Test Valley Forum - April 2024 - Issue 188

Guide Price £750,000

Exceptionally light four bedroom mews house with stunning views over woodland and The River Test.

Set within a prime position in a popular village location, this property has extensive accommodation (1,938 ft²) over two floors including a spacious sitting/dining room, two bedrooms with ensuite and two further bedrooms and an attractively landscaped garden.

ANDOVER BARTON STACEY

Guide Price £795,000

A substantial family home with four double bedrooms set in large well stocked gardens with parking and close to amenities. Three reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility and conservatory. Main bedroom with ensuite, three further spacious bedrooms. Garage and summerhouse. Excellent travel links and within easy reach of Andover town centre.

Guide Price £845,000

A modern four bedroom property built in 2016 with spacious accommodation boasting natural light and an outstanding outlook.

Immaculate condition with a high specification of fixtures and fittings. Outside there is ample parking, a garage, an EV charging point, and a fully insulated Hully Pod.The garden enjoys a South-Westerly aspect with planted borders and a terrace.

April Events

Drawing and Jam

Sandwiches: A Children’s Illustration Workshop

Tuesday 2 and Tuesday 9 April

From 10am 12noon & 1 to 3pm Meadow, Stockbridge, SO20 6EX

Love reading, drawing and being creative? Step into an illustrator’s shoes and let your imagination soar… Join author and illustrator Emma Van Zeller to create wondrous drawings inspired by the work of children’s author John Burningham.

Stockbridge Antiques Fair

Saturday 6 April

From 9am to 4.30pm

Stockbridge Town Hall, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

The Fair is held in Stockbridge Town Hall in the centre of the High Street, usually on the first Saturday of the month - the next fair is on Saturday 4 May. 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 Amateur Dramatic Society (SADS) Talking Heads

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 allthe Talking Heads monologues, they are brilliantly writtenpoignant, subtle and humorous. (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.

The Rotary Club of Andover Antique and Collectables Valuation Day

Thursday 11 April

From 10am to 3pm

Andover Guidhall, Andover, SP10 1NT

Meet TV's Thomas Forrester, SAS Director & TV Expert and his team to value your treasured collectables old and used. £5 per item or £10 for 3 items. All proceeds to Local Charities. Christopher.lynn36@gmail.com Tel: 01264 396511.

Andover Chamber Choir Fauré Requiem

Saturday 13 April

From 7.30pm

St.Mary's Church, Church Close, Andover, SP10 1DP

The Andover Chamber Choirs first concert of 2024. 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 Cinema Anatomy of a Fall (15)

Friday 19 April

From 7.30pm

Stockbridge Town Hall, SO20 6HE

For the past year, Sandra, her husband Samuel, and their elevenyear-old son Daniel have lived a secluded life in a remote town in the French Alps. When Samuel is found dead in the snow below their chalet, the police question whether he was murdered or committed suicide. What follows is not just an investigation into the circumstances of Samuel's death but an unsettling psychological journey into the depths of Sandra and Samuel's conflicted relationship. [In French with subtitles]. Tickets £6.00 (incl £0.50p booking fee) on sale via www.stockbridgecinema.org.uk or by telephone from TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (no additional charge). Please visit our website for full details of our films.

Stockbridge Cinema 20 Days in Mariupol (18)

Saturday 20 April

From 7.30pm

Stockbridge Town Hall, SO20 6HE

An Associated Press team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol struggle to continue their work documenting atrocities of the Russian invasion. As the only international reporters who remain in the city, they capture what later become defining images of the war: dying children, mass

graves, the bombing of a maternity hospital, and more. This awardwinning documentary is being screened as a fundraising film for the Stockbridge Ukraine aid group. See Friday 19th showing for address and contact details.

Wherwell Village Hall Managment Committee

Annual Bluebell Walk in Harewood Forest

Sunday 21 April

From 10am

Wherwell Village Hall, Church Street, Wherwell, SP11 7JJ

Adults £5 - Registered Charity 301985

Stockbridge Cinema The Miracle Club (12A)

Wednesday 24 April

From 5pm to 7.30pm

Stockbridge Town Hall, SO20 6HE

Ireland 1968: three close friends win the trip of a lifetime - a pilgrimage to Lourdes. With each woman desperately in need of a personal miracle, the trip seems like an answer to all their prayers. But when they are joined by another friend, returning to Dublin after decades in America, deep wounds from the past are reopened and bitter truths exposed. (comedy /drama). See Friday 19th showing for address and contact details.

Stockbridge Cinema Wonka (PG)

Sunday 28 April

From 3pm

Stockbridge Town Hall, SO20 6HE

Based on the extraordinary character at the centre of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, “Wonka” tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. A fundraising film for the Friends of Stockbridge School. See Friday 19th showing for address and contact details.

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Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture

custom offices, installed by

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,

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!”

