Test Valley Forum - Issue 185 - February 2024

ISSUE 185 FEBRUARY 2024

Test Valley

FORUM Life in your Community

ENVIRONMENT FEATURE

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Trust - Get Poetic

Venison Casserole with Brown Ale

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

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

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

STOCKBRIDGE

NETHER WALLOP RE FOAL S

RE FOAL S

Guide Price £895,000

Guide Price £825,000

An attractive period house with character and charm within easy reach of Stockbridge High Street.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Dining Room, Drawing Room, Study, Garden Room, 5 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Garage, Parking for 3 Cars, South Facing Gardens and Terrace.

Detached Listed farmhouse with extensive garden amounting to approximately 0.85 acre.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Family Room, Sitting Room, 4 Bedrooms, Bathroom. Detached Annexe with Sitting Room/Office, Bedroom & Ensuite. Ample Parking. Paddock Available.

OVER WALLOP

NETHER WALLOP RE FOAL S

RE FOAL S

Guide Price £875,000

Guide Price £1,200,000

Situated on the edge of a premium development in the heart of Over Wallop, enjoying countryside views and close to amenities.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Dining Room, Drawing Room, Study, Garden Room, 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Double Garage, Parking for 2 Cars, South Facing Gardens and Terrace.

A most attractive and generously proportioned detached village house with plenty of natural light and adjoining countryside.

Kitchen with Aga, Breakfast/Sitting Room, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Study, Main Bedroom with Ensuite, 3 Further Bedrooms,Terrace, Large Garden, Double Garage.

TEST VALLEY FORUM FEBRUARY 2024

CONTENT S 02 Property Management

Buying, selling, letting?

Find local estate agents and property management services

24 Test Valley Borough Council News

14

30 Feature

The Hospital of St. Cross - Almshouse of Noble Poverty

04 February Events

31 Professional Services Continued

05 Home

Trades, services,

designers, All you need for your home

32 Education

08 Wellbeing

Find local schools and educational experts

18

Looking after your health and yourself!

11 Professional Services

and days out or in

14 Recipe of the Month

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

From photographers to solicitors every professional service you need

13 Entertainment Discover local events

The Team

New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QE

Tel: 01962 735137

www.forumpublications.co.uk

22

Venison Casserole with Brown Ale

15 Retail 15

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

18 Feature

App-iness Is... written

by Lucia Foster-Found

19

Home continued

22 Environment Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust Get Poetic

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, 2024

3

EVENTS

February Events Half Term Actvity Camp Mon 12 to Fri 16 February Enquire for times Mountbatten School, Whitenap Lane, Romsey, SO51 5SY

Join us for an exciting fun filled week with a range of activities to keep your children entertained.

Spaces are limited so book early to guarantee your child's place. Based at Mountbatten School, Romsey. www.personalbesteducation.com Only £25 per day or 10% off if you book for the whole week. https://personalbesteducation.com/ juniors/holiday-

Swish Fashion Upcycling Workshop Tue 13 February From 11am to 12.30pm Meadow Stockbridge, 9 High St, Stockbridge, SO20 6EX

Join teen author of The Swish, Tash Bell, for a Fashion Upcycling Workshop. Bring along a preloved T-shirt or top from home, and let Tash show you easy upcycling hacks and sewing tricks to transform it into something ‘new’ and unique to you!

This is a fun, sustainable fashion workshop for kids and teens; Tash is an inspiring teacher with the knowhow to springboard your creativity in an environmentally friendly way.

11am-12.30pm. Perfect for ages 10 -16yrs. £25 (ticket price includes a copy of Tash’s teen novel, The Swish) Meadow Stockbridge 9 High St, Stockbridge

Valentine's Day Crafts Andover Museum Wed 14 February From 10.30am to 3.30pm Andover Museum, Andover, 6 Church Close, Andover, SP10 1DP

Create a unique card and some paper flowers for your loved ones at Andover Museum this Valentine's Day. Price: £3 per child. For more details visit the Hampshire Cultural Trust website.

