Test Valley Forum - Issue 187 - March 2024

Guide Price £495,000

A delightful three bedroom semi-detached cottage enjoying views over meadows.

The Property has been lovingly renovated to an exceptional standard providing modern living with period details. An open-plan Kitchen/Dining Room with glass doors onto the terrace. Sitting Room with woodburner. Bedrooms and bathroom tastefully decorated, pretty cottage garden and outbuilding with potential.

Guide Price £490,000

A mews style house situated in the heart of Broughton enjoying local amenities and a vibrant community.

A very well presented home with Kitchen/Dining Room with granite worktop and doors to the Courtyard. Sitting Room with Wood Burner, Cloakroom, Three very good sized Bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling fitted cupboards. Garage, Parking.

Guide Price £425,000

An attractive period two bedroom cottage within walking distance of the High Street.

The property enjoys a bright Kitchen/Dining Room. French doors opening onto a patio and garden. Sitting Room, Study and two bedrooms with family bathroom. This is a brilliant opportunity for any buyer looking to enjoy the delights of Stockbridge.

Guide Price £860,000

An attractive Grade II Listed village home within easy reach of countryside walks, the local pub and strong travel links. Boasting natural light throughout and spacious accommodation including: Five Bedrooms,Two Bathrooms, Drawing Room with Inglenook Fireplace, Family Room, Dining Room, Pantry. An eclosed garden and terrace enjoying a Southerly aspect.

March Events

Stockbridge Antiques Fair

Saturday 2 March

Enquire for times

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 - the next fair is on Saturday 6 April. We offer a wide range of Decorative, Interesting and Unusual items including good quality Furniture, Silver, China and Glass, Jewellery, Militaria and Textiles. 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 Cinema Alcarràs (15)

Friday 15 March

From 7.30pm

Stockbridge Town Hall, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

For as long as they can remember, the Solé family has spent every summer picking peaches in their orchard in Alcarràs, a small village in Catalonia. But this year's crop may well be their last, as they face eviction. The new plans for the land, which include cutting down the peach trees and installing solar panels, cause a rift in this large, tight-knit family. For the first time, they face an uncertain future and risk losing more than their orchard. [In Catalan with subtitles] - Information common to both films: Showing at Stockbridge Town Hall, SO20 6HE. Tickets are available online from 1 March (£6.00 incl £0.50p booking fee per ticket) via www. stockbridgecinema.org.uk or by telephone from TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (no extra charge). Please visit our website for full details of our films.

Stockbridge Cinema The Great Escaper (12A)

Wednesday 20 March

From 5pm and 7.30pm

Stockbridge Town Hall, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

In 2014, nearnonagenarian Bernie Jordan (Michael Caine) is sad to miss out on an official group outing to the D-Day anniversary in France. Encouraged by his wife Rene (Glenda Jackson), he sneaks out from his care home and goes on one last big adventure to cross the Channel, while reminiscing about his wartime experiences. Information common to both films: Showing at Stockbridge Town Hall SO20 6HE. Tickets are available online from 1 March (£6.00 incl £0.50p booking fee per ticket) via www.stockbridgecinema.org.uk or by telephone from TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (no extra charge). Please visit our website for full details of our films.

Chilbolton Village Hall Management Committee Jumble Sale

Saturday 23 March

From 2pm

Village Hall, Eastman's Field, Chilbolton, SO20 6AT

Doors Open at 2 pm at the Registered Charity 301781

Concert: Bach's St John Passion - Romsey Choral Society

Saturday 23 March

From 7.30pm

Romsey Abbey, Church Lane, Romsey SO51 8EP.

Bach’s St John Passion was first performed on Good Friday in 1724, while he was Cantor at the Thomasschule in Leipzig, and is

one of the great works of the choral repertoire. The text draws from chapters 18 and 19 of St John’s Gospel, and Bach sets the text with wonderful colour and imagination. We are delighted to be joined by the Monteverdi String Band, one of the best baroque orchestras in the country. Tickets available from ticketsource.co.uk/musicinromsey or the Romsey Visitor Information Centre.

Easter Bunny Train at The Watercress Line

Fri 29 Mar to Mon 1 Apr

From 10.30am to 4.30pm

The Watercress Line Alresford, SO24 9JG

Enjoy this brand new event this Easter at The Watercress Line! Come and meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy Easter themed activities across the railway, including:

∙ Hop on board the heritage trains for some Easter themed sing-a-long songs with the Easter Bunny's helpers;

∙ Make your own Easter Ears activity and Easter colouring;

∙ Enjoy a free activity sheet and Easter egg spotter trail;

∙ Strike a pose with our Easter themed selfie spots. For tickets visit: https://buy. myonlinebooking.co.uk/ watercressline/buy.aspx?tid=88

Andover Chamber Choir Fauré Requiem

Saturday 13 April

From 7.30pm

St.Marys Church Andover, Church Cl, Andover, SP10 1DP

The Andover Chamber Choir will return to St. Mary’s Church, Andover on 13 April at 7.30 pm for it's first concert of 2024. Musical Director Andrew Wyndham said “ We will be singing Faure’s beautiful and ever popular Requiem. Completed in 1890, Faure’s setting has been a favourite with choirs and audiences ever since.” The first half of the concert is a ‘Patchwork Mass’ which will be made up of contrasting settings from different composers including Byrd, Palestrina, and Bruckner. Proceeds from this event will be going to the Andover charity ‘Finding Freedom from Abuse’ a charity committed to supporting women, men, children and young people who have been affected by domestic and sexual violence and a use. Tickets at £10 (in advance) or 12 at the door interval refreshments included and are available from The Lights (online and in person), Newbury Building Society and choir members. Under 16 free.