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T: 01264 570097 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.

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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.

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Salisbury Cathedral School announces the appointment of Sally Moulton as new head

Salisbury Cathedral School is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sally Moulton as the new Head, effective September 2024. Sally joins Salisbury Cathedral School from Yarrells Preparatory School, where she served as Head for the past six years.

"I am delighted to be joining Salisbury Cathedral School and am inspired by its rich history and commitment to excellence," says Sally Moulton. "I believe that every child deserves the best possible education, one that fosters enthusiasm for learning and prepares them for the future. I am eager to work with the staff, pupils, and parents to build on the school's strong foundations and ensure the best outcomes for all."

Prior to her role as Head at Yarrells Preparatory School, Sally's extensive leadership experience included roles as Deputy Head Academic at Clayesmore Prep and academic Deputy in a British curriculum school in Kenya. She is known for her strategic vision, compassionate leadership style, and dedication to academic and pastoral excellence.

It is the love of young people and the passion for their education that sits so evidently at the heart of all Sally’s work, and this was something the Governors of Salisbury Cathedral School could feel palpably as she went through the rigorous interview process. "We are thrilled to welcome Sally to Salisbury Cathedral School," says James Fletcher, Chairman of Governors. "Her passion for education, understanding of our unique

history, and impressive track record make her the ideal candidate to lead our school into the future."

Sally was educated in Somerset prior to studying Music and English Literature at The University of Leeds. She then trained for her teaching qualifications at The University of Bath. She is also a qualified executive coach and integrative therapist. Her diverse skill set and commitment to supporting the school community with compassion and understanding will be invaluable assets in her new role. Sally is married to Sam, also a teacher, and they have two sons, Bill and Bertie. Their family also includes Juno, their beloved beagle. Outside of her professional endeavours, Sally is a passionate musician, singing in local choirs and cathedral choirs during chorister holidays.

If you would like to make an appointment to visit the school, please contact the Registrar, Jojo Orange on 01722 555300 or email orange.j@ salisburycathedralschool.com

For more details about Salisbury Cathedral School please go to www.salisburycathedralschool.com

“SCS offers something special”

Winner of ‘Best of the Best PrepsGreat for Music’

Celebrating British Science Week at Embley Prep School

British Science Week is a 10-day national celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM). This year’s theme was time and there were exciting events at Embley Prep School and the launch of some longer-term activities.

The children welcomed Jennifer O’Farrell, a pharmaceutical and biotech patent attorney from D Young & Co, for a whole-school assembly about her job. Jenny describes and defines inventions to create patents and led a workshop with Years 5 and 6 where the children were challenged to create their own inventions to solve a real-world problem. The children had a brilliant time discussing possible solutions, figuring out how their inventions might work and deciding which part could be patentable!

Nursery to Year 6 met the puppies of Deefer, Embley Prep School’s dog, for the first time. Years 3 to 6 will be following the puppies’ development, having witnessed the early stages of their formation before birth. Years 1 to 6 explored the fascinating world of mini beasts using VR headsets in a fully immersive 3D experience. They enjoyed viewing the world from the perspective of the intriguing invertebrates they might find in their own gardens including beetles and bees!

In Science lessons and STEM Club, pupils across the Prep learnt about how time is recorded. Year 1 and 2 explored how the sun moves across the sky and it can be used to tell the time. Years 4 to 6 created pendulum timers, investigating how changing the swing can affect how the timer works, and Years 3 and 4 experimented with jelly – learning about how long it takes to set and what factors influences this.

In Natural Sciences, pupils explored the school’s extensive grounds, identifying trees, plants, invertebrates and birds. The children will conduct a similar survey at another point in the year and see how their recorded species have changed over time.

Embley

Embley Park, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6ZE www.embley.org.uk

T: 01794 512206

Bun & Butter Pudding (Leftover hot cross buns)

INGREDIENTS

∙ 600ml Semi-Skimmed Milk

∙ 200ml Double Cream

∙ 400ml Single Cream

∙ 1 Vanilla Pod

∙ 4 Medium Free-Range Eggs

∙ 170g Caster Sugar

∙ 6 Hot Cross Buns (sliced in half and spread with a knob of butter)

∙ 3 Tablespoons Cognac

∙ 1 Handful dried apricots (chopped)

∙ 1 Orange (zest of)

∙ A little icing sugar

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/gas 3. For the custard base, bring the milk and all the cream just to the boil in a saucepan. Cut the vanilla pod in half, scrape out the seeds and add to the pan. Whisk the eggs with the sugar until pale, then whisk in the milk and cream mixture, removing the vanilla pod shell.

Dip the hot cross bun halves in the mixture, then place in an ovenproof dish. Drizzle over the Cognac and sprinkle over the apricots and the orange zest. Sieve the custard over, and leave it all to soak for at least 15 minutes.

