Test Valley Living Issue 142 - April 2020

Life in your Community

Easter SPRING EVENTS Find Events Happening Near You This Spring

TEST VALLEY BOROUGH COUNCIL Local News

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

ISSUE 142 APRIL 2020

Living TEST VALLEY

CHILBOLTON A commodious 5 bedroom house set in 0.54 acres

Ground Floor: Kitchen/dining room, Sitting room, Cloakroom, Utility with access to garage Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 2 further bedrooms, Family bathroom First Floor: Bedroom with en-suite bathroom, dressing/storeroom, Bedroom, Mezzanine Outside: Large attractive gardens set in approximately 0.54 acres. Garage. Car parking. Oil fired central heating. EPC: D GUIDE PRICE: £1,175,000

GRATELEY

CHILBOLTON

A spacious two bedroom semi detached period cottage in the heart of the village

Rare opportunity to acquire 0.5 acre building plot in the centre of a Test Valley village

Ground Floor: Entrance Porch, Sitting Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Cloakroom, Rear lobby First Floor: 2 Double bedrooms, bathroom Outside: Rear garden. Garden store. Garage and Car parking.

Oil fired central heating. EPC: E

Proposed: Ground floor - Hall, Kitchen/family room, Sitting/ dining room, Utility, wc.

First Floor – Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 3 further Bedrooms, Family bathroom.

Outside: Double garage.

GUIDE PRICE: £395,000

VALID CONSENT TO BUILD IMMEDIATELY GUIDE PRICE: IN EXCESS OF £500,000

www.myddeltonmajor.co.uk

Tel: 01264 316000

TEST VALLEY LIVING APRIL 2020

CONTENTS 04 Spring Events

16 Retail

Local events in the Test Valley

07 Home

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

20 Wellbeing

06

10 The Grosvenor Hotel

Our regular retail feature, Unique, Bespoke, Eclectic and Local shopping

06

Coronavirus Update

14 Entertainment

Discover local events and days out in Hampshire

Looking after your health and yourself!

22 Test Valley Borough Council

Local news from your local council

24 Education

Find local schools and educational experts

13 Professional

Contacts 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

Contributors

From photographers to solicitors - every professional service you need

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Lucia Foster-Found www. luciafosterfound.com Gill Grant gill@forumpublications.co.uk

Get in Touch Forum Publications Offices 11 Broad Street, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9AR Tel: 01962 735137 www.forumpublications.co.uk

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Test Valley Living contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine. Test Valley Living 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.

Test Valley Living 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, 2020

TEST VALLEY

SPRING EVENTS

April Friday 3 Film showing: 'The Good Liar' (15)

Starring Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen. An aging career con-artist can hardly believe his luck when he meets a wealthy widow online, but he then discovers his plan to steal her fortune has unexpected consequences. At Chilbolton Village Hall, Doors Open at 7pm; Film show commences at 7.30 pm. 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.

houses, C14 church and village pond with ducks. The spring gardens are Bay Tree House, Little Court and Paige Cottage; the summer gardens are Bay Tree House, Paige Cottage and Tanglefoot; providing seasonal interest of varied character, and with traditional and contemporary approaches to landscape and planting. Most of the gardens have beautiful country views and there are other good gardens to be seen from the road. Bay Tree House has bulbs, wild flowers, a Mediterranean garden, pleached limes, a rill and contemporary borders of perennials and grasses.

Little Court is a 3 acre traditional English country garden with carpets of spring bulbs and a large meadow. Fri 10, Mon 13 Apr, Thur 2, Sun 5 July (2-5.30). Combined adm £7.50, Children free.

Home-made teas in the village hall. Times:14:00 to 17:30. Open for charity. Crawley Gardens, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 2PR

What better place to celebrate Easter than at the Farm surrounded by chicks and Easter bunnies?

For a real Easter treat don’t miss the Easter Barn; a charming spring-themed place where children can decorate and plant their own Easter Flower Pots to take home and watch their flower burst into bloom (small extra charge).

Join in with the fabulous free of charge Easter trails which are suitable for the whole family; there are yummy prizes to be won.

With indoor and outdoor play areas, lots of friendly farm animals to meet, and a Farm Produce shop selling local produce, a visit to the farm will be sure to put a spring into your step this Easter. Usual admissions apply.

