennison Casserole with Brown Ale

NEWS & EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY Find out what's going on in the Meon Valley

FEATURE BY LUCIA FOSTER-FOUND App-iness Is...

STYLE ˙ INTERIORS ˙ HEALTH & BEAUTY ˙ INTERVIEWS ˙ FOOD & DRINK ˙ ENTERTAINMENT ˙ EVENTS

OFFICES IN: BISHOP'S WALTHAM, CLANFIELD, FAREHAM, HYTHE, SOUTHAMPTON, W

BISHOP'S WALTHAM / MEON VALL

DROXFORD PRICE GUIDE £1,250,000 FREEHOLD A fine grade ll listed home, set impressively in the heart of the village. The property has an abundance of period character and an early internal viewing is recommended. Inside, the accommodation is beautifully proportioned and in brief comprises: Four generously sized bedrooms, en-suite/dressing room and family bathroom. Drawing room, dining hall, sitting/sun room, family room/study, kitchen/breakfast room and utility area. Cellar and cloakroom.

Outside, attractive landscaped grounds of approx 0.24 of an acre. Double garage.

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T: 01489 660860 |

bishopswaltham@pearsons.com | C

WATERLOOVILLE, WINCHESTER, DENMEAD, HAVANT, ROMSEY, SOUTHSEA, WEST END

LEY ESTATE & LETTINGS AGENTS

DURLEY PRICE GUIDE £925,000 FREEHOLD Exciting and versatile Development opportunity! Fabulous detached period home, lying within grounds of approximately 0.3 of an acre with the benefit of outline planning permission for an additional two bedroom detached dwelling. The property, offers great potential for a buyer to add a second dwelling, which could be retained and incorporated for family/investment purposes or of course, the option to develop and sell separately. The property itself has been beautifully and sympathetically extended and refurbished and offers a wealth of character and period features. The gardens extend to both sides of the property with two existing entrances, parking areas and garage. For further information and planning details, please contact us.

Cross Street, Bishops Waltham, SO32 1EZ | pearsons.com

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MEON VALLEY FORUM FEBRUARY 2024

CONTENT S 02 Property Management

12

Buying, selling, letting?

Find local estate agents and property management services

Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk

29 Home Continued

38 Feature

08 Professional Services

From photographers to solicitors every professional service you need

13 Entertainment

your vehicle running

Local services to keep

App-iness Is...

By Lucia Foster-Found

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

12 Events February Events

The Team

34 Feature

05 Home

26 Motoring 26

Ground breaking wildlife study in parish is a first for South Downs National Park

40 Professional Continued

Director of Advertising Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk Feature Writer Lucia Foster-Found

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

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Tel: 01962 735137 www.forumpublications.co.uk

Discover local events and days out or in

14 Garden 14

Make your garden dream come true

34

16 Recipe of the Month

Venison Casserole with Brown Ale

17

Food & Drink

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

19 Wellbeing 19

Looking after your health and yourself!

24 Retail

Unique, Bespoke, Eclectic and Local shopping

4

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The Meon Valley Forum contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine. Meon Valley Forum takes reasonable efforts to include accurate, current information on its pages, but make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, safety or value of the published items that are displayed. No liability or responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions in magazine content.

Meon Valley Forum magazine content does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or recommendations of its creators and any reliance upon its content is taken at the user’s sole risk. Adverts designed by Forum Publications remain the magazine's legal ownership. Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household © Forum Publications Ltd, 2024

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Call us today for a free of charge home visit.

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

PROFESSIONAL

New Year, New Start – How a Settlement Agreement provides a clean break

Free workshop for parents facing divorce and separation

We advise both employers and employees on employment law.

As part of that role, we advise on and draft Settlement Agreements.

Linda Wilson - Partner

As the name suggest, these Agreements “settle” any potential disputes or claims between the parties and provide a clean break to allow both parties to move forward. Settlement Agreements can arise where there is a dispute or when it is simply the termination of employment by reason, for example, of redundancy.

Although ideally employers and employees should work together to resolve differences and grievances within the workplace, sometimes the differences between the parties are irreconcilable. A Settlement Agreement can therefore be an attractive route for both parties compared to potential litigation and/or associated reputational risk.

In order to prevent unscrupulous employers deceiving employees into signing away their employment law rights, most employment law claims cannot be waived without the employee receiving independent legal advice. This is documented via the Settlement Agreement.

A Settlement Agreement must include some basic required terms but can include most matters that the employee or employer wants covered.

Usually, confidentiality and non-derogatory statement clauses are included as standard, but the Agreements can cover a whole host of other issues. These can range from dealing with property such as cars, mobile telephones to leases of property, and also restrictive covenants, handovers, or providing financial assistance for outplacement and counselling services.

Once the parties are in negotiation over a Settlement Agreement, we find that prompt, practical and down-to-earth advice helps to remove a lot of the stress from what can otherwise become a very toxic situation.

Our experience shows that once parties have parted ways, there are often fresh opportunities for both the individual involved and the business.

If you or your business require any assistance with a Settlement Agreement, or other dispute resolution such as mediation, please do contact Linda Wilson on 01730 268211 to see how we can help.

www.macdonaldoates.co.uk

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Trethowans are hosting a free workshop on Wednesday 13 March 2024 at the Macdonald Botley Park Hotel & Spa, for parents facing divorce or separation.

Facing a breakdown in your relationship is a daunting prospect and is likely to impact all areas of life including your home, finances, children and the wider family. You will have to deal with the emotional and practical aspects. At times it can be overwhelming and helping hands to steer you can be invaluable as you face decisions impacting you and your family. Trethowans are advocates for adopting a holistic approach for parents who are facing relationship difficulties. We recognise that for many, the varying expertise of other professionals is hugely important in helping parents to reach lasting and workable arrangements whether dealing with their financial concerns, arrangements for children or the processes surrounding divorce and separation.

The workshop will consist of two sessions from 9.15am to 2.15pm.

Session one will be taken by Child Psychotherapist Ashley Palmer, who will provide you with practical tools for developing an effective co-parenting relationship. Session two will include talks from Petra Brunzell (Divorce Coach), Nikki Emerton (Lifestyle Coach) and a House of Colour specialist who will concentrate on your personal wellbeing and will give you the tools you need to make positive steps forward into you and your family’s new life.

