Test Valley Forum March 2022

Forum

ISSUE 163 MARCH 2022

TEST VALLEY

Life in your Community

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

SPEAKING IN TONGUES

MARCH NEWS & EVENTS

Fiery Creole Jambalaya

By Lucia Foster-Found

All the local news and events for the local area

FEATURE Macmillan Cape to Cape £1,000,000 Marathon

STYLE ˙ INTERIORS ˙ HEALTH & BEAUTY ˙ INTERVIEWS ˙ FOOD & DRINK ˙ ENTERTAINMENT ˙ EVENTS Cover Image: King's Somborne ©Alamy

RE O F AL S

CHARLTON DOWN, WILDHERN A semi-detached cottage with a recent two storey tiled extension.The original cottage dates back to the 17th Century and has a wealth of character throughout. Recently the owners lovingly restored the property which now comprises four bedrooms and is full of character.

Garage / Car Port (possible Annexe) and Office / Summer House.

Guide Price: £745,000

RE O F AL S

GRATELEY A detached property situated in Grateley. Offering four bedrooms, Carrick House benefits from natural light throughout.Well maintained and providing brilliant accommodation for any family.The property is within five minutes walk from the mainline railway station. Enjoys rural views.

Guide Price: £670,000

www.myddeltonmajor.co.uk

Tel: 01264 316000

TEST VALLEY FORUM MARCH 2022

CONTENTS 04 Feature

Speaking in Tongues By Lucia Foster-Found

25 Home

04

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

06 Property Management

26

Buying, selling, letting?

Find local estate agents and property management services

The MacMillan Cape to Cape £1,000,000 marathon

27 Professional Services

08 Garden

Make your garden dream come true

10 Education

Find local schools and educational experts

12

Retail

14

14

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

31 Professional Services

Fiery Creole Jambalaya

15

Arts & Culture

21

Wellbeing

Looking after your health and yourself!

Director of Marketing Rob Harrison rob@forummedianddesign.co.uk Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

Contributors Lucia Foster-Found www. luciafosterfound.com

Unit 8A, Shelf House, New Farm Road,

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Alresford, SO24 9QH Tel: 01962 735137 www.forumpublications.co.uk

Discover local events and days out or in CPRE Hampshire The countryside needs you!

Director of Advertising Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

Forum Publications Offices

17 Leisure & Entertainment 20 Feature

Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk

Get in Touch

14 Recipe of the Month

From photographers to solicitors - every professional service you need

28 Animals & Pets

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

Food & Drink

Feature

Contacts

26

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. 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.

Test Valley Forum magazine content does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or recommendations of its creators and any reliance upon its content is taken at the user’s sole risk. Adverts designed by Forum Publications remain the magazine's legal ownership. Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household © Forum Publications Ltd, 2022

FEATURE

Speaking in Tongues © LUCIA FOSTER-FOUND 2022

WWW.LUCIAFOSTERFOUND.COM

Trying to redress the gains made during Covid, Christmas, another Christmas and the golden, guiltless era of the broken bathroom scales, she was on a diet. Fantasising about food, she’d taken to binge watching Rick Stein’s Weekends and eating vicariously through Rick.

“What about Portugal?” Gazing at Rick consuming a custard tart, she tried not to dribble. “The food in Lisbon looks really good..”

Himself dragged his gaze away from his tablet. “Well, we haven’t had a holiday in years. I’m game.”

“But I warn you” she gave him a stern look “I don’t know any Portuguese, not one word, so there’s no point in telling people I’m fluent.” Still in the dark why he found that so hilarious, inevitably she’d mastered versions of ‘I’m sorry, I don’t understand’ in several languages.

Himself chuckled. “But you are fluent darling. Compared to me anyway – I only speak English. But in fact, now I think of it, I do know some Portuguese.” He announced with confidence.

“You do?” After nearly a quarter of a century together, this was a rare revelation.

“Yes. Marmalade.”

“Marmalade?”

“Yes. It is, I believe, the only Portuguese word in the English language.” He said with the air of someone imparting great knowledge.

She had no idea if this was true, but it did sound entirely feasible.

“Marmalade. Is that it? Only, we’re going to struggle a bit once breakfast is over.”

Nodding, he agreed. “You’re right. Me randomly chirping in with ‘marmalade’ reminds me of when I was in Germany and only mastered ‘wurst’.”

“Well, there’s worse things in German than ‘sausage’ that you could have said, Darling. An ex-boyfriend taught me to say ‘Ich bin ganz verrückt’ when shop assistants asked if I needed help. I thought I was telling them that I was quite alright.”

“So what were you really saying?”

“That I was quite mad.”

Himself laughed a lot more than she considered strictly necessary.

“That’s funny! It’s all Greek to me anyway. Actually – Greek is harder, what with the cyrillic alphabet and all.” He went back to his tablet,

4

a frown on his face. “Talking of foreign lingos, I messaged this guy, wanting some info on something he’s selling and all I got was a couple of words in a language I can’t identify. Here, have a look.” He passed her his tablet.

“Ah yes,” she said with the air of someone imparting great knowledge “AFAIK means As Far As I Know and AMA stands for Ask Me Anything.”

Himself looked bemused. “I feel there’s a secret code that I’m not a party to. For example, what is ‘foam-o’? Apparently during Covid lockdowns people stopped having it.. And what does it mean when someone wants you to Prime Minister them?” He asked as an afterthought.

“FOMO. Fear of missing out. I suppose the upside to no social gatherings was that people weren’t stressing about being invited. I don’t know about the other thing. Did they mention Boris at all?” She considered that might open up a few interesting options.

“Not specifically – they wrote ‘PM me’.” He gave a puzzled shrug.

It was her turn to laugh louder than was decent. Having explained that PM meant Private Message, she went on to mention that being called the GOAT didn’t mean someone was accusing you of being an actual goat and YOLO was not a low fat yoghurt.

He sighed. “How do you know all this?” he said and reached for the TV remote control.

“Because, darling LOML” when he looked puzzled, she said “you can look that one up” and winked before continuing “if I didn’t know all this, I wouldn’t appreciate half of the stuff the kids send, tag or share with me.”

But Himself was distracted. Gripping the old remote control, he was laboriously typing something out on YouTube using the tiny buttons.

She threw him the sleek new remote with its in-built voice function.

“I know you’ve a quaint, if somewhat misplaced loyalty to life before Alexa, but all you have to do is press the microphone button and tell it what you’re looking for.”

He looked sad and a little sheepish. “I’m not being a Luddite believe me, I’ve tried talking to it. In English. But it says it doesn’t understand me; seems I’m.. speaking in tongues..”

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COMMUN ITY / PROPERTY Short Term Rental

summer months with activity focussed around The Solent and demand for rentals driven again by participants and spectators.