Place the dish in a roasting tin, half-fill the tin with hot water, then bake the pudding for about 45 minutes. When cooked it will have a slight crust on top but will still be slightly wobbly inside. Dust with the icing sugar and serve.

Recipe from Jamie Oliver.com/recipes

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Where Happiness Reigns

Open Morning

Friday 17 May

Godolphin unveils ambitious Deep Sea Theme with the creation of a Life Size Giant Squid

Godolphin’s Exhibition Club proudly announces their latest venture, following the resounding success of the International Space Station in 2023. After extensive brainstorming sessions, the club members decided on a captivating 'Deep Sea' theme with a Life Size Giant Squid taking centre stage as part of Godolphin's Science Week.

The decision to create a monumental exhibit was made early on, with the Giant Squid spanning an impressive 14m in length. Over the summer, students and staff dedicated themselves to gathering materials such as cardboard, newspaper, and milk bottle tops, laying the groundwork for this ambitious project to come together in the new term.

The internal structure, constructed entirely from recycled cardboard and extending 3m in length, required meticulous efforts to balance strength and weight. Sheets of papier-mâché were meticulously crafted and reinforced each week to provide a stable outer layer for the squid’s form. Stabilising fins, designed to emulate fluid motion, were anchored in place by sturdy wooden struts and counterbalanced to bolster structural integrity.

One of the greatest challenges was the creation of the squid’s arms. A creative solution was devised; sewing lengths of fabric into compact cubes, which were then filled with polystyrene bean bag balls and reinforced with wire, allowing them to be suspended in the grandeur of Godolphin’s Main Hall.

Tel: 01722 430500

www.godolphin.org

Godolphin, Milford Hill, Salisbury, SP1 2RA

Dr Clinton Thrower, Head of Science at Godolphin says “This project is a testament to the tireless dedication of the Exhibition Club, transforming the collective vision of staff and students to become a reality.”

May Events

Come & Sing!

Saturday 4 May

St. Paul’s Church, Winchester, SO22 5AB

Southern Voices are inviting local singers to come and sing with them in a choral workshop as part of their 40th Anniversary Season on Saturday 4th May, Find out what it’s like to sing with the choir and their fabulous conductor, Jamal Sutton. The programme has a 'joyful' theme, with works from the English Choral Tradition by Finzi, Elgar and Wood with some Bob Chilcott thrown in to add even more fun. It’s on the ambitious side, but all enjoyable music and you will have a good sing! The accompanist will be the immensely talented George Castle and registration starts at 10am. Bring your own pack lunch and complimentary hot drinks and biscuits will be available. The day concludes with a free concert for your friends and family at 3pm in the church. The workshop costs £20 (£10 for those 21 and under) including music; please buy your tickets at https:// www.southernvoices.co.uk/ ComeAndSing - Car parking is limited at the church; please use nearby Winchester car parks and allow time to walk to the church. Don’t be shy, come and sing with us – we really look forward to seeing you there!

St Peter’s Church Annual Flower Festival

Friday 3 May to Monday 6 May

From 10am to 6pm

St.Peters Church, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

Our event this year features a multitude of flower arrangements addressing this year’s theme which is “Hobbies and Holidays”. As usual both St Peter’s and old St Peter’s churches will be open from 10.00 am til 6.00 pm each day ( although there a Sunday service in St Peter’s from 11.00- 12.00 ). Teas available during the afternoons on Saturday , Sunday

and Monday. Contact, if needed, Is Angela on 01264 810.

Andover Choral Society May Concert

Saturday 4 May

From 7.30pm

St.Mary's Church, Church Close, Andover, SP10 1DP

Andover Choral will be performing the St John Passion by JS Bach on Saturday 4 May at St Mary’s Church, Andover. Enjoy the music and drama in the rich acoustic setting of St Mary’s Church. The story of Christ’s suffering and death, beautifully written by Bach and sung in English, includes wonderful chorales and one of Bach’s most exquisite choruses, “Sleep well”. Andover Choral is accompanied by the brilliant Westminster Chamber Orchestra and professional soloists.

Hampshire Choral Festival

Saturday 18 May

From 7.30pm

Romsey Abbey, Church Lane, Romsey, SO51 8EP

Botley Choral Society, Compton & Shawford Festival Choir, Itchen Valley Choir, Overton Choir, Sarisbury Choral Society, Twyford Singers, Winchester City Festival Choir. Emily Blackledge (alto) Mark Dancer (organ) Festival Orchestra - Conductor David Burgess, Karl Jenkins, Stabat Mater, Gabriel Fauré Requiem Tickets £15 unreserved Further details to follow

News from the Wallops WI

The sun is shining at last and Easter will have been and gone by the next WI meeting on Thursday 11 April. Hopefully we will all have enjoyed the early spring flowers and more than a little chocolate over Easter and are looking forward to a glorious summer.