Stockbridge Amateur Dramatic Society (SADS) Talking Heads

Wed 10 to Fri 12 April

From 7.30pm

Stockbridge Town Hall, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

The next production will be three more of Alan Bennett’s classic Talking Heads monologues. Bennett wrote fourteen of these monologues (fifteen if you include the longer play A Woman of No Importance). However, amateur performance rights are only available for six of them and we did three of those last April. They were extremely well received. So we are very excited to be able to complete the set this April. They are A Cream Cracker under the Settee played by Sue Jackson, A Chip in the Sugar by SADS newcomer Tom Humphreys, and A Lady of Letters by Katy Watkins. Like all the Talking Heads monologues, they are brilliantly written - poignant, subtle and humorous. Performances will be Wednesday 10th, Thursday 11th and Friday 12th of April (note - there is no performance on the Saturday). Tickets are £12 on sale now. Go to www. stockbridgeamdrams.org for more information and to buy tickets, or leave a message on 01264 513676.

Price includes VAT, installations and a fully comprehensive 10 year insurance backed warranty

Any 3 Windows

Any 4 Windows

Any 5 Windows

Any 6 Windows

Any 7 Windows

Any 8 Windows

Any 9 Windows

Any 10 Windows

Any 11 Windows

Any 12 Windows

Any 13 Windows

Any 14 Windows

Any 15 Windows

New 36mm unit

TRIPLE GLAZED

• Increased security

• Saves money

• Saves energy

Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture

Happy Kitchens have a unique approach when it comes to kitchens and custom spaces in the home. We use excellent quality materials which are fitted by exshipwright joiners, who used to fit the woodwork on Super Yachts. That in itself is unique in our industry but then add in the fact that we are bespoke, but don’t charge the inflated prices that your highend high street showrooms do, gives us the recipe for your perfect home solution. This is why we are one of the highest rated home improvement companies on HOUZZ, beating all the top names you might recognise when walking down your high street.

We have never had less than a 5 star review and have won the HOUZZ best

of service award every year since it has been running. The staff at HOUZZ reference us to other companies as to how customer service should be done. Many of our customers have used us 2 or 3 times due to moving house or tackling other projects in their existing houses.

We do not have a template for design and take a fresh approach with every customer. It is important to take all the best ideas a customer has, then bring in the experience we have to offer, and often our ideas will be completely different to any other companies as we are innovative and bespoke. We often hear that customers have had designs and quotes that all look the same, are boring and un-exciting, yet expensive. This is because

most high street ‘kitchen designers’ are just salespeople with no idea on how a kitchen works.

Bespoke sizing - Media walls, boot rooms, custom offices, installed by ex shipwright joiners with exceptional attention to detail

So whether you need an amazing Kitchen, Utility, Bedroom, coffee bar with custom pod storage, Office, Media wall or Living Room storage we can help. The design visits are free of charge, and we can quote on the same day. Also Ben loves design, so often at no extra charge, he will help you choose paint colours, light fittings, Bar stools, artwork and can even recommend great pots and pans.

One of the top reviewed companies on Houzz, offering free home design visits

“Thisisthesecondtimewehaveused HappyKitchensandonceagainweare overthemoonwiththeresults!

Thelevelofworkmanshipisjust outstanding,theguyswereapleasure tohaveinthehouse,Wewon’thesitate tocontinuetorecommendHappy Kitchenstoanyonelookingforanew kitchen.Highlyrecommend!”

Anna and Hugh Cutler, May 22

T:

W:

Our customers will often use us again, and recommend us to Family and Friends. The quote from the review above was from a customer who has chosen us twice, and their parents also have a Happy Kitchen, and two of the parents' friends.

“HappyKitchens.WOWWOW WOW.Thankyousomuchforgiving usthewowfactorweaskedfor.”

The McAdams – June 21

The biggest compliment we get from our customers is always around our attention to detail and often bringing something completely different to the table. If you are still unsure after reading this, go and read some of our reviews on our Happy Kitchens Houzz profile, and do a search of kitchen companies on there by review rating, we are always close to the top of the list.

Out-of-the-box thinking, bespoke design features, and friendly staff with excellent attention to detail are just a few of the reasons you should call us today. If that isn’t enough please do remember that the design visit is free of charge, so you have nothing to lose.

Why let fully managed

If you are a landlord with property in the UK, whether you have purchased an investment property, inherited a house, or temporarily relocated, your property is a valuable asset which needs protecting and managing it can be a demanding task.