Short Term Rentals are very popular, especially for seasonal events. They can be profitable for landlords and provide flexibility for tenants. Intended to be a ‘home from home’, bills are usually included, and the tenant just arrives with the essentials.

The fishing season is usually from June to March bringing a demand for short term accommodation in the Itchen, Test and Meon Valleys. These areas are also popular for a variety of other country sports, each with its own seasons and need for short term accommodation.

From large country homes to annexes and apartments, a variety of properties can be let out for shorter periods but we would recommend a period of three months to six months (subject to required consents).

The polo season sees demand from May-September specifically in West Sussex near the Cowdray Park Estate, ‘Home of British Polo’ with 400 matches played and demand from both players and spectators for a place to rent during the period.

The sailing season runs from March to November, peaking in the

Kate Porter Sales

Claudia Hunt Lettings

Man given suspended prison sentence after TVBC fly-tip prosecution A man from Southampton has been handed a suspended prison sentence and made to pay more than £1,500 after fly-tipping three times in the space of six weeks across Romsey and Wellow.

Kenneth Dibden, of Salisbury Road, Southampton, left the waste at two laybys in Luzborough Lane, Romsey, in February last year, followed by a further fly-tip at Tanners Lane, Wellow, the next month, before a final offence at Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, at the end of March.

An investigation was launched by Test Valley Borough Council after Mr Dibden had been spotted at his first offence in February last year.

Then, the authority received a report of a man acting suspiciously in the Stoneymarsh car park. He then left in a vehicle after realising he had been noticed on March 20.

That vehicle then travelled to Tanners Lane, by the industrial units at Tanners Court. Where Dibben was observed by Test Valley’s Deputy Leader leaving a bath, wooden door and plasterboard in a layby.

Then, a further fly-tip occurred further down the same road at a layby opposite a residential property. Hazardous waste, concrete, broken

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If you have a cottage or annexe on your grounds or are planning to go away for an extended period, then a short term rental may be an option. For existing landlords concerned about, or experiencing, a void period and would like the security of a tenant for three to six months, or have a property that may be suitable for short term rental, please call: Claudia Hunt or Louise Bailey on 02392 632275 email: claudia@countryhousecompany.co.uk or louise@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Marishelle Butler Management

EQDC Tel: 02392 632275

tiles, insulation and broken furniture were all dumped. Finally, eight days later, TVBC received a report of a fly-tip at Abbey Park Industrial Estate, where three double mattresses, a single mattress, three divan bases and broken furniture were left. Mr Dibden’s vehicle was clearly seen on CCTV. At Southampton Magistrates Court, he was ordered to pay £500 costs for each of the three offences, and a £128 victim surcharge, on top of the prison time suspended for 18 months. He was also banned from driving for three months.

The successful prosecution follows a year in which the council lost no cases of fly-tipping prosecutions in court. During 2020-21, 17 people were prosecuted for waste-related offences, with the authority’s enforcement team continuing to work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The council’s zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping means that every single case is investigated thoroughly, with evidence being found through various means, including covert cameras. These are positioned at multiple locations all around the borough, but are moved regularly so that the chances of capturing a criminal are greatly increased.

Prison time, suspended custodial sentences and tens of thousands of pounds in fines are just some of the results over recent prosecutions for waste-related criminal activity. Wherever possible, TVBC will seek to prosecute and reclaim its costs for investigating and clearing the fly-tip.

Portfolio holder, councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “Often I say how grotesque fly-tipping is, or any offence to do with waste, for that matter.

I was glad to be able to play a part in bringing this offender to justice.

We often see things that seem suspicious, if you do then please let the Council know, you never know when it will help an investigation and a prosecution."

The market is moving, are you?

Open the conversation

Call for Property Sales | Lettings | Management advice and let us open doors for you in 2022 The property experts you can trust

Kate Porter - Head of Sales katep@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Claudia Hunt - Head of Lettings claudia@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Marishelle Butler - Head of Management marishelle@countryhousecompany.co.uk

02392 632 275 countryhousecompany.co.uk

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GARDEN

10 Spring Lawn Care Essentials Let’s look at what can be done now to get your lawn ready for a beautiful summer 1. Moss Low light levels, shade and increased rainfall creates the ideal conditions for moss to colonise your lawn. Always apply a moss killing treatment after you have raked or scarified your lawn in order to kill loose pieces of moss. Never, ever mow into moss. If you have moss in your lawn that you can’t remove then raise your mower blades so the grass leaf is at least 2cm above the moss.

2. Dethatch

Thatch is a layer of organic matter that lays on top of the soil just above the roots of grass plants. It has little or no microbial activity, unless you get involved it will not decompose. It prevents water and nutrition reaching the roots. It reduces the amount of air in the soil that’s essential for healthy plant life. Spring is the right time to dethatch turf. Cutting into the thatch to introduce air spaces is ideal. Boosting microbial activity with a compost tea - yes, you heard me, you can make a tea from compost and its super for your lawn health.

3. Aerate Aeration is by far the most beneficial mechanical process for your lawn. Soil relies on beneficial fungi and bacteria which make micronutrients available to grass plants and also produces growth hormones whilst protecting the plants from attack from pests and disease. Worms and insects also need water, air and food. Roots grow in the air gaps between the soil particles, not in the soil itself. By aerating your lawn, you are introducing the air gaps essential to support that soil activity. In addition, aeration relieves compaction and helps reduce waterlogging too.

4. Rake Using a spring rake removes debris and helps the grass leaf stand upright. When things begin to grow again in the early spring it’s a good idea to give your lawn a bit of a hair-brush, get things standing to attention and ready for a mow. Spring raking removes lingering autumn leaves and grass blades that didn't survive winter. Do it now!

5) Over-seed Repair bare patches in your lawn by over-seeding. Remove the dead patch of grass with a rake. In-fill with compost and mix seed into the top layer. Give it a good water and wait until the seed germinates

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6. Fertilise

All living things need food, they also need the right kind of food in the right quantities. Many home-owners seem to forget this. Lawns need the right amount of Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus throughout the year. The occasional sprinkle of a 3-in-1 spring feed from the garden centre is not really cutting it. If you are going to feed your own lawn focus on quality over quantity. Focus on feeding the soil and let the soil feed the plant. If in doubt, speak to a lawn care professional.

7. Weed control Catch weeds early in the season if you can. Professional weed killers either cause the weed to produce excessive growth hormones and grow themselves to death or they inhibit the plant’s ability to photosynthesise and they starve to death. Some weeds are harder to control than others. Weed control is complex, get it right and your lawn’s going to look great this summer.