Our April meeting should be very interesting as one of our own WI members, Dr Rhona Banks, will be giving us a talk about her work as a consultant in Veterinary pharmaceuticals. The science sounds fascinating, if a little daunting, but Rhona has entitled her talk 'How I left my clothes all over Europe' so perhaps the emphasis will be rather less challenging for those of us without the science background! In March we heard about the work of a customs officer and how clever and inventive the smugglers are

On the buses

The Original King Alfred Running Day which is our largest event of the year will be on Bank Holiday Monday 6th May 2024. We expect up to 25 visiting vehicles as well as everything available from the Friends of King Alfred Buses collection, operating free bus services on a wide range of routes. Plan your visit - get a programme/ timetable in advance. The order form can be downloaded at: https://www.kingalfredbuses.org. uk/

Buying a programme helps us cover the costs of a Running Day and supports the ongoing preservation and restoration of our buses. If you can't print the form or fill it in, just send a letter with your cheque to Friends of King Alfred Buses, 13 Ashley Close, Winchester SO22 6LR or, if you are paying by bank transfer,

in attempting to get drugs, exotic animal products, cigarettes, illegal substances and immigrants into the country.

Working out of Dover, Sheerness and ports all around the country, Nigel Knott witnessed the ever increasing flood of illegal but hugely valuable commodities and oversaw the siezure of goods and the arrest of the perpetrators although he knew that the success rate could never be 100%. After many years of experience the work of the customs officers has been enhanced by the use of sniffer dogs to track down the smugglers and Nigel was keen to promote their valuable contribution to his work.

The Wallops WI would like to welcome new members. Are you new to the villages and want to meet new friends? The WI can start those friendships and you can come to the first couple of meetings as a guest, with no obligation to join, to see if the WI is for you.

Our next meeting might be the ideal way to begin with Rhona's talk on Thursday 11 April at 7.30pm in the Wallops Parishes Hall. We look forward to seeing you.

Pam Quick

send an email to membership@ kingalfredbuses.org.uk including your name, address and payment amount.

If you would like to buy one of our sales items by mail order, click on 'Souvenirs & Books' to see details of what we have and how to order.

On 8th December 2023 a serious fire broke out at Penton Mewsey where several historic buses are kept. Amongst other vehicles not owned by us, Leyland Olympic JAA 708 was severely damaged. Further details are in the news section under 'The Friends'. The book which tells the story of JAA 708 is still available, with an update about the effects of the fire. Click on 'Souvenirs & Books' for ordering information.

Lost Property Enquiries: If you have lost something on one of our vehicles, please phone 07771 828918.

WHEN DID YOU LAST HAVE YOUR HEARING TESTED?

TWO

OTHER HEARING LOSS

1.

2

3

What is the opposite of sitting?

What did you think of? Let me guess… Standing?

You’re on the right lines, but the reality is, you have just swapped one static position for another. Neither of which is ideal for long periods when we consider the setting of an office or in the home. The opposite of sitting is when you actually reverse the flexion of the spine, hip, knee and ankle, open and lengthen the body and take it into extension through movement. And what is this special movement that is the opposite of sitting? Its walking!

Walking reverses the effects of sitting by, not just taking the joints to a neutral position like in standing, but moves them in the opposing ranges, and takes the body from a static position to a moving one. As you know, prolonged sitting is not good for the body. The neck and back aches, the shoulders tense up and flexibility and strength ebbs away. But did you know evidence shows it also causes brain fog, reduced circulation and varicose veins, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, even some cancers.

Walking, on the other hand, engages multiple muscle groups and joints throughout the body. It increases blood flow, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts metabolism. Research has consistently shown that regular walking can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. It also enhances mood, cognitive function, and overall quality of life. Don’t get me wrong, if you’re in an office environment or stuck inside and walking isn’t available to you, standing up is still a good option. It is better than a day sitting, and alternating a standing desk with sitting maybe the only movement opportunity for you. I think the very vast majority of complaints that I see in practice are related to people living in an environment that calls you to sit in chairs, be that an office chair, car seat or sofa, which leads to some very debilitating alignment issues. Even the most ergonomic of chairs and desk set ups will not solve this. We are just not designed to sit, propped in beautiful chairs or slumped on a kitchen chair for prolonged periods.

In our day to day lives, there is very little stimulus or cue that means we would naturally choose an alternate position. So, to encourage more walking or motion in the day try to make it easy for yourself by giving yourself lots of new habit-forming cues and reminders. Such as:

1. Leave your trainers or walking boots in a highly visible spot

2. Leave out a mat, resistance band or skipping rope

3. Save my YT movement break video https://youtu.be/ Oae8PLGOOWM

4. Set a timer to remind you to do the exercise or take a walk

5. Make a regular time and date with a friend for a walk

6. Create a floor sitting nook to encourage a variety of different positions even when at rest

All it takes to walk is just takes a pair of good shoes and a willingness to move. Every step will move you from the static to the dynamic, and better well-being, improved resilience and healthy longevity. Don’t forget to check out the 5 mins exercise video that simulates the benefits of walking for when you can’t get out or away from the desk. Find it on the SOP YouTube channel and the SOP website.