4

Valentine's Afternnon Tea at Kimbridge Barn

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

Wed 14 February

Friday 1st March, 7.30pm

From 2pm - 5pm

St Peter’s Church, Stockbridge SO20 6HE

Kimbridge Barn, Kimbridge, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0LE

Love is sweeter when shared, and we’ve crafted the perfect experience for you and your special someone.

Join us for Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea. Treat your taste buds to a delightful journey through our specially curated menu for £24.95 per person or £29.95 with a glass of pink bubbly. You’ll be treated to a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, as well as some delectable savoury delights, indulgent romance-inspired cakes and of course some delicious freshly baked scones. All served with your choice of loose-leaf tea by Char or Mozzo Americano coffee.

Stockbridge Cinema Past Lives (12A)

David Hill - Organ Crispian Steele-Perkins - Trumpet

“The Trumpet Shall Sound” Tickets £20 (U18s £5) from stockbridgemusic.uk, on the door or from Romsey Visitor Information Centre, 13 Church St, Romsey SO51 8BT Or scan:

This concert is kindly sponsored by a member

English and Korean with subtitles].

Information common to both films: Showing at. Tickets are available online from 1 February(£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.

Stockbridge Cinema The Old Oak (15) Fri 16 February

Wed 21 February

From 5pm to 7.30pm

From 4.45pm to 7.30pm

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

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

Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrested apart after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Two decades later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of destiny, and the choices that make a life, in this heartrending modern romance. The film received five Golden Globe nominations in 2024 including Best Director, Screenplay, and Drama. [In

Directed by Ken Loach, this is the story of a village in the Northeast of England, where the mine has closed, and people feel deserted by the system. Many young ones have left and what was once a thriving, proud community struggles to keep old values alive. But there is growing anger, resentment, and a lack of hope. Houses are cheap and available which makes it an ideal location for the Syrian refugees that have been

accepted into the country in recent years. How will they be received and what will be the future for the last remaining pub in the village?For more details see Fri 16th Feb.

Future Andover Sat 17 to Sun 18 February From 10am to 4pm Andover Museum, 6 Church Cl, Andover SP10 1DP

Communal Lego Build: Build your own futuristic town! Free Admission For more details visit the Hampshire Cultural Trust website

SADS- Coffee & Cakes Return to Ravensbruck by Miriam Coley Sat 24 February From 7.30pm Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

Sisterhood, Loss and Survival A rehearsed reading - For more information see our article on page 10 of this magazine www.stockbridgeamdrams.org.uk

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Whether you want to just change your doors, or change everything you can see on the face, we can utilise your existing units, and change all the trims and panels, just like in the photos above, yes that really was a makeover, with a couple of small changes.

Call us today for a free of charge home visit.

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

WELLBEING

Did you know that February is the ancient month of purification?

It seems quite fitting that after a few days (or weeks in my case!) of enjoying an abundance of delicious food and a shift in the usual routines, that February is the ancient month of having a good clean up and clear out for the body!

However, the term ‘detox’ has become an overused and often inaccurate term in the wellness industry. Its popularity has led to the marketing of products and programs promising quick fixes and often oversimplifying complex physiological processes. So I’m here to set the record straight! The complex process of detoxification and elimination is carried out by the liver, kidneys, digestive tract, lymphatic system, respiratory system, and skin. And here are some easy ways to make healthy choices in supporting your body’s clean up systems: 1. Hydration Water aids in flushing out toxins through urine, sweat, and breath. Ensuring an adequate intake of water helps maintain the function of the kidneys, skin and bowel. Green tea and electrolyte-rich fluids such as bone broth contribute to hydration and enhance the elimination of waste products. Try making a bone broth after your next Sunday roast.

2. Nutrient-Rich Food and Time off Eating Antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits, cruciferous vegetables, herbs and spices help neutralise free radicals, and support the liver by increasing glutathione production, an important antioxidant for reducing oxidative stress. Aim for 30 a week.

Additionally, fibre-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, berries, beans, lentils and barley support regular bowel movements. Avoiding constipation is vital to prevent the reabsorption of toxins from the stool.

