Test Valley Forum - Issue 184 - December 2023

ISSUE 183 DECEMBER 2023

Test Valley

FORUM Life in your Community

ENVIRONMENT FEATURE

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Trust - A Wintery Walk

Christmas Leftovers Turkey Curry

CHRISTMAS FEATURE BY LUCIA FOSTER-FOUND Santa Baby, whatever happened to Father Christmas?

NEWS & EVENTS FOR DECEMBER Find out what's going on in the Test Valley

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

Residential and Commercial Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors Residential and Commercial Estate Agents Residential and Commercial Estate Agentsand andChartered CharteredSurveyors Surveyors

STOCKBRIDGE Business For Sale A very well established independent Bookshop The Bookmark has its own website, mailing list, membership Residential and Commercial Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors of the Booksellers Association Residential and Commercial Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors Residential and Commercial Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors and with potential for growth.

Located in a prime position on the High Street with the benefit of a Lease.

WHERWELL For Sale Two listed properties in the heart of the village (available separately or together).

23 High Street has commercial use on the ground floor and a two bedroom apartment above.

Gardens and parking.

Guide Price £425,000 Adjacent is an investment opportunity known as Pound Tree Cottages and Flats

comprising two semi-detached cottages and two flats (ground floor flat is vacant, the others are let). Courtyard, parking and gardens.

Guide Price £475,000

01264 810400 01264810400 810400 01264

www.myddeltonmajor.co.uk www.myddeltonmajor.co.uk www.myddeltonmajor.co.uk stockbridgeresidential@myddeltonmajor.co.uk stockbridgeresidential@myddeltonmajor.co.uk stockbridgeresidential@myddeltonmajor.co.uk

eOld Police House, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE eOld Old Police House, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE ThTh eTh Police House, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

TEST VALLEY FORUM DECEMBER 2023

CONTENT S 02 Property Management

Buying, selling, letting?

Find local estate agents and property management services

23 Home Continued 26 Environment

16

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust A Wintery Walk

04 December/ January Events

29 Education

Find local schools and educational experts

05 Home

Trades, services,

designers, All you need for your home

08 Wellbeing

Looking after your health and yourself!

12 Garden 12

30 Recipe of the Month

18

Christmas Leftovers Turkey Curry

31 Professional Services Continued

Make your garden dream come true Our regular retail feature, Unique, Bespoke, Eclectic and Local shopping

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

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

Tel: 01962 735137

14 Retail/Business 14

The Team

www.forumpublications.co.uk

26

16 Feature

Santa baby, whatever happened to Father Christmas?

18 Entertainment Discover local events

and days out or in

18 Feature

Christmas crafts and merrymaking to explore across Hampshire

22 Professional Services

From photographers to solicitors every professional service you need

30

The Test Valley Forum contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine. 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, 2023

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EVENTS

December / January Events Andover Choral Society Saturday 2 December From 7.30pm St.Mary's Church, Church Close, Andover, SP10 1DP

The Choral Society will be performing three Choral works with a Christmas theme in St Mary's, Andover. This local choir will be supported by the Westminster Chamber Orchestra, who will perform Corelli's Christmas Concerto, and by professional soloists. Tickets (£15) are available now from Sue Woodley (07709 987531) or from choir members or on the door. The choir always welcomes new members. We rehearse on Wed evenings at 1930 at Rookwood School in Andover. Please see www. andoverchoralsociety.org.uk for details.

Stockbridge Antiques Fair Sat 3 and Sun 4 December From 9am to 4.30pm Stockbridge Town Hall, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

The Fair is held in Stockbridge Town Hall in the centre of the High Street, usually on the first Saturday of the month, this one is Saturday and Sunday with the following fair being on Saturday 6 January. We offer a wide range of Decorative, Interesting and Unusual items including good quality Furniture, Silver, Jewellery, Militaria, Textiles and Books. We will also buy. Free Admission & Free Parking. Open: 9.00am - 4.30pm.

Contacts: Carol - 01264 335769 / 07870 432805 - Steve - 01722 712267 / 07915 663251

Stockbridge Amateur Dramatic Society’s Curtain Calls…

Tuesday 5 December From 7.30pm Stockbridge Town Hall, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

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Come and be entertained by readings and performances from plays, poems and novels - and often songs. You don’t have to be a member of SADS to come along, (but we’d love it if you’d join) We’re always looking for new blood to act, direct and be part of the backstage team. No experience necessary!

Stockbridgeamdrams@gmail.com or find us on Facebook

Andover Chamber Choir returns to St Mary's Church, Andover

Sun 16 December From 7pm St.Mary's Church, Church Close, Andover, SP10 1DP

This year's programme is entitled "The Holly Bears a Berry" and aims to evoke the spirit of a traditional village Christmas. The music includes many popular carols such as 'The Holly and The Ivy', 'Good King Wencelas' and Harold Darkes' beautiful setting of ' In the bleak Midwinter'. Less familiar items such as ' Down in Yon Forest' and ' The Wexford Carol' plus selected readings will transport us back to days gone by. There are carols for the audience and a lively medley in which the audience will have fun seeing how many carols they can recognise! The concert starts at 7pm., tickets are £12 at the door or £10 if purchased in advance from the Lights or Newbury Building Society. There is no charge for under 16s. The ticket includes interval refreshments and profits will be donated to Andover Food Bank.

Christmas with Southern Voices

Saturday 16th December From 7.30pm Chapel of St.Cross, Winchester, SO23 9SD

Every Christmas, Southern Voices look forward to their annual Christmas Concert in the Chapel of St Cross in Winchester. If forms the centre of the choir’s year as audiences old and new join them to celebrate a choral Christmas.

