NEWS & EVENTS FOR OCTOBER
Find out what's going on in the Test Valley
HALLOWEEN FEATURE
Family Halloween events in October and November RECIPE OF THE MONTH Warming Pumpkin & Lentil Curry
OUR REGULAR MONTHLY FEATURE Road to Nowhere by Lucia Foster-Found
STYLE ˙ INTERIORS ˙ HEALTH & BEAUTY ˙ INTERVIEWS ˙ FOOD & DRINK ˙ ENTERTAINMENT ˙ EVENTS
Talk at Broughton Village Hall
Thursday 2 October
From 7-9pm
Broughton Village Hall, High Street, Broughton, SO20 8AX
, Our speaker is Sir Mark Lyall Grant - "Influential World Leaders" that Mark has met during his career, including Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, Xi Jingping and Nelson Mandela. This will be a fascinating talk and Mark will take questions afterwards, which can be on any other topical subject. Tickets £10 from Broughton Village Shop or online www.ticketsource.co.uk/ broughton-village-hall
Chilbolton Village Hall Film ‘Black Bag’ (15)
Friday 3 October
Doors 6.30pm (Starts 7.30pm)
Chilbolton Village Hall, Eastmans Field, Chilbolton, SO20 6AT
Featuring Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Pierce Brosnan, Marisa Abela, Tom Burke and Naomie Harris. When his beloved wife is suspected of betraying the nation, an intelligence agent faces the ultimate test – loyalty to his marriage or his country. Tickets £6.00 in advance from Martin Larcombe on 01264 860277 E-mail: martin.larcombe3@gmail. com or £7.00 on the door (if available). Tea/Coffee and biscuits available. Wine, Beer and Choc Ices on sale.
The Autumn Hampshire Art Fair
Sat 4 to Sat 25 October
From 11am - 5pm
The Old Grain Store, Goodworth Clatford, Nr Stockbridge, SP11 7LF
An exhibition of over 40 British and Intenational artist. Bringing Art and People Together. Open Tue-Sat from 11am to 5pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays. www. nadiawarterfieldfineart.com
Saturday 4 October
From 9.30am to 4.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
We offer a wide range of Decorative, Interesting and Unusual items including good quality Furniture, Paintings and Prints, Lighting, Silver, China and Glass, Jewellery and Militaria. Free Admission & Free Parking. We will also buy. The Fair is on the first Saturday of the month - Confirm fair dates on Antiques Atlas: https://antiques-atlas.com/ dbevents/ Contacts: Instagramcarolfentumantiques
Carol - 01264 335769 / 07870 432805, Steve - 01722 712267 / 07915 663251
Stockbridge Amateur Dramatic Society - Great Company
Tuesday 7 October
From 7.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
Come and be entertained by readings and sketches on the theme of ‘It Makes Me Laugh’. Open to all, you don’t have to be a member of SADS to enjoy an evening of great company, though new members are always welcome. For more information, visit our website: stockbridgeamdrams. org.uk
Broughton and Bossington Horticultural Society
Wednesday 8 October
From 7.30pm
Broughton Village Hall, High Street, Broughton, SO20 8AX
Talk on the history of Furzey Gardens October 8th at 7.30pm Broughton Village Hall
Malcolm Price and Ian Clark will be talking about the history of The 12 acre Furzey gardens located in the New Forest. The gardens include a 16th Century cottage, wildflower meadow and fairytale woodlands. With a variety of
events from children’s activities and trails to summer outdoor theatre performances, there is something to suit everyone. There will be a plant stall and tea and biscuits.
Stockbridge Cinema Holy Cow (15)
Friday 10 October
From 7.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
After the tragic death of his father, 18 year old Totone is thrust into the unexpected and very adult role of looking after his younger sister and their failing family farm in the Jura section of France. He assumes even more responsibility when he enters a cash competition for the best Comte cheese made in this western part of the French Alps. A "verité" look at the hardscrabble life of French agriculture, it is simultaneously a moving love story and above all an ode to the love of cheese. [In French with English subtitles]. See Wednesday 29th showing for booking details.