Following a time restricted eating pattern on some days will help your body’s natural cleaning autophagy processes. This means limiting your eating to a 10 hour window during the day to allow your digestive system a 14 hour break from food. This break from food helps boost your gut microbes and allows the good bacteria to get to work on cleaning up the lining of the gut. Can you delay breakfast or have an early supper 1 or 2 days a week?

3. Sweat It Out: Exercise and Sauna Therapy Regular physical activity stimulates the lymphatic system. Exercise increases blood circulation, and combining cardio and weight training appears to raise glutathione more than one type of exercise alone. Sauna therapy induces sweating, facilitating the removal of toxins through the skin. Aim for 19 minutes in the sauna to maximise the benefits.

4. Quality Sleep: Repair and restore Sleep is when our body repairs, heals and restores itself. This is especially important in the brain, because deep sleep triggers the brain's waste removal system, the glymphatic drainage system, to clear away toxins that can lead to neurodegenerative diseases. Aim for 8 hours sleep a night.

5. Mind-Body Practices: Stress Reduction Chronic stress creates a low-grade whole-body inflammatory response and can deplete the immune system which impairs the body's ability to eliminate toxins efficiently. Mind-body practices such as walking in nature, deep breathing exercises, and yoga have been shown to reduce stress levels.

If you’ve overdone it at Christmas, or feel in need of a fresh start to 2024, these 5 powerful steps will help your body clean up itself without the need for expensive supplements, extreme diet plans or intensive fitness regimes.

If you like this approach to health, why not find out more on the next 6 week Womo Women’s Health course, beginning February 19th? It could be the healthiest and easiest choice you make to kick start your new year! Visit the website for more info and booking.

Emma Wightman - www.the-sop.com

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STOCKBRIDGE OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE

Emma Wightman and Associates Specialising in women’s health, sports and paediatrics. A gentle hands-on approach for newborns, through to adulthood and in pregnancy

Also Massage Therapy Pilates, 1 to 1 and small group Acupuncture Nutrition Online Bookings available via the website

01264 810028 www.the-SOP.com reception@the-SOP.com STOCKBRIDGE OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE - HIGH STREET, STOCKBRIDGE, SO20 6HF

WELLBEING

AWARD WINNING

8

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Book now

Ca ll

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river.de . w

dentistry

0126 4 810

kingfisher@river.dental River Dental, 1 Clarendon Terrace, High St, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6EY

In our curtained corner of the salon, Catherine, our new beauty therapist who trained at Champneys International College of Health & Beauty offers some beauty treatments that complement the salons ethos of the total culture of beauty using La Biosthétique hair and skin care products.

Call the salon to enquire what packages are available for your Valentine…

THE HUB IN STOCKBRIDGE For appointments BOOK ONLINE for a time suitable to you T | 01264 810139 W | thehubstockbridge.co.uk

EQ THE HUB, OLD LONDON ROAD, STOCKBRIDGE, HAMPSHIRE, SO20 6EJ

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COMMUNITY / WELLBEING SADS Plan a Busy 2024 Stockbridge Amateur Dramatic Society has planned what may be our busiest year ever in 2024: a rehearsed reading, three full productions, and monthly curtain call meetings.

The first event, on 24th February in the Town Hall, is a rehearsed reading of Coffee and Cakes: Return to Ravensbruck a new play by Miriam Coley directed by John Baxter. Tickets will be on sale from the 4th Feb from our web site www.stockbridgeamdrams.org.uk Written for five actors who multi-role, the play examines women’s experience in the Holocaust. It's set in Ravensbruck, a concentration camp for women.

COFFEE & CAKES

RETURN TO RAVENSBRUCK

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SISTERHOOD, LOSS AND SURVIVAL

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A REHEARSED READING SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2024 STOCKBRIDGE TOWN HALL 7.30PM FOR TICKETS VISIT: www.stockbridgeamdrams.org.uk OR CALL 01264 513 676

SADS

Themes of oppression, imprisonment, and survival are all explored in the text as are those of remembrance, love, family, and community. Marta, the youngest character, is the thread that pulls the story together, which switches from the camp to the 1990s.