Our in house, dedicated property management team will take full responsibility for making sure that rents are paid on time, maintenance problems are dealt with promptly, in and out of business hours, current legislation is adhered to, and your property is inspected at regular intervals to ensure it remains in good order and the terms of the contract are being observed.

Professional property management benefits both landlord and tenant, ensuring a smooth, trouble-free tenancy without the potential for confrontation.

The Country House Company offer a full bespoke Management service for your property. For further information or to discuss call Kate Morton on 01264 312832 or email kate@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Kate Morton Management kate@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Claudia Hunt

Lettings

claudia@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Kate Porter

Sales

katep@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Tel: 01264 312832 management@countryhousecompany.co.uk sales@countryhousecompany.co.uk lettings@countryhousecompany.co.uk countryhousecompany.co.uk

Understand Your Circadian Rhythm: The Key to Better Metabolic Health, Sleep, and Mood

The internal timekeeper that is your circadian rhythm doesn’t just regulate sleep, but influences numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, sleepwake cycles, and mood. Many of us remain unaware of its profound impact on our overall well-being.

The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour cycle governing various bodily functions, orchestrated by a master clock located in the brain's hypothalamus. It receives input from cues, such as light exposure and also mealtimes, to synchronise our internal processes with the external environment.

Metabolic Health: Timing Matters

Emerging research indicates a strong interplay between circadian rhythms and metabolic health. Our bodies' ability to efficiently metabolise nutrients fluctuates throughout the day. For example, when cortisol naturally rises in the morning we are better placed to use our food for energy rather than storage. Disruptions to this rhythm, such as irregular eating patterns or late-night meals, can dysregulate metabolic processes, potentially leading to weight gain, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disorders.

Sleep: Syncing with Nature

The circadian clock dictates our sleep-wake cycles, influencing when we feel alert and when we feel drowsy. It sounds counter-intuitive, but it’s the exposure to natural light on waking that is the best thing we can do to help our sleeping. There are cells inside the eyeball that when exposed to light, trigger off a countdown clock to the release of melatonin in the evening. You need to get 30 minutes of unfiltered light soon after waking. Go for your walk first thing or have your morning cuppa in the garden.

Mood Regulation: Balancing Act

Circadian rhythms also play a pivotal role in regulating mood and emotions. Disruptions, such as insomnia, shift work or jet lag, have been linked to mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

Here are 5 practical steps you can take to nurture your circadian rhythm:

1. Prioritise Sleep: Establish a consistent sleep schedule, aiming for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. The hours before midnight are the most crucial for deep sleep, healing and recovery. Try to get to sleep around 10pm.

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

2. Optimise Light Exposure: Spend time outdoors during daylight hours, especially in the morning, and minimise exposure to artificial light in the evening. Move towards glowing light such as fire or candlelight to stimulate melatonin.

3. Maintain Regular Mealtimes: Aim for regular, balanced meals, with the majority of your protein intake at breakfast and supper. Avoid large meals late at night to prevent weight gain.

4. Establish a Routine: Create a daily routine that incorporates regular exercise, relaxation practices, and consistent meal and sleep times.

5. Limit Stimulants: Minimise screen time, caffeine and alcohol, particularly in the hours leading up to bedtime.

If you’re struggling with regulating your circadian rhythms and noticing that your sleep is poor, frequent snacking, stress and anxiety is an issue, injuries won’t heal and you’re gaining weight, try these 5 steps first.

If you need more help, get in touch! We have a great team of practitioners here, including Nutrition, Massage, Reflexology, Osteopathy and Cranial Osteopathy, and Pilates.

Sarah Sellick our Massage and Reflexologist says: “I have great results treating people with disrupted circadian rhythms, as reflexology can help by stimulating the pineal gland to support sleep, and lower cortisol levels to reduce stress”.

Emma

A Rose By Any Other...

© Lucia Foster-Found 2024 www.luciafosterfound.com

“Any good films on?” She kicked off her slippers and curled up with a spaniel on the settee. It was the evening of a long day that had started at first light with a wet nose in her face from a dog asking to be let out.

Any thoughts of returning to bed for a snooze before her alarm went off were stymied by the Spring tweetings of a dawn-chorus-on-steroids. Plus, a pigeon had set up home somewhere in the ivy below her window, although she’d never actually seen it. Cooing on a loop, the phantom pigeon’s stamina and volume were, it had to be said, impressive.

And all of the above had ensured no more sleep; she’d made a cup of tea and finished her book.

Hours (and hours) later, snuggled on the sofa, she contemplated an early night as Himself studied the film guide. “Oh, yes – Netalee Hershlag in a film we haven’t seen and Demetria Guynes in one we have.”

“Oh? What about something with someone we know in it,” she said sleepily.

“You know them both.”

“I do?”

“Yes, Natalie Portman and Demi Moore – it’s their stage names.”

At her surprised expression, he went on, warming to his subject, “Or, we could watch Mark Vincent maybe. Or perhaps Eric Bishop. Now, I know you love them..” Himself smiled enigmatically.

“Are they.. Mark Wahlberg and… Eric Bana?” Sitting up, she had a stab at this new game.

