Test Valley Forum Issue 138 - December

TEST VALLEY

FORUM FEATURES The Hosts Of Christmas Past Black Chalk - Beautifully Crafted Thoughts On The Road

REACHING 18,750 READERS* TEST VALLEY TOWNS & VILLAGES ISSUE 138 • DECEMBER 2019

NEWS & EVENTS Greenfield Farm Shop Wins Fantastic Award Brocante Christmas Market Stockbridge Community Cinema

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

STOCKBRIDGE RETAIL

RESIDENTIAL

LE T

LD SO

Myddelton & Major enjoyed continued success during 2019 in Stockbridge High Street.

We wish all the commercial occupiers every good wish for a successful 7th December Small Business Saturday and a prosperous Christmas.

OFFICES

www.myddeltonmajor.co.uk

T LE

FO AC R QU C IR LI E EN D T S

INVESTMENT PURCHASE

Tel: 01264 316000

06 TEST VALLEY FORUM

ISSUE 138 / DECEMBER 2019 04 What's On

Local events in the Meon Valley 06 Lucia Foster-Found

The Hosts of Christmas Past

08 Food & Drink Eat out or stay in. Discover new flavours in the Meon Valley 14 Retail

Unique, Bespoke, Eclectic

and Local shopping 18 Entertainment

Discover local events and days out

in Hampshire.

18 Wellbeing

Looking after your health

and yourself!

24 Emma Wightman

Thoughts on the Road 26 Education

Find local schools and

educational experts

12

29 Home Trades, services, designers.

All you need for your home

18

34 Church Services

Local Church Services for

the month ahead

JANUARY COPY DEADLINE DECEMBER 9th The Test Valley Forum contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine. The Test Valley Forum takes reasonable efforts to include accurate, current information on its pages, but make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, safety or value of the published items that are displayed. No liability or responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions in magazine content. The Test Valley magazine content does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or recommendations of its creators and any reliance upon its content is taken at the user’s sole risk. Adverts designed by Forum Publications remain the magazine's legal ownership. Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household Š Forum Publications Ltd, 2019

Editor Mark Tubb: editor@forumpublications.co.uk Director of Advertising Steve Walker: stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk Director of Marketing Rob Harrison: rob@forummedianddesign.co.uk Advertising Manager Mandy Head: mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk Design Manager James Curtis: james@forumpublications.co.uk Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk Copy Writer Lucia Foster-Found Forum Publications Ltd 11 Broad Street, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9AR Tel: 01962 735137 forumpub www.forumpublications.co.uk Printed on recycled paper

Forum Media & Design A Hampshire based marketing and creative agency, our publication portfolio includes Itchen Valley Forum, Test Valley Forum & Meon Valley Forum. We also provide the design and build of websites, company branding, social media marketing and SEO. For more information please get in touch.

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WHAT'S ON? culminating in the switching on of the Christmas tree lights by Clare Balding.

Entertainment on the High Street from 2pm. Clare Balding will be at The Bookmark from 3.30pm signing copies of her new Children's book.

sparkling wines and two still white wines from the mamber vieyards of Black Chalk, Cottonworth, Danebury, Exton Park, Hambledon, Hattingley Valley, Jenkyn Place and Raimes. Hampshire charcuterie and cheese platters available to purcahse from Parsonage Farm - £5. Book via eventbrite, search: Fairy Lights & Fizz https://bit.ly/2kWdmlh or email events@ vineyardsofhampshire.co.uk

Thursday 19

Pete Shaw in concert From 7.30pm. (doors open 7pm) at Fairground Hall,Weyhill, Andover, SP11 0QN. An evening of melodic, easy listening music, with a festive flavour - performed on electronic keyboard.Tickets £5 in advance, from Just Teasin, 40 Bridge Street, Andover or £6 at the door. A WEOS promotion Information: 01264 323213. www.weyhill-eos.co.uk

DECEMBER Tuesday 3

Stockbridge Amateur Dramatic Society’s Curtain Calls…

Eat, drink and be entertained by readings and performances from plays, poems and novels based around the festive theme of…

Mulled wine, Mince pies and Merriment!

From 7.30pm at Stockbridge Town Hall.

You don’t have to be a member of SADS to come along, (but we’d love it if you’d join!)

We’re always looking for new blood to act, direct and to be part of the backstage team.

No experience necessary! stockbridgeamdrams@gmail.com or find us on Facebook

Friday 6

Film 'Yesterday' (PG) at Chilbolton VIllage Hall Starring Hamesh Patel, Lily James, Ed Sheeran and Kate Mckinnon. After a worldwide power outage, and an accident, a struggling musician wakes up to find himself the only person who remembers the Beatles. Doors Open at 7pm; Film show commences at 7.30pm. Tickets £5.00 in advance from Beryl Lawrence on 01264 860618. Email: dlaw@davidlawrenceassociates.co.uk.

Or £6.00 on the door (if available). Tea/ Coffee and biscuits included in price.

Wine, Beer and Choc Ices on sale.

Image courtesy of Herry Lawford

Saturday 7

Christmas in Stockbridge A great day out for all the family

Saturday 7

Wherwell Singers Christmas Concert In support of Wherwell Church from 7.30pm. St. Peter and Holy Cross Church, Wherwell. Join the Wherwell Singers as we celebrate Christmas with a programme of choral masterpieces, including works by Byrd, Parsons, Tavener and Walton, plus traditional carols, mulled wine and mince pies. All profits will go to Wherwell Church. Tickets £8, available on the door. For more information, visit www.wherwellsingers.org

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8

Stockbridge Antiques Fair The Fair is held in Stockbridge Town Hall in the centre of the High Street. We offer a wide range of Decorative, Interesting and Unusual items including good quality Furniture, Silver, Jewellery, Militaria, Motor memorabilia,Textiles and Books. We will also buy. Free Admission & Free Parking.

Open: 9.30am - 5.00pm. Contacts: Carol - 01264 335769 / 07870 432805 Steve - 01722 712267 / 07915 663251

Thursday 12

Vineyards of Hampshire: Fairy Lights and Fizz 6pm - 9pm at The King Charles Suite,The Guildhall, Broadway,Winchester, SO23 9GH. £20 per person. Come and join the Vineyards of Hampshire for an exclusive sparkling wine tasting in the atmospheric King Charles Suite festooned with fairy lights. A chance to taste and stock up on your festive fizz! With over 18 different

Friday 20

Romsey Singers - Bach’s Magnificat performed by the Choir and Orchestra At Romsey Abbey - 7.30pm.The Romsey Singers, conductor Philip Lawson, invite you to take time out from busy Christmas preparations, to hear the wonderful Bach’s Magnificat performed by choir and orchestra. Also, there will be a chance for the audience to sing some favourite carols and enjoy Christmas music, with choir, orchestra and organ.Tickets from the Romsey Tourist Information Centre, 13 Church Street, Romsey. Tel: 01794 512987 or online at www.romseysingers.org.

JANUARY Thursday 16

Steve Hubble in concert From 7.30pm. (doors open 7pm) at Fairground Hall,Weyhill, Andover, SP11 0QN. An evening of melodic, easy listening, electronic keyboard music.Tickets £5 in advance, from Just Teasin, 40 Bridge Street, Andover - or £6 at the door. A WEOS promotion. Information: 01264 323213. www.weyhill-eos.co.uk

% 30 ON N F OF TAKE

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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.

2017 2018

2019

6

FEATURE

THE HOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST © LUCIA FOSTER-FOUND 2019 “I’ve been looking forward to this.” A hiss escaped the bottle of beer when he popped the top. As she dished up the takeaway, he passed her the amber fizz. They chinked glasses.

“Happy Christmas, darling.”