This year it falls on Saturday 16th December at 7.30pm.

As always, the choir will enjoy singing popular carols with the audience and present a wonderful package of Christmas delights.

See the website for more details southernvoices.co.uk including their 40th Anniversary Celebrations kicking off in March 2024.

Tickets: £18 (Concessions £1 age 21 & under). Online at southernvoices. co.uk or telephone 0333 666 3366 (booking fees apply). Or at the door.

Registered Charity 1086868

Stockbridge Cinema Friday 19 January 2024 From 7.30pm Stockbridge Town Hall, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

Good (15) - A National Theatre production filmed live at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London in 2022 in which David Tennant makes a much-anticipated return to the West End in a blistering reimagining of one of Britain’s most powerful political plays. As the world faces its Second World War, John Halder, a good, intelligent German professor, finds himself pulled into a movement with unthinkable consequences. Olivier Awardwinner Dominic Cooke (Follies, The Hollow Crown) directs C.P. Taylor’s timely tale, with a cast that also features Elliot Levey (Coriolanus) and Sharon Small (The Bay). The screening will be followed by a Q&A

session with director Dominic Cooke - For additional details see Wednesday 24th notice.

Stockbridge Cinema Wednesday 24 January 2024 At 3.30pm and 7.30pm Stockbridge Town Hall, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

Oppenheimer (15) - During World War II, Lt. Gen. Leslie Groves Jr. appoints physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer to work on the top-secret Manhattan Project.

Oppenheimer and a team of scientists spend years developing and designing the atomic bomb.

Their work comes to fruition on July 16, 1945, as they witness the world's first nuclear explosion, forever changing the course of history.

Christopher Nolan's epic film stars Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon and Robert Downey Jnr. Information common to both films: Tickets are available online from 1 January (£6.00 incl £0.50p booking fee per ticket) via www. stockbridgecinema.org.uk or by telephone from TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (£2.00 charge per telephone booking in addition to the online ticket price). Please visit our website for full details of our films.

Broughton Amateur Dramatic Group presents Scrooge! The Pantomime Thur 25 to Sat 27 January 2024 From 7.30pm (matinee 2.30pm) Broughton Village Hall, High St, Broughton, SO20 8AX

It’s that time of year again - oh, yes it is! Don’t miss this sparkling, hilarious and musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale. Tickets £10 (under 12s: £5 Saturday matinee). Book online at badg.co.uk or the BADG Box Office at Broughton Village Hall on Sat 6 & Sat 13 Jan, 9.30 - 11am.

If you would like to add your event to our events page then please email: editor@forumpublications.co.uk.

Please note we cannot guarantee publication

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COMMUNITY / WELLBEING Test Valley’s Big Band Buffet strikes the right notes!

“Lovely people, lovely food and lovely music. I spoke to everyone on all the stalls so learned a lot, and everyone was so helpful, thank you.” is how one attendee from Andover described the Big Band Buffet, held at Test Valley School in Stockbridge, which has once again proved to be a major hit with residents. The purpose of the annual event is to support older and vulnerable people in the community to stay safe and well, whist enjoying themselves and reducing the risks of isolation this winter.

Over 115 residents aged 55 and above attended the free event on Saturday 4 November where they listened to music, enjoyed a lunch buffet and heard from agencies including Andover MIND, Hampshire Police, Unity and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) about the support available to them. Some also showed off their dancing skills to music from The Clive Fortune Big Band, who performed some of their best big band classics and jazz standards.

Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Philip Lashbrook, welcomed people to the event, alongside the Mayoress, Cllr Linda Lashbrook.

Cllr Philip Lashbrook said: “The Big Band Buffet was a brilliant event, and a wonderful time was had by all. We heard such positive feedback about the music, food and all the agencies who were there providing support. I’m delighted the Mayoress and I were able to attend and chat to so many of our residents. A big thank you to everyone who helped bring the event together.”

Hampshire Fare Launch - A ‘Cracker of a Christmas’ Hampshire Fare, the county food, drink and craft group, has launched a ‘Cracker of a Christmas’ competition to help encourage shoppers to buy local this Christmas. Every week from 8th November to 13th December, Hampshire Fare will reveal a fabulous local festive treat to be won, donated by one Hampshire Fare’s valued members. Each prize will only be available for a week until the next cracker of a prize is launched.

Natasha Dochniak, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare, says: “The Hampshire Fare team is really excited about our ‘Cracker of a Christmas’ competition. This is a fun competition with a serious purpose. It is a great way of getting people engaged with and excited about the wide range of amazing local food, drink and gifts available.

The prizes are being kept a closely guarded secret, however they really are exceptional including key elements of the Christmas feast, indulgent treats and special experiences.

“We want to encourage people to take part in Hampshire Fare’s competition, but we also want people to consider buying local food, drink and gifts for their seasonal celebrations. Buying local is buying better! Local offers quality, flavour and thoughtfulness.

“At Hampshire Fare we have seen a growing interest in conscious consumerism. People feel more invested in what they are buying when they know the story, the people and the passion behind the local food, drink and gifts they buy. Buying locally is also one of the greenest and most sustainable options, and by shopping local, people are helping to support local businesses which benefits our communities.”

To find out more about shopping local visit www.hampshirefare.co.uk.

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STOCKBRIDGE MUSIC Patron: Professor David Owen Norris MA (Oxon) FSA FRAM FRCO

PRESS RELEASE

Tim Lowden

Paul Wing

PAUL WING takes over the role of Music Director of Stockbridge Music.