10:00am to 5:00pm at Longdown Activity Farm, Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, Southampton, SO40 7EH

Friday 10 & Monday 13 Open Gardens for NGS: Crawley Gardens Crawley is an exceptionally pretty period village nestling in chalk downland with thatched

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Thursday 30 Charity Bridge Afternoon

Kids on Track Andover (www.kidsontrack.org.uk) is hosting a Bridge Afternoon at The Grosvenor in Stockbridge on Thursday, 30th April at 1.30-4.30. £20pp to include bridge and afternoon tea.

For further information or to book a place please email wfranks@kidsontrack.org.uk

May Sunday 3 A-Fest

Saturday 4 Easter Fun and Flower Pots

Stockbridge, Hampshire. SO20 8DY. Interested persons please contact Keith Hawkins email keith.hawkins@modelsforheroes.org.uk Tel. 01962 732964 for details.

Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 Open Gardens for NGS: The Island

6 acres either side of the River Test. Fine display of paeonies, wisteria and spring flowering trees. Main garden has herbaceous and annual borders, fruit trees, rose pergola, lavender walk and extensive lawns. An arboretum planted in the 1930s by Sir Harold Hillier contains trees and shrubs providing interest throughout the yr.

Please Note: No Dogs Allowed.

Sat 18, Sun 19 Apr, Sat 4, Sun 5 July (2-5).

Admission £5, Children free. Home-made teas.

Times:14:00 to 17:00. Open for charity.

The Island, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0HP

Saturday 25 Model Making Session for Armed Forces & Emergency Service Personnel

We are holding a model making session for Armed Forces and Emergency Service Personnel serving and ex services. The sessions are held on the 4th Saturday of the month between 10.00 and 14.00 at the Army Flying Museum, Middle Wallop,

A-Fest 2020, Andover’s free Youth Festival, is highlighting the fantastic range of youth provision in Andover, and will showcase the activities and opportunities for young people between 5 and 18.

Alongside local organisations offering opportunities for young people in Andover, there is planned to be a fairground, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, children’s entertainer, storyteller, children’s theatre group, martial arts demonstrations, dance demonstrations, and a fire engine, and police vehicle.

There will be a small stage, which will be used for much of the entertainment, along with an open mic opportunity.

This is a community building event, and highlights activities available for young people in the area. It increases the awareness of what there is going on, and enables young people to join a wider range of activities, and see the best of what the town has to offer. From 11:00 - 15:00.

Free to attend, and free for local organisations offering opportunities for young people in Andover to have a stall in the High Street, £10 for businesses to have a stall. Andover High Street, SP10 1NT

Saturday 16 Winchester Auto Barn Breakfast Club Now Cancelled Unfortunately, we have had to cancel our breakfast club meetings. Please keep an eye on this page in future for when they are reinstated.

Please do check to make sure that the events have not been cancelled due to coronavirus

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COMMUNITY Upper Clatford in 1581 to his voyage on the Mayflower and new life as a founding father of America.

Not only did Stephen Hopkins go on the Mayflower as a ‘Stranger’ as opposed to a ‘Separatist’ for religious reasons but he had already been to America. In 1609, he set sail on board the Sea Venture as a Minister’s clerk working for the Virginia Company and was shipwrecked off Bermuda following a storm.

Upper Clatford marks the 400th Anniversary of The Mayflower with UK film première The UK Premiere of the film Stephano:the true story of Shakespeare’s shipwreck will be screened on Wednesday 6 May in the Village Hall, Upper Clatford, near Andover at 7.30pm.

After spending about a year on the island, the survivors eventually made their way to Jamestown. It is believed that the account of this adventure from Sir William Strachey passed into the hands of Shakespeare’s patron, the Earl of Southampton and became part of the inspiration for The Tempest. It is possible that Stephen, who led a rebellion on Bermuda, was the character, Stephano, in the play.