Emma

Wightman

- www.the-sop.com

River Dental, 1 Clarendon Terrace, High St, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6EY w w w .

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Gardening Tips for Spring from the National Trust

Spring is an uplifting and hopeful time of year for many of us as we watch the natural world burst into life. Learn some handy gardening tips on creating blossom displays, pruning and mowing, and the types of flowers and vegetables to plant in spring.

What to plant in spring

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, many gardeners will be busy sowing seeds and preparing flower borders and vegetable patches. Once the soil is warm enough you can start planting potatoes and onions and sowing hardy vegetables, including broad beans, cabbages, carrots, radishes, lettuce, rocket and spinach.

March and April are good months to plant perennials, sow hardy annuals like marigolds and plant summer-flowering bulbs like lilies and gladioli. Late May is a good time to prepare your beds by removing weeds and digging and raking the soil to create a fine tilth. As daffodils and other spring bulbs die back you can start dividing crowded clumps to help spread them out next year.

Rising temperatures accelerate growth in borders and vegetable beds, so it's important to keep on top of weeds with regular hoeing. During dry spells, you should water plants at the beginning and end of the day.

Things to do in the garden during spring

Weeding and mulching

Spring is an important time for getting on top of weeds before they take light and water from the plants you want. You can also mulch your borders in early spring, provided the soil is moist, and there is still space to get in between the plants.

Pruning hydrangeas

Prune hydrangeas in March. Look for a set of healthy strong buds and then cut the old flower heads back to just above them. For mature or congested plants you can also take out some

of the older growth to encourage it to reshoot from the base.

Looking out for wildlife

When you’re gardening at this time of year, take care not to disturb nesting birds and always check carefully for them before pruning hedges or shrubs. When you tidy and cut back winter growth in spring, remember there may be insects and amphibians living there or even a hedgehog hibernating.

Leaving the lawn for pollinators

Spring is the time when we usually start mowing lawns regularly but you may decide to join the growing trend of leaving all or parts of it uncut for a few weeks at a time. This will allow clover, daisies and other species to flower and provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects.

Container growing

If you have a small garden, patio or terrace then container growing could be for you. Here are some useful tips to help you make the most out of container growing.

Choosing plants for containers

Bulbs and annuals are great for growing in containers because they can be replanted each year to create new schemes. Herbs such as parsley, basil and thyme will also grow well in pots which can be placed near the kitchen door for easy access. Many perennials and even small shrubs and trees can be grown in containers, but species choice is important so make sure you do your research before you buy.

Compost and care

Use good quality peat-free potting compost for temporary displays. For shrubs and perennials which will stay in the same compost for a while, choose one with soil in it or add your own. Plants in containers need regular watering, so ask a helpful neighbour to take care of them when you’re away.

Planting small trees for blossom

The arrival of blossom is one of many things we love about spring. Even if you have a small

garden, you can create an eye-catching display of spring blossom. The key to success is choosing the right size trees or shrubs for the space you’ve got. You can buy bare-root trees and shrubs between November and March or in containers all year round. It’s best to plant them in autumn or early spring.

Choosing the best blossom tree for your garden

Personal taste, colour and smell are obvious criteria for selection, but remember to check the plant’s soil preferences and most importantly its final growing size. Even small spaces can accommodate a container shrub but remember this will need regular feeding and watering.

If you’ve got space for more than one tree, think about how they will complement each other –flowering in sequence or contrasting colours. You may want a tree with multi-season interest or one that produces fruit. Fruit tree blossom is great for pollinating insects.

Why not enjoy a day out at one of Hampshire's many National Trust sites, here are just a few:

Winchester City Mill

Free to enter Ancient watermill, café with island garden and wildlife spot in the heart of Winchester. Bridge Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9BH

Hinton Ampner

Elegant country house with highly distinctive gardens - Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0LA

Mottisfont

A romantic house and gallery set in beautiful riverside gardens near Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0LP

The Vyne

Explore a former Tudor powerhouse turned 17th-century family home, set in gardens, woodlands and wetlands. Vyne Road, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9HL

For more information and to join the national trust visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Earn over £100k? Beware the ‘60% tax trap’

While 45% is the highest ‘official’ income tax rate in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the way the tax-free personal allowance is treated means that some people pay an effective tax rate of 60% on some of their income.

Known as the ‘60% tax trap’, it applies to earnings between £100,000 and £125,140. Here, we explain how the tax trap works and why pensions could help you manage it.