“I recognise Stockbridge Music has achieved huge success from the high standard of concerts it has brought to Stockbridge over the past eleven years.

I intend to build on the solid platform given to me and will continue to expand the genres of music as well as establishing an outreach programme in due course, using both the Town Hall and the Church.

Stockbridge Music is at an exciting stage and 2024 will be a very interesting season bringing you a variety of ensembles and soloists.

May I thank all our members for their loyal support and wish you all a very Happy Christmas”.

Paul Wing Music Drector

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WELLBEING

Wishing you a Happy Christmas and New Year!

Don't forget to pop in to buy your Christmas Gift Voucher deals and Christmas raffle tickets!

Call us or book online THE CREATIVE UNISEX HAIR SALON IN STOCKBRIDGE For appointments BOOK ONLINE for a time suitable to you T | 01264 810139 W | thehubstockbridge.co.uk

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What will you be doing this Christmas?

Burning your Christmas cards and erecting a cactus Christmas tree, or sticking with your long-loved traditions?

Either way, I would like to offer you an Osteopathic perspective on this!

And that is to trust your own feeling on this one. What does your body tell you feels good? When you really listen in to those messages, they are rarely wrong. Sending your Christmas cards up in flames will feel upsetting and unsociable to those isolated, on their own or distant from their loved ones.

In our culture many families and friends live far from each other and we have lost the easy connections that close communities and inter-generational living brings. But maybe this year you might change things up a bit with more sustainable hand-made and hand-delivered cards, enjoying a stroll around your neighbourhood at the same time, or will it be e-cards, donations to charity or a phone call? Either way the message in the media is clear; just because it has always been, does it have to continue? Does it still serve its purpose? Or does it feel the right time for a change?

My favourite quote is: ‘if you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you’ve always got’ So I like the idea of continually considering and evaluating the purpose of our habits, our traditions, our routines. When we become aware of our habits, and only then, can we then become aware of what is not serving us anymore, or has even become a burden or stressor. Christmas can be a time of joy, togetherness, creativity, spirituality and peace, but for some it can highlight loneliness, isolation, overwhelm, family separation, grief and depression. Whatever our experience or expectations of Christmas, I want

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to highlight the effect of stress on our body, especially when it is chronic low grade, constant background stress or worry: 1. Increases whole-body inflammation 2. Biggest hormone disruptor • Infertility, irregular periods, early menopause, PMS 3. Wipes out gut microbiome, causes IBS, constipation and diarrhoea 4. Lowers immunity and increases risk of auto-immune conditions 5. Increases risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes 6. Increases insulin resistance leading to obesity 7. Insomnia 8. Mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression And perhaps when we consider the stress burden we are currently coping with and then add the potential extra stress of Christmas, the next point becomes even more valid: 9. The more stress you experience, the more sensitive to new stressors you become Worry, tiredness and lack of sleep also play a huge role in our food choices and our dependence on caffeine and alcohol. Stress, and the hormone cortisol even supresses all our other hormonal pathways. In the run up to Christmas it is worth considering the extra loads you are taking on, whether you need help, connection with others, seek friendship, or need to simplify or prioritise your traditions? If you are in pain, feel anxious or worried, need help with sleep, gentle contact with others or guidance with some restorative movement and exercise, we are here to support you through this time. Please also visit the website for some activities and ideas that you can easily do within your own home to help support you in mind, body and in connections with others.

Happy Christmas to you all my friends, and whatever traditions you choose to keep this year, make it a considered conscious choice, trust your instincts and do what you love (but please don’t kill off your elf!).

Emma Wightman - www.the-sop.com

WELLBEING

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Christmas From

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SILVERSPRINGS SILVERSPRINGS GGAARRDDEENN CCEENNTTRREE

Titchfield Christmas Barn will be running a Craft Fair Until the17th December

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We will be selling Local Hampshire Christmas Trees

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Silversprings Santa Grotto Opening Times 2nd December - 10am to 4pm 3rd December - 10am to 2pm

GGAARRDDEENN CCEE NNT TRREE- 10am to 4pm 16th December

9th December - 10am to 4pm 10th December - 10am to 2pm 15th December - 10am to 4pm

17th December - 10am to 2pm

£14.99 per child includes gift and hot chocolate voucher (£10 under 2's) Slots will be every 15 minutes to avoid queues.

Full non refundable payment required to secure.

Bookable on a first come first served basis Walk-ins welcome if available Sunday 10th December 10am-11am SEN session only Email: office@silverspringsgc.co.uk, Call: 01329 842114 or pop in store to book.

office@silverspringsgc.co.uk @SilverSprings.Garden.Centre www.silverspringsgc.co.uk

Home & Garden Furniture in stock or available to pre-order FREE local delivery

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Breakfast | Brunch | Lunch | Afternoon Tea | Roast Dinners Private hire now available in our fully licensed coffee lounge

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Welcome to Colourama, the one stop shop for tiles and smiles We have relocated from our shop in Sarisbury Green established in 1998 to our NEW home at Silversprings Garden Centre, Titchfield Call: 01489 480001 Email: craig@in2tiles.co.uk

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RETAIL / BUSINESS

The Bookmark - High Street, Stockbridge Six years ago I was standing in Stockbridge High Street and putting up a sign on an empty storefront: COMING NEXT SPRING – A Bookshop for Stockbridge! Watch this space…

It was a longcherished dream of mine to open a bookstore, and the more time my husband and I spent in the Test Valley, the more I became convinced that Stockbridge was the right place at the right time.