Then in April we will be performing more of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads monologues. We performed three last year which were very well received. More details to come on our website.

In August we have planned a joint production with Salisbury based group JT Productions of Simon Stephens’ dramatization of the wellknown novel by Mark Haddon The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. This will be directed by Tom Humphreys of JT Productions.

Tom has negotiated with the rights holders to make the central role a 15 year old girl. So if you know anyone who might be interested in doing this please contact stockbridgeamdrams@gmail.com. The actress doesn’t have to be 15 – she could easily be in her 20s – she just needs to be plausibly young.

We will see out the year with Brontë by Polly Teale about the Brontë sisters. This play was extremely well received by both audiences and critics when first performed in 2005 and has had several revivals and tours since then. In addition to these productions, we will maintain our very popular monthly Curtain Call meetings on the first Tuesday of every month from October through to April. All are welcome and no experience necessary. Again details on our website.

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News from the Wallops WI for February The next meeting of the Wallops WI is on Thursday 8th February when our speaker will be John Carpenter from the Help for Heroes charity who will tell us all about this valuable service to support serving personnel, veterans and their families. There will be a raffle with proceeds going to the charity. It should be an interesting evening.

In January our meeting had to be rescheduled in haste as our speaker for the evening cancelled at the last minute due to illness. Undaunted, and following the WI business of voting for the resolutions, the committee produced two quizzes to get our grey matter working. The subjects had us all chatting which was very entertaining and the evening was successfully concluded with refreshments and home made cakes and biscuits.

February is the month when the Wallops WI holds it's main fundraiser for the year. This year our renowned (or should that be notorious!) WI Jumble Sale will be on Saturday 10th February from 2-4pm in the Wallops Parishes Hall. Donations accepted in the morning of the sale from 9-12. As usual the proceeds from the teas and cakes and the raffle will be donated to a local charity. It is always a fun afternoon so do come along - you never know what gem you might find.

Are you new to the village, would you like to meet new friends? The WI is always a good place to start. As an organisation for women, guests are always welcome at our meetings but we also hold a couple of Open Meetings every year when anyone can join us for the evening. Why not give us a try? We meet at 7:30pm on the second Thursday of each month in the Wallops Parishes Hall. See you there.

Pam Quick

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

46 Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8RY T: 01962 798000 W: www.brewin.co.uk/our-offices/winchester

The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future.

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

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

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PROFESSIONAL / ENTERTAINMENT

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GARDEN RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Venison Casserole with Brown Ale INGREDIENTS

METHOD

900g 2 tbsp 2

150g

1 tbsp 300ml 300ml 2tsp 2

1-2 2

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

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

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

Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.

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

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

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

Serves - 4 Preparation Time - 2.5hrs

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

FEBRUARY HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS

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

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COMMUNITY/ RETAIL

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

Who We're Looking For

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

Qualities We Value

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

What We Offer

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

Working Hours

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

How to Apply

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

Southern Voices 40th Anniversary Season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BigMud Event - February 2024 For those of you who like your trail running Feats to be BIG, we give to you the Classic Element Race Series. Four trail running events based on the 4 classic elements… Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Whether it’s running under never-ending sky (Air), battling over ancient rugged coastline (Water), pushing yourself on under a relentless sun (Fire) or clawing over muddy hills and rainy valleys (Earth), BigFeat Events have developed a series of races that will Challenge you, Awaken you and Inspire you. Back for our third year, these spectacular but challenging courses return!

The 2nd event in The Element Series, BigMud symbolises the element Earth. We have 2 wild ‘n’ muddy, single lap trail runs around the scenic Meon Valley. You’ll have a choice of Marathon or 16 mile distances, each starting at Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Hampshire, with a 518ft climb up to the highest point in the South Downs, Butser Hill……. twice! Once at the top, you will then head out over the trails and rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, with the finish back where you started at the bottom of Butser Hill. This event will certainly challenge you but the spectacular scenery and friendly, encouraging atmosphere will leave you with an enormous feeling of accomplishment! Sunday 25th February 2024 - Distances – 16 Miles and Marathon - Start time – 8:30am at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Horndean, PO8 0QE. For more information: www.bigfeatevents.com/index.php/portfolioitem/bigmud/

FEATURE

S

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.luciafosterfound.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

He held up a hand.