Stockbridge Cinema Black Bag (15)
Wednesday 29 October
From 5pm amd 7.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) agent George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) faces a challenging assignment. There’s a mole in the agency with plans to activate a destructive cyber worm called Severus. George is tasked with identifying the mole. His list of five suspects includes four of his agency friends and colleagues at the NCSC, with the fifth being his beloved wife Kathryn St. Jean (Cate Blanchett). George faces the ultimate test - loyalty to his marriage or his country. Information common to all films unless otherwise shown.
Tickets £6.00 on sale from 1 September via www. stockbridgecinema.org.uk or by telephone from TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (no extra charge). Please visit our website for full details of all films.
Goodworth Clatford Art & Craft Weekend
Fri 7 to Sun 9 November
Various Times (see copy below)
Goodworth Clatford Village Club, Goodworth Clatford, Andover, SP11 7RE
Fri 2pm to 7pm, Sat 10am to 5pm Sunday 10am to 4pm. One tradition that we have all come to love is the Goodworth Clatford Art & Craft Weekend, which returns with reassuring familiarity. And the good news is that the organisers have applied generous but judicious dollops of organisational Nivea to keep this tradition wrinkle-free, fresh and attractive. A number of your favourite artists and artisans from previous shows will be in attendance, alongside a generous selection of innovative individuals new to the GCAC Weekend, all carefully selected to showcase local talent at the higher end of the creative ladder, while keeping prices below those of comparable gallery exhibitions. Paintings, jewellery, sculpture, ceramics, weaving and woodwork will be just some of the many superb creations on offer, from an array of top-class professional artists and gifted part-timers, with a range of prices to suit all pockets. Free Entry
Upper Clatford Remembers WWII… 80 Years On
Saturday 8 November
From 10am to 4pm
All Saints’ Church, Church Lane, Upper Clatford, Andover, SP11 7QF
A Floral Tribute To Our WWII Heroes
• Key events in World War II told through flowers and other displays by members of our community
• Stories of WWII heroes depicted by the next generation who are living in our local community today
• Upper Clatford in WWII Refreshments will be available Donations in aid of SSAFA
∙ Change all your drawers, doors, panels and plinths
∙ New worktops can be fitted
∙ Amendmants to existing cabinetry and layout can be made
∙ Built in ovens can be changed to eye level ovens
∙ No one will know its a makeover, will look like a brand new kitchen
∙ All doors made to order to any size
Our head fitters are ex shipwright joiners so you are guaranteed excellent quality installation
Ben , Owner Uk Happy Kitchens Ltd
•
•
•
We also design and install bespoke new kitchens, bedrooms, boot rooms, media walls, living room storage.
Whether you want to just change your doors, or change everything you can see on the face, we can utilise your existing units, and change all the trims and panels, just like in the photos above, yes that really was a makeover, with a couple of small changes. Call us today for a free of charge home visit.
Happy Kitchens are quite unique as we are able to offer top quality products, available in any size, fitted by the best professionals in the business. Change your kitchen and bedroom with a makeover or design and install a new kitchen and bedroom, whichever suits your needs or price range.
9 year winner of the Best of Houzz award and one of the highest reviewed kitchen companies on Houzz in the UK
• Change as much or as little as you'd like
• Free no obligation quotation
Free
Amport | Price £1,695,000
Exceptional five bedroom home with separate two bedroom cottage and stunning south-facing gardens.
Quarley | Price £1,350,000 A unique country property providing extensive and versatile accommodation all beautifully presented and full of character with 2 bedroom annexe.
Evans and Partridge have been based in the attractive Test Valley town of Stockbridge since 1991, specialising in the sale of village and rural property throughout the surrounding area.
Over Wallop | Price £850,000
An individual detached four bedroom family house with gated driveway double garage and beautiful well stocked walled gardens.