Produced by Andrew Buckley, a descendant of Stephen Hopkins, for Rhodes Island PBS, the film will trace Stephen’s life from his baptism in the Hampshire village of

Having left ‘Up Clatford’ as it was known in the 16th century, Stephen lived in Winchester as an older child with his family and later lived in Hursley, with his first

Stockbridge Community Cinema - April films

Showing at Stockbridge Town Hall SO20 6HE at 7.30pm. Tickets £5.00 from Garden Inn and John Robinson in Stockbridge or online via www.stockbridgecinema.org.uk Wednesday 22 April Official Secrets (15) The true story of a British whistleblower, intelligence specialist Katherine Gun, who bravely leaked information to the press about an illegal NSA spy operation designed to push the UN Security Council into sanctioning the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Friday 17 April The Peanut Butter Falcon (12A) After running away from a residential nursing home to pursue his dream of becoming a pro wrestler, Zak, a young man with Downs syndrome, befriends an outlaw who becomes his unlikely coach and ally.

Together they wind through deltas, elude capture, drink whisky, find God, catch fish, and convince a kind nursing home employee, charged with Zak’s return, to join them on their journey.

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wife, Mary, who had three children. On return from America, he found that is wife had died and two of his three children, Giles and Constance, had survived. He then remarried in London, and later went on the Mayflower, with vast experience of the native Americans.

This is the first of three special events in Upper Clatford in 2020 to mark the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower. There will also be a flower festival in aid of All Saints’ Church, Upper Clatford on Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 June and a special reception and other activities for American descendants of Stephen Hopkins on Thursday 13 August.

Location The Village Hall in Upper Clatford is in the Village Street, and is close to the A303.

Tickets (£5) for general public will be available from the Clatfords’ Village Stores in Goodworth Clatford, the Greenfield Farm Shop, Anna Valley and hopkinsupperclatford@gmail.com Proceeds in aid of the Upper Clatford History Group.

Winchester Science Centre: After Dark A chance for adults to enjoy a childfree exploration of the hands-on exhibition floors and bespoke show in the planetarium. An evening where adults are able explore their own curiosity in science with full access to the hands-on exhibition floors and the opportunity to enjoy a bespoke presenter-led planetarium show on the topic of 'Life'.

The Hub Cafe & Bar will be open for drinks and light snacks.

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 www. stockbridgecinema.org.uk

Tickets: £12.50 per person (50% discount for Annual Pass holders). Strictly ages 18yr+. If you're lucky enough to look younger, please bring ID. This event takes place on Saturday 4th April, from 6.30pm More information and tickets at www.winchestersciencecentre.org

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The Grosvenor Hotel Coronavirus Update

To our Test Valley friends Given the increasing levels of self-isolation and social distancing recommended by our government, and the very steep drop off in guest numbers at the hotel, we took the very difficult decision to temporarily lay off the vast majority of our staff from Monday 23rd March. This has caused much pain and suffering for those affected but was necessary to ensure that we can survive in the long run.

If you have a need for cleaners, home helps, child minders, odd jobbers, chefs, errand runners, shoppers or students in general over the next few weeks please call us on 01264 810606 and we will be able to recommend one or more of our staff immediately.

Alternatively we have set up a justgiving page if you would like to contribute to our staff welfare fund.

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with a skeleton team at the hotel on a “bed and breakfast“ basis. Our bar area will hopefully remain open for those that would like to drop in and teas, coffees, cakes and other beverages will continue to be available throughout the day. This will remain the case as you read this unless events have moved on and the government has forced the complete closure of hotels.

We have a number of empty bedrooms as you can imagine and at least one member of staff will be on the premises at all times, so if you have an elderly relative in their 70s or 80s who would benefit from being resident with us for these difficult weeks ahead, please make contact on 01264 810606 and we will try to assist.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the hotel when the Coronavirus mayhem has passed.

www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ grosvenorhotelstockbridgestaffwelfarefund

Stay safe Yours faithfully

From Monday 23rd March we have been operating

Simon, Lucy, Sam and the Grosvenor Team

T H E G RO S V E N O R ¡ S TO C K B R I D G E ¡

Please visit us online at www.thegrosvenorstockbridge.com to register your contact details so we can keep you up to date on news and events at the hotel in the weeks and months to come.

We aim to send no more than one email a month and promise not to bombard you The Grosvenor Hotel High Street Stockbridge SO20 6EU 01264 810606 events@thegrosvenorstockbridge.com thegrosvenorstockbridge.com

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ENTERTAINMENT Robert starts with an idea of what the overall layout of the piece will be, and then designs and tries out small areas in isolation before weaving increasingly longer lengths of ribbon to see how each strip works with its neighbours. The final process is to weave a complete length of each ribbon which can then be mounted and framed. Through this process the finished piece evolves over a considerable length of time.