8. Water It costs less than £5 to water the average sized lawn. You only really need to do that every other week. Give it an inch of water (measured in a container on the lawn). Lawn care professionals use wetting agents, they keep water in the root-zone and mean that you can apply half as much water whilst getting the same results.

9. Mow The majority of lawn issues I see can be traced back to a poor mowing regime. It’s relatively easy to get it right. Make sure your mower blades are sharp. Cut off no more than ¼ of the leaf length each mow. Start from different places on the lawn. Ideally mulch mow, leaving clippings behind to feed the essential soil microbes.

10. Edge

Cutting a neat edge will help define the lawn Ensure you use a halfmoon edging tool and make sure it’s sharp. Work from a board that you stand on along the edge you are cutting. If it’s a curved edge you need then lay a rope or hose out first to ensure you are happy with the curve you are about to cut. Ensure the edge you cut slopes away from the turf. If in doubt, look on YouTube. We have a professional lawn edger, the type they use for cutting golf bunkers. If you’re lucky enough to have a big lawn to edge please get in touch.

Ian Kenyon sits on the committee of the UK Lawn Care Association and owns Shrekfeet Professional Lawncare. He is always happy to offer friendly, professional advice and help 01962 460146 www.shrekfeet.com

GARDEN

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1973 BUILT ON GREAT SERVICE & VALUE FOR MONEY Supply and planting large specimen trees and shrubs

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Espalier, pleached and instant impact hedges All trees and shrubs carefully selected Design, landscaping and ongoing maintenance Free site visit and consultation Bosque is a trading name of Just Limegrass Ltd. Harko: 07710 502798 Tom: 07855 656984 www.bosque international.co.uk

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

Unable to plant a tree in your garden? Need to replace that rotting wobbly fence?

Have a tired old hedge full of holes that needs instant repair?

Do your bit by reducing your carbon footprint and at the same time create a natural environment for birds and small mammals What is co-curricular and why is it A good range of instant hedges are available fromeducation?

Hampshire Hedges important to child’s ions of which they are capable, a belief in themselves as unique Contact: Trevor@ hampshirehedges.co.uk or call:but 07860 560 868 individuals, compassion for those around them and a passion for life. www.hampshirehedges.co.uk For further information or to find out how to arrange a visit, please visit www.embley.org.uk

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COMMUNITY / EDUCATION National Open Garden Scheme The NGS is delighted to announce Jo Whiley, the renowned pop radio presenter, as its new Ambassador. In recent years Jo has been a guest presenter at both Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows. Asked about her appointment Jo said “I am so thrilled to have been asked. I knew about the National Garden Scheme but I had no idea how much money the gardens raise and give away to nursing charities every year. The garden owners are clearly so generous, I love the idea of them inviting people in to share their garden and have a lovely tea. The pandemic has shown me and everyone how important gardens are for our health and wellbeing and the National Garden Scheme has been doing this for years – it’s a great organisation.” (Over £3m donated in 2021) If you would like to help us raise funds for 2022, here are a couple of gardens, which you might like to visit - and not too far away.

Crawley Gardens, Winchester, SO21 2PR Opening: Friday 15th & Monday 18th April 2pm to 5.30pm. Combined Admission: £8.00 children free Refreshments in Village Hall: Home-made teas https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/17567

Keeping children safe online

Here you have three gardens for one price - all set in the extremely picturesque village of Crawley, with its duck pond and thatched cottages. Little Court is 3 acre country garden with carpets of Spring bulbs. Bay Tree House is a Mediterranean style garden with bulbs and wildflowers. Paige Cottage is a traditional English garden with Spring bulbs and wild flowers.

Terstan, Longstock, Stockbridge, SO20 6DW Opening: Sunday 17th April 2pm to 5pm (Also By Arrangement) Admission: £5.00 children free Refreshments: Home-made teas https://ngs.org.uk/viewgarden/22660 This profusely planted contemporary cottage garden has been developed over the last 50 years and boasts a water feature, a gravel garden, a snowman’s caravan and live music.

All the gardens, which are opening for the NGS can be viewed at https://ngs.org.uk/find-a-garden/?

Pat Beagley (Publicity) National Garden Scheme - Hampshire

Here are some other tips that you may find helpful: Always be kind and respectful to others online Explain to your child that being kind and respectful helps make the internet an enjoyable and safe place for everyone. You could demonstrate this by showing them your own words and actions online.

Making safe choices When posting, gaming, or talking to others, remind your child to keep personal information safe and do not click on unexpected links.

Most importantly, remind them to always tell an adult if an online friend asks to meet up.

Know about safety tools Lots of games and apps have handy tools like the block or report button, that can keep your child and their friends safe. Chat with your child to make sure they know where these are and how to use them.

Whether your child is 6 or 16, it is well worth knowing how they are using their devices. Sheina Wright, Head of Prep at Embley, provides some advice on how to keep your child safe online.

Although there are many positives to digital technology, there are safety issues in these spaces that need to be managed carefully.

Whether by playing games, watching videos, or doing things your child enjoys, spending time together online is a great way to start conversations about the online world. It is important to ask questions and take an interest in what your child enjoys online, and an essential part of having this open dialogue is to not judge, even if their behaviour or life online isn’t what you wanted or expected.

This ensures that your child feels adequately supported to come to you if they ever make a mistake or experience a problem in the online world, and will help promote safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.

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Using actions and words with care What people do, say, and share online can have a big impact on the way others feel, as well as how people perceive you. Encourage your child to take a moment if emotions get high and continue when they feel calmer.

It’s never too late to speak up Let your child know that even if they think they may have done something wrong, you are there to support them. Talk regularly about all the points above, and more! Make sure they know that if anything online makes them worried, upset, or uncomfortable, then they can come to you for help.

We also recommend taking a look at PEGI (www.pegi.info), a really useful website that provides age classifications for video games. www.embley.org.uk

EDUCATION

Year 7 entry 2023 Book your place at our online conference for parents of current year 5 girls.

Tips on how your daughters can succeed in years 6 and 7.

Saturday 26 March 2022 at 9am Booking is essential.

Please contact registrar@stswithuns.com or visit www.stswithuns.com/conference

Embracing Ambition

I N D E P E N D E N T D AY & B O A R D I N G S C H O O L F O R B OY S & G I R L S A G E D 2 - 1 8

Where boys and girls fulfil their academic ambitions to achieve their personal best, develop belief in themselves and compassion for those around them.

Embley Park, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6ZE

www.embley.org.uk

To find out more or arrange a visit, please contact admissions@embley.org.uk or call 01794 527371 11

RETAIL / COMMUNITY Jennifer Gay and Artisan Route to visit Stockbridge in March

Alpaca is the second lightest weight warmth in the world with Vicuuna being the first, it is the luxury fibre of today. Alpaca doesn't pill or ball and is exceptionally hard wearing. As a stylist and designer of 32 years in Alpaca I have produced a classic range of 25 designs and as many colours.