The New Beginnings workshop will: • Give you workable strategies to enable your child to express their emotions and most importantly, show you how to respond • Enable you to promote the emotional and psychological wellbeing of your children • Provide tools for developing an effective co-parenting relationship • Tap into your innate self-confidence and strength • Improve self-esteem and self-belief • Give you coping strategies to take away • Help you choose the right legal process for you and your family.

For more information on this free workshop or to book your free place, please call 01962 673 866 or email familyevents@trethowans.com

Practical.

Accurate.

Friendly.

Life doesn’t stand still. Some events you can predict, plot and carefully plan for.

Others come out of the blue and send you reeling. Whatever you’re facing, we’re here to help.

023 8032 1000 trethowans.com

Five ways to reduce your CGT liability Cuts to the capital gains tax (CGT) exemption mean that arranging your investments as tax efficiently as possible is more important than ever. However, CGT can be highly complex, so it’s important to seek expert advice to avoid paying it unnecessarily. Here are some ways to reduce CGT: 1. Use your CGT exemption Your annual CGT exemption enables you to make tax-free gains of up to £6,000 in the 2023/24 tax year; this is due to be cut to £3,000 in 2024/25. This can’t be carried forward into the next tax year, so making full use of it each year could reduce the risk of incurring a significant CGT liability in the future.

2. Transfer assets to your spouse or civil partner Transfers between spouses and civil partners are exempt from CGT, so assets can be transferred from one partner to the other to use each person’s annual CGT exemption. The transfer must be a genuine, outright gift.

3. Invest in an ISA / bed and ISA Gains (and losses) made on investments held in an ISA are exempt from CGT. In the 2023/24 tax year, you can invest up to £20,000 in an ISA. The tactic ‘bed and ISA’ involves selling investments to realise a capital gain and then immediately buying back the same investments inside an ISA. This enables all future gains on the investment to be CGT free.

4. Invest in an Enterprise Investment Scheme Any gains made on investments in an EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) are free from CGT if held for three or more years. In certain circumstances, you may be able to defer a capital gain by investing that gain in an EIS qualifying company.

traditional investments and can be harder to sell, so are not appropriate for all investors.

5. Contribute to a pension Making a pension contribution from relevant earnings could help you save on CGT because it effectively increases the upper limit of your income tax band. If, for example, you made a gross pension contribution of £10,000, the point at which higher-rate tax becomes payable would rise from £50,270 to £60,270 (2023/24 tax year). If your capital gain plus other taxable income fell within this extended basic-rate income tax band, CGT would be payable at 10% instead of 20%.

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

Adam Jarvis Head of Office – Senior Investment Manager E: adam.jarvis@brewin.co.uk

Kirsty Simpson Financial Planner Divisional Director E: kirsty.simpson@brewin.co.uk

46 Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8RY T: 01962 798000 W: www.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. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future.

Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness.

RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of Brewin Dolphin Limited. Brewin Dolphin Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register reference number 124444) and regulated in Jersey by the Financial Services Commission. Registered Office; 12 Smithfield Street, London, EC1A 9BD. Registered in England and Wales company number: 2135876. VAT number: GB 690 8994 69

BDM4844 1/24_0.6

The downside of EIS is that these schemes are higher risk than

PROFESSIONAL

www.macdonaldoates.co.uk

Employment Law Services Here to support you and your business

Disciplinary and grievance matters Discrimination Contracts and Policies Business Reorganisation Tribunal Litigation In-house training

Petersfield Telephone: 01730 268211 Facsimile: 01730 261232

C

om

m Em erc i pl al oy Li tig me nt at i Pr on op er W ty ills & P M ed rob ia tio ate Fa n m ily

Midhurst Telephone: 01730 816711 Facsimile: 01730 816016 MacDonald Oates LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. MacDonald Oates LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales under number OC344357. Our registered office is at Walltree Court, St. Peter’s Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3HT.

WARNER AND RICHARDSON LLP ARE INDEPENDENT SOLICITORS LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC CITY OF WINCHESTER. WE HAVE A STRONG, LONG STANDING REPUTATION FOR PERSONAL SERVICE AND HIGH QUALITY LEGAL ADVICE.

NOW SUPPORTING THE MEON VALLEY

FOR INFORMATION ON HOW WE CAN HELP YOU WITH ANY OF THESE MATTERS:• WILLS, PROBATE AND ESTATES • RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING • COMMERCIAL, AGRICULTURAL AND BUSINESS CONVEYANCING

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

01489 888341 11

FEBRUARY EVENTS Home-Start Hampshire in Gosport, Fareham & Meon Valley

Home-Start Hampshire is a volunteer led charity providing support to families with children aged 0-11 years old who, for a variety of reasons, are finding life tough. To find out more about our services, or how you could get involved as a volunteer please contact info@hashants. org.uk or call 0330 124 2095.

Helping families in your local community turn tough days into brighter tomorrows. HomeStart Hampshire: registered charity:1144661.

Festival of the Moon at Winchester Cathedral

Mon 5 to Sun 18 February Cathedral Opening Hours 9 The Close, Winchester Hampshire, SO23 9LS

Pop into the cathedral to marvel at its beauty or join one of the many events and activities that will be taking place in the moonlight, from pilates to silent discos.

This is a touring artwork by talented UK artist Luke Jerram.

This large-scale installation has been circling the globe, lighting up spaces from Bilbao to Beijing, including abbeys and swimming pools, exciting and inspiring visitors along the way. Already experienced by over 20 million people worldwide, the moon will finally arrive in Winchester for the very first time in February 2024. For more information visit: www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/ event/festival-of-the-moon/

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History Group Talk on William Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester Fri 12 February From 7pm, talk starts 7.30pm East Meon Village Hall, Workhouse Ln, East Meon, GU32 1PF

Snowdrop Sundays 2024 Sun 11, 18 and 25 February From 2pm to 5pm Church of our lady, Warnford, Southampton, SO32 3LA

The Snowdrops can be viewed on four Sunday afternoons in February: 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th from 2pm - 5pm. They are in Warnford Park, which is off the A32, post code SO32 3LA. The Park gates will be opened by kind permission of the owners, at 2pm.

Please, for road safety reasons, do not come any earlier. When you arrive, go through the gates, and follow the Park drive up to the Car Park, where you will be assisted to park by Stewards. If it is wet, you may wish to wear suitable footwear. Entrance is free, but Welcomers by the Church will invite you to donate to Church funds and you will be given a leaflet.

Night Sky Live at Winchester Science Centre

session under the beautiful dark skies above the South Downs Dark Sky Reserve. There’s also an opportunity to explore the exhibits, drinks and snacks, and your ticket includes a stargazing guide to take home.