Income tax and the personal allowance

Most people have a standard personal allowance of £12,570, which is the amount of income you do not pay tax on each year. If you have a standard personal allowance, the tax rates you’ll pay in each band of earnings are as follows:

How to reinstate your personal allowance

A way to mitigate the 60% tax trap is to save into a pension. If you earn £110,000 and make a gross pension contribution of £10,000, your adjusted net income falls to £100,000. This would reinstate your full personal allowance and give an effective rate of tax relief of 60% on your pension contribution. There is a cap on the amount you and your employer can pay into your pension each year and still get tax relief. For most people, this is 100% of your UK relevant earnings or £60,000, whichever is lower (this might be tapered if your adjusted income exceeds £260,000). If you exceed your annual allowance, you’ll have to pay an annual allowance charge which essentially claws back any tax relief received.

Next steps

Source: HMRC

Once you earn more than £100,000, your tax-free personal allowance starts to be tapered. It reduces by £1 for every £2 that your adjusted net income exceeds £100,000 and is zero if your income is £125,140 or above.

Why the 60% tax trap occurs

Imagine you earn £110,000 – or £10,000 above the threshold. You would not only pay £4,000 in higher rate tax on the £10,000, but you’d also lose £5,000 of your personal allowance. And with £5,000 of your personal allowance gone, that portion of your income is now also subject to tax at 40%, costing you another £2,000. In other words, of that £10,000, you’d only get to keep £4,000, which equates to a 60% tax rate. For Scottish residents, the effective rate of tax is even higher at 63%, as income in the higher rate tax band is taxed at 42% in Scotland.

Understanding how different tax rules might affect you isn’t easy, especially as the rules can change frequently. A financial adviser can help explain how the various rules affect your long-term financial planning and help decide the best course of action for you.

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.

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VISIT THE HAMPSHIRE COTTAGE WHERE JANE AUSTEN LIVED AND WROTE HER GLOBALLY BELOVED NOVELS

TICKETS LAST FOR ONE YEAR!

Romsey Antiques Collectible & Decorative Arts Fair

This well established event which is now in its 9th year is well worth a visit with a huge array of items from dealers and enthusiasts offering something of interest for all members of the family whether Antiques, (including furniture,gardenalia, kitchenalia, collectables vintage retro and even Vinyl records.

The event is spread over 5 areas in the centre of Romsey both inside and out (all areas are flat and accessible & FREE entry) on a circular route taking in many of the interesting sites that Romsey has to offer, Romsey Abbey with glimpses of the River Test. This event is supported by both Romsey Town Council & Test Valley Council, with over 65 stalls to browse and be tempted by, plus the cafes restaurants and some of the shops will be open why not stay for brunch, lunch or afternoon tea. For more info on ACVR events check out website Facebook and Instagram.

Tel: 07514 680872 for more information www.acvrevents.co.uk

We are proud to have opened our first store in Alresford Hampshire with our collection of own brand products growing every year, focused solely on bringing Mane Dealer clients new and old quality, design and style.

Telephone: 07557 429394

Email: themanedealerltd@yahoo.com www.themanedealer.co.uk

Sun 12th May 2024

Post Office Counter Mail, Parcelforce, collection/returns, banking, bill payment, travel money – and more

Eco- Products

conditioner

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

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

Tel: 01794 502495

Post Office Opening Hours

Weekdays: 9am - 5pm

Saturday: 9am - 12:00pm

Sunday: Closed

Facebook: @BroughtonVillageShop www.broughton.shop

Broughton Community Shop, Village Hall, High Street, Broughton, SO20 8AX

Wallop Artists History

Peter Blakesley, a retired architect, ran drawing classes in St Peter’s Church Hall. He taught the rules of drawing and ran the class with a rod of iron. No fancy, imaginative work came from these classes, but we did learn perspective, line and wash, tone, and pencil discipline, albeit from an architect’s point of view. The huge change came when Libby Pike joined the fledgling Wallop Artists. Her flamboyant, vibrant watercolours were inspirational. Together with Cynthia Bezance, they ran weekly painting afternoons which began to attract a lot of new members. The workshops brought in experienced art tutors from many different approaches. The annual exhibition became an important event in the social calendar and brought in the income to expand the events programme.

There have been many changes over the years which include the introduction of a Facebook page and a new website. However, the core principles remain: embracing the love and practice of art in its many forms, from fine art to crafts. All levels of ability are made welcome.

The evening and afternoon demonstrations and workshops, with experienced artists, encourage and develop existing skills. The exhibitions give the opportunity for members to showcase their work to a wider public.

Today

There are now over 70 members in the Wallop Artists group of amateur and professional artists and craftspeople. They meet in the Wallops in Test Valley, though members come from many of the surrounding towns and villages. Whilst most members paint in a variety of media, there are also sculptors, ceramicists, jewellers and others.