I would be delighted for you to come and see the collection in Stockbridge Town Hall from March 28th - 30th 2022. We will be open from 9am -5pm on each day. For more information call: 07836 719853.

Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

Further boost for Chantry Centre businesses as council cuts charges by a third Chantry Centre businesses have seen their service charge fall by a third since Test Valley Borough Council bought the mall in 2019, providing a much-needed boost to those impacted by the pandemic. The charge, which covers the management, promotion and maintenance of the centre, has dropped from £1.2M in 2019 to £850K for 2022.

But businesses will still receive the same level of support as they have in previous years, as the council has identified significant cost savings and more efficient ways of delivering the same services. As part of this efficiency drive, the council is now managing the centre directly, rather than using a management company which has been the case historically. Since purchasing the centre, the council has made a number of improvements, including refurbishing the lifts in the multi-storey car park and the toilets by the bus station, repairing the leaking roof and upgrading the CCTV system. With the reduction in the overall service charge bill, the vast majority of tenants will see their service charge fall, while a handful will have their charges frozen at 2021 levels. Before the council acquired the Chantry Centre, tenants would generally see a year-on-year increase in their service charge.

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “Although we’ve got plans for a fundamental redevelopment of the Chantry Centre in the coming years, it’s imperative that we do all we can to keep those businesses in Andover in what is a really tough trading environment, so they can come on that journey with us. We will therefore continue to forensically analyse the service charge to identify any further cost savings without compromising the level of support and services the businesses receive.”

The council has written to all tenants with details of the service charge for 2022.

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N F I N E A RT AU C T I O N E E R S & VA L U E R S

CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY INTERIORS SALE

Tuesday 22nd - Thurs 24th March 2022 Viewing From 12pm - 5pm Thur 17th 10am - 5pm Friday 18th 10am - 5pm Saturday 19th 10am - 5pm Monday 21st And 8.30am on the morning of the sale

www.andrewsmithandson.com Enquiries: t: 01962 735988 e: auctions@andrewsmithandson.com THE AUCTION ROOMS, MANOR FARM, ITCHEN STOKE, ALRESFORD, SO24 0QT

RETAIL

One of ITV's Most Popular Antiques Experts

BEST CASH PRICES PAID FOR: Gold & Silver Jewellery & Antiques Including: Watches, medals, bronzes, oriental ceramics, quality antiques, house clearance/insurance valuations

Happy to arrange home calls by appointment karendalmeny@gmail.com For enquiries please call:

07712 545 700

Serving Broughton and the surrounding Test Valley

• Locally Sourced Food & Drink • Large Car Park With Plenty Of Spaces • Lots of Delicious Treats • Post Office • Deli • Coffee

Classic Antique Furniture We buy, sell and restore antique furniture

ECO-PRODUCTS Dry Goods Refills

Bring in a container and fill with nuts, rice, pasta, oats, cereals or seeds.

Liquid Household Refills Bring a bottle and fill with soap, washing up liquid, laundry liquid, cleaners, shampoo, conditioner or hand sanitiser We also have The Magnificent Seed extra virgin rapeseed oil on tap for refills

SHOP OPENING HOURS FROM JAN 2022

NEW Weekdays: 9am - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 12:30pm Sunday: 9:30am - 12:30pm

POST OFFICE OPENING HOURS

NEW Weekdays: 9am - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm Sunday: Closed

Tel: 01794 502495 Facebook: @BroughtonVillageShop www.broughton.shop Broughton Community Shop, Village Hall, High Street, Broughton, SO20 8AX

We are interested in acquiring antique furntiture and treen such as tables, cabinets, chest of drawers, mirrors, stools, boxes and trays

Phone: 07717 705111 or 07973 416839 Email: info@cassondrinkwater.co.uk

www.cassondrinkwater.co.uk 13

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Fiery Creole Jambalaya Ingredients

3 tablespoons cooking oil 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning or sauce (available in most large supermarkets) 300g hot or mild chorizo sausage, thinly sliced 500g boneless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces 1 onion diced 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes or 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 small green pepper, diced (capsicum) 1 small red pepper, diced (capsicum) 4 cloves garlic, minced 400g can of chopped tomatoes 300g of uncooked long grain white rice Half a litre of chicken stock 500g raw prawns with no tails Chopped parsley to garnish

Method

Season the chorizo and chicken with half of the Cajun seasoning. Put 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan, add chorizo and brown. Remove the chorizo from the oil with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add another tablespoon of oil and brown the chicken, and set it aside.

With the remaining oil sauté the onion, capsicums and celery until soft and transparent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.

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Add the tomatoes, the remaining cajun seasoning/sauce, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (or cayenne powder) and hot pepper sauce.

Then add the chicken and chorizo. Cook for a further 4 or 5 minutes whilst stirring occasionally. Now add the rice and chicken stock and bring to a boil. Once boiled, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked thoroughly.

Finally place the raw prawns on top of the Jambalaya mixture, stir in gently and re-cover with the lid. Return to a simmer for 5 minutes or more, until the prawns have turned pink.

Season with a little extra salt and pepper if desired. If you prefer a little more heat add some additional extra hot chilli sauce or cayenne pepper. Serve and sprinkle with a pinch of parsley.

Serves 6 - Preparation time 40mins

FOOD & DRINK / ARTS & CULTURE

Here at Mokaya Cocoa, we believe every day is a special day and what better way to celebrate than with a box of our luxurious belgian chocolates

The Perfect Mother' _4 s Day Gift

Large Selection of Chocolates & Cards Tel: 01264 811440 Email: mokayacocoastockbridge@gmail.com www.mokayacocoastockbridge.com MOKAYA COCOA, HIGH STREET, STOCKBRIDGE, HAMPSHIRE, SO20 6HF

WE NEED YOUR

Behind every epic story there is a strong woman...’

Jessie Keane’s latest blockbuster novel is out February 3rd 2022 It’s available from Amazon, Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys & all good retailers or through Jessie’s website: www.jessie-keane.co.uk

Would you like to explore the Arts?

Why not come and join us at our monthly meetings in Fairground Village Hall, Weyhill on the first Tuesday of the month.

Can you sign?

If so the Alresford Watercress Festival would love to hear from you.

We are looking for someone profficient in sign language to enhance our visitor experience of our cookery demonstrations and the Watercress Eating Competition on the main stage.

Would you like to spend a day or even a few hours with us on Sunday May 15th 2022?

If so please contact Gill at gill.mick-grant@tiscali.co.uk

We are a friendly group who meet and listen to experts talk on a range of subjects. We also offer study days and visits to places of interest.