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

He looked smug.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RETAIL / HOME

Broughton Community Shop, Post Office and Cafe Great range of local supplies - Essentials and treats Chillled - frozen - deli - fresh fruit & veg - meat and fish - wine - spirits - beers Greetings cards (local artists), stationery and newspapers Easy free parking Mail, Parcelforce, collection/returns, banking, bill payment, travel money – and more

Post Office Counter Eco- Products

Eco-zone products Plant-based, natural ingredients for smart cleaning The Magnificent Seed Extra Virgin Rapeseed Oil on tap Loose bird food, seeds, and peanuts

Liquid household refills Bring a bottle and fill with soap, washing up liquid, laundry liquid, cleaners, shampoo and conditioner

Coffee Shop

Raw Bean Proper Coffee, teas, hot chocolate Delicious range of local hand-made cakes Children’s area with books and toys Free water top-up centre Takeaway hot drinks – 10% off with own cup Indoor and outdoor seating

Shop Opening Hours Weekdays: 9am - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 12:30pm Sunday: 9:30am - 12:30pm

Post Office Opening Hours Weekdays: 9am - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 12:00pm Sunday: Closed

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

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

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Time is drawing near for visitors to grab their Early Bird ticket prices for the next Wallop Wheels and Wings event to be held at the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop on Saturday 13 July. With prices increasing from 1 Feb, the Museum is encouraging enthusiasts to take advantage of reduced prices and get booking for what is set to be another big event in the calendar.

The event will again feature a wide array of classic and super cars, motor bikes and aircraft, to please enthusiasts of all ages. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll around the historic Army Air Corps airfield to chat with the pilots attending the event and, in some instances, even sit in the aircraft.

Weather permitting, a wide range of aircraft will fly in and out of the Museum throughout the event, including a rather special ‘Spitmunk’ making its first appearance at the event.

For non-enthusiasts, there will be the opportunity to browse the artisan trader village, with over 40 stalls selling a wide range of arts, crafts, food and drink, or to sit back and enjoy some great live music on the airfield stage.

Activities for families and children will be in abundance, with fantastic inflatables, laser tag, circus skills, replica historic pedal planes, mini tanks, face painting and lots of craft and interactive activities to keep little ones busy throughout the day. This year the Museum will introduce an Innovation Zone to the event with lots of hands-on activities to challenge and inspire young minds.

The Museum is pleased to announce their main sponsor of the event – GKN Aerospace – will be delivering some unique activities within the Innovation Zone alongside companies including Rolls-Royce Ltd and RC Vision.

As the Museum works towards the Armed Forces Covenant gold award, a charity village to enable military charities to showcase the work they do will take pride of place within the main airfield. For information on booking a free charity stand at the event, please contact corporate@armyflying.com All tickets booked in advance for the event qualify for a free annual pass to encourage visitors to return to the Museum throughout the year and find out more about the history of Army Flying. With activities at all the school holidays included within the annual pass, along with trails, mini tours, special events etc, the Museum is really establishing its place on the local attractions scene following its recent placing as Best Aviation Museum in the Airscene Awards.

For further information or to book tickets visit: https://armyflying.com/what-s-on/events/wallop-wheels-wings-2024/

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Hampshire County Council Future Services Consultation Hampshire County Council is asking for people’s views on the future of some local services in a public consultation on options to help the Authority meet a £132 million budget shortfall by April 2025.