“Nope! Vin Diesel and Jamie Foxx!”

“No way! So. Question. Do you think that they would have become as famous with their real names, as they have with their more distinctive stage ones?”

“I think not. The girl born as the plain Norma Jean Mortenson would not have become the abiding icon that the spectacular Marilyn Monroe was, still is.” Himself was shaking his head.

Upon reflection, she wasn’t sure that she agreed. “Still the same person, though. Still glamorous, beautiful, talented – still with the X-factor.” Himself looked sceptical.

They agreed to disagree and, at the supermarket the following day, she was in the vegetable section. In an effort to improve their ’gut microbiome’,

(a phrase that, until recently, she hadn’t known she didn’t know), she’d introduced a vegetarian night - ‘No-Meat-Monday’.

Himself had no-idea about No-Meat-Monday - she hadn’t told him.

It had been a unilateral decision; some things were best left as a ‘surprise’.

Gazing at the aubergines, she wondered if Himself might find them more appetizing as eggplant? And if she called rocket ‘arugula’, like her favourite American cook, Ina Garten was wont to do, might he find salad more interesting? It had to be said that Zucchini sounded way more exciting than courgette.

To be fair, she reflected, in the beginning of her happy discovery of Ina on Food Network, she hadn’t had a clue what Ms Garten was going on about. What with Ina’s ‘cilantro’, ‘half-and-half’, ‘jelly’ and ‘scallions’. And as for cups of flour and sticks of butter, well, they had required a googled conversion all of their own.

Moving further on, amongst the brassicas, the solution presented itself. Her epicurean epiphany put a smile on her face. She suspected it was what her children called her ‘evil genius’ smile, but fortunately neither they, nor Himself, were there to witness it.

A little later, back at home… “Ooh, what’s for dinner?” Himself enquired, entering the kitchen and sniffing the air appreciatively.

“Choufleur au gratin,” she responded, careful to keep ‘the smile’ in check. That French revision she’d been doing was coming in très useful; she’d been brushing up using her Duolingo app. If they could actually afford ‘vacances en France’ this year (and the excel spreadsheet jury was still out about that), she wanted to be prepared.

Or rather, préparé..

“Sounds delicious. And very fancy,” he beamed. “Smells so good!” he exclaimed as she retrieved the golden-topped, bubbling-sauced dish from the oven.

Did she feel guilty? No. Slightly disingenuous? Well, peut-être. Un peu. As she watched Himself tuck in enthusiastically, smacking his lips and making general noises of enjoyment, she pondered that he might be right after all.

His old friend, cauliflower cheese, by any other name.. was better!

How to invest a £500,000 inheritance in your 60s

Increasing life expectancy means that the fortunate few of us who receive an inheritance may not do so until we’re well into our 60s. Whereas a 40-year-old might use a large lump sum to pay off their mortgage or other debts, if you’re older, your priority may be preserving capital for your future needs or generating income to help fund your retirement.

A financial adviser can help you invest your inheritance according to your individual circumstances but, in the meantime, here are some of the main considerations.

Beware the erosive effects of inflation

When you reach your 60s, you still have plenty of years potentially ahead of you, so you may need to take a more proactive approach with your inheritance than leaving it in a cash savings account. Even modest rates of inflation could erode the real value of your money over time. If the average annual inflation rate was 2%, a £500,000 inheritance could be worth just £305,000 after 25 years.

To give your money the chance to grow in real terms, you may wish to invest at least some of it in the stock market. Although the stock market has experienced plenty of adversity over the past decades, history shows that over periods of ten or more years, it tends to perform more strongly than cash and grow above the rate of inflation.

Diversify to reduce risk

If your main aim is capital preservation, the thought of investing your inheritance could make you feel anxious as your ability to recover from dips in the market will likely be lower than for someone still earning and accumulating wealth. The key is to build a diversified portfolio, spreading your money across different asset classes, including equities, bonds and cash, and potentially across sectors and regions as well. This is also important if your primary aim is to supplement income from pensions. If one investment or asset class underperforms, the others could cushion the blow and help to maintain a steady income stream.

How much money you allocate to each asset class depends on your individual circumstances. In general, the older you are, the higher your allocation to bonds and the lower your allocation to equities. However, this is a very basic generalisation, and it won’t necessarily be right for you.

The

nor

will reduce illustrated performance. Investment values may increase

Don’t forget your tax allowances

A £500,000 inheritance is a substantial sum of money, which makes it all the more important to maximise available tax allowances and reliefs. Making full use of your £20,000 annual ISA allowance is a simple way to shield your money from income tax and capital gains tax, while the personal savings allowance lets you earn up to £1,000 of tax-free interest on savings. There are a whole host of other taxefficient structures and allowances which, used together, could help you preserve more money for your future.

Now may also be a good time to assess your estate’s inheritance tax position and, if appropriate, make tax-efficient gifts.

Next steps

Receiving a large inheritance could make a big difference to you and your plans for the future, but only if you invest it wisely and according to your individual circumstances. We can help develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your unique needs.