Emily Dickinson & I Thu 8 February From 7.30pm Petersfield Museum, St Peter’s Rd, Petersfield, GU32 3HX

Surrey-based LynchPin Theatre celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024! And to celebrate, it is reviving its very first play, Emily Dickinson & I - at Petersfield Museum on February 8th.

The play charts an actor’s journey into the heart and soul of America’s foremost female poet, Emily Dickinson, as she strives to create a one-woman play about her literary heroine. But Emily is elusive. Edie Campbell leads the audience through her 14-year journey of writing, researching, performing… and getting into Emily Dickinson’s dress. The result is an intricately-woven dual biography of poet and actor, as Campbell makes sense of her own experiences through Dickinson’s poems and letters. First produced in 1999, it launched LynchPin on its theatrical journey. www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk/ events/emily-dickinson-i-journeyportrayal. Contact telephone: 01730 262601 Call to check latest times or cancellations.

Bats: Superheroes of the Night Thur 22 February Thu 8 February

From 7.30pm

From 6.30pm to 9.30pm

St Peter's Church Hall, Free Street, Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire, SO32 1EE

Winchester Science Centre, Telegraph Way, Winchester SO21 1HZ

Enjoy an evening of familyfriendly astronomy at Winchester Science Centre. The evening begins with a planetarium show where you’ll learn to identify what is in the night sky before heading outside for a guided stargazing

Join Nik Knight from the Hampshire Bat Group for an illustrated talk on the fascinating lives of these elusive creatures.

Bats are remarkable but undervalued mammals. They are capable of catching flying insects in total darkness and living up to

25 years. This presentation will illustrate their fascinating lives and the issues they face in the modern world. The Hampshire Bat Group is at the forefront of bat research and conservation in this county. Our speaker, Nik Knight, is a retired zoologist who devotes much of his time to the study and conservation of bats. He is both the Chairman of the Hampshire Bat Group and the Hampshire County Recorder for Bats.

Tickets can be booked via the link below or simply turn up on the night. https://www.hiwwt. org.uk/events/2024-02-22-batssuperheroes-night Please email: wilderbishopswaltham@gmail. com if you have any questions.

Well, we are now in the depth of winter. However, as I write this, so far, we have had no extreme weather in our neck of the woods.

But that can change, as you know!

Our February meetings of the MVU3A, which we hold on as usual on a Tuesday at 2pm in the Wickham Community Centre will be on 6/2/24 with Tina Tolley talking on Heartbeat House Southampton. This is an amazing charity catering for relatives of patients undergoing cardiac surgery in Southampton. We follow that on 20/2/24 with Guy Liardet talking on Indian religions.

Guy is well known to many of you and a member of our group. This should be a fascinating talk.

Everybody is welcome. Guests will get an especially warm welcome.

So come along, please! Guests pay £2 to defray speaker costs. So why not come along. You will also get a cup of tea!

Lyndon (Chairman) Contact-07881991763 Or lyndonplmr@gmail.com Website: u3asites.org.uk/meonvalley

PROFESSIONAL / ENTERTAINMENT

Rare opportunity to become Cricket Grounds Person at the Cradle of Cricket Broadhalfpenny Down is looking for a Cricket Grounds Person to join a close-knit team, responsible for the maintenance of a beautiful and historic ground where the inaugural First Class cricket match took place.

The role, based in Hambledon in Hampshire, is part time with flexible hours, including some weekend working.

The ideal candidate will have an ability to remain calm under pressure, excellent communication skills, and a keen interest in cricket. Ground preparation training can be provided.

For more details, contact Gerry Northwood at Brigandscchonsec@gmail.com or on 07952 866117. www.broadhalfpennydown.com

Ja nuary 2024

PERFORMED BY STAGE ONE YOUTH THEATRE ARDEN THEATRE

MON 6 FEB FEB17ALSO @ 2.30PM THUR 15 TO TOSAT SAT11 17FEB FEB@@7.30PM, 7.30PMSAT&11SAT @ 2.30PM

FRI 1 TO SAT 9 MARCH @ 7.30PM & SAT 2/SUN 3/SAT 9 @2.30PM

ARDEN THEATRE

THEATREMON TOTS6SHOWCASE - SUN 18 FEBRUARY @2PM - SAT 11 NOV & 7.30PM

73 ST MARGARETS LANE, TITCHFIELD, PO14 4BG WWW.TITCHFIELDFESTIVALTHEATRE.COM | BOX OFFICE: 03336 663366 13

GARDEN

Saturdays - Silver Springs only

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1973 BUILT ON GREAT SERVICE & VALUE FOR MONEY

Please visit our website for all the latest news, information, second-hand machines for sale and special offers in the showroom.

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

Tel: 01962 771800 steve.cann@btconnect.com www.georgecanngardenmachinery.co.uk LACEYS FARM, BRAMDEAN, ALRESFORD, HAMPSHIRE, SO24 0JT

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Bosque is a trading name of Just Limegrass Ltd. Harko: 07710 502798 Tom: 07855 656984 www.bosque international.co.uk

GARDEN

NATURAL GARDENS MCIHort, MPGCA

Gardening with Nature in Mind

WILDLIFE GARDENING

J. Platt Contractor

• Agricultural contracting • Hard landscaping • Hedge cutting • Fencing

07500868917 joe.platt@hotmail.co.uk

CONSULTANCY AND ADVICE NATURAL LANDSCAPE & GARDEN DESIGN BORDER & PLANTING DESIGNS SPECIALIST PRUNING

Helping people to create and manage ecologically diverse gardens and landscapes

07789 293591 angela@natural-gardens.co.uk www.natural-gardens.co.uk

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GARDEN RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Venison Casserole with Brown Ale INGREDIENTS

METHOD

900g 2 tbsp 2

150g

1 tbsp 300ml 300ml 2tsp 2

1-2 2

1. Preheat the oven to 130C/Gas Mark 2.

Cut the venison into 3cm/1½” cubes, discarding any gristle and sinew.

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a flameproof casserole dish. Fry the venison in batches for 5-6 mins until browned on all sides, adding a little extra oil as necessary.

Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.

2. Add onions to the casserole and fry for 2-3 mins, stirring occasionally until lightly browned, add the bacon and fry for a further 2 mins. Return all the meat and any accumulated juices to the pan. Add the garlic then stir in the flour. Gradually stir in the stock and ale scraping up any juices stuck to the bottom of the pan. Heat, stirring until the casserole begins to simmer.