Goodworth Clatford | Price £565,000
A beautiful and large four bedroom semi-detached period property in a well regarded village with shop, school, pubs and glorious walks nearby.
Porton | Offers invited £860,000
A unique and characterful older style family house that has been extended and completely professionally modernised by renowned local builders set in the heart of the village with amenities.
Over Wallop | Price £410,000
A charming period cottage that has been sympathetically restored and modernised full of character and with a beautiful cottage garden in a tucked away position set back from the road.
Email: property@evansandpartridge.co.uk
Hampshire & Wiltshire’s leading Chartered Surveyor and Estate Agent refreshes its look and digital experience while staying true to its long standing heritage
Stockbridge, Hampshire8 September 2025
With an office in Stockbridge, Myddelton & Major, the independent Chartered Surveyor and Estate Agent serving communities across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset, today unveiled a refreshed brand identity and website experience designed to make property decisions clearer, faster and more personal for clients. The new identity is anchored by the strapline “Making moves matter.”
The rebrand introduces a refined logo, confident colour palette, refined typography, alongside a cleaner visual system for signage, marketing and digital channels. The new identity has been created to better reflect Myddelton & Major’s hallmark qualities: professional rigour, local insight and a warm, straightforward approach to service.
“This is an evolution, not a departure,” said Philip Holford, Managing Partner at Myddelton & Major. “Our clients value our expertise in local markets, comprehensive service offering, and commitment to excellence. The new branding supports all that in abundance, retaining our professional values, whilst celebrating our forward-thinking approach.”
“To revitalise a 120 year old legacy with a fresh, modern brand that elevates Myddelton & Major’s positioning as true experts in both residential and commercial property — it’s certainly an exciting time for
Autumn and Winter are a great time to visit Testwood Lakes as the leaves on the trees change colour and a range of birds return for the winter after a very long journey.
Hampshire IOW Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers will be giving families a warm welcome and there is plenty of fun to be had for children of all ages.
For children aged 1.5-5 years there are weekly Forest School sessions on Monday mornings 9.30am-11.30am. Families can book ahead for a 6 week term (£39) and children can cook on a campfire, use tools to make things from wood and play in nature. Every last Saturday of the month 10am-12pm families are invited for a Wildlife Tots session themed
them. And I’ll be completely honest, it’s been really refreshing working with a client with that much history to truly embrace change, and that’s testament to the energy the team at M&M bring to the relationship,” said Carl Groth, Creative Director at Unstuck Studio (Wilton, Salisbury).
What’s new
• Strapline: “Making moves matter” a clear expression of Myddelton & Major’s commitment to making meaningful moves for clients.
• Logo & mark: A modernised wordmark with improved legibility across print and small screens, plus a distinctive brand symbol used for social avatars and wayfinding.
• Colour & type: A confident core palette with high contrast accents and an accessible type system that performs well in print and digital.
• Visual system: Clear layout rules, imagery guidelines and iconography for property particulars, boards, advertising and presentations.
• Digital experience: A refreshed myddeltonandmajor.co.uk with faster search, sharper photography and streamlined enquiry forms.
• Tone of voice: Friendly, approachable and engaging which truly reflects Myddelton & Major’s rich personality.
As the property market evolves and client expectations rise for clear, digital first communication, Myddelton & Major is investing in a brand and user experience that make professional advice easier to find and act on while preserving the firm’s reputation for depth of expertise and local commitment.
Rollout
The new identity is rolled out from 8 September 2025 across shopfronts, sale and to let boards, marketing materials, property particulars, social channels and the website. Clients will see updated documentation and reports over the coming weeks, with no disruption to services.
around a story with some exploring and crafting outside. Wildlife Tots is aimed at 2-5 years and cost £5 a session.
For even younger ones (0-2 years) there is a weekly Nature Tots and Babies session every Tuesday morning 10.30am-12pm. There are buggy walks, crafts, sensory play and songs for tots and babies. Nature Tots and Babies cost £4 a session.