The kids were off in foreign climes and, for the first Christmas since becoming parents, it was just the two of them. Curry for dinner on Christmas Eve, extravagant lobster and chips planned for the next day, Boxing Day lunch booked at the village pub. No epic exercise in decorating either. Boxes of baubles, the accumulation of years generations even, languished in the loft.

They were calling their Yuletide ‘Alternative’.

Settling on the sofa, tray on lap, she reached for the festive edition of the Radio Times they bought every year. Except this one.. Seizing the remote, he pressed a button. “Agatha Christie all-star special on in half an hour.”

“I can’t shake off a vague feeling of guilt.” She said, spooning aubergine pickle onto her plate. “I’m usually knee deep in sprouts about now, feverishly wrapping pigs in blankets, with a hand up the turkey - groping for giblets.”

He laughed “And I’d be topping up Auntie Phoebe’s sherry glass and bringing Uncle Norman more nuts. She’d be hogging the TV, in between herding us all off to church - morning, noon and midnight mass. He’d be droning on about birdies and eagles – the girls thought he was a super-boring bird watcher. I wouldn’t have minded, but they weren’t even rellies, just neighbours of your Mum’s!”

“We sort of inherited them.” She smiled fondly at the memory of that first Christmas Eve after her mother’s death. The kids had sprinted, wide-eyed and excited into the kitchen to break the news.

“Mummymummy, Feeble and Normal are here. They’ve got a suitcase..!”

When they passed away, Auntie P and Uncle N were sincerely missed.

They’d become another Christmas ingredient – like the Queen’s speech – and it wasn’t quite the same without them. Over the years though, other waifs and strays came and went. Their daughters acquired boyfriends. Plus a boyfriends’ sister, who brought their newly divorced mother along. The following year the divorcee mother rocked up with her boyfriend. Somehow, the ex-husband with his new partner also wangled an invitation. All jolly civilised. For Christmas, anyway.

Bleeping - one of the offspring messaged. “Happy Christmas!

Already 25th and hot here! Have a wonderful stress-free time – no

WWW.LUCIAFOSTERFOUND.COM staying up ‘till silly o’clock going to church and no feeding of the five thousand tomorrow.Yay!” She didn’t feel very Yay! but managed something cheery in reply.

Welling up, she imagined Christmas morning without the children leaping on the bed, clutching their stockings and squealing.

Other daughter touched base “Heard from the second favourite child yet? Blizzard here! Carp for dinner – yuk.. Love you - eat, drink and be selfish for once.”

Texting back their snow envy, they resumed their meal “Our Christmas – she’s right - is a selfish one. And I think that’s a good thing.” He observed, a little too heartily, tearing off a bit of keema naan. “The kids are doing exactly what they want and so, for a change, are we.” He nodded at her, encouragingly.

But OH how she missed it! Her inner masochist craved the drudgery and chaos. The endless lists of things to do. The going to bed exhausted in the early hours of Christmas Day after the annual guilt trip to the church. Bodies all over the house, sleeping on beds, sofas and floors. The constant cooking, clearing up and cups of tea. She sighed nostalgically.

They were lifted a little by the excellent whodunit and delicious curry; “And a bit left over” he observed, taking the plates out. Back in their dating days, they’d discovered a shared guilty pleasure; cold curry on hot buttered toast for breakfast. Soulmates. Just now she could have done with something sweet, though - and fleetingly longed for green triangles and purples ones. Not this year – decided they didn’t need all that chocolate. Just the two of them…

“Nightcap?” He reappeared with glasses of flaming Sambuca, instead of the usual eggnog. Impressive, but yet another break with tradition, she thought as she went to the window and tweaked the curtain aside.

The ground was white! Snowflakes were falling softly, silently. The forecast of snow had, for once, become actual, real, snow.

Peering out at their surprising white Christmas, they toasted each other. “To absent loved ones.” And sipped. “To Christmases past.”

“The power cut turkey.” “The mysterious case of the missing Barbie leg.” “The Boxing Day ‘flu.”

Their glasses nearly drained, they raised them one last time. “To Phoebe and Norman, without whom we’d never have discovered our lovely village church” he conceded.

She took his hand. “Our alternative, stress-free and selfish Christmas needs one ritual, at least.” And grabbing their coats they strolled arm in arm through the whirling flakes and towards the golden glow of midnight mass.

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FOOD & DRINK

BLACK CHALK – BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED In the Beginning… It’s 2007. Jacob Leadley and his wife sip Pinot Noir in a vineyard on the banks of Lake Wanaka in New Zealand. Gripped by a romantic notion to ‘do something different’, they make a pact that would change their lives forever…

A Journey… Fast forward through Jacob’s exodus from the City, the starting of a family, his degree in Viticulture and Oenology, plus nearly a decade of winemaking – and you’ll arrive at the new home for Black Chalk near Stockbridge. Here, boutique, award winning sparkling English wines – the Classic and the Wild Rose – are produced from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes; the vines flourishing on the south-facing slopes of the River Test valley.

Grown at the northern limit of what is possible, the conditions are as near perfect as can be found in Hampshire, arguably in England.

A Family Concern… Jacob had a dream of creating an exceptional brand, fuelled by a passion for both the art and the science of winemaking.

Inspired by Jacob’s vision, his brother-in-law, ex-professional poker player and property developer Andrew Seden, is now a full-time partner.

Informal meetings once taken around a kitchen table have progressed to the formality of a boardroom - and the dream’s become a successful reality.

And The Wines... 3 years in the making, these award winning sparkling wines are unmistakeably English: fruit foremost with bright acidity - yet delicate, elegant. The Classic was conceived as an aperitif to, as Jacob explains, ‘share with friends’. The Wild Rose is considered by chefs and sommeliers alike to be an ideal accompaniment to food.

The Accolades Speak for Themselves...

Black Chalk Wild Rose (2016 vintage) with a foil collar of soft pink, redolent of the delicate blush of the wine within, won GOLD at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championship. Black Chalk Classic (2015 vintage) with its gun-metal grey accent, is an IWC SILVER Medal Winner. And praise from the cognoscenti is lavish: “Two exceptional wines”,The Independent. “Elegantly enchanting”,The

Telegraph. “Exciting new name on the English wine scene”,The Guardian.

Visit… Open, ready and welcoming, the Black Chalk Wine Shop and Tasting Room is a short drive from Stockbridge - jewel in the Test Valley. As the Festive season fast approaches, the superlative Wild Rose and Classic sparkling wines are available to purchase – ideal to enjoy or to gift.

On The Menu… Wine tastings in the beautifully renovated grain store, plus vineyard tours for 2020 are now bookable online. Corporate hire will be available, delicious lunches are planned: also a service providing picnic hampers for al fresco diners and fishermen, complete with a bottle of Black Chalk. Naturally. Future extension plans allow for a tasting bar with courtyard.

A Winery… Inspired to keep pushing the boundaries and produce ever more outstanding vintages, Jacob and Andrew are building their own winery. Work commences in December, converting the cattle barn next to the grain store and dairy. Anticipated completion is Spring 2020, in plenty of time to receive their own harvest – but also for the benefit of others in a ‘partnership winemaking’ venture.

Upcoming Events… Christmas Wine Tasting with Mince Pies at the Black Chalk Shop December Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm “Fairy Lights and Fizz”Thursday 12th December 6-9 pm The Guildhall, Winchester SO23 9GH Winchester Christmas Market Tuesday 17th December Winchester Cathedral SO23 9LS And Finally, Further Afield…

The export markets of Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Japan and the USA beckon: measured, slow, organic expansion will mean that the beautifully crafted English sparkling wines of Black Chalk can be ‘shared with friends’ across the globe too.