3. Add in the sugar, bay leaves, thyme and season with freshly ground black pepper. Cover the casserole with a tight-fitting lid or foil and cook in the oven for at least 2 hours or until the meat is tender.

Boned venison shoulder * Rapeseed oil * Onions, peeled and roughly chopped * Smoked streaky bacon * or pancetta diced Plain flour Beef or venison stock Brown ale * Soft light brown sugar Garlic cloves, peeled and crushed * Bay leaves Sprigs of thyme

Serves - 4 Preparation Time - 2.5hrs

Serve with mashed potato and carrots or any other vegetable you desire. All available from your local producer at the Hampshire Farmers Market. * Items available at the Hampshire Farmers Market.

FEBRUARY HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS

Petersfield - Sun 4th, Romsey - Sun 4th, Alton - Sat 10th, Winchester - Sun 11th, Emsworth - Sat 17th, Southsea - Sun 18th, Ringwood - Sat 24th, Winchester - Sun 25th For more information visit: www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk

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EE RY R F VE ken LI ers ta a 3 E D rd in 0 us o for er £2 radi ov ile m

VALENTINE'S DAY OFFER All couples, spend over £55 and receive a FREE bottle of Prosecco* *Mon 12th to Saturday 17th Only

Follow us on Facebook for magician evening dates

www.walthamtandoori.com Bank Street Bishop's Waltham Hampshire SO32 1AN

Opening Times Monday - Sunday: 12pm - 2:30pm; 5pm - 11pm

Tel: 01489 894 684 Tel: 01489 893 348 www.walthamtandoori.com E thewalthamtandoori

St.Valentine's Special £25 2x ribeye steak or sirloin (8oz) Any bottle of wine up to value of £15* SAVING UP TO 20% *offer valid from 12 -18th Feb only

BISHOP'S WALTHAM

Order online or phone today with your order - 01329 833832

SWANMORE

WALTHAM CHASE

A3 2

SHEDFIELD

WICKHAM

Westlands Farm, Pricketts Hill, Wickham, SO32 2JW

We are a family run farm shop in the heart of the Meon Valley, situated on the outskirts of Wickham. We are a hub for local food and drink and love providing our community with home-grown, locally sourced and high quality produce.

OPENING HOURS 07:00 – 18:00 Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 16:00 Sunday

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Tel: 01329 833832 www.westlandsfarmshop.co.uk

WELLBEING

Welcome to Amelia's Therapies

PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY SALON, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY We are a professional and friendly beauty salon located in the beautiful village of Wickham, Hampshire. We are passionate about our client experience, delivering a professional and personal service, ensuring our clients leave feeling like they're our only client.

Organic Facials, Massage, Manicures, Pedicures, Gel Polish, BIAB, Lash & Brows, Sienna X Spray Tans, Waxing T: 07967 487891 ameliastherapies1990@gmail.com www.ameliastherapies.com

Amelia's Therapies, The Square, Wickham, PO17 5JQ

FULL - TIME CHEF Long Barn Café is on the lookout for a friendly and dedicated full-time chef to become a part of our kitchen, collaborating closely with our Head Chef. This role involves crafting delicious breakfasts, seasonal lunches, and weekend brunches.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking ideal candidates with experience or junior chefs eager to take the next step in their careers. If you're looking for more sociable hours, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualities We Value

At Long Barn Café, we prioritise a positive and enthusiastic attitude, a strong team spirit, and an approachable and energetic demeanour.

What We Offer

Your pay rate will be based on experience, and you'll enjoy additional tips. As a valued member of our team, you'll also receive benefits like a workplace pension, staff parking, staff discounts, first-class workplace training, and the pleasure of working in beautiful surroundings.

Working Hours

Expect daytime weekdays with alternate weekends, providing a balanced schedule. Some flexibility is needed to cover holidays

How to Apply

If you're interested or need more information, please reach out to us at barn@longbarn.co.uk.

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Brighter Smiles with leading modern dentistry

Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic Dentistry

Root Canals

Evolution 4 guaranteed B1 on the dental shade guide

Crowns, bridges and veneers are made on the same day with our inhouse CEREC® machine.

We offer professional root canal treatments with the Endox System to relieve pain.

25 Years of Dental Excellence Experienced cosmetic and CEREC® dentist. We offer the full range of dental care and treatment that you would expect from a family run quality dental practice.

Our aim is to provide the very best dentistry possible using stateof-the-art equipment, materials, techniques and also to deliver it in a personal and caring manner – one patient at a time.

Whether you are looking for routine dental care, cosmetic dentistry, straight teeth or a complete ‘smile makeover‘, we will endeavour to provide you with the very best in modern dentistry.

Dental Implants Referrals

Dental X-Rays

Adult Orthodontics

We offer dental implant referral services that will ensure you receive the best treatment.

All x-rays are digital. The latest up to date intra-oral and OPG Orthopantomogram.

Freedom to choose from Six Month Smiles, Invisalign and C-Thru Orthodontic treatment

Specialising in cosmetic dentistry, whitening, invisalign CEREC® - Same Day Dentistry CEREC® is short for Ceramic REConstruction. It is computer aide design technology. It is made in one visit without any impressions and an intra-oral camera scans the tooth once it is prepared.

Christos will then design your restoration while you wait, out of a block of ceramic. From crown to bridges and veneers, CEREC allow us to handle multiple indications in a SINGLE visit with outstanding results and smiling customers.

Opening Hours Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 08:30 - 16:30 Sat & Sun: Closed Shield House Dentistry Ltd, Shield House, Brook Street,

Contact Details

Bishop's Waltham,

T: 01489 894496

Southampton, Hampshire,

reception@shdentistry.co.uk

SO32 1AX

www.shdentistry.co.uk

WELLBEING

LinkedUp Counselling Are you experiencing Relationship Problems or difficulties with Intimacy?

There is a Relationship and Psychosexual Therapy Practice in Hampshire that can help…

Founder of LinkedUp Counselling, Clare Lay, opened her private practice in 2021, and having trained and worked with Relate from 2017, she is qualified and accredited to offer services not only in Relationship Therapy, but also in Psychosexual Therapy in person (in Shedfield), online or over the telephone (worldwide).