Works in Silk by Robert Ely: 28 March to 21 June ‘Works in Silk’, an exhibition by silk ribbon weaver Robert Ely, will open at Whitchurch Silk Mill on 28 March 2020. Weaving is on the Heritage Crafts Association Red List of Endangered Crafts, and silk weavers are few in number, so this is a unique opportunity to see silk ribbons woven in the UK showcased in the country’s oldest silk mill.

Robert Ely studied hand weaving at West Surrey College of Art and Design, graduating in 1989, and in 1995 his connection with the Whitchurch Silk Mill began as he completed a short internship there to study weaving shed operations.

In 1996 he began to design and weave jacquard silk ribbons for his new studio, called Papilionaceous. At first Robert intended to weave silk for bow ties, which in French are ‘papillon’ – the butterfly – and so Papilionaceous, a word meaning butterfly-like, was born. The studio relocated to Dartmouth, Devon in 2001.

Get a taste for tree planting at Harmony Woods with Andover Trees United

Robert is now able to devote more time to the artistic side of his work, designing and weaving wall pieces assembled from multiple woven silk ribbons and inspired by local Devon land and seascapes. The ribbons are woven on a narrow fabric jacquard loom which weaves at a width of 4cm. As with any other form of weaving, the appearance of the finished piece is a combination of weave structure and yarn colour. The jacquard mechanism allows greater control over where the structures and colours are used.

at Harmony Woods. The hedgerow which includes Hawthorn, Dogwood and Spindle will create a boundary for the western end of community woodland and will also provide an essential habitat for wildlife.

Benn of Lionel Hitchen said “As a family run business, it is extremely important to us to support the local community and environment. Team Hitchen had a great time digging in and getting their hands dirty! We’re really looking forward to continued volunteering involvement with Andover Trees United.”

Last week, staff from Hampshire based manufacturer and supplier of natural flavour ingredients, Lionel Hitchen Ltd joined Andover Trees in supporting school children from Winton Academy as they continued to plant a 100 metre hedgerow

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Wendy Davis of Andover Trees United thanked the team for their invaluable contribution to the project and said “Corporate volunteering is a great opportunity for local firms like Lionel Hitchen Ltd and their employees to make a real difference to the local environment plus regular volunteers find their experience improves health of body and mind as a result of working outside with nature and undertaking physical activity - great for team morale and employee wellbeing.”

Andover Trees offer corporate volunteer challenges at all times of the year and tailor activities to suit the size of groups.

This is Robert’s first solo gallery exhibition outside Devon and brings together weaving from all areas of his work. Visitors will see one-off and limited-edition wall panels through to woven silk costume ribbons used for film and television, including the BBC’s ‘Poldark’, all brought to life at the Mill.

The exhibition is free with Mill admission and runs until Sunday 21 June 2020. The Mill is open Tuesday to Sunday 10.30am to 5.00pm.

Whitchurch Silk Mill, 28 Winchester Street, Whitchurch, RG28 7AL

Whether at the woodland or the wildflower nursery, there are several tasks to be completed and individuals are able to work in areas of interest or skill. They can provide either half or full day challenges and are happy to come and brief teams prior to the event.

Andover Trees United is a volunteer-led group and registered charity working in partnership with schools, local authorities, businesses, specialist environmental organisations, artists and other creative practitioners to promote conservation and improve access to natural wild spaces.

If you are interested in corporate volunteering please get in touch via volunteers@andovertrees.org.uk www.andovertrees.org.uk

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RETAIL Steve Godwin, Andover BID Manager said, “These are unprecedented times for everyone, we know it’s going to be tough and we are delighted that Test Valley Borough Council have confirmed that Business Improvement District payments can be deferred until September. We are here to help... we will continue our work to support businesses, to save money on waste removal and insurances, provide you with marketing and security support, and keep you up to date with latest government information as well as other initiatives”.

Andover BID payments deferred For businesses who may have received automated BID invoices, the news is good.

In light of Covid-19 and the chancellor’s offer of support for small businesses, those in receipt of a Business Improvement District (BID) invoice from Test Valley Borough Council have been given grace.