Although running a bookshop is a lot of people’s life dream, it is quite a challenge, and a not inconsiderable amount of work - both mental and physical. But if the last five years have shown me anything, it’s that having a hub for conversation and sharing bookish enthusiasms is one of the most rewarding ways of spending time. I love it when people walk in the door and say ‘ah.. it smells like books. Or when they drop in with a smile and mention ‘those books you recommended to me last year were brilliant, what should I be reading now?’

There are so many more possibilities for The Bookmark to branch out and explore: more events, school collaborations, pop-ups, upping our on-line presence – the possibilities which an energetic and enthusiastic person can inherit are significant.

It’s just that retirement beckons. More time to travel, study, or even just stay at home and ‘cultivate the garden’.

So in April 2018, with much anticipation and trepidation, I opened the doors of THE BOOKMARK. I really didn’t know what to expect, but I was soon delighted by the enthusiasm and support of the surrounding communities as they embraced my new venture.

So in short, if you are interested in acquiring a lively and diverting although modest enterprise, do get in touch.

Test Valley Business Awards return in 2024 20th Anniversary

or visit www.tvbawards.org.uk to stay updated - there is much more to come!”

This year boasts an all-new committee composed of various business leaders in Test Valley: • Katie Brooks, Chairman - Director of Bear Behind Ltd, a leading webdesign agency in Andover • Samantha Jankowski, Vice Chairman - an experienced marketeer, with PA, PR and event management experience • Caroline Maitland - Treasurer, an experienced life coach and executive assistant supporting various business leaders across the country • Karen Hamilton, Secretary - Business owner of KH Listening Service, and an accomplished community engagement leader • Dmitrijs Meiksans MYP, Marketing Officer - Director of Demo Consultancies, supporting clients in Andover with web design, branding and social media management • Andrew Bulpitt, Advocate for Sponsors - Finanace Director of Bulpitt Print Ltd, a well-established local printing company in Andover • Rhonda Smith, Advocate for Test Valley Businesses - Owner Director of Minerva Communications, delivering impact for global, European and UK projects and clients across science, research and health

The Test Valley Business Awards return in 2024, marking two decades of recognising and celebrating excellence and innovation within the Test Valley's vibrant business community. It's an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable growth and achievements of businesses in the region whilst looking forward to the boundless possibilities of the future.

This milestone event promises to be the most remarkable yet as we’re excited to announce that for the first time anyone will be able to nominate a business or individual, making this inclusive to all. There are many categories and opportunities to become a sponsor.

Katie Brooks, Chairman of the Test Valley Business Awards, said, “I am very excited for the year ahead, with opportunities for corporate and brand exposure the 2024 Awards are not to be missed. Follow us on social media

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Even in the darkest lockdown days of the pandemic, I’ve always been so glad I made this leap of faith. Opening the doors to the shop opened the door into a community of fascinating people of all ages and persuasions who I would never have met otherwise --and it’s been a joy ever since.

But…..life does have a way of moving on, and I know that now is the time to pass the baton to a passionate, patient book lover.

Contact davidsmith@myddletonmajor.co.uk for more information.

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FEATURE RETAIL

Santa Baby, whatever happened to Father Christmas?

A

© Lucia Foster-Found 2023

box of Christmas crackers in one tanned hand, a tub of Quality Street in the other, she sauntered out of the supermarket. Breaking her self-imposed rule of waiting ‘til December to watch Christmas films, she went home and turned on the TV.

Was this a sub-conscious ploy to get into the festive spirit? Or a general lack of feel-good viewing on the box? Apart from ‘Strictly’, of course. And until ‘I’m A Celebrity’ kicked in - naturally. In any event, snow-laden, small-town, cinematic America had captured her heart.

Deliciously predictable: 1. Guy/girl returns from the bright lights of the big city to the place they’d left years ago.

2. Awaiting them, amongst the over-decorated charm of their home town, is an old flame/new love.

3. Together they work to save the family business/home from bankruptcy/ruin.

There was something so comforting about the constant consumption of cookies and hot chocolate – and the certainty of a happy ending. Either way, overdosing on the Christmas channel had worked! Filled with festive fervour she sat on her sofa and gazed around the room. Mentally she retrieved the decs languishing in the loft. So much better than actually, physically, retrieving them from the loft, with its mouse infestation and cobwebs. And in her mind’s eye she dressed her house for Christmas.

However, in its imaginary seasonal finery, her home looked nothing like the American houses of her beloved films. For one, no snow – drizzle expected.

Also, not enough red ribbon to tie bows around her kitchen cupboards. Nor did she have herds of silver reindeer to artfully arrange on her mantel piece.

No army of wooden nutcracker soldiers would march across her coffee table either. She didn’t think she’d have enough trees, or tree decorations for that matter, to put one in Every. Single. Room. .. And the lights required to twinkle on the house, the hedge, the trees, the shed and, potentially, the dog, would cost her a small fortune in electricity. And thus probably not very environmentally friendly.

“Oh well,” she shrugged and put on a Christmas CD. Looking forward to seeing her old favourite decorations, the accumulations of decades, she turned her attention to the presents. This year, in an attempt to single-handedly stem the tide of consumerism, the grown-ups’ theme was ‘home-made’. The possibilities were endless: chutney, knitted scarves, jam, whittled spoons. Easy.

The challenge, however, was to make a gift someone would really, truthfully, actually want... P’raps not so easy.

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www.luciafosterfound.com

In the background, Eartha Kitt sang of Santa baby in a voice that reminded her of butterscotch and praline. And Eartha’s wish list was a litany of 20th Century excess: a 54 convertible (gas guzzling planet killer), a ring (hopefully not set with a conflict diamond) and as for the sable under the tree – for years she thought Eartha wanted a stable – and presumably some horses… Ms Kitt had been an awful good girl after all. Different times.