The Wallop Artists group hold afternoon and evening demonstrations and all-day workshops in the Wallops Parish Hall. We welcome new members. If you’d like to join us, please contact Sheena Archer membership@wallopartists.art

Grab a Grant

Do you want to protect, enhance, or celebrate your local chalk stream? The Watercress and Winterbournes scheme offers grants of up to £5,000 for community-led projects focusing on the Candover Brook, Cheriton Stream, Bourne Rivulet, Pillhill Brook, River Arle, Upper Anton, or Upper Test. The grant scheme closes permanently this November, so now is the perfect time to take action!

Your project must focus on at least one of the above streams, and must have one of the following aims. It could improve the condition of locally important chalk stream habitats, or their associated built heritage. It could also enable people to explore, enjoy and learn about the streams' natural and cultural heritage. The proposed activities should be accessible to, or beneficial for, the public. We'd love to hear from passionate groups of people who want to bring their project

idea to life. You might be part of a school, a parish council, a registered charity, or a Community Interest Company. Voluntary and community groups are also welcome to apply, as long as you're constituted and have your own bank account. If successful, you’ll have one year to complete your activities.

The projects we’ve funded so far have been varied. Grant recipients have included Hampshire Bat Group, New Alresford Town Trust, Andover Trees United, and Whitchurch Conservation Group. They’ve installed bat boxes, created information boards, published educational booklets, and run a range of engagement events. Since 2021, we’ve awarded almost £30,000 of funding.

The current funding round closes on 15th July, and the final round closes on 4th November. We recommend expressing interest as soon as possible, so that we can help with your application. You can find

more information, including details of eligibility criteria, by visiting hiwwt.org. uk/winterbournes/communitygrants. Our work is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Free Online Talks

‘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?

‘The Role of the River Keeper’

14th May, 7pm - Often responsible for habitat management in fisheries, river keepers can play a crucial role in protecting our precious chalk streams.

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

Tales from the Riverbank Poetry Competition

Aged 7-18 and keen to try creative writing? It’s time to get inspired by the wonderful world of chalk streams!

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

Not sure where to start? Download our free activity pack, and your ideas will be flowing in no time.

The competition is free to enter and closes on 31st July 2024.

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

With help from Dog

© Lucia Foster-Found 2024

“Benjamin Disraeli.”

“Not Mark Twain?”

“Mark Twain was quoting Benjamin Disraeli. Allegedly.”

“Oh,” she said as she opened the door. “I was fully prepared to argue the point at the pub quiz last night. Good job I didn’t.”

The dogs ran to greet them. They milled around their legs, each wanting to be the closest. They jostled for position to lick outstretched hands.

They pushed each other’s noses out of the way to nudge fingers for more attention. They were making it hard to get in the door. Bless.

That was when she noticed the ‘gift’ in one of their mouths; a piece of red card. It had been a bit loved around the edges and was what could most politely be described as damp. However, the ink was still legible and declared that their lovely postman had tried to deliver a ‘signed for’ package.

This she already knew, actually. Her doorbell cameras had captured the moment the only man she knew who wore shorts all year round had called at her front door. He’d then walked around to the back door to make sure that no one was home. She’d watched him scribble on the card to say that he would try again the next day. And she’d have put a hefty bet on the fact that he would do just that.

“In a world of change,” she said as she wiped the soggy card as best she could and, under the watchful brown eyes of a spaniel, pinned it to the noticeboard to dry, “our postman is a true constant.”

Himself agreed. “And we only needed to ask him the one time to put packages by the back door. I didn’t give him a What3Words, or repeatedly fill in online forms. I just said, ‘please can you put them in there,’ and he said, ‘no problem.’”

“As opposed to the delivery of yesterday.” She filled the kettle and opened the snack cupboard. The dogs’ heads moved in unison, tracking the progress of the biscuits from tin to plate. “I had a notification from a courier that my package had been left in our covered porch.”

Himself looked puzzled. “But we don’t have a covered porch.” “Exactly.”

The dogs lined up in front of Himself with military precision as he reached for a biscuit. They tensed visibly as he bit one in half, and then stared

intently at the remaining morsel in his hand.

Himself swallowed his mouthful and continued, “So did they just leave it on the doorstep?” Casually, he gesticulated towards the front of the house with the half eaten custard cream. “It was raining yesterday,” he continued and pointed towards the window with his biscuit. The dogs, their attention captivated by the travelling food, moved their heads back and forth in unison. It reminded her of Wimbledon..

“No,” she explained, “they left it in A covered porch – that half of the message was true. It just wasn’t OUR covered porch… Good job we’ve got nice neighbours.”

Himself popped the half eaten biscuit in his mouth and the spell was broken; the dogs relaxed and looked about them, coming out of their treattrance. However, as Himself retrieved another biscuit, they sat up with rigid, unblinking focus once more. Observing this oft-repeated routine, she pondered that telekinesis must be a myth; if anyone could move something with the power of thought, it would be those dogs and that bikkie..