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, councillor Phil North, said, “The government has announced significant support for businesses affected by Covid-19. Following this announcement, I have agreed, in consultation with fellow political group leaders, that Andover businesses due to pay the BID levy will not now have to pay until September 2020 at the earliest. If businesses want to pay in advance of that or in instalments then they are entitled to do so but we are not expecting any payment until at least September. The council will continue to

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transfer funding to the BID in the interim period, so it can continue to support businesses in the town centre. The council will be writing to all businesses due to pay the levy to notify them and provide further information”.

Andover Business Improvement District (BID) is an arrangement whereby businesses come together in a formal way as an ideal mechanism to form and develop a dynamic business environment to promote footfall and dwell time within the town centres. The Andover BID has a 5-year term and is funded by over 200 businesses within Andover Town Centre.

The BID came into operation in April of 2019. The BID is an independent, not for profit company with a Board of directors who represent levy payers. They are responsible for the governance of the company and oversee the BID strategy with funds for investment of c£1,000,000 over five years.

For more information about Andover BID please visit www.andoverbid.org

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WELLBEING sitting and barefoot time will all benefit the movement of your gut.

Nutrition and Pelvic Health • Reduce constipation, straining and haemorrhoids Avoid beige, processed food. Add in brown fibre-rich, whole-grains, oats, apples and pears, green leafy veg, beans, lentils and chia or pumpkin seeds.

Drink lots of water, scrub, don’t peel your fruit or veg and eat your 7-a-day.

The pelvic floor diet Is it possible to have such a thing? I don’t like the implications associated with diets, so this is more a way of living, than a quick fix or restriction. But it certainly is possible to eat in a way that supports your pelvic health. Here’s how.

Movement and the Gut Movement is not only vital for our musculoskeletal system, it is fundamental to optimal gut function too.

From the mouth to the anus, digestion, absorption and excretion depends on the rhythmic wave-like contractions along the gut, the free slide and glide between organs, circulation and drainage, balance in the nervous system and breathing patterns, and the movement of trillions of friendly gut microorganisms.

How we move directly influences all these factors. The better we move, the better our organs can function and the more we can get out of the healthy food we are eating.

Daily activity, such as walking, dancing, yoga, stretching, gardening, foraging, kitchen workouts, office squats, floor-

How to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus (social distancing)

• • • •

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Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading. It is particularly important for people who:

Are 70 or over Have a long-term condition Are pregnant Have a weakened immune system

•

Reduce bladder irritation Avoid fizzy drinks (including fizzy water), alcohol, caffeine and artificial sweeteners. Add in plenty of water, herbal and de-caffeinated drinks.

Supplement with Vitamin D. The pelvic floor muscles are believed to be affected

by Vitamin D and a deficiency is more likely to cause pelvic floor muscle or skeletal weakness.

Reduce inflammation with Omega rich foods such as avocado, small oily fish like sardines and mackerel, olive oil and nuts and flax seeds

• Manage Weight Reduce snacking. Swap biscuits and pastries for healthy oat bites, nuts and seeds, veg and dips, or popcorn. Cook from scratch whenever possible, using local, seasonal, organic, colourful, whole food produce. Increase low GI, high fibre and resistant starch foods, as these take longer to digest, keep you feeling satisfied for longer and you actually burn calories while digesting them. Try cooked and cooled potatoes, brown pasta and brown rice. Avoid sugar. Sugar is pro-inflammatory and causes insulin resistance. Insulin resistance reduces the tone and ability to contract the pelvic floor.

• Improve Your Mood Heard of the gut-brain connection?

You should • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds • Always wash your hands when you get home or into work • Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze • Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards • Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus • Only travel on public transport if you need to • Work from home, if you can

What you eat affects how you feel. Add in pre and pro-biotic foods to support your gut microbiome such as kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut and high-fibre legumes and whole-grains, or consider supplementing with pro-biotics such as BioKult. Consider buying a fruit or vegetable you rarely or never have to improve the diversity of your gut bacteria.

Eat B vitamin rich foods such as whole-grains, eggs, mushrooms, chickpeas and lentils, green veg, nuts and seeds or consider supplementing.

•

Improve Your Libido Avoid inflammatory, acidic foods. Add in alkaline, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant foods such as kale, beetroot, berries and broccoli. Add in high zinc food such as oysters, pine nuts and organic grass-fed red meat. Enjoy small quantities of dark chocolate for its phytonutrients and its feel-good boosting hormone effects

• Remember the 80/20 guide and 20% of the time eat what the hell you like In the last Womo class we welcomed Lucinda Miller, NatureDoc to share her wisdom on nutrition for women and the relevance of the gut-brain connection.