Clare is a firm believer that Relationship problems and Intimacy issues are two sides of the same coin, that can be treated together or separately, and with less than 1000 Registered Psychosexual Therapists in the whole of the UK, she is keen to help as many people as possible from her base in Hampshire.

If you haven’t heard of Psychosexual Therapy, it is a talking therapy with at home exercises to improve your intimacy and address any psychological blocks or lessen the impact of life events (such as children, illness, lack of confidence/knowledge and menopause) on physical relationships. The practice addresses issues from desire disorders and frequency discrepancies to physical symptoms such

as pain or impaired functioning, all the while working to improve the relational impact of these on a couple’s wellbeing.

Clare is a Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society and COSRT, the accrediting body for Sex Therapists.

Email Clare to enquire clare@linkedupcounselling.co.uk, Visit her website for further information https://www.linkedupcounselling. co.uk or call 07392 997268 for a free 15 minute telephone consultation.

Relationship Therapy Relationship counselling can help with a wide range of issues, including: Poor communication and misunderstandings | Affairs | Arguments and Conflict Management | Life stages – having children, bereavements, employment events | Illness Understanding of Self and or Partner, unhealthy attachments | Sex Therapy Clare Lay MBACP, Dip. Level 5 CPCAB Relationship Counselling (Relate), MBA

Tel: 07392 997268 clare@linkedupcounselling.co.uk www.linkedupcounselling.co.uk

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Treatments to rejuvenate and enhance your natural look Tucked away in gorgeous historic Alresford, Hampshire, Saddle House Medi-Spa will help you discover and uncover your very best you. Saddle House is a nurse-led Medi-Spa of excellence with a private car park for complete discretion.

Treatments Include: Medical Facial Aesthetics, Skin Tightening, Hydrafacial, Visia Skin Analysis, Skin Tag & Thread Vein Removal, Pigmentation Treatments, Microneedling, Chemical Peels, Skincare & Packages.

Satisfied Clients

We are proud of our 5 star reviews.

New Treatment Launch

The EMSELLA chair Say no to incontinence and yes to confidence.

Launch event 8th February Book your space today

The treatment is designed to help: Stress Incontinence Urge Incontinence Female Sexual Dysfunction Speak to the experts in pelvic health.

Goodie bags available. Bring a friend!

Book Your Bespoke Consultation Now Tel: 02380 518558

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Western Court, Bishop's Sutton, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0AA

COMMUNITY / RETAIL

Southern Voices 40th Anniversary Season

Jessie Keane - Dead Heat Jessie Keane is a Hampshire-based Sunday Times Top 10 thriller-writing author who has 18 books to her name, including the hugely successful Annie Carter novels and the Ruby Darke series. She has sold over a massive 5 million copies of her books so far.

Winchester based chamber choir Southern Voices are celebrating 40 years of choral excellence in style with the launch of their 2024 programme. Established in 1984, the choir was formed to bring together talented singers from the Winchester area to perform an eclectic mix of exquisite music from across the centuries. Concerts have become widely acclaimed.

Jamal Sutton is the fifth conductor to direct the choir and he has created five, fabulous events for the year. What better way to launch a 40th Anniversary Season than with the remarkable 40 voice-part, renaissance motet Spem in alium on 23rd March, by Thomas Tallis.

This vast work requires the choir to split into eight separate minichoirs, of five voices each, and will be sung surrounding the audience – a special treat in the glorious acoustic of the Chapel of St Cross, Winchester. Tickets for all events, including a chance to Come & Sing with the choir on 4th May, are now on sale from the website where you can also sign up to the mailing list to receive updates and news. www.southernvoices.co.uk

Jessie started writing nail-biting thrillers in 2008, when she sent out the first Annie Carter book Dirty Game to six agents. One came back to her straight away and said she had a publisher who might be interested – and within a week Jessie had a 3 book contract for a 6 figure deal. Fans of her books like Lorraine Kelly say they just can’t put Jessie’s books down; they’re page-turners and will keep you up all night, reading, waiting for the next plot twist.

Jessie is working on her 19th book now in her home and keeping very busy! She loves giving talks at libraries and crime festivals and has a tip for all aspiring writers: ‘Persist. Never, ever give up.’

Follow her on Facebook and X #realjessiekeane Jessie’s latest page-turner is out on February 1st 24, available from Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, all good bookshops including Waterstones.

Also grab your copy at Amazon and through Jessie’s website www.jessie-keane.co.uk

BigMud Event - February 2024 For those of you who like your trail running Feats to be BIG, we give to you the Classic Element Race Series. Four trail running events based on the 4 classic elements… Air, Fire, Water and Earth.

Whether it’s running under never-ending sky (Air), battling over ancient rugged coastline (Water), pushing yourself on under a relentless sun (Fire) or clawing over muddy hills and rainy valleys (Earth), BigFeat Events have developed a series of races that will Challenge you, Awaken you and Inspire you. Back for our third year, these spectacular but challenging courses return! The 2nd event in The Element Series, BigMud symbolises the element Earth. We have 2 wild ‘n’ muddy, single lap trail runs around the scenic Meon Valley. You’ll have a choice of Marathon or 16 mile distances, each starting at Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Hampshire, with a 518ft climb up to the highest point in the South Downs, Butser Hill……. twice! Once at the top, you will then head out over the trails and rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, with the finish back where you started at the bottom of Butser Hill. This event will certainly challenge you but the spectacular scenery and friendly, encouraging atmosphere will leave you with an enormous feeling of accomplishment! Sunday 25th February 2024 - Distances – 16 Miles and Marathon - Start time – 8:30am at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Horndean, PO8 0QE. For more information: www.bigfeatevents.com/index.php/portfolioitem/bigmud/

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Botley Commercials is a family run business established 30 years specialising in commercial vehicle repair, offering full workshop facilities and a dedicated team who are on hand to keep your vehicles on the road.

With our MOT preparation we can provide a thorough inspection and present your vehicle for MOT ensuring that it is fully prepared for a first time test pass.

Commercial Vehicle Repair • Fleet Management • MOT Preparation Accident Repair Facilities • Vacuum Tanker Specialists • Fabrication • Diagnostics

Contact us Botley Commercials Ltd T: 01489 789655 E: info@botleycommercials.co.uk www.botleycommercials.co.uk To Bishop's Waltham 5

03

B3

Curdridge A334

Botley A334

To Curbridge

Botley Commercials Ltd, Bottings Industrial Estate, Hillsons Road, Curdridge, SO30 2DY Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8am - 6.30pm Sat: 8am - 12pm (may vary)

VACANCY We are Recruiting for a

HGV Technician To apply please call 01489 789655 or email: chris@botleycommercials.co.uk

Contact us Botley Station MOT Ltd T: 01489 798880 E: enquiries@botleystationmot.co.uk www.botleystationmot.co.uk To Bishop's Waltham 5

03

B3

Curdridge A334

We provide a professional and friendly service for the motorists of Botley, Hedge End, Burridge, Curdridge and surrounding areas in Hampshire.