1st March - How Napier became 'The Art Deco Capital of the World'. In 1931 Napier was destroyed by an earthquake. From the ashes rose the largest concentration of art deco buildings on earth.

29th March - Day of Special Interest "Blondes Have More Fun" The life and paintings of David Hockney.

5th April - How to Look at Art: This lecture is a must for anyone interested in visiting galleries, exhibitions and art museums. It will, quite simply, help you to ‘see’ more!

For more information see our website theartssocietytestvalley.org.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

The Stilwell Art Group Exhibition Stockbridge Town Hall, Hampshire - March 11th – 16th 2022

The Stilwell Art Group work together under the inspirational teaching of Anthea Stilwell. This exciting collective exhibition at the Stockbridge Town Hall shows the range and diversity of work produced over the last three years by thirteen dynamic and contemporary artists from the group.

“There is a unique buzz when we meet to paint together, it takes courage to ‘let go’ and to trust yourself – that comes from Anthea’s teaching, but the group is supportive and we learn a lot from each other too – and that makes you brave, take risks and the results are most exciting and rewarding!” says Jenny HillNorton who co-founded and co-ordinates the group. “We are all different in what we bring to the group but we are linked by our passion to paint for the joy of it – and I think that is evident in what we create together. This exhibition is a celebration of us growing as artists.”

Within the last two years we have not been able to meet as before, but have made good use of Zoom sessions where Anthea is a technical wizard and gets us working as hard as ever, if not more so. It has been a productive

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and enjoyable time and painting has contributed enormously to our sanity.

Carolyn Gilsenan, 'Pink Witterings’

Subject matter is varied and diverse including figures, landscapes and still lifes. The creative process starts with drawing and ideas are then explored expressively in a wide range of media including oils, acrylics, watercolours, charcoal, collage and mixed media.

Anthea has great experience and originality as a teacher (having taught at Harrow School) but she never tells you directly what to do, rather pulling it out of us – which is really challenging but we all respond and produce the most exciting and fascinating results!

This exhibition encapsulates the energy and diversity of the group. It is their sixth collective show. All work on display is for sale and new work will be hung during the show, which runs from 11th to 16th March at Stockbridge Town Hall.

Maggie Marten,'Trees on Bodmin Moor’

Artists Chris Cobley • Jo Ellis • Christian de Ferranti • Carolyn Gilsenan Jenny Hill-Norton • Lindy Janson • John Mackinlay • Maggie Marten Jane Martin • Jennifer Privett • Liz Shard • Carol Symon • Clare Warman Exhibition opens daily 11am – 5pm, Wednesday March 16th 11am – 4pm Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, Hampshire SO20 6HE e: admin@stockbridgetownhall.co.uk t: 01264 513299

Jane Martin, 'Spotty Jug & Three Pears’

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Jubilee Street Festival Planned for Andover Town Centre A street festival in Andover Town Centre is to be held on Friday 3rd June 2022, during the extended bank holiday weekend celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

A rich medley of food, music, dance, performance and art will create an activity trail for all the town’s residents to enjoy.

From sampling different cultural dishes at food stalls along the high street, to enjoying a line up of music, dance and creative workshops at venues throughout the town centre, the Festival is an opportunity for people to come together to celebrate and recognise their shared heritage as residents of Andover in 2022.

The event is being organised

by Andover BID/InAndover, in partnership with Chapel Arts Studios and Test Valley Arts Foundation. As well as sourcing professional entertainers, the organisers are inviting local businesses, community groups, schools and colleges to contribute to the event by running stalls or performing on the day.

Shelley Coburn, the Events Coordinator at Andover BID said, “We want this event to truly represent the people of Andover, and for it to be shaped and owned by them.”

For more information about the Festival visit www.inandover.co.uk/town-centre-events/ or contact Shelley Coburn at events@ andoverbid.org.uk

M arch!

FEATURE

CPRE Hampshire The Countryside Needs You! CPRE Hampshire are looking for volunteers with a passion for the countryside to join the local Test Valley team.

The Hampshire countryside sustains us in every way. Its beautiful landscapes provide the food we eat, the air we breathe and a haven for the nature and wildlife we love. It’s where most of us feel alive.

CPRE, most people have heard of, but few may know what we do, and what we do is amazing! Once known as the Campaign to Protect Rural England, we are the Countryside Charity. We believe in countryside and green spaces that are accessible to all, are rich in nature, and play a crucial role in responding to the climate emergency.

As a separate, volunteer-led charity, CPRE Hampshire works solely in support of the Hampshire countryside and we’re looking for more volunteers, with a passion for the countryside, to join our team.

We are lucky in Hampshire to have a stunning range of landscapes and habitats. With two National Parks, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, chalk streams of international renown and stretches of protected coastline, we have a lot to be proud of.

The Test Valley, famous for its clear chalk streams and iconic river Test, boasts the most beautiful rolling countryside including ancient woodlands, water meadows, and chalk hills. It is within these beautiful landscapes that the vitally important ecosystem services that we all rely upon including clean water, clean air, the production of food, and habitats for wildlife, exist.

Over the last few years, there has been a surge in appreciation for local green space. There is a growing awareness of the role that countryside and nature play in our well-being, and a recent study conducted by CPRE revealed that 63% of people say that lockdown has made them more aware of just how important these spaces are.

Today, in Hampshire, the countryside faces many challenges including population growth, climate change, and pressures to grow the economy and build more houses. Over the last decade, the use of green space for housing development across the UK has increased

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by over 150%, and the amount of land built upon in England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty has more than doubled since 2012. In planning for the future, we must ensure the Hampshire countryside and its valuable resources are properly considered and managed to maintain a thriving and natural environment.

If we are to protect the special character of our beautiful Hampshire countryside, we must act now and ensure future development takes full account of its environmental impact.

Now is a critical time for the Hampshire countryside.

CPRE Hampshire works across the Test Valley responding to a whole range of issues in support of the countryside. Led by local volunteers, we monitor and respond to planning applications, influence Local Plans, and take practical action to help improve the environment – we are here for YOUR countryside.

Within the Test Valley, we are seeking more volunteers to help take forward activities in support of the countryside including leadership of the local group, supporting local events, and responding to issues of concern. Over the next few years, an important task will also be to help shape and influence Test Valley’s Local Plan which will set the pattern of development up until 2040. More information can be found on our website cprehampshire.org.uk or by emailing hantssupportercare@cprehampshire.org.uk We also offer talks to local community groups if you would like to hear more.

There has never been a more important time to support the Hampshire countryside

CPRE Hampshire is a membership organisation. Membership is the best way to support a thriving Hampshire countryside and we would urge you to join us today.