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

Joy Moir Investment Manager Assistant Director

E: joy.moir@brewin.co.uk

Nicholas Irby Financial Planner Divisional Director

E: nicholas.irby@brewin.co.uk

46 Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8RY

T: 01962 798000

W: www.brewin.co.uk/our-offices/winchester

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.

FOR INFORMATION ON HOW WE CAN HELP YOU WITH ANY OF THESE MATTERS:-

• WILLS, PROBATE AND ESTATES

• RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING

• COMMERCIAL, AGRICULTURAL AND BUSINESS CONVEYANCING

PLEASE CONTACT US ON Visit our website:-

• Financial planning

• Investment: discretionary & advisory management

• Pension consolidation

• Estate planning

Classical meets jazz at “the Phil’s” next concert

Southampton Philharmonic Choir and Southampton University

Philharmonic Choir recently had the great pleasure of welcoming composer Will Todd to their rehearsal in preparation for their 16 March concert at O2 Guildhall Southampton.

In a departure from their usual repertoire, they invite you to join them on a musical journey where classical meets jazz, poetry interweaves with passion, and dreamy melodies sway with lullabies. Songs by Eric Whitacre bookend a selection of the sprightly Songs and Sonnets by George Shearing. After the interval, the mood quickens: the Will Todd Ensemble will treat you to jazz set before the grand finale, Todd’s Mass in Blue.

The choral odyssey begins in the floaty, evocative world of Whitacre's Lux Aurumque, and continues with Shearing’s Songs and Sonnets; selected poetry by Shakespeare set to music in a twist of literary brilliance and melodic charm. Shearing’s virtuosity and musical understanding make for a unique experience to engage both jazz enthusiasts and poetry lovers alike.

To close the first half, there are three more songs by Eric Whitacre. The Seal Lullaby (inspired by Kipling's poem, “The White Seal”) is a tender lullaby that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a lasting impression. Sing Gently, composed for an international virtual choir during the pandemic, carries a message of hope, and its wonderful harmonies are a reminder of the power of music to connect people across distances. Finally, Sleep is a modern classic that charms audiences worldwide. With lyrics by Charles Anthony Silvestri, Whitacre crafts an exquisite exploration of love and longing, the cascading harmonies and intricate nuances drawing listeners into an experience that goes beyond the boundaries of traditional choral music.

Mass in Blue is an exciting composition that blends the traditional Latin mass text with the rhythmic energy of jazz. It’s a celebration of contrasts: exuberant but reverent, complex yet accessible. The result is a rich tapestry that invites you to experience the divine in a refreshingly unexpected manner.

The choirs are privileged to have the composer of Mass in Blue, Will Todd, performing at the piano for this concert. Also sharing the stage are Lisa Swayne (soprano), David Gibson (conductor), and the Will Todd Ensemble.

Tickets may be bought online at o2guildhallsouthampton.co.uk (tickets bought online are issued as e-tickets).

WILL TODD MASS IN BLUE SHEARING

Songs and Sonnets WHITACRE

Lux Aurumque and other pieces

2

O GUILDHALL SOUTHAMPTON

o2guildhallsouthampton.co.uk

7.30 p.m.

SATURDAY 16 MARCH 2024

with Southampton University

Philharmonic Choir

Will Todd Ensemble

David Gibson (conductor)

Southern Voices celebrate 40 in style

Southern Voices launch their ruby anniversary season on 23 March in the Chapel of St Cross at 7.30pm. 40 years of singing together is a big achievement and the choir’s popularity has endured throughout the years. They commence celebrations with a concert featuring a stunning 40 voice-part piece which is rarely performed.

Spem in alium by Thomas Tallis is a majestic work, written to impress the court of Queen Elizabeth 1, that requires eight choirs, each with 5 voice parts. The choir will be boosted in numbers to achieve this by welcoming back past members to join them. They will stand surrounding the audience and this, together with the renowned acoustic of the chapel, will create a most amazing sound experience.

Booking is essential and tickets are selling fast. You can find more information on the other pieces in the programme and buy tickets on the website: southernvoices.co.uk - Registered charity 1086868

News from the Wallops WI

February is always a busy month for our WI and this year was no exception. Our February meeting, when we heard about the charity Help for Heroes, was closely followed 2 days later with our annual Jumble Sale. The meeting was well attended and the proceeds from the raffle during the evening was donated to the Help for Heroes charity.

The jumble sale brought a wonderful array of donations and a large number of people looking for a bargain in the afternoon. As in previous years the proceeds from the sale of refreshments and the raffle will be donated to a local charity which this year is Blood Runners who came and gave us a talk back in 2022.

A huge thank you to all the donators and helpers from the villages without whom the WI jumble sale could not take place. It is always a happy, if exhausting, day but provides the WI with funding for the whole year and supports local charities who benefit us all.

We can now relax until our March meeting on Thursday 14th when our speaker will be Nigel Knott whose talk is entitled The Bootleg Years - The life of a Customs Officer. This will be an Open Evening when anyone can join us so please bring husbands, partners and friends. They will be made most welcome and there will be cake to enjoy with the refreshments!