Well, she didn’t want any of those things. Just everyone well enough to be together, some festive cheer and some good games. But this year, she mused, who knew what Santa would bring? There! Shock, horror – she’d caught herself using the ‘S’ word. Whatever happened to Father Christmas?

Everywhere was Santa. Raymond Briggs would be turning in his grave.

The world was lately a place of instant gratification and convenience; with half the syllables, ‘Santa’ was a sound bite, whilst ‘Father Christmas’ was more of a verbal commitment. Was that it? Or maybe the influence from our colonial cousins? Halloween had galloped across the pond like a rampaging headless horseman with a posse of possessed pumpkins. And the Christmason-steroids of her current viewing of choice was littered with Santas - and something called ‘The Holidays’.

Leaving that conundrum aside, she turned to the interweb for some homemade inspiration. There. Good old Good Housekeeping to the rescue; espresso martini liqueur – and she’d decorate the bottles with ‘Love from Father Christmas’ and a few snowflakes. There was that box of glass paints in the garage. Sorted.

Come Christmas day, her family were delighted with her home-made gift.

“Who does not love an espresso martini?” they cried in unison. “And the little bottles – so sweet! Oh look – it says ‘love from Santa’ – cute.”

Yes, dear Reader. Santa.. so conveniently short.

P.S. Dear Father Christmas..

So sorry. Next year; bigger bottles.

RETAIL

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COMMUNITY

Christmas Crafts and Merrymaking to Explore across Hampshire There’s festive fun for the whole family this Christmas at Hampshire Cultural Trust’s museums, galleries and art centres Christmas festivities at the Allen Gallery, Alton Make-and-take: Seasonal pottery sessions – Tuesday 19 December, 10:30am-11:15am and 11:30am-12:15pm. £5. Suitable for ages 3+, children must be accompanied. Pre-booking required.

Christmas film: It’s a Wonderful Life Saturday 16 December, 6:30pm. Join us at the Allen Gallery Cafe for a drink from 6.30pm before the screening of the Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life at 7pm. £7.50. Film rated U. Christmas crafts at Andover Museum and Museum of the Iron Age, Andover Christmas craft maker's fair – Saturday 18 November, 10am-4pm.

Free. Admission charges apply for visiting the Iron Age Museum only.

Suitable for ages 3+, children must be accompanied. Pre-booking not required.

The Time Traveller's Christmas family trail – Friday 15 to Sunday 31 December, during museum opening times. Events are included with admission charge to Museum of the Iron Age, donations welcome. Suitable for ages 5+, children must be accompanied. Pre-booking not required.

Family festive crafts – Thursday 21 and Thursday 28 December, 11am3pm. £3 per child. Suitable for ages 3+, children must be accompanied.

Pre-booking not required.

Father Christmas' Grotto experience at Westgate Museum, Winchester Saturday 9 to Sunday 10 December and Saturday 16 to Sunday 17 December, see website for times. Father Christmas will be dropping down the chimney at the Westgate Museum again this year. Find out if you made it on to the good list and receive a gift from the man himself. Then head down to City Museum to get stuck into a Christmas craft and trail! Finally, treat yourself to a hot chocolate to go, a Christmas day out, complete with all the trimmings! £15 per child, accompanying adults £4. Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied. Pre-booking required.

A crafty Christmas at The Arc, Winchester DIY reindeer ears – Tuesday 19 December and Thursday 21 December 10am-11am and 2pm-3pm. Our DIY reindeer ears workshop is the perfect way to celebrate the joyous season and let imaginations run wild.

We will guide children through this one-hour workshop as they design and assemble their very own set of adorable reindeer ears. £6 per child, accompanying adults free. Refreshments available from Café at The Arc before and after the session. Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied. Pre-booking required.

Make your own pom-pom Santa – Monday 18 December and Wednesday 20 December, 10am-11am and 2pm-3pm.

Join us for a delightful holiday workshop where your child can create their very own cuddly pom-pom Santa. £8 per child, accompanying adults free.

Refreshments available from Café at The Arc before and after the session.

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Suitable for ages 6+, children must be accompanied. Pre-booking required.

Make your own lolly stick gingerbread house decoration – Wednesday 20 December and Friday 22 December, 10am-11:30am 2pm-3:30pm. £8 per child, accompanying adults free. Refreshments available from Café at The Arc before and after the session. Suitable for ages 6+, children must be accompanied. Pre-booking required.

DIY snowman bowling craft and games – Thursday 21 and Friday 22 December, 2pm-3:30pm. £8 per child, accompanying adults free. Refreshments available from Café at The Arc before and after the session. Suitable for ages 6+, children must be accompanied. Pre-booking required.

Arc After Dark: Chocolate baubles with Chocolate Craft – Friday 1 December, 7pm. For an extra special evening, arrive early to visit the gallery and get a refreshment from the bar before embracing the delicious world of Chocolate Craft. £48/£55 couple’s ticket. Adults only. Pre-booking required.

Creative Christmas at Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham Exploring pottery - Christmas special – Thursday 16 November, 10am12:30pm. This pottery workshop is designed to be a fun and engaging introduction to pottery techniques including wheel pottery. You will each learn to throw a pot on the wheel and hand build something out of clay. £35, £31.50 concession. Suitable for ages 16+. Pre-booking required.

Festive wreath workshop – Wednesday 29 November, 7pm-9pm, Saturday 2 December,2pm-4pm and Wednesday 6 December, 7pm-9pm.