It was an inspiring and informative talk developing a deeper understanding on food for women’s wellbeing and some simple, effective take home actions.

The current course was a sell out, and the April course is now open and selling fast. If you would like to hear more from Lucinda and my other guest speakers, Dr Katie Hodgkinson on hormones and Jo Dowey on stress solutions, do visit the website for more information and securing your space.

Written by Emma Wightman Women’s Health Osteopath www.the-sop.com/womo •

• •

Avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas Avoid events with large groups of people Use phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services

You should not • Touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean • Have visitors to your home, including friends and family More information can be found at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronaviruscovid-19/

WELLBEING

~womo WOM EN’S HEALTH COURSES & COM M UNI TY

what?

Education, discussion and exercises for women of all ages on returning to fitness, pelvic floor health, hormones, nutrition and stress solutions

who?

This is for you if you often feel fatigued, irritable or stressed, experience cycle or menopause symptoms, tummy gap or back pain, have pelvic floor concerns, such as leaking or prolapse, or loss of confidence, strength or mobility

why?

Because you are how you move

when?

Monday 27th April, 4, 11, 18th May, 1st and 8th June at 9.30 - 11.30am To be held in the Kent Hill Hall, Stockbridge

£290 for a 6 week course

For further details, reserving your place and payment, please go online www.the-sop.com/WoMo or call us 01264 810028

• McTimoney Chiropractic • Sports Therapy • Allergy Testing • Hypnotherapy • Homeopathy • Counselling • Nutrition Chiros Clinic has close links to Andover Osteopathy, for more information contact Mark on 01264 580280

36 East Street, Andover, SP10 1ES

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Local News after declaring a climate emergency in September 2019.

As part of the declaration, the council committed to producing a draft action plan within six months, setting out its recommendations to reduce the authority’s carbon footprint. The council’s crossparty Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSCOM) unanimously endorsed the draft action plan at its meeting on March 18, and the proposal will now go to full council for approval next month.

Test Valley Borough Council continues to fight climate change

Among the proposed actions, OSCOM has advised that the authority should look at planting as many trees as possible over the next few years and increase its use of video conferencing to minimise travel for meetings held around the borough. The proposal to reduce paper by offering digital alternatives is also included in the plans.

Test Valley Borough Council has put forward its plans to become a carbon neutral authority as soon as possible,

The council has already taken a number of steps to address climate change, including introducing electric vehicles to its fleet,

Cooking up a storm at the local pub

Council after starting up his own limited company.

Dave Watts is the chef at The Crown Inn, Upton and decided to set up his own company to run it as his first lone venture.

Now, he has received a £750 boost in the form of a Business Incentive Grant.

Dave first took over at the pub in July last year and had also been awarded rural rate relief for the current financial year.

Dave said: “Everyone has been so friendly, warm and welcoming. I couldn’t have asked for a better reception into the community – it adds to the enjoyment and makes us really feel as if we’ve been here for years already.

A chef at a village pub has benefitted from a financial boost by Test Valley Borough

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“Starting my own limited company is something that I’m excited about and to have the help, guidance and advice from the council in more ways than I can imagine, as well as the financial backing, is hugely appreciated.”

installing solar panels on council buildings and purchasing more environmentally friendly printers. The authority will now assess the opportunities to replace the current fleet vehicles with electric or alternative fuel options.

Chair of OSCOM, Councillor Zilliah Brooks, said: “This action plan concentrates on what the council can do to face the challenge and make a difference.

With cross-party support, Test Valley Borough Council can be a carbon neutral authority before the government target of 2050. This is a vital issue that my colleagues and I are passionate about and committed to addressing.”

Environmental Portfolio Holder, Councillor Alison Johnston, said: “This is another great step forward for Test Valley Borough Council’s fight against climate change. There are some great short, medium and long-term actions which have been produced by council officers, councillors and the public working together.”

Bourne Valley ward councillor, Phil North, said: “David has shown great ambition in starting his own company to run the pub and I applaud him for that. I know this is an extremely tough time for businesses and we need to do everything we can to support them in the right way.