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WELLBEING / COMMUNITY What the foot?

With National Foot Week this month, I am happily writing about a much forgotten and abused part of our body, that once revived, has the power to heal low back pain, fix grumpy knees and hips, restore pelvic floor tone, improve jumping, walking and running power and even cure headaches!

The humble foot, most often encased in tight little shoe coffins, needs to be mobilised, strengthened and utilised in much the same way we allow and prioritise the freedom of movement in our hands.

Being the base of support for our entire system, it has the power to either help or hinder the body, dependent completely on how we treat it.

Our body has the opportunity to move throughout the day. Even if you are a sedentary creature, you will still move to go to the loo or have a meal, but the foot stays encased in a shoe all day, with the toes pressed together and the ankle slightly plantar-flexed due to the presence of a heel (no matter how small).

Gradually this loss of mobility, strength and sensory input leads to dropped arches, bunions, early degenerative changes and a permanent shortening of the Achillies and calf muscles. And this is just the effects of shoes on a local level, the effects further up the body can be equally if not more disastrous.

For example, dropped arches can lead to an inward rolling of the knees causing mal-tracking of the knee cap, increased wear, cartilage or meniscal damage. Shortening of the Achillies reduces the ability to flex the foot at the ankle which in turn means we

There are two ways to solve this: 1. Add in corrective type exercises 2. Change the environment for the foot Both have to be done together to create change for the long term.

Corrective exercises: • Improve your awareness of the alignment of your feet; look down, when you stand or walk are your feet parallel to each other?

• Foam roller or ball release work for the sole of the foot and the calf muscle • Single and Double leg Calf stretches • Single and Double leg Heel raises • Arch lifts picking up pens or marbles with your toes Change the environment: • Choose minimal shoes with a wide toe box and no heel drop • Go barefoot as often as you can • Walk on a multitude of different textured surfaces and gradients • Wear foot alignment socks in the evenings • Sit on the floor more: squat, kneel, half kneel, cross-legged…

• Stand more at work with a half foam roller under your desk for calf stretches • Consider getting a cobblestone mat to stand on to keep the deep intrinsic muscles of your foot working Visit the website for video guides on floor sitting and foot and ankle exercises.

If you find these correctives difficult or are experiencing pain either in the foot or rest of the body that you think maybe influenced by the poor health of your foot, just give us a call and we can guide you towards some sole satisfaction!

Emma Wightman www.the-sop.com

Test Valley Borough Council announces £1.2M of funding for charity and voluntary sector

The report also proposes ring fencing funding for advice services currently provided by Citizen’s Advice Test Valley and for core support to the voluntary sector and Shopmobility, both currently provided by Unity.

Charities and voluntary organisations are set to benefit from a £1.2M boost over the next three years, after Test Valley Borough Council announced the latest cycle of its Revenue Funding Programme.

Funding for King John’s House will transfer to the council’s tourism function, allowing it to be much better coordinated with other tourism work.

A report to the council’s cabinet on Wednesday 23 February will recommend awards ranging from £2,500 to almost £270,000 per year to organisations delivering a range of services, including mental health support, activities for older people, Shopmobility, advice on debt, benefits and housing, youth provision and core support for voluntary groups across the borough. Portfolio holder for communities, leisure and tourism, councillor David Drew, said: “Test Valley’s fantastic communities make the borough what it is and our local charities and voluntary groups are pivotal to their success. I am therefore delighted that we are able to once again make long term financial commitments to the sector.”

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can’t extend (open at the front) at the hip and the glutes (buttock muscles) can’t fully engage. This results in poor alignment of the pelvis and back pain.

The report recommends that the funding for all the other organisations currently in the programme runs for the next two years, while the council works with the sector to develop a more accessible funding programme in time for the 2024-25 financial year.

Councillor Drew added: “Historically, the funding programme has targeted specific functions. While this worked in the past, our new proposal is to make elements of this funding much more flexible and accessible in order to increase its impact. We look forward to working with organisations in the sector to develop this new model together.”

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COMMUNITY

March Events Dairy Dates Friday 18th March Adrian Brendel to open Stockbridge Musics 2022 season One of the most versatile and original cellists of his generation to open Stockbridge Music’s 2022 season.

Adrian Brendel cello and Charles Owen piano. From 7.30pm at St Peter’s Church, Stockbridge SO20 6HE. This concert is kindly sponsored by Mr & Mrs Guy Boney.

Performing a dynamic and varied programme of music by Bach, Beethoven, Liszt, Kurtag and Fauré, Stockbridge Music is delighted to welcome internationally acclaimed musicians Adrian Brendel and Charles Owen to open its Spring 2022 programme. One of the most versatile and original cellists of his generation, Adrian Brendel has travelled the world as soloist, collaborator and teacher. His early immersion in the core classical repertoire inspired an enduring fascination that has led to encounters with many fine musicians at the world’s most prestigious festivals and concert halls.

Charles Owen enjoys an extensive international career performing a wideranging repertoire to outstanding critical acclaim. Charles is also a Professor of Piano at the Guildhall School, of Music & Drama, London and Guest Professor at RWCMD, Cardiff. He was appointed Steinway & Sons UK Ambassador in 2016 and is also an Ambassador for the Help Musicians Charity. For booking information and to join our mailing list, go to www.stockbridgemusic.uk We look forward to welcoming you!

Tim Lowden, Musical Director Saturday 19th March Stockbridge Cinema From 7.30pm Mothering Sunday (15) On a warm spring day in 1924, house maid and foundling Jane Fairchild (Odessa Young) finds herself alone on Mother's Day. Her employers, Mr. and Mrs. Niven (Colin Firth and Olivia Colman), are out and she has the

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rare chance to spend quality time with her secret lover. Paul (Josh O'Connor) is the boy from the manor house nearby, Jane's long-term love despite the fact that he's engaged to be married to another woman, a childhood friend and daughter of his parents' friends. But events that neither can foresee will change the course of Jane's life forever. Information common to both films: Showing at Stockbridge Town Hall SO20 6HE. Tickets can be purchased online (£6.00 incl £0.50p booking fee per ticket) via www.stockbridgecinema.org.uk or by telephone from TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (£1.80 charge per telephone booking in addition to the online ticket price). Visit our website for more details. Drinks and Ices will be on sale with payment by debit or credit card. Please wear a face covering (unless exempt) when not seated.

lovely programme of mainly sacred music spanning over five hundred years and charting a course through a single day, from the darkness before dawn to sunset.