Black Chalk Wines,The Old Dairy, Fullerton Road, SP11 7JX T: 01264 860440 sales@blackchalkwine.co.uk www.blackchalkwine.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK Martin continues: “We have tried so hard over so many years. We’ve been up five times for the Champion of Champions Award, and while we were very pleased to get there, there is only one winner. On this occasion it was Greenfield Farm Shop. We are very proud. We were told that the judges had agreed we were clear winners and described it as a sausage for every occasion – even a royal occasion!”

HURRAH FOR THE HAMPSHIRE HOG! Father and son team Martin and Tom Martindale of Greenfield Farm Shop have won the title Champion of Champions, best in the UK and Ireland, at the Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards 2019, for the Braishfield Banger.

Martin Martindale says: “This is a rare accolade and we are so happy to be recognised as the best producer in the UK for 2019.”

The sausage has been made by Greenfield Farm Shop to a special recipe using local honey from Roselea Apiaries to sell in Braishfield's community village shop.

However, following this prestigious national award, the sausage has been renamed and relaunched as The Greenfield Sausage

Champion of Champions 2019. It will be made to the same recipe, although with local honey from three suppliers close to Greenfield Farm Shop in Anna Valley. The original Braishfield Banger will continue to be available from The Braishfield Pantry.

Greenfield Farm Shop started making sausages in 2005; winning awards just two years later. Martin adds: “We have been Hampshire Champions in Hampshire Fare’s Great Hampshire Sausage and Pie Competition four times and South East Champion twice. Every type of sausage we make has won at least one Gold Award.”

The Braishfield Banger was entered into this year’s Great Hampshire Sausage & Pie Competition 2019 where it won Best Hampshire Sausage, qualifying the sausage for entry into the Champion of Champions competition.

Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare, says: “We are delighted that our Great Hampshire Sausage & Pie Competition has given Martin and Tom Martindale this opportunity and that they have shown that the Hampshire hog is top!”

The Greenfield Sausage Champion of Champions 2019 will be sold in Greenfield Farm Shop and farm shops and village stores across Hampshire including The Braishfield Pantry.

Sharon Fielding from The Braishfield Pantry says: “We're a little excited that the Braishfield Banger has won Champion of Champions at the Butchers Shop of the Year Awards 2019.

We're thrilled for Martin and Tom Martindale of Greenfield Farm Shop. What an amazing achievement.”

www.hampshirefare.co.uk

Y CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES Tuesday 24th December 7:30am – 3pm CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY & BOXING DAY

Y

Friday 27th December: 9am – 5pm

Y

Saturday 28th December: 7:30am – 5pm Sunday 29th December: 9am – 4pm Monday 30th December: 7:30am – 5pm Tuesday 31st December: 7:30am- 3pm

Y

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Wednesday 1st January: 9am – 4pm Thursday 2nd January: 7.30am – 5pm

Y

Now taking orders for Christmas cheeses, fresh fish, seafood platters, dressed salmon & cooked lobsters.

(Fresh Fish, Tuesday-Saturday]

Tel: 01264 810101 www.thymeandtidesdeli.co.uk High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

Are you looking for a special Christmas present?

Over 1000 bottles and gifts to choose from Single Malt and Blended Whisky, Gin, Rum, Vodka, Montdomaine Wine, Flasks, Glasses and Miniatures We also have many bottles open to try before you buy We are an independent retailer based in Stockbridge Buy local and support the High Street

@thelittlewhisky 01264 810304 enquiries@thelws.co.uk

www.thelittlewhiskyshop.co.uk

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RETAIL

Pop in to see our divine cashmeres and clothes, indulgent candles, cards and extensive carefully selected gifts

Tel: 01264 883034 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @STOCKSATTHEVINE S TO C K S AT T H E V I N E , H I G H S T R E E T, S TO C K B R I D G E , S O 2 0 6 H F

One of ITV's Most Popular Antiques Experts Happy to arrange home calls by appointment karendalmeny@gmail.com For enquiries please call:

07712 545 700 Karen Dalmeny

BEST CASH PRICES Karen Dalmeny PAID FOR:

Gold & Silver Jewellery & Antiques

Including: Watches, medals, bronzes, oriental ceramics, quality antiques, house clearance/insurance valuations

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INVITE YOU TO CELEBRATE

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A GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY CULMINATING IN THE SWITCHING ON OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS

ENTERTAINMENT ON THE HIGH STREET

• FARLEIGH JUNIOR CHOIR OUTSIDE THE GROSVENOR AT 2PM • FATHER CHRISTMAS IN THE VINE YARD FROM 2PM - 5PM

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• TEST VALLEY BRASS (SPONSORED BY THYME & TIDES) OUTSIDE THE GROSVENOR FROM 3PM • CLARE BALDING BOOK SIGNING AT THE BOOKMARK FROM 3.30PM - 4.30PM

• BROUGHTON SINGERS OUTSIDE CHURCH AT 5PM • CLARE BALDING TURNING ON LIGHTS AT 5.30PM • LIVE MUSIC IN THE VINE YARD

• PANTOMIME CHARACTERS FROM BROUGHTON AMATEUR DRAMATIC GROUP ALONG THE HIGH STREET • INFORMAL CAROL SERVICE IN ST PETER’S CHURCH FOLLOWING THE LIGHTS SWITCH ON

VISIT STOCKBRIDGE HIGH STREET AND BUY LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS, SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

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RETAIL

BROCANTE CHRISTMAS MARKET COMES TO ROMSEY

Romsey welcomes their first ever Brocante style Christmas & Gift Market to be held in 3 areas in the centre of Romsey - the Cornmarket, The Town Hall and the new events area outside Josie's in The Hundred.

With 45 + stalls in total, offering unique gift ideas, whether they are treasured collectibles including dinky toys and advertising memorabilia,Vinyl records, postcards, brass and copper, a variety of small antiques, including furniture ideas, coins, vintage ideas including jewellery, silk scarves, vintage cashmere.

Handmade textiles & accessories, bespoke glass, bespoke wooden items, linens, handbags, in fact a vast array of alternative Christmas ideas that will impress your friends and family. In addition there will be street food and a vintage singer to add to the atmosphere. This is a perfect place for all the family to enjoy.

The market is between 9.30am and 4pm on Sunday 8th December for further information www.acvrevents.co.uk Jackie Edwards 07514680872

CONTACTLESS MACHINES TO ARRIVE IN TEST VALLEY Car parks around Test Valley will have brand new contactless payment machines from next month.

From 9 November, the new machines will begin to be installed at all of the council’s car parks and it is estimated that it will take around two weeks to finish the work.The machines will enable contactless payment as well as card and cash options for users.

Full council approved the recommendation to replace the payment machines back in June to help make it easier for visitors to use the town centres and shop locally.

Planning portfolio holder, councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “We recognise that contactless payment is a necessity in our town centres in this day and age and so it was something that we were keen to see happen. Having cash is now not as common as it used to be five or ten years ago so it was important we brought the borough up to speed. Hopefully this can help shoppers to use our car parks with ease and encourage more people to shop locally now that

parking is simpler and more convenient.”

Romsey Town Centre Manager, Mark Edgerley, said: “The ability to make contactless payments will be a huge benefit to Romsey town centre users, no more searching for loose change, instead just tap and go into the town centre for your shopping, a coffee or maybe lunch. Making parking easier ensures visitors and residents alike can enjoy the facilities of the town while local businesses benefit from more customers.”

Andover’s Business Improvement District manager, Steve Godwin, added: “This is fantastic news for our town and meets one of the BID’s aims to encourage people to come into town and to stay for longer.With our range of parking already competitive with other towns and cities, this upgrade means that people won’t have to search for loose change. It will make it easier and convenient, encourage people to spend longer here and make an extra purchase.