We are an authorised class 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7 MOT Testing station, for Diesel and Catalyst equipped cars. We have a fully equipped modern workshop catering for all makes of car and light commercial vehicle; our staff are all fully qualified and have considerable experience in the motor trade. We aim to offer an extremely cost effective alternative to main dealer fees.

Botley A334

To Curbridge

Botley Station MOT Centre Ltd, Bottings Industrial Estate, Hillsons Road, Curdridge, SO30 2DY

MOTs While You Wait • Prices From £44 • Account & Fleet Work

Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm

Motorbike MOT Testing now available We have a fully equipped modern workshop catering for all makes of motorbike; our staff are all fully qualified and have considerable experience in the motor trade. We aim to offer an extremely cost effective alternative to main dealer fees.

COMMUNITY

Benefact group’s movement for good awards is back

Hampshire residents encouraged to nominate a charity to receive share of £1million.

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is back. Now in its sixth year, the awards are giving residents in Hampshire the opportunity to nominate a charity of their choice to receive £1,000. The Movement for Good Awards will once again see more than £1million donated to charities up and down the UK and Ireland. From today, Hampshire residents can quickly and easily nominate a good cause online at www.movementforgood.com

Winners will be drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected. There will also be a series of special draws where charities operating within specific sectors can be nominated to receive a grant of £5,000, the timetable of draws can be viewed at www.movementforgood.com and donations will be announced throughout the year.

The Movement for Good Awards has donated over £5million to charities in the UK and Ireland since the initiative started in 2019. Southampton Veterans' Trust, a group of Armed Forces Veterans who aim to provide help and support for the physical and mental health well-being of veterans and their families, an independent cinema, Chichester Cinema at New Park Limited and All Cats Rescue, who help unwanted cats find their forever home, are some of the Hampshire causes that have previously benefitted from the funding thanks to nominations from the public.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, says: “Benefact Group is a family of awardwinning specialist financial services companies

The National Open Garden Scheme As we head into our 2024 fundraising season I have produced a document listing all of our Hampshire gardens, which open By Arrangement. These are gardens which open exclusively for groups of people - be it an organised club (Garden Club, u3a etc.) or simply a groups of friends. These visits are arranged directly with the garden owner on a date and time which suits both parties, and the opening will be exclusively for your group, giving you a much more personal and leisurely visit, with time to chat to the garden owners.

If you would like a copy of the document, please just drop me an email and I will send you one by return. Our first gardens opening in March are all open By Arrangement as well as on some specific dates.

Bere Mill, London Road, Whitchurch, RG28 7NH

Opening: Monday 10th March from 12 noon to 5pm. Admission: £8.00 children free.

Cashless Payments available. Refreshments: Homemade teas. Also open by arrangement - February to September. Contact the owners direct on: 07703 161074 or rupertnab@gmail.

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com This garden was built around early C18 mill on idyllic isolated stretch of the River Test, east of Whitchurch. The gardens have been built incrementally over 30 yrs with extensive bulb planting; herbaceous and Mediterranean borders with magnolia, irises, and tree peonies; summer and autumn borders; a traditional orchard and two small arboretums, one specialising in Japanese shrubs and trees.

The mill buildings were the original location of Portals who first sold banknote paper to the Bank of England from the mill in 1724 and there are interesting industrial and agricultural archaeological remains, including reconstructed water meadow structures.

Beechenwood Farm, Hillside, Odiham, RG29 1JA

Opening: Wednesday 27th March from 2pm to 5pm and every Wednesday until 22nd May. Admission:£5.00 children free.

Cashless Payments available. Refreshments: Homemade teas. Also open by arrangement March to May contact the owners direct on 07944 162419 or beechenwood@gmail.com

and the third largest corporate donor to charity in the UK. Owned by a charity ourselves, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do. All of our available profits go to good causes and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give.

“We are delighted to be able to donate over £1million to good causes each year through our Movement for Good Awards and are grateful to all our supporters, including the customers of the trusted insurer, Ecclesiastical, and the responsible and sustainable asset manager, EdenTree. Our Movement for Good Awards help charities change lives for the better and we know that for many charities, £1,000 can make a real difference.”

Benefact Group has donated over £200million to charitable causes since 2014 and last year was recognised as the third biggest corporate giver in the UK. The organisation aims to reach £250million in donations by 2025. Movement for Good is funded

by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.Visit www. movementforgood.com to nominate a charity now.

Opening for the 40th year - this 2 acre garden has many parts. Lawn meandering through woodland with drifts of spring bulbs. Rose pergola with steps, pots with spring bulbs and later aeoniums. Fritillary and cowslip meadow.

Walled herb garden with pool and exuberant planting. Orchard including the white garden and hot border. Greenhouse and vegetable garden. Rock garden extending to grasses, ferns and bamboos. Shady walk to belvedere. 8 acre copse of native species with grassed rides.

Little Court, Crawley, Winchester, SO21 2PU

Opening: Sunday 31st March from 2pm to 4.30pm. Admission: £5.00, children free, Cash Only. Can pre-book online.

Refreshments: Homemade teas in Village Hall. also open by arrangement February to July, contact garden owner 01962 776365 or elkslc@ btinternet.com This sheltered naturalistic garden is one for all seasons, and is specially exciting in spring. It is mature and exuberant with contrasting areas, a traditional walled kitchen garden and free-range bantams. There are several seats throughout with good views, it is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Sorry, no dogs.

I hope you may be able to enjoy a visit to one of our early Spring gardens.