“The pub is the real hub of the community in Upton and of course welcomes people from further afield. I wish Dave every success going forward with his new venture.”

The council’s £750 Business Incentive Grants are available to anyone looking to set up their own business in Test Valley.

Anyone who successfully applies for the grant will receive £750 if their business is still going strong six months later.

These finds have become available to the community as a consequence of the council’s prudent investments, financial management and the use of the New Homes Bonus.

TEST VALLEY

EDUCATION Farleigh School is bringing musical opportunities to the local area Now included in Farleigh’s calendar of musical events is a local Primary Schools’ Workshop where pupils from two or three local primary schools are invited to an afternoon of singing with Farleigh’s Year 5 senior choir members, a collaboration that brought a great sense of achievement to all the children involved. The feedback received shows it is worth every ounce of effort involved in setting up such an afternoon for the difference it can make.

A community ‘Come and Sing’ earlier in the year was open to anyone locally who

50 young United Nations Climate Justice Ambassadors trained in Andover academy

50 young people from 6 Andover schools convened at the Andover Golf Club on Tuesday 10th March to take part in a Plantfor-the-Planet academy. A United Nations Environment Program initiative with an ambitious goal - to fight the climate crisis by planting trees around the world - at Plant-forthe-Planet academies, children learn about the causes and consequences of the climate crisis, develop their own climate action plans, practice public speaking and plant their own trees.

The day was organised by Wendy Davis of Andover Trees United, and everything within the day including the presentations, climate

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wants to sing for a morning; local care home visits by Farleigh musicians bring live music to those who cannot access it themselves; and a group of Year 7 children sang carols in Stockbridge during Small Business Saturday in December. There was audience participation for the well-known carols and a fantastic festive feeling outside The Grosvenor Hotel.

Musical activity is not limited to term time either. During the holidays, local charity ‘Kids on Track’ is able to access the school’s facilities to give local Andover children an experience of collaborative music making.

And there are more future exciting projects in the pipeline, such as a local community Piano Festival, open to children and adults in the area. This could lead on to Farleigh becoming an Arts ‘hub’ for the Test Valley, combining educational activities, workshops, events and hosting more professional concerts. The future is looking exciting. For more information, keep an eye on the Farleigh School website. www.farleighschool.com activities and tree planting were led by 14 of our town’s already-trained ambassadors.

Andover Golf Club kindly donated their venue, made lunch for the children, and provided a location in which to plant the trees.

Abel & Cole donated fruit for lunches and Andover Trees United brought along their team of volunteers and equipment.

Climate Justice Ambassadors are aged 8-14 and train at academies worldwide, the total number of Andover ambassadors now totals 300. This really is something for Andover to be proud of!

When learning to be ambassadors for climate justice, the take-home message to the children is that they don’t need to wait until others do something to begin to take action but, with the support of their parents, teachers and community groups like Andover Trees United, they can courageously take action right now and actively shape their future.

For more information about Andover Trees United, visit www.andovertrees.org.uk. For Plant-for-the-Planet, visit https://www. plant-for-the-planet.org/en/home

Be an actor at Godolphin School Children love to explore, to make-believe and create vibrant worlds around them where anything is possible.

Why not harness this freedom to give your children confidence and inspire them as they grow.

Girls at Godolphin Prep School are encouraged to do what they love. Extensive playing fields, a swimming pool and a gym offer plenty of opportunities to try different sports, whilst an in-the-round Performing Arts Centre, (and dress-up box!) gives girls the chance to explore drama and music. Computing lessons are popular, and with more than 20 after-school activities you just know your daughter will find something to make her happy.

“We are passionate about giving children the opportunity to find out who they are and discover what they love in life” says Prep Head Julia Miller. “By trying new things and exploring the world around them, they naturally develop positive attitudes to learning which will last a lifetime.”

If this sounds like too much fun, rest assured that learning and critical thinking run alongside girls’ social development, and results are great. There is a big focus on STEM and girls are fortunate to have the use of the Science, Design Technology and Computer Science.

Godolphin Prep’s happy, ‘have a go’ atmosphere that attracts families from across the 40-mile radius served by the school bus. “I love the family feeling of the Prep,” says Prep Year 6 parent whose daughter goes up to the Senior School this year “and my daughter has blossomed thanks to Godolphin’s fabulously supportive approach.”