The investment by the council in the car parks together with the exciting proposed town centre masterplanning reinforces the message that Andover is alive and open for business.”

RingGo will continue to be offered in all council car parks as well as the cash, card and contactless payment methods.The two machines in the Chantry Centre which enable people to clock in and then pay on exit using a debit or credit card will also remain in place.

PIANO SERVICES, TUNING, RESTORATION AND LESSONS AVAILABLE AT VINE PIANOS NEW & RECONDITIONED PIANOS Vine Pianos provides new pianos with Blüthner, Yamaha and Carod. We are open Tuesday to Saturday so pop in, or email, to book a personal appointment. Meet the Vine Piano experts, play, discuss and plan for your piano.

Vine Pianos also supply reconditioned used pianos for clients.

Vine Pianos is proud that all of our piano sales will suitably

PIANO TUNING & RESTORATION Vine Pianos offer a piano tuning service to clients throughout the UK. Deborah is an established piano tuner and technician and can provide all piano tuning services.

Vine Pianos recommends that all pianos are tuned at least every 6 months, however depending on how often you use your piano, it may vary.

reflect individual musical progression and taste.

Tel: 07949 403888 www.vinepianos.co.uk

hello@vinepianos.co.uk

VINE PIANOS THE VINE YARD HIGH STREET STOCKBRIDGE SO20 6HF

Opening Hours Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm The Vine Piano Services

@VinePianos

Old fashioned values...

OLD

We service all makes and models from classic to modern cars and everything in between. We are also interested in purchasing classic cars or selling them on your behalf.

Winchester Auto Barn Sutton Scotney, Winchester, SO21 3NS Tel. 01962 677776 www.winchesterautobarn.com

...driving new standards of service

NEW

Servicing • MOT’s • Diagnostics • Brakes • General repairs • Air conditioning • Clutch & cambelt replacements • Minor body work repairs • Winter safety checks

MOT test rates

Opening hours

Post 1980 cars : £48.50 Pre 1980 cars : £28.50 (Tea & cake included)

8:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday Saturday sales by appointment

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ENTERTAINMENT

WELLBEING

STOCKBRIDGE COMMUNITY CINEMA Friday 6 December Balloon (12A) A drama dealing with the crossing of the inner German border to West Germany by two families in the summer of 1979.

Desperate to leave East Germany, they attempts to flee in a homemade hot-air balloon. [In German with English subtitles]

OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO GODOLPHIN’S GO PARENT: TALKING MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING CONFERENCE

Showing at Stockbridge Town Hall SO20 6HE at 7.30pm.Tickets £5.00 from Garden Inn and John Robinson in Stockbridge or online via our website www. stockbridgecinema.org.uk Wednesday 11 December Late Night (15) Comedy in which a legendary late-night talk show host's world is turned upside down when she hires her only female staff writer.

Originally intended to smooth over diversity concerns, her decision has unexpectedly hilarious consequences as the two women, separated by culture and generation, are united by their love of a biting punchline.

Showing at Stockbridge Town Hall SO20 6HE at 4.30pm and 7.30pm.Tickets £5.00 from Garden Inn and John Robinson in Stockbridge or online via our website www.stockbridgecinema.org.uk

THE JOY OF FLY FISHING

You spot the fish lying under an overhanging branch. Select the fly, and tie it on. The line snakes out from your well executed cast.

The fly lands gently on the water upstream of the fish. As it passes over him he turns, follows it downstream and in a gulp its engulfed.

You tighten the line and set the hook. The fish is on - the fight begins. Welcome to the world of fly fishing.

With the help of Hampshire Fly Fishing this could be you, your friend or partner. Gift vouchers from Hampshire Fly Fishing make a great Christmas present. We are passionate about fly fishing Tel: 01962 736965 Mob: 07493 095605 www.hampshire-flyfishing.co.uk info@hampshire-flyfishing.co.uk

Amy Forbes-Robertson

Sean Fletcher

On Wednesday 6 November, Godolphin hosted their first GO Parent conference, talking Mental Health and Wellbeing, in collaboration with the Magna Learning Partnership. Deputy Head Pastoral, Jenny Price, sought the expertise of professionals from the industry with real, up to date and pertinent messages on a wide range of subjects.

The programme offered a formidable array of knowledge and some hard-hitting messages (for which we do not apologise), which were brilliantly delivered on the day by each of our nine speakers.

Sean Fletcher launched the event with his deeply moving talk about his family’s struggles with his son’s OCD. Two Break Out Sessions followed from Hope Virgo, who spoke passionately of her personal battle with anorexia and Alistair Speers, (Headmaster of Sandroyd Prep School) who spoke about resilience and managing failure. The day continued with sessions on self-harm from Satveer Nijjar, online harms from Dr Claire Hardaker and Amy Forbes-Robertson from Ithappens spoke about sex education. After an amazing lunch, Dr Linda Papadopoulos, a well-known and respected psychologist, spoke about nurturing young people’s wellbeing in the online world and this was followed by another Break Out Session which included a talk from Kevin West from the NSPCC and ‘inflating balloons of self-belief ’ which resulted in a standing ovation for James Shone.

Deputy Head Pastoral, Jenny Price, said ‘the message was one of ‘let’s talk’ and bring these topics to the forefront with several of our speakers talking about their own journeys and recovery.’ We need the support of our parents and by inviting them to join us for a day dedicated to mental health, we can learn side by side, how to best support our young people.

Head, Emma Hattersley, said “Our vision at Godolphin is to become a hub for promoting good mental health. Community is important to us and we were privileged to join with the Magna Learning Partnership for the day.”

One parent commented “It was inspiring and indeed quite an emotional day…this generation of children are overburdened so any tips we can pick up along the way to inspire us and give us hope to help them are so appreciated.”

The feedback from the day has been overwhelming and preparations for GO Parent 2020 are well underway.

WELLBEING

ENTERTAINMENT

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THE BEST PANTO EVER WITH NO STRINGS ATTACHED! 11 - 14 & 17 - 21 DEC @ 7.30PM, 14, 15 & 21 @ 2.30PM IN THE OAK THEATRE

FLY FISHING GIFT CARDS The perfect Christmas present for anybody interested in Country Pursuits Tuition and guidance from a local qualified fishing coach licensed by the sport’s governing body, The Angling trust.

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8 - 18 JAN IN THE OAK THEATRE

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WELLBEING

GIVE THE GIFT OF LISTENING THIS CHRISTMAS!

Whether through family difficulties, money problems or feeling lonely, Christmas can be a difficult time. And with all the pressure to enjoy the festivities, it can be hard to ask for help. Samaritans aim to support those struggling to cope during the festive period – you can too.

Winchester Samaritans operates from an office in Upper High Street where over 90 volunteers listen to callers when they are finding life difficult. They listen on the telephone, via email and SMS and receive face-to-face visitors 365 days each year.

Anne-Marie Drummond Winchester Branch Director explains, "Every month we answer over 1500 calls, 300 emails and 500 texts.

Some who contact us are desperately lonely. Others need to talk through personal or work problems and some call because they are feeling suicidal” Over 5000 people took their own life in England in 2018, an increase of 12% on 2017. It is Samaritans’ aim to reduce this number by helping people to cope with their suicidal feelings before they get to that desperate stage. They respond to a call on average every 6 seconds.

In the build up to Christmas peoples’ problems or feelings of depression and isolation can become overwhelming. Anne Marie says “We don't judge or give advice, we just try to listen and help callers to explore feelings that they cannot share with anyone else.