-

Pam Quick

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

Our services include: Garden maintenance, hard & soft landscaping, fencing & walls, ponds, lakes, natural swimming pools, planting schemes, hedging / tree planting and wildflower turfing for gardens of all sizes

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

I would be delighted for you to come and see the collection in Stockbridge Town Hall from April 8th to 10th 2024. We will be open from 9am-5pm on each day. For more information call: 07836 719853.

April

8th to

200 years of the RNLI

A National Institution for the Preservation of Lives and Property from Shipwreck

'With the most ample means for the rescue of thousands of human beings... shall we still leave them to their fate?' That was the question posed by the RNLI’s founder, Sir William Hillary.

Lionel Lukin had paved the way for the first purpose-built lifeboat when he designed the world’s first unsinkable boat and patent it in 1785.

On 4th March 1824 Sir William Hillary’s vision for a service, dedicated to saving lives at sea, became a reality. Over 30 eminent gentlemen attended including the anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce and Captain George Manby (inventor of the Manby Mortar for throwing a line to a foundering ship, onto which was secured a towing hawser). The meeting was held in Bishopsgate’s London Tavern. Vice-president and Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Charles MannersSutton, presided over the meeting alongside; aristocrats, clerics, politicians, naval officers, brokers, bankers, merchants and philanthropists.

12 resolutions were unanimously passed including:-

• ‘That an Institution can now be formed… to be supported by donations and annual subscriptions.’

• ‘That such immediate assistance be afforded to persons rescued as their necessities may require.’

• ‘That the subjects of all nations be equally objects of the Institution, as well in war as in peace [and] that medallions or pecuniary rewards be given to those who rescue lives…’

These 12 resolutions together with a further nine resolutions, mainly recognising the efforts of the key players, were also approved. A year earlier on 28 February 1823, Sir William Hillary had made an impassioned appeal to the nation. He published a pamphlet detailing his plans for a lifeboat service manned by trained crews for all of the UK and Ireland. He sent the pamphlet to the Admiralty, ministers and prominent citizens, appealing for the formation of a National Institution for the Preservation of Lives and Property from Shipwreck. At its heart of would be; “A large body of men in constant readiness to risk their own lives for the preservation of those whom they have never known or seen, perhaps

of another nation, merely because they are fellow creatures in extreme peril.”

The priorities of the institution would be:-

• First, the preservation of human life from shipwreck,

• Secondly (provide) assistance to vessels in distress,

• Thirdly the preservation of vessels and property,

• Fourthly the prevention of plunder and depredations in case of shipwreck,

• Fifthly the succour and support of those persons who may be rescued,

• Sixthly the bestowing of suitable rewards on those who rescue the lives of others from shipwreck or who assist vessels in distress.

200 years ago and The Admiralty, sitting in Somerset House, refused to help! OK, so that was then. Better late than never and it’s been a very different story for a very long time! I have been involved in Search and Rescue on a number of occasions and can vouch for the RNLI’s professionalism and the RN’s willingness to assist. 12 miles off the coast of Portugal, steaming north to Portsmouth. Morning Watch. “Warship this is Merchant Ship, I have a small open boat on my port bow, request you investigate!” An English couple had hired a boat wearing only their swimming costume, for an afternoon picnic and fun in the sun. The outboard engine cut out 200 yards from shore, they shouted and waved. The holiday makers ashore couldn’t hear above the crash of the surf so waved back. 400 yards from shore. Nobody waved back. That second night they drifted

through a fishing fleet, but didn’t have a torch. 2 days and 2 nights later we rescued them, lowered our sea boat, disconnected the fuel line, blew through it, reconnected it, pulled the cord and the engine fired first time!

The first person to leave a gift to the RNLI was John Henry Hecker of Finsbury Square, London, £1000 in 1825. Since when gifts have come in many and various forms, from a set of gold teeth, a pig farm and a 100 year old bottle of cognac. A thought for numismatics, The Royal Mint has struck a coin, “To pay tribute to the courageous volunteers of the RNLI over the last two centuries and to its volunteers’ selfless dedication of saving lives.” A percentage of the price of each coin will be donated by The Royal Mint in support of the RNLI.

In 1891 the industrialist Sir Charles Macara answered the RNLI’s call for help, following the tragic loss of volunteers from two lifeboat crews. Five years earlier, 27 men from Southport and St. Annes died while trying to rescue sailors from the stricken vessel SY Mexico. He decided to organise a collection. Charles and his wife Marion set up a committee and organised the first Lifeboat Saturday in Manchester in aid of the RNLI. It was the first charity street collection ever recorded, and demonstrated that, wherever people lived, and whatever their means, they were determined to support the RNLI’s cause.

A Service of Thanksgiving to mark 200 years of the RNLI will be held in Westminster Abbey on 4th March 2024.

David Templeman

Broughton

Great

Eco- Products

Liquid

Bring

Shop

Weekdays:

Eco-zone

Beautiful Blues

The rolling hills of Hampshire’s chalk downlands are amazing havens for butterflies. These colourful creatures light up the landscape, and are a crucial food source for birds, bats, small mammals, and amphibians. If you take a walk around our local chalk streams, keep an eye out for these blue beauties – just remember that the females, which can be partly brown, present more of a challenge!