Come and make a fabulous festive door wreath that you and your visitors can admire the whole of the Christmas Season. £45 or £40.50 concessions. Suitable for ages 16 and over.

Festive make-and-take – Saturday 2 December, 10am-12pm.

Come along to our new monthly family session. You get all the fun, and we get all the mess! Explore various materials, activities, colouring and make creative objects at our craft tables. What will you create with your imagination…the possibilities are endless! £3 per child. Suitable for ages 3+, children must be accompanied. Pre-booking not required.

A Christmas Carol – Saturday 2 December, 7:30pm.

The award-winning Dyad Productions, (A Room of One’s Own, I, Elizabeth, Austen’s Women, Female Gothic) who have toured their sell-out festive show Christmas Gothic since 2015, now bring their magic to Dickens’ classic and perennially relevant ghost story. £15 full price, £12 concession. Children must be accompanied. Pre-booking not required.

The Nosy Little Troll – Tuesday 19 December, 2pm.

An interactive, funny and magical show for family audiences from 3 – 8 years. A warm-hearted funny Scandinavian story, starring a tasty brown cheese song, a lost goat and a bushy old troll with green fingers. Garlic Theatre hold their young audience spellbound with wonderfully crafted troll puppets, live music and lots of joining in. £9 full price, £32 family of four. Suitable for 3-8 years, children must be accompanied. Pre-booking required.

Magic show and workshop Winchester City Museum, Winchester Thursday 28 December, 10:30am-11am, 12pm-12:30pm and 2pm-2:20pm.

Back by popular demand, Tony Charles will return to Winchester City Museum for another show! Whether you're in need of a touch of magic or you are an aspiring magician, this performance promises to be fun for all! Each show will be followed up by a magic workshop, where you can learn how to perform some of the amazing tricks you have just seen. Included in the price of admission. Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied. Pre-booking not required.

For more information on these Christmas events and more visit Hampshire Cultural Trust : www.hampshireculture.org.uk/christmas

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ENTERTAINMENT

Southampton Philharmonic Choir

VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

Known for its dedication to producing high-quality choral performances, Southampton Philharmonic Choir, together with Southampton University Philharmonic Choir (SU Phil), brings a captivating concert to the O2 Guildhall Southampton this December.

A SEA SYMPHONY TOWARD THE UNKNOWN REGION

Vaughan Williams completed A Sea Symphony in 1909, setting humanistic texts by Walt Whitman, including lines from Leaves of Grass, to music. It is a symphony for orchestra and chorus that weaves a rich tapestry of sound, with the orchestra and chorus creating dynamic waves of music that rise and fall like the tides. It is dramatic yet lyrical, and stands as a monumental achievement in his oeuvre. The piece is a grand, powerful journey into the depths of the ocean, echoing the might and majesty of the ocean, and taking the audience on a profound, immersive, musical journey into the heart of nature itself.

In contrast, Towards the Unknown Region is a shorter choral work composed in 1907; Vaughan Williams’ setting of another poem from Whitman’s Leaves of Grass. As a companion piece to The Sea Symphony, this composition takes the listener on a different kind of journey – one that explores the unknown regions of the human spirit. It is hauntingly beautiful, delving into themes of transcendence and the eternal. Performing with the Choir for the second time is the Docklands Sinfonia, a ‘diverse, dynamic and versatile symphony orchestra’. To open the concert, they will perform Carl Nielsen's Helios Overture, composed in 1903 as a musical tribute to our life-giver: the Sun. This orchestral masterpiece explores light and darkness exquisitely to mirror the Sun's daily journey across the sky.

Together, the three works form a fascinating ensemble; each part complementing the other two, in a performance that seeks to enchant and refresh in the run-up to Christmas.

Tickets are on sale now and available online from O2 Guildhall Southampton www.O2guildhallsouthampton.co.uk

MON 6 MON FEB TO15SAT 11 FEB @ 7.30PM, 11 FEB ALSO @ 2.30PM - SAT 20 JAN 2024 @SAT 7.30PM

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Hot Composting: How to Make Compost in Less Time WARNER AND RICHARDSON LLP ARE INDEPENDENT SOLICITORS LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC CITY OF WINCHESTER. WE HAVE A STRONG, LONG STANDING REPUTATION FOR PERSONAL SERVICE AND HIGH QUALITY LEGAL ADVICE. The term "hot composting" refers to a method in which microbial activity within the compost pile is optimized, resulting in finished compost in a much shorter period of time. It requires some special equipment, as well as time and diligence. But if you are determined to have compost ready in time to start a new garden bed or for topdressing, hot composting may be worth trying.

Hot Composting Basics The size of your compost bin or pile is very important when it comes to hot composting. Too small and the pile won't heat up sufficiently. A good size for a pile or bin for hot composting is at least four feet wide by four feet high. In general, bigger is better, but four feet by four feet is a manageable size for most gardeners. The pile should be placed in full sun, if possible––shade will cool the pile down a bit and slow the process. You can just heap the materials up, or use a simple wire fence bin. Of course, if you're construction-minded, you can also build a nice, large hot compost bin out of wood or shipping pallets.