Just giving someone that few minutes of our time to show that we care can make all the difference in their lives” You can help too. If you know someone who may be going through a hard time get in touch, or better still, go and see them and ask them how they are feeling. Just sparing some of your time will be the most valuable gift that you will give this Christmas. If you would like to find out more about volunteering at Winchester Samaritans, the branch runs regular information sessions at their offices, details can be found at www.winchestersamaritans.org.uk If you need confidential support yourself, call Samaritans free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

WINCHESTER LANTERN PARADE The lantern parade is back for 2019, but bigger and better than ever! Make your own lantern with Bella Crafts, see the displays in the Cathedral, and join a fun family parade starting from the Cathedral and finishing with a stunning fireworks display.

The parade is a great event for all the family whether you participate or come just to enjoy the colourful spectacle, lap up the atmosphere and admire the skilfully made weird and wonderful lanterns. Anyone can get involved in the Lantern Parade by creating a lantern. Lantern workshops will be held at Bella Crafts, Fair Oak, on the following dates: Sunday 10 November 9.30am - 12.30pm or 1.00pm - 4.00pm Saturday 16 November 2.30pm - 5.30pm Sunday 24 November 9.30am - 12.30pm or 1.00pm - 4.00pm Also after school from 11 November onwards from 3.30pm 5.30pm.

Participants in the Lantern Parade should arrive at Winchester Cathedral between 5.30pm and 6.00pm. enjoy festive Christmas Carols for all the family in the Nave, before the Lantern Parade begins at 6.30pm.

Prizes will be available for the best lanterns.

To book a Lantern Workshop, please contact Bella Crafts.

Tel: 02380517054 or visit www.bellacrafts.co.uk.

WELLB EING

THE HUB Hairdressing in Stockbridge Hair is the primary adornment of a person, an expression of their personality, style and feelings.

Beautiful, healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, and since the founding of La Biosthetique, our scientists have been focusing on these connections.

Because the best results are only achieved when you have peak performance, The Hub hairdressing offers the exclusive, hair and scalp care from La Biosthetique Paris. Using a combination of the latest research and natural ingredients, test the highly effective products and experience the perfect combination of relaxation and care.

The Hub welcomes Samantha to the team, a hair stylist with 10 years of expertise and knowledge.

Check out what we have been up to on Instagram @thehubstockbridge

Tel: 01264 810139 www.thehubstockbridge.co.uk THE HUB, OLD LONDON ROAD, STOCKBRIDGE, HAMPSHIRE SO20 6EJ

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WELLBEING

THE FORUM’S BEAUTY EDITOR TALKS TO DORTHE THOMAS, ANDOVER’S ANTI-AGEING SKINCARE SPECIALIST, ABOUT MEDISPA TREATMENTS THAT REALLY DELIVER. Winter is the ideal time to give your skin some special attention using advanced MediSpa treatments.

Dorthe Thomas has created the three phase Winter Skin Rejuvenation package which is designed to knock years off your appearance.

The package combines skin resurfacing and collagen-inducing treatments to help turn back the clock and restore complexions to their plump, taut and youthful best.

Collagen-inducing and skin resurfacing treatments are Dorthe’s tried and tested approach for clients wanting more youthful looking skin. Dorthe explains, “when we’re young, our bodies naturally produce Collagen in abundance, hence why skin appears firm, supple and smooth. However as we age, our collagen production begins to deplete and as a result skin becomes gradually looser, giving way to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging.”

The package starts with a Medik8 Chemical Skin Peel which helps to improve skin texture, scarring, sun damage and hyperpigmentation; or even give you a radiant glow before a big event or occasion. When you undergo a chemical peel, specially selected enzymes and chemical

Our Award Winning treatments include your everyday beauty and wellbeing essentials; Facials, Waxing, Threading, Massage, Reflexology, Eyelash Extensions, Manicures, Pedicures and Spray Tan. We also specialise in advanced MediSpa treatments; IPL Hair Removal & Skin Rejuvenation, Dermaplaning, Medik8 Skin Peels, Derma Pen, Microblading, Lip Filler, Tattoo Removal, Vit B12 Injections, Profhilo, LipoContrast, Plasma Pen, Micro Needling & Cryotherapy

exfoliants breakdown the upper layers of the skin to reveal the fresher, rejuvenated skin beneath.

This is followed two weeks later by Microneedling which involves causing a controlled injury to the skin as a way of effectively tricking the skin into repairing itself. The treatment involves rolling very fine needles over the target area and piercing the skin’s surface. Following this regulated injury, the skin’s healing process kicks into action, thus stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.

Finally a more intense Medik8 Skin Peel is applied around three weeks later to exfoliate off the old skin leaving the fresher, plumped up younger looking skin beneath. The whole process takes around six weeks and for best results should be repeated. This package gives you a 25% saving off the price of individually booked treatments and December would be the perfect time to start the process with a Chemical Peel in time for Christmas.

For those looking to drop a dress size or two the new body contouring treatment LipoContrast could be for you. It delivers rapid results by heating, cooling and heating the fat cells, reducing body fat without damage or invasive methods. 33% of the treated fat tissue will be eliminated and gradually breaks down through the metabolic system.

Dorthe is a big fan of LipoContrast and explains “this treatment works wonders at removing the stubborn areas of fat that build up on middle areas, hips and thighs. We’ve seen fantastic results and can’t recommend this treatment highly enough”. Results are almost instant and typical daily activities can be resumed straight away.

To take advantage of the Winter Rejuvenation Package and up to 40% off LipoContrast quote Forum12 at time of booking. Call 01264 748300 or email info@dorthethomasspa.com to find out more. www.dorthethomasspa.com

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FEATURE massaging power of the diaphragm through the breath, fight infection by supporting the organs of immunity, calm the shock and trauma via the nervous system, and improve motility of the hypothalamus and pituitary to support hormonal function.

So this is what we do.We show a person they are worthy and respected simply by touching them with a compassionate hand, we stimulate their innate ability to heal, we treat the structure of the body to improve its function and we educate with lifestyle advice. Can you now see how it’s possible to take and apply osteopathy to any location, any person and any condition? It is a gift to learn and a gift to give.

Many of you have been moved by my work in Kenya and have asked what you can do to help.

I have been so touched by all your kind words of support, encouragement and interest, and I am so very grateful.

THOUGHTS ON THE ROAD My 2019 humanitarian trip in Kenya A travelling day and a chance to reflect. I’m struggling to find the words to tell you about the last 3 days working in Pokot.The text box too small and the emotions too big. While I work I’m focused, determined and mostly manage to suppress my feelings. But now I have time to process, digest and feel. It has been a harrowing, exhilarating and thought provoking 3 days. A complete rollercoaster of emotions; from sharing success, jokes and laughter, to sharing failures, anger and sadness with both the team and our patients.

We have treated over 1000 women and children suffering with the disastrous effects of poor sanitation/hygiene, no education, malnutrition, no contraception, no water and a 99% FGM (female genital mutilation) rate.The women and adolescent girls’ trauma is written on their hardened, knowing faces, and their shock we can hear with our listening hands.The girl in the main picture is 9. She has a red bead in her ear which signifies she has recently been cut and is soon to be married. You can then understand when a young woman, pregnant with her 6th child tells me she’d rather be a man. We are all smiling as we hear the sound of her unborn baby’s heartbeat resonate around the camp, but there is no joy in her face. It is blank.

So where do we start? What can we do?

How can Osteopathy help these people in such desperate need, in a field clinic in the middle of the bush? I am asked many times.What can we possibly do?

So here it is: Osteopathy in the field Our very first touch is one that shows respect, kindness and compassion.

This first touch is one of connection, reassurance and impartiality.We are receptive, open and just ‘listen’ with our hands. We then begin to feel through the layers of the body, skin, fascia, connective tissue, muscle, fluid, membrane, visceral and bony layers.

Assessing for tensions, densities, torsions, compressions, tractions and misalignments.