The earliest to emerge is the holly blue, which can appear as early as April. This first generation is followed by another in August, and sometimes a third in October. As its name suggests, this species tends to congregate around holly plants in the springtime, although the summer generation mostly relies on ivy. Unlike the others in our list, this butterfly is pale blue on the underside of its wings.

Britain’s most widespread blue butterfly, the common blue, is able to roam due to the prevalence of its favourite foodplant: common bird’s-foot-trefoil. You can often spot it in grassy areas, including along

riverbanks. Look for individuals or pairs in late May, and again in late August. As with the holly blue, a third generation can sometimes arrive in October if the weather has been warm.

The chalk hill blue is the largest blue butterfly on our list, and the second largest in Britain. It is mostly confined to chalk downlands, as they are the main habitat for horseshoe vetch – its sole foodplant. Unusually, the chalk hill blue has just one generation, which emerges from July to September. The caterpillars secrete a sweet substance, so ant colonies will often protect them from predators.

Eating only horseshoe vetch is a trait shared by the Adonis blue, although this butterfly prefers to find its food on slopes with shorter grasses. Like those of the chalk hill blue, Adonis blue caterpillars have a symbiotic relationship with ants. Despite a significant decline in its overall population, this species can still be seen at sites across Hampshire in late May and late August.

If you’re keen to learn more about these amazing animals, the local branch of

Butterfly Conservation holds guided walks throughout the spring and summer. To discover the wonderful world of chalk streams, explore the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme at hiwwt.org.uk/ winterbournes. Our work is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

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?

‘An Introduction to Floodplain Meadows’ 25th April, 7pm.

Floodplain meadows bring beauty and biodiversity to the landscape, but many have been lost over time. How can we restore these habitats?

Book your tickets at hiwwt.org.uk/ winterbournes

Test Valley Borough Council News

New virtual assistant business awarded council grant

Shearwater Virtual Assistance in Test Valley has been awarded a business incentive grant of £750.

Lucy Willis set up Shearwater Virtual Assistance to offer business owners, freelancers and entrepreneurs help with admin work, property management, event, and lifestyle support. Lucy has over 20 years’ experience in administration in the

Test Valley Borough Council opens consultation on new Local Plan

A new draft Local Plan for the period to 2040 will go out to public consultation for eight weeks from 6 February 2024, following its recent approval at January’s Full Council meeting. It has been produced by the council in its role as the local planning authority, in accordance with strict national guidance and previous consultation with residents.

The Local Plan sets out the planning policies and principles required to meet development needs such as housing allocations and land for employment uses, while recognising the importance of conserving and enhancing the local environment and heritage.

It follows the principles set out in the Council’s four-year plan, agreed through a democratic process involving residents from across Test Valley, and has been carefully tailored to make sure the varying needs of all communities within the borough are recognised and met.

New sites are identified within the plan, through careful consideration of constraints, in order to reduce the risk of speculative planning applications on sites where development should be resisted.

hospitality, property, and charity sectors. Lucy said, “It is a great help to receive a grant from Test Valley Borough Council to help get my new virtual support business up and running”.

Lucy’s client DC, Music Industry, London said, “Working with Lucy has meant I have more time to focus on the strategy of the business and I am working less out of hours. Being able to delegate and have her support is changing the company culture in a positive way! We should have done it years ago.”

Bellinger Ward Councillor Phil Lashbrook said: “A virtual assistant business is a

Residents, business owners and visitors to Test Valley will be able to comment on the proposals within the plan in a number of ways, including in writing, by email and through an online survey. Printed copies of the plan will be available at the council offices and libraries.

A number of drop-in sessions have been arranged, to discuss the proposals, at the following locations and times:

• Abbotswood Community Centre, Romsey, on Tuesday 20 February from 3.30pm to 7.00pm

• Picket Twenty Sports Pavilion, Andover, on Monday 26 February from 3.00pm to 7.00pm

• Valley Park Community Centre on Wednesday 28 February from 3.00pm to 7.00pm

• Memorial Hall, Ludgershall, on Monday 4 March from 3.00pm to 7.00pm

• Crosfield Annexe, Romsey, on Tuesday 5 March from 3.00pm to 7.00pm

• North Baddesley Village Hall on Saturday 9 March from10.00am to 1.00pm

• The Guildhall, Andover, on Tuesday 12 March from 3.00pm to 7.00pm

• Nursling and Rownhams Village Hall on Wednesday 13 March from 3.00pm to 7.00pm

Leader of the Council, Phil North, said: “Producing a new Local Plan always includes

fantastic initiative. I am delighted to award the Business Incentive Grant to Lucy to help get her new business off the ground. The council's business grant schemes are a great opportunity for those wishing to set up new businesses in Test Valley.”