Composers range from Thomas Tallis to John Rutter.” The concert will take place at the church of St Michael & All Angels, West Andover (Colebrook Way) at 7.30 pm on Saturday 2nd April, a welcome return since the choir last appeared there as The Harmonium Singers in 2017. Proceeds will be donated to the I Can Therapy Centre, the local charity which provides exercise to those with limited mobility using specially adapted power-assisted equipment to move and mobilise muscles and joints. Tickets cost £10 (under-14s admitted free) from The Lights, Newbury Building Society or choir members. Further information: Veronica Bacon - 01264 771285 www.andoverchamberchoir.org.uk

Wednesday 23rd March Stockbridge Cinema From 5.00pm and 7.30pm - The Secret Spitfires (PG). The Secret Spitfires is the remarkable story of how WWII Spitfire fighter aircraft were built in secret right in the heart of Southern England. It tells of how hundreds of girls, boys, women, elderly men and a handful of engineers built the iconic fighter plane the Spitfire, in secret, hidden in sheds, depots, garages, barns and even a hotel. So hidden, Hitler's spies couldn’t find them and have them bombed.

A Q&A session follows each screening with engineer and historian Norman Parker, the central character in the documentary. For booking information see 19th March.

Saturday 2nd April Bexley Phoenix Choir Concert Directed by John MacKenzie Accompanied by ChristineDiggens Back by popular request. Concert starts 7pm at St Mary the Less Church, Village Street, Chilbolton, S020 6BQ Programme will include: Siyahamba, Cavatina, You Are the New Day, Since you Went Away, California Dreamin, With you on My Mind, All The Things You Are, Beach Boys Selection, Nella Fantasia, Rhythm of Life, I Wish I Knew How Come and hear this vibrant young choir from south-east London who are on their concert tour singing in a variety of musical styles from classical and romantic era to folk, gospel and popular contemporary songs. Something for Everyone. www.bexleyphoenixchoir.org.uk Tickets £10.00. Students £5.00.

Schoolchildren Free. Tickets From Chilbolton village shop/ Lesley 01264 860584 or on the door.

Saturday 2nd April Andover Chamber Choir makes first appearance Having celebrated its 50th anniversary with a live-streamed Christmas concert (still available to view on YouTube) The Harmonium Singers started the new year with a new identity – Andover Chamber Choir. Rehearsals are underway for the first concert of 2022 - From Dawn to Dusk – a sequence put together by musical director Andrew Wyndham: “This is a

Friday 25th Feb to Saturday 12th Mar Art Exhibition in Stockbridge The Wykeham Gallery, High Street, Stockbridge, Hampshire: Harry Brioche, Peter Kettle and Jake Winkle.

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Body Barn' on Salisbury Hill in Longstock. We specialise in Achilles Tendon, Ankle Arthritis, Ankle Sprains & Bunions, Hallux TheyInstability, have been in businessFlat for Feet, 10 years and Rigidus, Heel Pain, Ingrown Toenails, Lesser Toes, Morton's Neuroma, prior to coming to Longstock, their kitchen Peroneal Tendons, Sesamoiditis showroom was in East Cholderton.

They design, supply andSites install superb British covered and German made kitchens.

All the kitchen The Hampshire Clinic, Sarum Road Hospital, furniture made to order and there is a wideNuffield range of styles, TheisWinchester Clinic and Wessex Hospital colours and materials to choose from. They also supply sinks, taps, worktops and appliances and brands include Siemens, Neff, Quooker and Aga. Information and booking www.foot-ankle.co.uk Chris’s background is in furniture and design. After graduating appointments@foot-ankle.co.uk from Rycotewood College, Oxfordshire, worked in his family’s Robin Elliot: 01256 he 377685 furniture and softDaniel furnishings business, The Dormy House. He Marsland: 01256 377685 then set off on his own andCalder: carved a020 successful career in designing, James 3195 2430

making and installing his own kitchens and fitted furniture for clients in London and across the south. This in turn lead to the creation of Haydown Kitchens.

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FEATURE

The Macmillan Cape to Cape £1,000,000 Marathon

A

lresford Allsorts Car Club member John Hankin and his neighbour Terry Addison are taking on what could be the very final Cape to Cape event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. John has done 11 of the last 13 events and Terry co-drove on the last event from Cape Trafalgar (SW Spain) to Cape Cornwall (SW Cornwall). The aim of these events is to raise as much money for Macmillan Cancer Care as they can and originally they set out to raise £1M and including the Gift Aid they have achieved this. However, the participants decided that it should be them that raised this awesome sum unaided by the Governments Gift Aid so persuaded Dennis, the organiser, to lay on this (possibly the last) Cape to Cape and appropriately to do it within the confines of the United Kingdom and Ireland, so this year they will cover the only 3 Capes in this country of ours.

Please note that none of the money raised goes in anyway to cover the costs of the organisation of the event, each participant has paid an entry fee to cover those costs and obviously they cover their own expenses for hotels and fuel etc and that all monies raised goes directly to Macmillan Cancer Care.

Previously, the Cape to Cape has been described as the toughest classic car tour in Europe and the forthcoming fifteen-day 3,700mile event will in all probability live up to this nomenclature.

This year they travel from Cape Cornwall (SW Cornwall) to Cape Wrath (NW Scotland) to Cape Clear (SW Ireland) and back to Cape Cornwall via in the main C and D class roads but on occasion forest tracks and maybe a race circuit or similar venue.

They won’t know the route until the day they do it as they have no idea of each day’s route until that day, scary sometimes.

Around forty classic cars (two dating from the 1930’s) will set off from Cape Cornwall on the 23rd of April 2022 on this marathon tour, which will cover all four countries of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The route has been carefully selected to incorporate some of the best scenery each country has to offer, but the competitive nature of this unique event will include a small selection of tests, hill starts and at times a requirement for precise navigation if the

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desired penalty free performance is to be achieved. Over the past sixteen years only a few have finished with a flawless performance, the maximum being three teams in 2007. In 2019, the last event organised there were none.

However, the modus operandi of the Tour is, that whilst enjoying their classic cars along quiet roads, to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Support, and with over £910,000 already raised (excluding Gift Aid) it is anticipated that they will reach the magic £1m mark by the time that the weary competitors return to Cornwall. The participants decided that it should be themselves that raised the £1M rather than have the Gift Aid as part of the amount!

Why do it? Well, when asked, John’s reply was that he was very lucky to own such a car as his 1951 Jaguar XK120 and as both his parents had used Macmillan Cancer Care when they needed cancer support, his wife Jane suggested that it would be a great idea to put the car to some good cause and she would navigate. This she did for several events until 2015, when she too succumbed to this terrible disease, which spurred John on to trying to raise greater funds for Macmillan.

They would like to re-iterate that all participants on this event pay their own entry fees, fuel and hotel bills plus any fines the organisers seem fit to charge for missing a check point or running over their toes on a steep hill start, and so all donations and fundraised monies go directly to Macmillan Cancer Support.