Our hands are often drawn to areas far from the site of pain. Our underlying principle is that the body has its own medicine chest. It knows what it needs and is always striving towards health.The job of an osteopath is to simply stimulate and gently support this ability. It therefore follows that with a respectful hand, guided by the body to stimulate the healing response, we can ‘treat’ anything. But we are not treating a diagnosis, we cannot cure an illness, infection, muscle tear, ache, pain or sprain.

We are treating the body. So when a woman lies on our treatment table who has serious pelvic congestion, inflammation, infertility and infection due to recent or historic FGM, we are not fighting the infection or reducing the inflammation (in the way that drugs react or suppress).

Where and how we work then becomes an individual osteopaths approach. In this case my approach would be to improve the circulation, drainage and lymphatics, create lift and ‘lightness’ in the pelvic and abdominal organs, create balance across the pelvis via the muscles and internal ligaments, improve the pumping/internal

Here are a few ways you can get involved: • Sponsor a girl

Through the Emma’s Angels project you can sponsor a girl that has been rescued from imminent FGM (female genital mutilation) and marriage and is being cared for in the Rescue Centre. The suggested donation is Ksh5000 (approx £40) per month, which provides protection, accommodation and meals at the centre, education and healthcare, for as long as she needs it. Please contact me if you’re interested: emma@the-sop.com

• Volunteer your time

If you are a healthcare practitioner your skills are likely to be hugely helpful on the expeditions. If you are not a healthcare professional, the charity occasionally takes 1 or 2 non-medical volunteers to help out on the trips. You can see more information about the charity on their website: www.divinityfoundation.com Please apply to the charity directly if you’re interested, via their Facebook page, Divinity Foundation or email: Kenya@divinityfoundation.com.

• Support my work You can directly support my work by donating any one-off amount to my Just Giving page.The 2 week expeditions are completely self-funded and cost around £2000 plus loss of earnings. Any donations go towards helping fund my regular trips to Kenya, enabling me to provide free healthcare, education and medicine to women and children. My Just Giving page is: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ humanitarian-osteopath

• Donate provisions If you are in the Netherlands you can send clothes, shoes and books through my friend and colleagues project, Adinda’s Angels. Adinda has friends that work on KLM airways and regularly sends parcels of provisions via them to Kenya. If you know of any flight attendants in your country travelling to Kenya that are willing to take a bag of donations with them, the bag can be picked up from Nairobi airport directly by the charity team. Please contact Adinda directly with any questions, and for more information on what donations to send: adindahelsen@gmail.com

• Project Pokot A brand new initiative to bring water to the communites of Pokot. The charity

is looking for a sponsor or multiple donors to raise £20000 to sink a bore hole.

The communities currently use a small reservoir of water 10km from the village, which is shared with over 15000 livestock and wild animals, and often runs dry.

The communities don’t have the means to regularly boil the water before drinking or washing in it, so suffer with ongoing illness and disease as a result. Please contact me direct for more information: emma@the-sop.com

For more information about the expeditions, visit the Stockbridge Osteopathic Practice website to read Emma’s blogs on her experiences as a humanitarian osteopath working in the field: www.the-sop.com With your help, along with the selfless groups of volunteers, the tireless work of our Kenyan colleagues connecting us to the local communities, and the vision and direction of the Divinity Foundation, together we can make a difference.

Team work.

Asante Sana.Thank you so much.

Emma Wightman www.the-sop.com

~womo WO M E N ’ S H E ALT H COURS E S & CO M M UN I TY

WITH EMMA WIGHTMAN WOMEN’S HEALTH OSTEOPATH

who is it for?

THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: • Fatigue, irritability, stress or anxiety • Back or pelvic pain • Tummy gap/diastasis or prolapse • Loss of strength and mobility • Urinary, bowel or sexual problems • Cycle or menopause symptoms • Loss of motivation, confidence and trust in your body This course creates a supportive space for women of all ages to come together and explore pelvic health, fertility, postnatal recovery, hormones and cycles, returning to fitness, reducing stress, and improving alignment, strength and mobility.

why?

WOMO: WOMEN MOVE WoMo has been developed to address the need for better healthcare, education and exercise for women.

If you want your health to change, you must change the way you move.

when?

27 Jan, 3 Feb, 24 Feb, 2 Mar, 9 Mar, 16 Mar 2020 Monday mornings 9.30 – 11.30am At The Scout Hut, behind The Grosvenor Hotel, Stockbridge (If a Monday morning is not suitable, please let us know as soon as possible as we may also run the same course concurrently on a Tuesday evening, numbers dependent)

course content

• Balanced movement: whole-body alignment • Breathing movement: breath and the pelvic floor • Lost movement: strengthening low back, hips, core and more • Bowel movement: nutrition and gut-brain connection • Hormonal movement: stop the battle and go with the flow • Mindful movement: stress solutions The course will have the perfect balance of education, discussion, exercise and homework to keep you stimulated, motivated and provide both immediate and long lasting benefits.

guest speakers Hormones, Nutrition and Yoga for women’s health

cost

£290 for a 6 week course Included: Refreshments, exclusive access to online content, course booklet, and tailor made healthcare and exercise plan

JOIN WOMO BECAUSE ‘YOU ARE HOW YOU MOVE’ For further details, reserving your place and payment, please go online www.the-sop.com/WoMo or call us 01264 810028

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EDUCATION Prep school dining room, where they are an integral part of the wider school community.

TOP ANDOVER KINDERGARTEN OFFERS WRAP AROUND CARE FROM 7.30AM-5.45PM The Kindergarten at Farleigh School has launched completely flexible childcare between 7.30am and 5.45pm, Monday to Friday, for children aged three to four.

Run by qualified and experienced teachers in the stunning surroundings of the Farleigh School site at Red Rice, on the outskirts of Andover, Farleigh Kindergarten accepts children the year before they start Reception for as many morning or all day sessions as parents need, but

for a minimum of three sessions per week, each session being a half-day. Farleigh supports the government Early Years Vouchers scheme, which contributes to the cost of Early Years childcare.

Farleigh Kindergarten children benefit enormously from the facilities of the prep school, including the fields and landscaped woodland of the 70 acre Farleigh School site.

Swimming lessons in the school pool, ballet and dance, music, yoga bugs and Forest School are all provided by specialist teachers and are included in the fees.The children also take part in assemblies twice a week, the annual Pre-Prep play in the school theatre and the Nativity, Grandparents’ Day and Sports Day as well as benefitting from a homemade, hot lunch in the

With a big emphasis on the outdoors, the Kindergarten has its own bespoke playground with a sand pit, obstacle course, sheltered area and toys. Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and learn through play, whether that is indoors or outdoors.This includes phonics and the ‘Think Write’ handwriting scheme. Children can start the day at 7.30am (Breakfast Club) or from 8.15am and can finish their session at 12.00pm or 1.00pm (which includes lunch at no extra cost); stay for full days until 3.30pm, or join Late Club until 4.45pm or even Twilight Club until 5.45pm. Supper in the Twilight Club is charged as an extra.

Miss Sarah Hardy, Head of Farleigh Kindergarten, said, “We know that parents really appreciate the flexibility.You can, for example, start the year with your three year old child doing three mornings, then five mornings, adding one or two afternoon sessions and finally, full days, whenever it suits you. It is amazing, also, that so much is offered on site, such as swimming, yoga and ballet, and I am always so pleased to see how these additional activities make such a difference to the children’s independence as they go through the year.” www.farleighschool.com

EDUCATION

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28

EDUCATION COMMUNITY

NEW COMMUNITY HALL LANDS IN VILLAGE

HIGHLY COMMENDED FOR SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT Test Valley Borough Council’s all round support for small businesses has been applauded at an awards ceremony – for the eighth time in 11 years.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) commended the council’s services to small businesses, which include start up and skills grants and access to expert advice, which is always on hand.