The doorbell rang. Himself, brushing crumbs from his jumper, chewing blissfully and staring at his phone, seemed not to hear. The dogs, all Hobnob hopes dashed and no longer mesmerised by McVities, trotted eagerly in her wake. As she approached the front door, she saw a shadowy form through the frosted glass. By the time she opened it, whoever it was had already fled the scene, leaving the gate unlatched and swinging on its hinges.

A spaniel helpfully retrieved the parcel abandoned on the threshold, as her phone bleeped with a notification.

Back in the kitchen, shaking her head in disbelief, she showed Himself the courier’s message that had just appeared on her app which declared, ‘The parcel has been handed to the homeowner.’

“Well, whoever it was who said ‘there are lies, damned lies and statistics’ – Disraeli or Twain – I’ve got another one; ‘the truth, the half truth and nothing like the truth’.”

She reached down and retrieved the package from the delighted spaniel, so pleased with its service it was wagging most of its body. “And p’raps I’d add,” she stroked the silky head, ‘with help from Dog...’”

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

Test Valley Borough Council News

New interpretation boards share past and present of Bury Hill Meadows

Did you know that Bury Hill Meadows was once the site of an Iron Age Fort? Or that from the hills on the site you can see Salisbury Plain and the North Wessex Downs on a clear day?

Two new interpretation boards have been installed this week, containing lots of information about the historical and present uses of the 15-hectare site. One board located at the top of the site, explains the history of Bury Ring. Over 2000 years ago, the Iron Age hill fort consisted of a large double rampart topped by

Test Valley Borough Council extends funding for vital local organisations

In the face of ongoing challenges in the charitable sector, Test Valley Borough Council has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local communities by approving the extension of funding for four local organisations for an additional year.

The purpose of this fund is to support and develop the community and voluntary sector, in order to increase the quality of life of residents in Test Valley, whilst also reducing demand on public services. Youth in Romsey, Age Concern, King Arthur’s Way Community Association (KAWCA), and MIND will now each receive an additional year of funding from the Council to continue their important work.

Cllr Terese Swain, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, said: “Since 2022, our revenue

palisades which would had once have enclosed the homes of an important community and the local seat of power. Farms and hunting grounds would have surrounded the fort and surplus grain was stored here.

The second board explains how the council have transformed this once arable land into a species rich native chalk grassland. Going forwards, the site will be managed for wildlife and public access, with our prime focus on developing the site into a thriving habitat for species including harvest mice, and brown hair streak butterflies.

Bury Hill Meadows contains a range of habitats including hedgerows, grassland and woodland and supports species including Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Dog Rose, Hazel and Kidney Vetch -

funding program has been instrumental in supporting and developing the community and voluntary sector. The current funding landscape for charitable organisations remains tough, exacerbated by the high cost of living and the challenges being faced by many of these organisations service users.

“By extending funding for another year we’re providing a degree of consistency and stability to these organisations, so they can continue their valuable work supporting those who are most at risk in our communities. The decision also aligns with our Corporate Plan, which prioritises community empowerment and sustainability.”

Lisa Langham, Head of Business Development and Resources at Andover Mind said: “It is great news that Test Valley Borough Council are supporting our Ugly Duckling Project again this year. This project is led by our team of dedicated volunteers and is a lifeline for them as many live on their own and could be at risk of social

the only food source for the small blue butterfly. A range of bird life can be seen nearby including sparrow hawks, kites, buzzards, kestrels and sky larks.

Site-specific images created by local artist Carla Vize-Martin, growing up locally in the New Forest, helps to tell the story of the space. The first depicts a wildflower meadow in full bloom and key information about the site. While the second shows how the site might have looked in the iron age, with oxen, countryfolk and warriors.

Cllr Terese Swain, Portfolio Holder for Community and Leisure, said: Bury Hill Meadows was purchased by Test Valley Council in 2021 using housing developer contributions. It offers local residents access to a nature-rich space in the countryside with a lovely perimeter walk of approximately 1.3 miles around the edge of the site.

The central path provides the option for a shorter loop. Visitors to the site are asked to stick to the paths and comply with signage on site to avoid disturbing any ground-nesting birds.

isolation. The project supports participants to develop new skills and confidence whilst preventing items going into landfill by recycling and upcycling donated furniture.”

The funding will go a long way towards helping the organisation to continue to be able to offer the following free services available to everyone in Andover:

• Job Club every Tuesday (term-time)

• The Bereavement Group every third Monday of every month

• Comfort Café and Thrift Shop Warm Hub every Wednesday (term-time)

• Coffee and Chat Warm Hub the first and third Thursday of every month.

Find out more about these events and more on the King Arthur’s Hall website at https://www.kingarthurswayhall.org.uk/ Community-Events.php