If you would like to make a donation to the event, which will go straight to Macmillan to help people living with cancer, then please donate. And please, if you are able, tick the GIFT AID section as that will add 25% to your donation and it won’t cost you a penny more.

You can donate by using this website and your donation will go directly to Macmillan https://macmillan.org.enthuse.com/pf/ john-terry or if you would prefer to use a Sponsorship Form one can be obtained by giving either John (07778 142974) or Terry (07933 480581) a call. Or you can drop off a DONATION at either Heidi’s Patisserie or Hetre Shoes in West Street, Alresford.

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ANIMALS & PETS

Buddy – The Small Dog With A Big Heart A local Miniature Dachshund and his owner are prize winners after entering a national award celebrating the powerful bond between dogs and their humans.

Buddy and Amber’s story won hearts at nutritious pet food company Vet’s Kitchen from the dozens of entries into their Woof and Well award. The Woof & Well Award was launched

by Vet’s Kitchen in recognition of the contribution dogs have made to our health and wellbeing throughout the pandemic and beyond.

Amber Humm, 18, from Sway, Lymington, has been battling a painful knee condition since she was 8 years old and was due for an operation in October last year. She was terrified but the day before, Amber’s mother surprised her daughter with a Dachshund puppy, Buddy.

Buddy quickly became Amber’s shadow, providing emotional support and a positive distraction through painful days made worse by the pandemic.

Amber says: “My op got cancelled and moved to later in the year. However, it was unsuccessful and I am unfortunately still living in pain. But no matter how rubbish I feel, Buddy gives me a reason to get out of bed. He never leaves my side and makes me laugh every day. We support each other.”

Amber and Buddy, now 18 months old, love to go for forest walks which Amber says always make her feel grateful and gives her time to relax even when struggling with pain.

“We thought it was time to give our dogs recognition for their love and loyalty,” says Laura Shears, MD of Vet’s Kitchen. “Humans and their canine companions have always made for a winning team and more than ever in recent times, we have relied on them for the emotional support we needed. Buddy is a worthy winner, showing us that even the smallest dog can make the biggest difference to a life."

If you would like more information please visit

1 vetskitchen.co.uk D Vets_Kitchen E VetsKitchenPetFood/ Q www.instagram.com/vetskitchen/ 28

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If you need your carpets cleaned and are looking for an award-winning company who will arrive on time, will be courteous, respectful and above all trustworthy -- then you’re invited to take advantage of one of the three extraordinary value, high quality, carpet and upholstery Friendly, Professional; cleaning deals we’re offering reliable andnew tidycustomers this month -- because we want to give Completely safe, gentle you the chance to get to know our service and to find out how cleaning system impressively new, fresh and yourno carpets will look No fumes, nobright mess, bother when cleaned and freshened by The Carpet Careburnt People.

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Test Valley Arts Foundation – The Future When anyone talks about “The Arts” it brings on a number of reactions. Some will mention an Exhibition, perhaps an Opera, maybe even a Play – but some will “switch off” as it can come across as snobby or even elitist. Yet it’s all around us – the TV soap we enjoy, the music that keeps us company or maybe the book or newspaper article that passes the time. Those two words when linked to another -“Culture”- widens into a landscape which often defines who we are. Think I am getting carried away!

going to be nearly thirty years old. It has spent those years supporting individuals, groups, commissioning numerous projects – the list is endless. Many of our activities have been covered by this journal including our Annual Report - our website has much more. https:// testvalleyarts.org/ At the last count we estimated that over half a million pounds has been levered into Test Valley for so many “happenings”, events and projects.

None of this would have been possible without our TRUSTEES. These are local people who volunteer to do everything from attend a Board meeting, to those who like to be “out and about”; they come from all walks of life with a huge variety of knowledge and experience. All are united by a genuine desire to “make things happen”!

More people go to Museums and Galleries that go to football matches – Tourism which is now the UK’s third largest industry contributes enormously to our economy.

We are a very curious species; we always want to know more about a place we visit or what’s behind that human story. So often now the history of a place is bought to life through the performing arts. New technologies are able to transform the way we use all our senses opening up experiences which only a few years ago were impossible.

I now get to the core of this little piece – we are looking for Trustees. We have vacancies but more importantly we think that if the Foundation is to continue to exist fresh minds need to steer it into the future. So, if you are interested or just want to have a chat about how you may be able to contribute to the Cultural life of Test Valley please get in contact at: tvaf21@gmail.com

“The Arts” are about everyone!

Yinnon Ezra MBE Chairman Test Valley Arts Foundation

I have indulged in a little scene setting because I/we need your help. The Test Valley Arts Foundation is soon

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www.testvalleyarts.org

Remortgaging: what are the possible benefits?

Recent research conducted by data insight firm CACI shows that around £39 billion worth of mortgage deals are expected to have matured in January alone, with many predicting 2022 to be the year of the remortgage. With energy bills set to rise again, and the recent Bank of England base rate increase, now could be a sensible time to check your product is working for you.

Although the main reason to remortgage is often to save those all-important pennies, it’s certainly not the only reason why it can be a shrewd move. Why else might remortgaging be right for you?

1. More payment flexibility - your current mortgage may not allow you to make overpayments. If you feel this would be useful, remortgaging to a more flexible product may be advantageous.

2. Better terms - when you took out your mortgage you may recently have become self-employed, had a poor credit score, or perhaps used the government’s self-employment income support scheme (SEISS) during lockdown and found that it affected the terms available to you. You may also find that your current lender isn’t willing to offer you a new product or term extension. If your financial circumstances have improved, remortgaging could get you a mortgage with lower monthly payments or better terms.

3. Accessing equity - if your property has increased in value, or your mortgage has decreased, you can release some of the equity by remortgaging, which you may be able to use to make home improvements such as a loft conversion or extension.

4. Switching to a different rate - if you currently have a variable rate product and are looking for the security that a fixed rate could provide, remortgaging to a new product is something to consider.

On the other hand, you may currently have a fixed rate product and are keen to see whether moving to a variable rate could save you money.

At Newbury Building Society, we pride ourselves on providing a tailored service to fit your unique circumstances. If you’d like to talk to a qualified mortgage adviser about your options, contact us today.

Andover branch: 35 High Street, Andover, SP10 1LJ Call: 01264 361455 Email: andover@newbury.co.uk

Cliff Osborne, Andover Senior Branch Manager.

YOUR MORTGAGE IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Newbury Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 206077). English Law applies and we will communicate with you in English. We are participants of the Financial Ombudsman Service. We have a complaints procedure which we will provide on request. Most complaints that we cannot resolve can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service. 8634

Newbury

Building Society

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