The council received the Highly Commended award in the Best All Round Small Business Friendly Council category at the FSB South Central awards ceremony in the New Forest last week.

Economic development and tourism portfolio holder, councillor David Drew, said: “The council does all it can to support new and smaller businesses in the borough.We offer a number of grants and have given out more than £30,000 in business incentive and independent retailer grants in the last financial year.

“We also offer skills training funds and other fantastic opportunities, so it’s really rewarding to be recognised for our commitment to supporting our local economy.”

Leader, councillor Phil North, added: “This award is always strongly contested so to be highly commended in this field is no small feat.We have ambitious plans for our town centres and supporting our businesses is at the very heart of them.

A new community hall has landed in King’s Somborne after a two-year project which raised almost £230,000.The building, which will be a hub for the community, will also be utilised by Sombornes Preschool, who currently use the village hall for a number of their activities.The idea for the new building came as a result of the Neighbourhood Development Plan survey in the community which was undertaken a few years ago, which suggested the need for a new facility.

Test Valley Borough Council contributed £120,000 towards the project, which was delivered and built in the village in the space of 24 hours.

A total of £95,000 came through the Community Infrastructure Levy, which is when the council charges on new development across the borough that meets certain criteria.Those looking to provide new infrastructure, facilities or services can then bid for a share of the levy money. Another £25,000 was then awarded through a Community Asset Fund from the council.

The end product was a result of a cross-party community project team working on behalf of the parish council and the borough authority.The hall will open in the second week of January. Other organisations to put forward funds included Hampshire County Council, Awards for All, the Loddon Test Leader Programme, King’s Somborne Parish Council and the Village Hall, who ran community fundraising events to contribute £30,000.

“This is just the latest step in our work to continue offering businesses the best support network that we possibly can, and I’m grateful to all the council staff who have helped us to achieve this recognition.”

Led by Mid Test ward councillor and community and leisure portfolio holder,Tony Ward, the project took around two years to finish. With the groundwork and services all completed by contractors, the building was delivered in five sections on November 5 and then craned into position.

WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS ICE RINK

Councillor Tony Ward said: “I am so hugely grateful for the wider community’s support in this project. King’s Somborne is a unique place and everyone has truly come together to make this happen. Now, the village hall will be freed up as the preschool has a new place to call home for some of its activities, and the new hall will also be a new hub for the community to enjoy, too.”

Enjoy festive, rain-free skating at the heart of Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market! Their spectacular covered Ice Rink guarantees a funfilled skating experience whatever the weather and a fabulous Christmas Tree in the centre of the Ice Rink will fill skaters with festive cheer.

Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink is perfectly situated in the centre of the Cathedral’s historic Inner Close and until 22 December it is surrounded by the bustling Christmas Market. Fun skate aids make it an ideal rink for adults and children alike.

Tickets from £6.95 – £11.60 are available online and from the Cathedral Box Office, along with a full list of exciting events and skating activities on the Ice Rink!

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RICHARD PENFOLD FIREWOOD SUPPLIER

Seasoned mixed species of hardwood logs available in various load sizes and log lengths. I produce all my own firewood sourced from thinning and coppicing operations in FSC controlled sustainable local woodlands.

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COMMUNITY

HOME

BROUGHTON VILLAGE MEMORIAL HALL REOPENING CEREMONY

completely refurbished and includes a new large commercial grade kitchen.The rear section comprises two wings, one to house the new community shop which will open on December 2nd and the other to provide space for the village archive.This has been collected over the years by Dr Robert Parr who also gave most generously to the project’s cost. Between these wings is a large ‘community’ room.

year 6 at Broughton primary school . John Mann gave a speech thanking all those involved especially the villagers who so freely gave their time and expertise. Hampshire County Councillor Andrew Gibson cut the ribbon and praised the village in having completed the innovative project which would sustain the community for many years to come.

CAROLINE NOKES MP AND CLLR. DAVID DREW

THE NEW REAR EXTENSION – SHOP ON LEFT, ARCHIVE ON RIGHT.

ANDREW GIBSON CUTTING THE RIBBON

Some 250 villagers and friends came to the reopening of Broughton Village Memorial Hall on Saturday 2nd November 2019, following extensive refurbishment and the addition of a large extension.

The project took several years to come to fruition and was made possible with generous grants from Hampshire County Council,Test Valley Borough Council and the Garfield Weston Foundation. Broughton Parish Council were able to contribute the majority of the total cost and local fundraising was well supported.

The original hall, built in 1925 to celebrate the end of the First World War has been

Due to the miserable weather, the ceremony took place in the community room with people spilling over onto the terrace outside.

The welcoming speech was given by Nicholas Jones who was instrumental in achieving the necessary funding. Engraved tankards were presented to the two villagers who had voluntarily taken on the project manager’s role, John Mann and Jim McDonald.Two trees were then planted behind the hall by children from

WHERWELL'S GREENER FUTURE EVENT

Karen Mann and her team (not to mention her huge collection of vintage tea sets) provided tea for all those attending with an enormous selection of locally baked cakes.Tables and chairs were set up in all the other rooms for this party so everyone, including the 4 local Borough Councillors,Tony Ward, Ali Johnson, David Drew and Ian Jefferies and M.P. Caroline Nokes could see the changes to the hall.They were all most impressed.

The hall is now fully open for bookings and details can be found at http:// broughtonvillagehall.info/ or emailing broughtonvillagehall@outlook.com

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Wherwell village hall played host to a 'Greener Future For Our Villages' event on Sunday 20th October with a wide offering of ideas and interests appealing to all age groups. The attendance numbers clearly indicated the village's appetite for adopting greener initiatives in their quest to become more environmentally sustainable. In an effort to encourage the reduction of carbon emissions there were demonstrations of an electric bike and also suggested walks and cycle routes from the village into Andover.Young children worked industriously in a corner of the hall producing ecobricks and making seed mud balls in preparation for the bees' return in the spring whilst local enthusiasts shared their knowledge of bee-keeping.

Award-winning Hampshire business Wet Banana presented their range of sustainable clothing along with Love & Joy Home, a Weyhill based shop offering organic, sustainable and refillable items for the home.

This inaugural Greener Futures event was the brainchild of a group of like-minded Wherwell residents who felt they could pull locals together to encourage environmental accountability. With further events planned over the next 12 months they are delighted to have received such a positive response to their initiative and are optimistic that with such an endorsement they can start the process of change".

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HOME COMMUNITY

NEW DIRECTOR JOINS THE ANDOVER BID BOARD

PLANT TREES IN THE TEST VALLEY TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE This November, 1000 local school children and members of the community will be welcomed by Andover Trees United (ATU) to plant their own trees in Harmony Woods, a community urban woodland in Andover.

With climate change reaching a critical point and rates of biodiversity loss higher than ever before, immediate action is needed from every single one of us. It’s easy to feel powerless when given the scale of the emergency, however, there are things that you can do to help.

government target of 2050.”

Liberal Democrat leader, councillor Celia Dowden, also added: “We need everyone to contribute and evaluate their choices as we aim to bring about change on a national scale.

Everything counts as we step up united in the national fight.”

‘United’ is the key word. With communitywide action and support of the work of organisations like Andover Trees United, together we can make a positive impact.

Amy says of her appointment “I am delighted to have been asked to join the BID board.

I think I bring positive experience to the board, particularly in marketing and consumerism whilst running a retail business.

I’m also a millennial that has grown up in the technological era that has completely altered the way we shop and communicate.