Business Incentive Grants are for new businesses located in Test Valley and must be applied for before you start your business. They will be paid once you have been up and running for a minimum of 6 months. Anyone starting a business can find out more and download an application form at: Business Incentive Grant | Test Valley Borough Council

very tough decisions – balancing the need for new homes, including affordable homes, with the impact those decisions will have on existing residents’ lives. Ultimately, though, we are required by central government to provide sites for 11,000 new dwellings across the borough by 2040. If we don’t, there is a huge risk of developers getting permission for speculative plans, which are unlikely to include the significant amount of new infrastructure we are demanding through the Local Plan process.

“I’m sure there will be strong views on this and I’m looking forward to hearing them as part of the public consultation process. This will enable us to take on board public comment and potentially reshape the plan before a final draft is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.”

Full details of consultation events and the locations of printed information will be available at: www.testvalley.gov.uk/ localplan2040

Following the consultation period, which ends on 2 April 2024, comments will be considered and a final draft version of the plan will be taken to a Full Council meeting, before submitting to the Secretary of State for assessment. Once adopted, it will replace the existing plan for 2011 – 2029.

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. Our kitchens are expertly crafted by Schuller, the second largest German kitchen manufacturer, and Uform. Both have an extensive and inspiring collection ranging from the contemporary to the more traditional.

Please contact us regarding our complementary design and quotation service, we look forward to hearing from you.

Visit Town & Country

8 The High Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO3O 2EA

Telephone: 01489 536187

Email: sales@town-and-country.co.uk www.town-and-country.co.uk

Asparagus & Bacon Soup

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ lb Asparagus

8oz unsmoked back bacon in strips

1 potato peeled and cubed

1 pint chicken stock

½ pt jersey cream

3 spring onions chopped

Salt and pepper

2 tbsps olive oil

To Garnish

4 oz bacon

Zest and rind of 1 lemon

4 fl oz crème fraiche

METHOD

1. Cook bacon and spring onions in oil until crisp and stir in potato and mix.

2. Trim asparagus and cut stems in half setting 12 tips aside.

3. Add rest of asparagus to bacon mixture with cream and stock and cook for 10 minutes until potato cooked and asparagus tender.

4. Blend and sieve and add seasoning before reheating to serve.

5. Garnish with grilled bacon pieces and blanched asparagus tips cooked in lemon water. Add a spoon of crème fraiche before serving. Can be served hot or cold.

MARCH HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS

Alresford - Sat 2nd, Petersfield - Sun 3rd, Romsey - Sun 3rd, Alton - Sat 9th, Winchester - Sun 10th, Emsworth - Sat 16th, Southsea - Sun 17th, Ringwood - Sat 30th, Winchester - Sun 31st

For more information visit: www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk

Roller Doors

Roller Door

2 Medium Panelled Sectional Doors

2 Medium Individial Panelled Sectional Doors

Two large ribbed smooth sectional doors Solidor Front Door

Roller Door

Learn 2 Live: Widening access to vital mental-health support for teenagers

Learn 2 Live is a new, unique clinic helping teenagers overcome challenges with mental ill-health and associated problematic behaviours. They support, guide and enable young people to take the vital first steps on their path to a brighter future.

This week Learn 2 Live opened their doors to the first cohort embarking on a distinctive, six-week, residential programme. Each child will follow an individually tailored course of treatment and therapies to build strength, confidence and resilience from within. This collaborative, personalised intervention leads them from initial admission to successful transition and post-discharge support.

According to data just released by the Royal College of Physicians, the number of children referred to emergency mental healthcare in England has soared by 53% in just three years. More than 600 mentally ill children a week are deteriorating to such a state that they have reached crisis point and NHS child and adolescent mental health services are under unprecedented pressure, with waiting lists an average of five months, and in the worst cases as long as two years.

The mental health charity ‘Young Minds’ says “Young people today are facing a unique combination of challenges, including the consequences of the pandemic and academic catch-up, which are taking a toll on their mental health.” Recognising the warning sign of a mental health challenge and acting before it gets worse, results in much better outcomes. Early intervention can save a young person and their loved ones from stress, prevent more serious symptoms from developing and reduce the chance

of problems with work, family, school and substance use. Plus it can help reduce medical costs and the overall burden on family and friends.

Learn 2 Live is the brainchild of Luchie Cawood, an experienced educationalist and ex principal and director of Eaton House Schools in London. Luchie has personal experience of the devastation a child’s mental ill-health can have and as a result began the development of Learn 2 Live in 2021. She is determined that families get the help they need when they find themselves with nowhere to turn and has established a bursary programme to widen access to the clinic’s programme.

Commenting on this announcement, Luchie said: “My vision to build Learn 2 Live comes from my own experiences of trying to find an appropriate level of mental health provision for a member of my own family and failing to do so. It is clear that there is a desperate need to provide a circuit-break for young people who are unable to build their self-esteem and their resilience through existing care in the community. Our aim is to give our young people the tools that they need to thrive in the wider world.”

Our expert psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors and mental health coaches bring extensive experience in evidence-based treatments, united in a commitment to deliver comprehensive, compassionate care for the mental health and well-being of our adolescent residents.

Learn 2 Live Youth Clinic

Farley Street, Nether Wallop, Hampshire, SO20 8EL

Call us on +44 (0)1264 594659

https://learn2liveyouthclinic.com/ info@learn2liveyouthclinic.com