Context for consultation Hampshire County Council delivers most of Hampshire’s public services, to 1.4 million residents, and we are responsible for around 80% of all spending on council services in the county. Further information on our budget and the services we deliver can be found in the Budget Book. Despite our strong financial management, our costs continue to rise, alongside growing demand for vital local services like social care for children and adults, and our budgets remain under immense pressure. We have almost exhausted the unallocated reserves that usually provide us with a financial safety net, and very soon there simply will not be enough money to go around. This is a problem faced by councils across the country, and one which local government cannot address on its own. In line with residents’ wishes, we are pressing for a better, longterm national funding solution from central Government, but we cannot sit back and wait for that to happen.

Hampshire is in a better position than many other councils, but tougher decisions and deeper savings will be needed for us to find the £132 million we need by 2025 to ensure we can continue to deliver critical services and help protect and support the most vulnerable children and adults in Hampshire.

In this context, all areas of the County Council have been asked to consider what savings could be achieved from only providing the legal minimum of services that we are required to deliver. We will not go below the legal minimum and will continue to prioritise essential areas such as protecting children from harm, social care for older people, and supporting adults and children with disabilities and additional needs.

Reflecting the views of local residents, we have first looked to make savings through working more efficiently, by streamlining our organisation, by reducing bureaucracy and duplication, and by making the most of our buildings and office space, technology and contracts. Unfortunately, these efforts still won’t be enough, so we need to explore changes in how we finance and provide services. This includes increasing income, delivering services differently and, in some cases, reducing services, which may directly affect residents, businesses, and organisations in Hampshire.

You can send us your views but before you do, we ask you to read the information about the proposals at: https://www.hants.gov.uk/ aboutthecouncil/haveyoursay/consultations/future-services-consultation Your views can be submitted at: https://hampshirecc.welcomesyourfeedback. net/s/FSC

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ENVIRONMENT

Get Poetic

H

ampshire’s chalk streams are some of its most precious wild places.

These globally rare habitats are home to iconic species like the otter, water vole, brown trout, and kingfisher. With their serene beauty and vibrant wildlife, it’s no surprise that chalk streams have inspired authors like Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, Richard Adams (Watership Down), and Charles Kingsley (The Water Babies).

This year, there are several exciting new ways to discover our chalk streams.

The Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme is teaming up with Hampshire Library Service to continue a literary tradition that spans centuries. We’ll be sharing our favourite river-focused books, and

22

celebrating creativity through a poetry competition and literature festival.

events will be held this June in Andover, Whitchurch, Overton, and Alresford.

The poetry competition which is free to enter, asks 7-18 year olds to write a short poem inspired by the wonderful world of chalk streams. Winners will receive National Book Tokens worth up to £75, and have their poems published in a special commemorative booklet. Entrants must live within the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme area and submit their poem by midnight on 31st July 2024.

For more information on the ‘Tales from the Riverbank’ competition and festival, visit hiwwt.org.uk/tales. Our work is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Both children and adults can also enjoy a watery literature festival this summer.

Participants can expect to hear talks by prominent nature writers like AmyJane Beer and Tom Moorhouse, and to explore their own creativity with chalk stream-themed writing workshops. The

Free Online Talks ‘The Future of the UK’s Water Resources’ 14th March, 7pm A growing population and changing climate are putting our water resources under mounting pressure. How can we avoid a future of shortages?

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

Photograph - © Matthew Roberts

WATERCRESS WATERCRESS WATERCRESS WATERCRESS & &&&& WATERCRESS WATERCRESS & WINTERBOURNES WINTERBOURNES WINTERBOURNES WINTERBOURNES WINTERBOURNES WINTERBOURNES

Tales Tales Tales from from from the the the Riverbank Riverbank Riverbank Tales from the Riverbank Tales from the Riverbank Tales from the Riverbank Poetry Poetry Poetry Competition Competition Competition Poetry Competition Poetry Competition Poetry Competition Aged Aged Aged 7-18 7-18 7-18 and and and keen keen keen to to try try try creative creative creative writing? writing? writing?

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It’s time to get get get inspired inspired inspired by by by the the the wonderful wonderful wonderful world world world of of of chalk chalk chalk streams! streams! streams! get inspired by the wonderful world of chalk streams! get inspired by the wonderful world of chalk streams! get inspired by the wonderful world of chalk streams!