I’m a huge ‘shopper’ myself and understand what attracts my generation to towns, events and stores. I think the BID is really good for Andover and I look forward to being able to make a positive contribution to our town”

The volunteer-led and registered charity aims to involve every young person in our community in 10 years of woodland creation between 2012 - 2021. Each November, they welcome 1000 children and young people, their teachers, families and friends to plant trees and wildflowers. By the end of 2019, the wood will be home to a total of 7000 British native trees, planted by 7000 school children over the past 7 years.

You can take positive action by helping the children to plant their trees at Harmony Woods between 18th-29th November, or by planting your own tree on November 16th. Planting more trees will help to offset carbon emissions whilst also providing habitat and food for many animals - increasing biodiversity. Tree planting is happening across the world - and you can be a part of this global movement here, too.

In a Test Valley Borough Council meeting a motion was passed to declare a climate emergency. Leader of the council, councillor Phil North highlighted the urgent need to tackle climate change: “We are now focused on drawing together an action plan to eliminate our carbon footprint as soon as possible, and, with crossparty support, this can be done before the

The latest name to join the Board is Amy Mellor from the long-established Andover company, David Mellor Jewellers. Andover BID started in April of this year and is governed by a board of directors drawn from its town centre members. Directors of the BID serve their role in a voluntary capacity.

As well as woodland creation, the award winning charity endeavor to provide nature-based community engagement and volunteering opportunities, as well as outdoor learning for local schools. Education about environmental issues allows ATU to promote an understanding of the natural world, the climate crisis and the need for environmental stewardship. Something that is just as important in planetary conservation as planting trees.

Andover is in the perfect place to take the lead in the fight against climate change, to get involved by planting your own tree or to help with the schools’ planting fortnight, contact the team at www.andovertrees.org. uk/contact.

Kevin Paterson, chair of Andover BID says, “It is important for our board to be strong and effective in order to be able to support the BID manager in achieving the objectives that businesses have told us they want us to deliver.

The board is also formed to provide strategic vision for the BID and although we are in our infancy, we have already made some significant achievements and are working on other exciting plans and initiatives for Andover town centre, I would like to welcome Amy Mellor to our board”.

Andover Business Improvement Districts (BID) was elected as a Town Centre BID and came into effect in April 2019, initially running for 5-years. After this five-year period businesses are balloted on whether they want to continue with a subsequent five-year period.

For more information please visit www.andoverbid.org/

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34

CHURCH SERVICES

Abbotts Ann St. Mary's

Sunday 1 09.30 Morning Worship 18.00 Christingle Sunday 8 09.30 Holy Communion Sunday 15 08.00 Said Communion 09.30 Morning Worship Sunday 22 08.00 Said Communion 18.00 Carol Service Christmas Eve 16.00 Crib Service 23.30 Midnight Communion Christmas Day 08.00 Said Communion 09.30 Holy Communion Sunday 29 09.30 Benefice Communion

Bossington St. James

Sunday 8 09.30 Parish Communion Sunday 22 18.00 Meditation Christmas Day 09.30 Family Communion

Broughton St. Mary's

Sunday 1 09.30 Parish Communion Sunday 8 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 The Bible Uncovered Sunday 15 09.30 Parish Communion Sunday 22 08.00 Holy Communion 17.00 Carol Service with Children’s

Nativity Tableau &

Broughton Choirs Christmas Eve 16.30 Crib Service 23.30 Midnight Communion Christmas Day 10.00 Family Communion Sunday 29 10.00 Leckford Parish Communion

for the Mid Test Benefice

Chilbolton

St. Mary the Less

Sunday 1 10.00 Family Service Sunday 8 10.00 Morning Prayer Sunday 15 16.00 Carol Service Christmas Eve 16.00 Crib Service 11.15 Midnight Communion Service Christmas Day 10.00 Christmas Family Service

Sunday 8 10.00 Morning Worship Sunday 15 18.00 Carol Service Sunday 22 10.00 Christmas Benefice

Family Communion Christmas Eve 16.30 Posada Service Christmas Day 08.00 Christmas Holy Communion 10.00 Christmas Family Service

with Nativity Play by

Sunday School

Goodworth Clatford St Peter's

Sunday 1 08.00 Said Communion 11.00 Morning Worship Sunday 8 11.00 Morning Worship Sunday 15 11.00 Matins 16.00 Carol Service Sunday 22 11.00 Holy Communion Christmas Eve 15.00 Crib Service Christmas Day 11.00 Holy Communion

Houghton

All Saint's Church

Sunday 8 18.00 Evensong Sunday 22 09.30 Parish Communion Christmas Day 11.00 Family Communion

King's Somborne Methodist Church

Sunday 1 15.00 Candlelit Family Advent

Carol Service Sunday 8 10.30 Morning Worship Sunday 15 10.30 Morning Worship 15.00 Messy Church Sunday 22 10.30 Holy Communion Christmas Day 10.30 Family Worship Sunday 29 10.30 Morning Worship

Leckford

St Nicholas

Sunday 1 08.00 Said Holy Communion Sunday 15 18.00 Carols by Candlelight Christmas Day 09.00 Said Holy Communion

Crawley

Littleton

Sunday 1 10.00 Family Communion

Sunday 1 10.00 Posada Service

St. Mary's

St. Catherine's

Sunday 8 10.00 Family Communion Sunday 15 10.00 Morning Worship Sunday 22 18.00 Carol Service Christmas Eve 16.00 Crib Service Christmas Day 10.00 Family Christmas Communion

Longstock St. Mary

Sunday 8 09.30 All Age Worship Sunday 15 09.30 Parish Communion Sunday 22 10.00 Christmas Crib Service Christmas Day 10.00 All Age Christmas with

Communion, led by

Revd Bob Green

Mottisfont

St. Andrew's

Sunday 1 11.00 Advent Service with

Procession to

Mottisfont Abbey Sunday 8 11.00 Messy Church Sunday 15 09.30 Parish Communion Sunday 22 11.00 Parish Communion 15.00 Carol Service Christmas Eve 15.00 Crib Service Christmas Day 09.30 Family Communion

Sparsholt

St. Stephen's

Sunday 1 08.00 Holy Communion Sunday 8 18.00 Carol Service Sunday 15 10.00 Matins Christmas Eve 16.00 Crib Service 23.30 Midnight Communion Service Christmas Day 10.00 Christmas Family Service Sunday 29 10.00 Sunday Benefice Service

Stockbridge Old St. Peter

Sunday 15 08.00 Said Holy Communion

Stockbridge St. Peter

Sunday 1 10.30 Croissants followed at

11am by All Age

Christmas Preparation

& Celebration Service 15.00 Madding Crowd

Advent/ Christmas

Concert by Madding

Crowd at St Peter's

Church Stockbridge

followed by tea & cake Sunday 8 11.00 Parish Communion Sunday 15 11.00 Matins Sunday 22 18.00 Carols and Lessons

with St Thomas More Christmas Eve 18.00 Christmas Story 23.30 Midnight Communion

Stockbridge

St. Thomas More (Catholic) Every Sunday 09.00 Mass

Upper Clatford All Saints

Sunday 1 09.30 Holy Communion

Sunday 8 08.00 Said Communion 09.30 Morning Worship Sunday 15 09.30 Holy Communion Sunday 22 09.30 Morning Worship 15.00 Quiet Christmas Christmas Eve 15.00 Crib Service 23.30 Midnight Communion

Christmas Day

09.30 Christmas for all

Wherwell

St. Peter & Holy Cross

Sunday 1 17.30 Advent Candlelight Service Sunday 8 18.00 Benefice evensong Sunday 15 10.00 Family Service Christmas Eve 14.30 Crib Service 23.30 Midnight Communion

with Chilbolton

Christmas Day 10.00 Christmas Family Communion

Godolphin wishes the community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

FRANC

HA LEAL

ETO GE

www.godolphin.org admissions@godolphin.org