Items that can be Hot Composted It's best to have all of your materials on hand when you build the hot compost pile. Usually, we add organic matter to the pile as we accumulate it, but with hot composting, the whole point is to get the pile to heat up. For this, we need a large amount of organic matter, with the right carbon to nitrogen ratio, right from the start. The carbon to nitrogen ratio is essential in getting the microbial activity going in high gear and heating up the pile. Ideally, your pile should be 25 parts carbon to one part nitrogen. Here are some suggestions for carbon-rich and nitrogen-rich compost ingredients: Carbon-Rich Ingredients Straw, Dry corn stalks, Shredded paper, Small twigs, Dry fall leaves Nitrogen-Rich Ingredients Grass clippings, Fruit and vegetable scraps, Weeds that haven't gone to seed, Deadheads/trimmings from garden plants, Coffee grounds and tea bags, Farm animal manures, rabbit manure No matter what you use, it is essential to chop it finely so it breaks down as quickly as possible. Often, the easiest way to do this is to run a lawnmower over the ingredients a few times. If possible, add a few shovelfuls of finished compost as an "activator." (Commercial activators are unnecessary. Compost happens.) Mix the ingredients together, water it so the ingredients are evenly moist, and let it sit.

Layering is not necessary and often makes the process take longer.

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ENVIRONMENT

A Wintery Walk A s the weather grows colder, it’s easy to heed the call of the sofa cushions. But if you do venture out on a chilly day, our chalk streams are lovely places for a stroll. Even in the wintertime, these precious habitats are brimming with life and colour. For those places that have a winterbourne, regular rain could see their stream return to the landscape after months of hiding below the ground.

Take a walk in the early morning for the chance to catch a veil of mist lifting from the stream’s surface – a magical effect caused by water rising from the chalk aquifer and meeting the frigid air. This is the ideal time of day to see and hear birds like wrens, robins, goldcrests, and kingfishers. You might even glimpse bats darting by, heading home after a night of hunting insects.

Winter is also the perfect season to spot brown trout and Atlantic salmon engaging in their courtship rituals. If you’re lucky, you could witness males getting into tiffs over potential partners.

No fish in sight? Look for patches of paler gravel on the stream bed; these

26

might be freshly made nests, or ‘redds’.

These nests are easily disturbed, so check the area if your dog is going for a paddle.

Along the water’s edge, you may see clumps of watercress and water crowfoot. While they flower in the springtime, these plants give shelter to small fish during the colder months. Up on the stream banks, you might find the dry remains of umbellifers like hogweed and cow parsley. Though past their best for beauty, these plants have hollow stems that make great hibernation spaces for insects.

If the ground is wet or frosty, study it for signs of animals passing through. You might be surprised by what you find, from the cloven-hooved tracks of deer to the star-shaped prints of water voles. Get to know your local wildlife – the number of toes, length of stride, and pattern of movement are all key. Fox tracks, for instance, look similar to those of dogs but tend to be in a straighter line.

The Watercress and Winterbournes scheme stays busy over the winter months - our intrepid volunteers are out surveying fish redds and monitoring riverflies. For

a good excuse to visit charming places at their most peaceful, become a volunteer by visiting www.hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes.

Our work is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Free Online Talks ‘Chalk Stream Moths and Butterflies’ 5th December, 7pm Ashley Whitlock from Butterfly Conservation details the amazing lives of the moths and butterflies that frequent chalk streams, and their immense value to those ecosystems.

‘Photography for Chalk Stream Conservation’ 11th January, 7pm Award-winning photographer Paul Colley shares his chalk stream images, explains the techniques behind them, and explores how they are used in chalk stream conservation.

Book your tickets at hiwwt.org.uk/ winterbournes.

Photograph - Fox © Danny Green

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COMMUNITY

Cinderella at The Theatre Royal, Winchester

Theatre Royal Winchester is looking forward to the opening night of this year’s traditional family pantomime, Cinderella, which opens in one week on Thursday 30 November 2023 and runs until Monday 01 January 2024.

The pantomime’s cast and support cast are now in rehearsals, busy learning lines, songs and dance routines; and two of the cast – Julian Eardley and Ed Thorpe, who this year play Fairy Kind-heart and Buttons – attended Winchester’s Christmas Lights Switch On last week to warm up the crowd before the High Street was bathed in glittering lights.

The pantomime is produced by Play to the Crowd, the arts and education charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers, and comes from the same creative team behind last year’s record-breaking Wizard of Oz, the enchanting Beauty and the Beast and the heartwarming Dick Whittington – the award-nominated pairing of writer, director and lyricist James Barry, with music by Simon Slater.

Accessible performances are available, as well as the option of live streaming the pantomime at home and more information is available via the Cinderella show pages on the theatre’s website. For best prices and ticket availability, audiences are encouraged to look at performances early in the run.

This year’s pantomime is supported by Play to the Crowd’s Corporate Partner, regional law firm, Paris Smith.

The theatre’s stage has once again been painted especially for the show and the pantomime’s set is being constructed; while finishing touches are being made to the costumes. The theatre’s front of house team has also decorated a number of Christmas trees to make sure the foyer areas look

Cinderella will be at Theatre Royal Winchester from Thursday 30 November to Monday 01 January 2024 at various times. For more information or to book tickets visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.

Steam Illuminations at The Watercress Line

Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre

An incredible light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns. This makes the steam train look magical both inside and out. On selected dates choose from a journey filled with big Christmas hits that get you jigging about to the festival spirit (‘Christmas Chart Crackers’); or join a musical journey from the 1960s to present day of dance floor singalong anthems (‘Pop Anthems Journey’). Both journeys are filled with interactive sound to light fun for friends, family groups, couples and corporate gatherings all while hosted by the legendary ‘Voiceover Man’ (as heard on Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor).

Santa is back in the Planetarium for Cosmic Christmas! Blast off on a live-action immersive festive space adventure for the whole family before meeting the man himself and getting a special Christmas gift.