Best Wishes to all Pat Beagley (Head of Publicity) National Garden Scheme - Hampshire pat. beagley@icloud.com

MOTORING / HOME

Andrews Autosource Carefully Selected Cars Approved by trading standards

AT BRAMDEAN GARAGE A272 BRAMDEAN

WANTED CARS FOR CASH

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

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

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

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

2019 (69) Honda Jazz 1.3 SE Nav Automatic, 5 door, sat nav, front and rear parking sensors, air conditioning, cruise control, alloy wheels, 15,000 miles £14,995 2016 (65) Honda Jazz 1.3 SE Nav, 5 door, manual, sat nav, front and rear parking sensors, air conditioning, cruise control, alloy wheels, 31,000 miles £8,995 2017 (67) Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge, Pan roof, air conditioning, bluetooth, Parking sensors, alloy wheels, 26,000 miles £7,995 VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT ONLY PLEASE VIEW OUR CURRENT STOCK AT www.andrews-autosource.co.uk/vehicles-for-sale

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

TEL: 07811 041653 OR TEL: 01962 732995

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

www.silkservices.co.uk 01962 771 815 info@silkservices.co.uk

Electrician brickhill-electrical.co.uk

All electrical work under taken Sockets Electric Gates Lighting EV Chargers Smoke Alarms Air Conditioning Landlord Inspections Hot Tubs

Call Chris on: 01489 287826 07852 362154 Reasonably Priced - Small Jobs Welcome

chris@brickhill-electrical.co.uk 29

COMMUNITY

Bishop’s Waltham Rotary Club News Rotary Christmas Collections Santa and his trusty musical steam engine “Roger” were out and about in December signalling the run up to Christmas and this year we have been astounded by your generosity, particularly in such difficult times. Once all collections were counted and totalled up you donated the amazing sum of nearly £6,500, which is up by nearly £700 on last year’s record-breaking total. With this money we will be able to continue to support Local, National and International causes.

Incubators to Ukraine

Sometimes things just fall into place and make our job of helping people so much easier… this happened just before Christmas when due to a series of events

Meon Valley Lions Generosity abounds in the Meon Valley Christmas is all about giving and thanks to the support of the people who support us, we have been able to help many different people and organisations this year by spreading a little cheer.

Age Concern

Working through the wonderful Wickham Village Agents, Hilary and Jane, we ensured 12 local households were remembered with a little Christmas box of essential goodies.

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and contacts we were able to secure several incubators to send out to Hospitals in Ukraine, who are desperate for this type of equipment. As previously reported, just before Christmas we sent a 4x4 vehicle laden with warm clothing, sleeping bags and medical supplies to Ukraine and through this we were put in contact with a team who supply medical equipment to Ukraine via UMAUK (Ukraine Medical Association in the UK) and BUA (British Ukrainian Aid). We also have contact with and have supported the Hampshire Medical Fund who provide cutting edge medical equipment to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust in Winchester, Basingstoke and Andover. When a representative from Hampshire Medical Fund heard about

our support to Ukraine whilst giving a presentation to one of our weekly meetings, they informed us that they were in the process of supplying some new incubators to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust. We quickly started the ball rolling to try and secure the outgoing incubators, which were still fully serviceable, so that we could, if successful, send them to Ukraine. So far, we have secured 5 desperately needed incubators which will be shipped to Ukraine over the next couple of months along with other much needed medical equipment.

Electric wheelchair assistance During the last month we have also been able to help one local youngster regain his independence and mobility by assisting with money towards the purchase of an electric wheelchair. We were able to donate £500 towards the total of £5000 needed to purchase the wheelchair and the fundraising is now getting close to being in a position to purchase the chair.

Like our Facebook page or take a look at our website for updates on what is going on, what we have been up to and how you can help us help others! pr@bishopswalthamrotary.org.uk

One delighted lady said ‘How wonderful someone is thinking about me’.

in our community and we are proud to support their work.

Homestart Homestart work with families in the Meon Valley through their volunteers, no judgement just compassionate, confidential help and expert support. We were proud to be able to help 4 of those families with all the food they needed for Christmas without Homestart and your support, it wouldn’t have happened.

In our next newsletter, we will give an update about the £2000 of support we also provided to Young Carers, Rowans, Friends of PICU (paediatric intensive care unit) from our Santa collections.

Meon Valley Food Bank Are well known to many and provide essential support to families really struggling. In the run up to Christmas they helped over 270 people - we made a contribution of 60 tubs of Celebration Chocs just to brighten up Christmas a little for those families.

Age Concern, Home-Start and Meon Valley Food Bank all provide essential support

Dates for your Diary Sunday 28nd January - Fishing Festival 10.30am until 3pm at Western Shore near Netley with booking in from 9am. This is an event we have supported for over 40yrs although the early start doesn’t get any easier. The monies go to support the wonderful work at Rose Road Association Southampton.

Saturday 13th July 2024 – Swanmore Fete - We had a record year again last year and we’re hoping to beat our own record this year.

Meon Valey Lions Club (CIO) Registered Charity No. 1175811

HOME

SUPER-FAST DRYING FROM 15 MINUTES

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

Your local furnishing care specialist Malcolm Skeet

T H E

Carpet Care

3 Great Deals!

Fabulous Clean Carpets, Upholstery and Curtains Deal 1

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

Deal 2

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

P E O P L E

Tel: 01962 690 005 or 07790 883507 based on standard PRICES FROM room dimensions Carpet Price

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8 The High Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO3O 2EA Telephone: 01489 536187 Email: sales@town-and-country.co.uk

www.town-and-country.co.uk

JANUARY OFFERS AVAILABLE, PLEASE VISIT OUR SHOWROOM FOR DETAILS At Town and Country, we take pride in ensuring every client receives the best customer service, from the informative and knowledgeable sales process through to the extensive after sales care.

Our boutique showroom showcases some of the finest kitchen and bathroom furniture available, with a strong emphasis on UK and European manufacturing. Bathroom manufacturers on display include Ambiance Bain, Pelipal, Hansgrohe, Roper Rhodes and Miller of Sweden, with Porcelanosa and Ca’Pietra tiling throughout the showroom.

Our kitchens are expertly crafted by Schuller, the second largest German kitchen manufacturer, and Uform. Both have an extensive and inspiring collection ranging from the contemporary to the more traditional.

Please contact us regarding our complementary design and quotation service, we look forward to hearing from you.

Visit Town & Country 8 The High Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO3O 2EA Telephone: 01489 536187 Email: sales@town-and-country.co.uk www.town-and-country.co.uk

FEATURE

S

App-iness Is... © Lucia Foster-Found 2024

nowflakes swirled around the solitary figure; the hard, frozen ground at his feet turning ever more white. Peering intently into his wallet, his face was pinched, his expression troubled. Then, having bravely removed his gloves, he rifled through his coat pockets and those of his trousers.