Sign up to one of their Snapshot Mornings, to see Godolphin Prep in action, sign up www.godolphin.org. Alternatively, the school will also welcome parents and girls for a one-to-one visit. Tel 01722 430545.

Daily Morning Minibus From Winchester via Stockbridge Town Hall

Boarding Open Morning Saturday 2nd May Whole School Open Morning Saturday 19th September

Contemporary Catholic Co-educational 3-13 Boarding & Day

REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1157842

EDUCATION

Please contact Sarah O’Rorke admissions@farleighschool.com

www.farleighschool.com

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YOUR

COMMUNITY for ensemble singing that for many of them has stemmed from formative years as choristers in churches and cathedrals around the country.

Andover prepares to become a smart town

“At times you felt there were a hundred voices: at others, only one”.

Stockbridge Music: the return of The Gesualdo Six The Gesualdo Six is a vocal consort comprised of some of the UK’s finest young consort singers, directed by Owain Park.

Formed in March 2014 for a performance of Gesualdo’s Tenebrae Responsories for Maundy Thursday they went on to give nearly 200 concerts around the UK and abroad in their first six years. Over this time they further developed a passion

Talks in Stockbridge

Tom Seligman

Joanna Hardy

Creating a Ballet - A Conductor's Perspective by Tom Seligman A Stockbridge Music Event Monday 18 May, 7.30pm at Stockbridge Town Hall, SO20 6HE. English conductor, Tom Seligman, made his Royal Ballet debut in 2010, conducting a double programme of Peter and the Wolf/ Tales of Beatrix Potter. He has since returned to conduct Birthday Offering, the world première of 'Machina' (Metamorphosis: Titian 2012), Chroma, The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Winter's Tale and Frankenstein for the Company.

He will be giving an illustrated talk on how a ballet is put together from start to finish from the viewpoint of the conductor.

Tickets, £10 (from April) Information and tickets available from stockbridgemusic.uk

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Their return is the result of popular demand after last year’s concert.

They will be returning on Friday 8th May at St Peter’s Church, Stockbridge , 7.30pm Tickets: £15 available from: Robinsons Butcher, Stockbridge www.jumblebee.co.uk/stockbridgemusic The Lights Theatre Box Office (01264 368368) www.stockbridgemusic.uk

The Magical World of Gemstones

by Joanna Hardy Date TBC, 7.30pm at Stockbridge Town Hall, SO20 6HE. Bar open from 7pm.

An evening with the renowned author and BBC Antiques Roadshow jewellery specialist.

Joanna has over 30 years' experience working with jewellery, beginning her career as a goldsmith before joining De Bers as a rough diamond valuer. She then went to work in Antwerp as a polished diamond dealer before joining Philips and then moving to Sotheby's. Joanna is an accredited lecturer for The Arts Society, a Freeman of the City of London, A Liveryman and Court Assistant at the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and is a regular jewellery specialist on the BBC Antiques Roadshow.

Whether you are interested in jewellery, history, science, the environment or politics - Joanna's talk has it all. Her depth of knowledge is outstanding, and her delivery captivating. This is one not to miss.

Tickets, £10 (all proceeds to charity) To reserve tickets in advane of the date being fixed, email: vivacottage@gmail.com Tickets available from The Bookmark and John Robinson in Stockbridge High Street in due course.

Andover is in the final stages of its preparation to become a smart town centre.

The installation work required to enable the town centre to offer FREE WiFi has been facilitated by the BID and is almost complete. By the end of this month the WiFi should be ready for testing before going live.

The installation team are carrying out last minute preparations to the system.

Steve Godwin, Andover BID Manager says “Investment from the Business Improvement District means our Town Wifi service will provide both locals and visitors with free web connectivity across the town centre. People will soon be able to use the internet in town to discover the shops, attractions and offers which should really help with communications.

“Businesses will be able to alert users to events taking place that they could otherwise miss and the move follows research, which claims to have shown that 1 in 4 people are more likely to stay longer in a town centre if it offers free WiFi. The fact that parts of Andover town centre can also suffer from flaky internet coverage may lend some weight to that prediction.

“The BID is delighted that this will soon be ready for the people of the town, we are all data hungry these days and with many people extensively using mobile phones, it means they will be able to receive a free signal in the town centre, Chantry Centre and Railway Station.”

For more information about Andover BID please visit www.andoverbid.org