Enter Enter Enter our our our poetry poetry poetry competition competition competition for for for the the the chance chance chance Enter our poetry competition for the chance Enter our poetry competition for the chance Enter our poetry competition for the chance to to to win win win prizes prizes prizes worth worth worth £75 £75 £75 and and and have have have your your your poem poem poem to win prizes worth £75 and have your poem to win prizes worth £75 and have your poem to win prizes worth £75 and have your poem featured featured featured in in in a a a commemorative commemorative commemorative booklet. booklet. booklet. featured in aa in commemorative booklet. featured a commemorative booklet. featured in commemorative booklet.

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For For For more more more details, details, details, visit visit visit For more details, visit For more details, For more details, visitvisit hiwwt.org.uk/tales hiwwt.org.uk/tales hiwwt.org.uk/tales hiwwt.org.uk/tales hiwwt.org.uk/tales hiwwt.org.uk/tales

COMMUNITY

Test Valley Borough Council News Free Start Your Own Business Guide for Test Valley Businesses

To complement the free Test Valley business support service, Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) has partnered with the company ‘Start Your Own Business’ (SYOB) to provide a new Start Your Own Business in Test Valley guide.

The guide leads potential business owners through a comprehensive range of issues from pre-start up planning and raising funds, to tax and accountancy matters, marketing, employing staff and growing the business. A local directory, and free resource templates, are included to help new business owners to start off on the right foot.

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Phil

North said, “We are proud to provide access to a Start Your Own Business in Test Valley guide, this will be an invaluable source of information for local entrepreneurs. It fits with our aims and objectives from our four-year-plan to build on the strengths and ambitions of our communities and enable economic growth.”

Andy Pringle from SYOB added, “Test Valley is such a vibrant area and is close to our hearts. It is a pleasure to be able to help entrepreneurs on their business journey thanks to support of Test Valley Borough Council. We all hope that the guide will prove useful and result in even more local success stories.”

The guide can be downloaded free of charge from: Small business support

New countryside event guides released

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Find out more Business Incentive Grant | Test Valley Borough Council: https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/ business/businessgrantsandsupport/ grantsandfunding/businessincentivegrant

“One of the priorities of our four-year plan is the environment and at these events we work with local volunteers and groups to create a greener borough for our communities.

Everyone is welcome to help, including families; it’s a great way to help take care of the place where you live.”

Events range from nature discovery days and bat walks, to opportunities to learn new skills by volunteering, to helping with the management of local nature reserves and wildlife sites. This includes coppicing, pond maintenance, vegetation control and more, to encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

The north test valley area covers wildlife sites and nature reserves including Anton Lakes, Ladies Walk, Rooksbury Mill Nature Reserve, Harewood Common and Ox Drove Meadow. The south includes Valley

New businesses can also take advantage of the TVBC Business Incentive Grants of £750 that are available for new business start-ups. Grants must be approved before the business has started trading and will be paid after the business has been trading for six months.

“We would like to thank everyone who has volunteered throughout 2023 to help maintain our parks and green spaces.

Test Valley Borough Council’s guides to events and activities taking place in Nature Reserves and open spaces across Test Valley in 2024 are now available.

Two guides, one for the north part of the borough and a second for the south, have been compiled by Test Valley Borough Council with local groups including Tadburn Conservation Volunteers, Friends of the Parks, Wilder Romsey and The River Anton River Conservation Association (TARCA).

service | Test Valley Borough Council: https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/ business/businessgrantsandsupport/ localbusinessinformation/small-businesssupport-service

Park Woodlands, Tadburn Meadows and Abbotswood Nature Reserves.

One volunteer, who came along to help with his wife in 2023, said: “We have both volunteered, to put something back into society. Volunteering is good for our physical and mental health, as it enables you to meet other people who become friends. There is no downside, only positives!”