Triumphant, “Here’s another!” he raised a coin aloft. “Where am I up to now?” he muttered as he held out his hand to appraise his meagre collection of change.

The scene could have been plucked from a period drama; a Dickensian wintry tableau – bleak, frigid.

Appearing from the warmth of the public toilets (an endangered species), whence she’d scurried on arrival to the car park, she approached the parking ticket machine. Studying the tariff, she did a quick approximation of her stay duration - and a mental calculation.

“How much?!” Appalled, she turned to Himself who pulled a sympathetic face as he resumed his counting.

She sighed and, phone in hand, she scrolled. There would be no need for real, actual money. Oh no no…! For she was the proud possessor of the parking app! Not just one parking app, but several. And not just parking ones - every app for every occasion: shopping, news, travel, social media, films, restaurants, puzzles. They were so many and various, that with each new app upload she half expected her phone to tell her off and say its memory was full.

In any event, sorting the parking would be easy. Expensive. But easy.

Except.. this car park required a different app than the ones on her ‘phone.. apparently.

Faced with the prospect of standing in the cold downloading the app with intermittent signal – or worse, rifling through the fluff in her pockets and bag to scrape together the exorbitant fee, she scanned a QR code on the side of the parking machine to see what solution that might bring. Helpfully, or so it seemed, no app required; a quick credit card payment.

Although the amount extorted would, in happier, pre-pandemic, pre-cost of living crisis, have bought her a dine-in for two with wine, she paid up.

Alarmingly, the screen immediately disappeared without trace. No text message or email confirmation. There was no discernible record of her

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www.luciafosterfound.com

payment and, she later realised, no note of when her ticket would expire.

Praying she hadn’t just been scammed by a fake QR code (she’d heard of that), they hurried off to the warmth of the shops.

Later at home with the new parking app downloaded, her phone had still not complained of memory issues. Lucky old phone, she thought, it wasn’t struggling with hormonal brain fog, then.

She sighed and with slight apprehension she broached the subject of February 14th which was approaching with indecent haste.

“Let’s be honest, Valentine dinners haven’t been an unmitigated success, have they? Stressed kitchens, long waits, dishes that haven’t lived up to their price tags. There was even that bout of food poisoning, remember..”

Well, she’d had a dicky tum anyway. Old cast iron constitution Himself – not so much.

He held up a hand.

“I’ll stop you there. I’ve sorted it. Don’t give it another thought – just be ready in warm apparel at eleven on Valentine’s Day. I know you’ll approve.”

He looked smug.

Not wanting to burst his bubble, she said tentatively, “Eleven, isn’t that a bit late?”

“Aha! Eleven a.m. my little chickadee.” Himself did a passable (if somewhat random) W.C. Fields impersonation as he waggled his eyebrows and sauntered off with a slight swagger.

Sure enough at eleven in the morning on 14th February, Himself drove them to a pub, nipped in and emerged with two mysterious containers that he proceeded to put in an insulated bag. When they reached a sheltered glade with a light dusting of snow, he produced chairs and a flask of coffee.

Then he retrieved the containers – a hot breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, black pudding, hash browns and the rest.

In answer to her surprised expression, he announced proudly, “These are the leftovers from the pub. I used an app. I downloaded it. Yes, me! It’s called ‘Too Good To Go’. Aimed at preventing food waste, saving money and avoiding CO2 emissions. Win, win and.. win.”

She applauded him. “And more fun than all my parking apps put together.”

With a wink he raised his mug of coffee. “‘Appy Valentine's!”

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D E S I G N E R

B A T H R O O M S

C R E AT I N G B E A U T I F U L B AT H R O O M S S I N C E 1 9 8 8 | r i p p l e s b a t h r o o m s . c o m R I PPL E S W I N C H E S T ER , 13 - 15 S TO C K B R I D GE R OA D, W I N C H E S T ER , S O2 2 6 R N | 0196 2 8 59 2 96 S H O W R O O M S N AT I O N W I D E

HOME

e clusive

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FEATURE

Groundbreaking wildlife study in parish is a first for South Downs National Park

A

South Downs parish has produced its very own nature “health check” to show the state of wildlife in its boundaries and how biodiversity can bounce back. Kingston-near-Lewes Parish Council has published the report, which provides a detailed baseline of the state of the natural environment in Kingston Parish today.

It’s the first detailed parish-wide mapping project of its kind in the South Downs National Park.

Nearly 50% of the parish is in a priority habitat and 20% of the parish is in a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The report identifies a series of opportunities to halt and reverse biodiversity decline in the parish, as well as combat and adapt to climate change.

The parish council has established a dedicated Kingston Nature Recovery Group to take the recommendations of the report forward through an action plan.

Some of the projects being planned include a “garden pledge” scheme to encourage householders to manage their gardens in a wildlife-friendly way, a parish-wide initiative to monitor a range of species and changes to the management of parish council land to encourage biodiversity.

Ian Douglas, Chair of Kingston-near-Lewes Parish Council, said “My fellow councillors and I are most grateful to the South Downs National Park Authority for its support towards this important and ground-breaking report

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by Wild Business. It provides detailed analysis of the natural environment of the parish and will allow us as a community to plan how we address the challenges of nature recovery collectively and individually.”

The SDNPA is viewing it as an exemplar pilot project and there is potential for nature recovery mapping in other parishes in the future.

Claire Kerr, Countryside and Policy Manager, who leads nature recovery in the National Park, said: “This work is also not only important directly for wildlife, but also helping to demonstrate to other communities on how action can be taken forward.”

For more information on the South Downs National Park visit: www.southdowns.gov.uk South Downs Centre, Midhurst, West Sussex North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH Telephone: 01730 814810

EYES TEETH EARS? YOU’VE HAD YOUR EYES & TEETH CHECKED WHY NOT YOUR EARS AND HEARING?

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Contact Serhan Handani at Oursh@bramsdonandchilds.com Bishop's Waltham office has moved to: St.George's Square, Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire, SO32 1GJ 4 Basing Tel: 01489 Mews 888240

L ower Basingwell Street Fair Oak Office Southsea Office Bishops Waltham Unit 10, Vicarage Farm Business Park, 141 Elm Grove, Southsea, Hampshire Winchester Hampshire PO5 1HR SO32 1PA Road, Fair Oak, So50 7HD 02382 514300 Tel: 02392 821251 Telephone: 01489Tel: 888240 141 E lm Grove Southsea Hampshire PO5 1HR www.bramsdonandchilds.com Telephone: 02392 821251

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