Trains depart from either Alresford or Alton and complete a round trip, back to the starting station. The journey lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, so please allow 2 hours for your trip. For more information and booking visit: www.watercressline.co.uk

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extra festive for the season ahead. Cinderella tells the story of a servant girl whose Fairy Godmother transforms her into a beautiful princess to go to the ball to meet the handsome Prince. But when the clock strikes 12 she must flee, leaving the Prince to search his kingdom for her – with only the help of her glass slipper! It is suitable for families and is filled with corny jokes, original songs, live music and plenty of audience participation.

Your Cosmic Christmas experience includes: ∙ An immersive theatrical performance filled with live science, magical effects and a Planetarium adventure (there will be audience participation which may be loud and the show will use immersive elements) ∙ A meet and greet with Santa and a chance to take photos ∙ A Christmas gift (for all children who have a regular or annual membership ticket - babies in arms are free but will not receive a gift unless a ticket is purchased for them) Tickets: Adult - £9.25, Child - £14.25. Entry to the Science Centre will also need to be purchased. Available from: www.winchestersciencecentre.org

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Christmas Leftovers - Turkey Curry

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INGREDIENTS

METHOD

1 TABLESPOON OLIVE OIL 1 MEDIUM ONION FINELY CHOPPED 1 RED PEPPER FINELY CHOPPED 1 GREEN PEPPER FINELY CHOPPED 1 TEASPOON CHILLI FLAKES 3 CLOVES GARLIC CRUSHED OR GRATED 3 CM ROOT GINGER GRATED 3 TEASPOONS GARAM MASALA 2 TEASPOONS TURMERIC OPTIONAL 500G LEFTOVER COOKED TURKEY SHREDDED OR CUBED (LEFTOVER CHICKEN CAN BE USED IF PREFERRED) 350 ML PASSATA (OR CHOPPED TINNED TOMATOES) 200 ML COCONUT MILK SALT AND PEPPER AND FRESHLY CHOPPED CORIANDER TO TASTE

PLACE THE OIL, ONIONS AND PEPPERS IN A WIDE, DEEP PAN AND COOK OVER A GENTLE HEAT (LID ON) FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES, OR UNTIL SOFTENED BUT NOT BROWN. ADD THE CHILLI, GARLIC, GINGER, GARAM MASALA AND TURMERIC AND FRY GENTLY FOR 2 MORE MINUTES (ADD A VERY SMALL SPLASH OF WATER FROM THE KETTLE IF IT GETS TO DRY).

ADD THE TURKEY, PASSATA, COCONUT MILK, SALT AND PEPPER AND BRING TO THE BOIL. TURN DOWN LOW AND SIMMER FOR 10 MINUTES UNTIL THE SAUCE HAS THICKENED SLIGHTLY AND THE TURKEY IS PIPING HOT ALL THE WAY THROUGH. SERVE WITH PILAU RICE AND/OR NAANS AND ALL YOUR FAVOURITE ACCOMPANIMENTS

10 tips to help improve your credit score If you’re thinking about moving house, buying your first home, or simply boosting your overall financial health, it’s a good idea to consider your credit score and make improvements where possible.

Improving your credit score is often not a quick fix - it’s an ongoing process. Some of the tips included in this article are more effective if they are actioned in good time ahead of applying for a mortgage, so make sure you do the necessary groundwork in good time.

Mortgage lenders check your credit score to see if you’re likely to be able to make your repayments. They do this to try and predict your future behaviour, and decide whether you will be a ‘good’ customer. If your credit score is weaker than you’d like, your application may be declined.

Check your credit file - get copies of your credit file from all three credit reference agencies — Equifax, Experian and Callcredit. You can do this for free (but be aware of free trial periods that will charge you after the deal has expired). If you think anything on your file is wrong, you can ask the agency to correct it. You can then add a notice of correction to your file explaining why it’s unfair or how the circumstances arose. If the agency won’t help you, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman.

Do not miss payments - make sure you set up direct debits for payments and make at least the minimum repayment on credit or store cards so you never miss them. It’s even better to repay more than the minimum payments, so make manual repayments on top when you can/if you are allowed to do this.

Ensure your account addresses match - check your address is up to date on all your active accounts (even if you no longer use them).

Never withdraw cash on a credit card - this will be specifically noted. It is frowned upon by lenders as it is an expensive way to access cash and a sign that you might be desperate for money or living outside your budget.

Keep credit applications to a minimum during the months before your mortgage application. Applications, whether successful or not, are recorded on your file, so avoid applying for anything that adds a footprint (including things like car finance and mobile phone contracts).

Make sure you’re on the Electoral Roll - you can check online to see whether you are already registered to vote and rectify the situation if you’re not. For anyone ineligible, mainly foreign

Newbury

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nationals, you can add a note to your credit file explaining that you have other proof of address or residency.

Break with past relationships - if you’ve separated from someone, ensure you financially unlink too. If you have had joint finances with someone in the past (including joint billing for a property share with friends) write to the credit reference agencies and ask for a notice of disassociation.

Cancel unused credit cards - access to too much available credit, even if it isn’t used, can be a warning sign for lenders. If you have a range of unused credit cards and lots of available credit, it is a good idea to cancel the ones you don’t need.

Saving regularly – use savings to pay off debts if you have them.

Lenders like to see regular debts being cleared, this is particularly relevant if you’re applying for a mortgage.

Avoid payday loans - not just because their rates of interest are often dreadful, but because some lenders will reject anyone who has a payday loan, which can indicate financial problems.

To book a mortgage appointment, scan the QR code, or call or email using the details below.

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

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.

Mostcomplaints that we cannot resolve can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service. 9861

CREDIT REPORT

wishes the community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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