Cllr Alison Johnston, Portfolio Holder the Climate Emergency and Countryside, said:

Both guides are available to download from the Test Valley Borough Council website at: https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/ communityandleisure/parksandgreenspaces/ countryside-events. They are also posted on the noticeboards at each site.

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

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

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COMMUNITY

Benefact group’s movement for good awards is back

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bere Mill, London Road, Whitchurch, RG28 7NH

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

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

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

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

Beechenwood Farm, Hillside, Odiham, RG29 1JA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Little Court, Crawley, Winchester, SO21 2PU

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

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

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

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

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FEATURE ENTERTAINMENT

The Hospital of St.Cross

L

and Almshouse of Noble Poverty

egend has it that the Hospital’s foundation originated in a walk that Henry of Blois, a grandson of William the Conqueror, took in the Itchen Meadows. He was supposedly stopped by a young peasant girl who begged Henry to help her people, who were starving because of the civil war. The parallel with the Virgin Mary was not lost on Henry, who was so moved by the girl’s plight that when, a little further along the river, he discovered the ruins of a religious house, he resolved to use the site to establish a new community to help the poor. How much of this is fact is unclear, but we do know that Henry of Blois was young, wealthy and powerful: a monk, knight and politician in one. Appointed Bishop of Winchester in 1129 at the age of 28, he founded the Hospital of St Cross between 1132 and 1136, creating what is said to be England’s oldest charitable institution.

The Hospital was founded to support thirteen poor men, so frail that they were unable to work, and to feed one hundred men at the gates each day.

The thirteen men became the Brothers of St Cross. Then, as now, they were not monks. St Cross is not a monastery but a secular foundation. Medieval St Cross was endowed with land, mills and farms, providing food and drink for a large number of people. However the water was unfit for drinking so copious amounts of ale and beer were needed.

In the fifteenth century, Cardinal Beaufort created the Order of Noble Poverty, adding the Almshouse to the existing Hospital buildings and giving St Cross the look that it has today. His image appears on the Beaufort Tower.

Visiting Times Please note that some days there may be areas of the Hospital that are closed to the public due to private event bookings. Wherever possible notice will be given here to advise of any restrictions, but please call the Porter’s Lodge for up-to-date information (tel: 01962 851375). Please note: The hospital is closed on Good Friday but open the rest of the weekend.

Winter (1st November to 31st March) 10.30am-3.30pm (Monday to Saturday) Closed on Sunday except for church services

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Summer (1st April to 31st October) 9.30am-5.00pm (Monday to Saturday) 1pm-5pm (Sundays) Guided tours are available by prior arrangement The Hospital is also closed on the last Saturday in June during the morning in preparation for the St. Cross parish fete which is open to all from 1.30pm It is possible to hire some of the most glorious areas of the Hospital of St Cross for both company and family events. The Hospital is the home of the Brothers, so no event should intrude too much on their way of life. The purpose of events is to maintain the upkeep of the historic buildings so that the Brothers can continue to live here.

Supporting the Hospital St Cross is one of England’s oldest charitable institutions. It is still continuing to fulfil the wishes of its original founder, Bishop De Blois, and has done this – through good times and poor – for more than eight centuries. Demands on the Hospital of St Cross are possibly greater now than in any time in its history. The Trustees are deeply conscious of their duty to maintain the fabric of this beautiful complex of buildings, not only for our generation, but also for all those who will benefit in the future.

The Hospital is a private foundation which receives no funding from the Government or support from bodies such as Historic England. The Trustees are grateful to Hampshire County Council and other grant giving organisations which help fund various repairs. The Charity relies on income received from visitors, hall hires and events to conserve its buildings, comply with current health and safety regulations, and fulfill its obligations to the Brothers of St Cross. Your help is vital.

There are a few ways in which you can help: By visiting St.Cross Hopsital, making a simple donation, leave a legacy to the hospital in your will, donate from a charitable trust or join the friends of St.Cross. Details on how to support the hospital are availabel by visiting the website page: https:// hospitalofstcross.co.uk/how-you-can-help/

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Call: 01635 555700 | Visit: www.newbury.co.uk 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. 9991

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