For older ones every last Saturday of the month there are activities for 5-15 years Wildlife Watch, 2-4pm and Wildlife Rangers for 12-18 years, 2-4pm. Young people can learn more about wildlife and take part in activities to help wildlife such as making a bird box or taking part in a conservation task with tools. There are opportunities to see wildlife through bird watching and pond dipping activities. Adult accompaniment is essential for Wildlife Watch but not Wildlife Rangers, and the cost is £5 per session.
Parking is available at the Education Centre. Please ignore the first building and car park on the right and follow the green signs up to the Education Centre.
To find out more and book please visit: https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/ events, visit Facebook: Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve and Education Centre or email: testwoodlakes@hiwwt.org.uk
GOODWORTH CLATFORD VILLAGE CLUB
ART AND CRAFT WEEKEND
7th to 9th NOVEMBER 2025
We all love a good tradition, don’t we? It’s comforting, dependable – a safe place in a topsy-turvy world. But have you ever stopped to think just what traditions are? Because if you have, you’ll realise that traditions are just old habits with wrinkles, and they don’t sound quite as attractive when you think of them like that, do they?
One tradition that we have all come to love is the Goodworth Clatford Art & Craft Weekend, which returns with reassuring familiarity to Goodworth Clatford Village Club this Autumn from Friday 7th – Sunday 9th November. And the good news is that the organisers have applied generous but judicious dollops of organisational Nivea to keep this tradition wrinkle-free, fresh and attractive.
A number of your favourite artists and artisans from previous shows will be in attendance, alongside a generous selection of innovative individuals new to the GCAC Weekend, all carefully selected to showcase local talent at the higher end of the creative ladder, while keeping prices below those of comparable gallery exhibitions.
Paintings, jewellery, sculpture, ceramics, weaving and woodwork will be just some of the many superb creations on offer, from an array of top-class professional artists and gifted part-timers, with a range of prices to suit all pockets.
And in an important and imaginative development for the show, there will be a featured artist whose works will be displayed in the room opposite the main hall. This year’s chosen artist is Keith Pattison, whose vibrant and joyful works of modernist impressionism and landscapes have been such a hit at previous shows. Keith will be present throughout parts of the weekend, to chat about his work and provide insight into his uplifting creations and artistic techniques.
Entry to the show is free each day, and when you need to step back and take a quiet moment, refreshments will be available to help reboot your cultural appetite. And while you’re relaxing, why not enter the Prize Draw that might just turn your outing into a truly lucky weekend.
So put the dates in your diary, and come along to the Goodworth Clatford Art & Craft Weekend. It will put a smile on your face, and a smile is the best traditional anti-wrinkle remedy known to mankind.
Do you remember back in May 2024 when, from the proceeds of showing the film “20 Days in Mariupol,” we sent out our first car to Vadim from the 3rd Assault Brigade? Therefore, it was with mixed emotions that we received this message from Rymma: “On behalf of myself, Vadim, and the whole group, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for your support. The vehicle that you worked so hard to fundraise for and send to their brigade has served on the front line for more than a year, helping to bring the guys out of difficult situations. Unfortunately, just recently the vehicle was destroyed by the enemy. Yet, even in this, there is good news — all of the men survived, thank God. Once again, thank you to everyone for your help and support. Please feel free to share this news with the team.”
Rymma told us that the car cannot be retrieved as it is in an area of heavy shelling and to do so would put men’s lives at risk. In any event, it would either be irreparable or too costly to do so. It was first hit on the bonnet and then it was struck a second time. Vadim and his team are very grateful to StockbridgeUkraine for your support because the car has kept them safe on the frontline for over a year. In many ways it’s incredible it has lasted so long, but perhaps because it had many costly enemy drone blocking systems on board and, because of its resilience, the men’s lives were saved.
We can’t imagine how terrifying it must be to fight on the frontline and we are so relieved that everyone got out safely. It does highlight the ongoing need and makes us even more resolute in our mission to help Ukrainians fight for their freedom and democracy, and in so doing, they preserve ours.
Thanks to a whopping £2.5k raised at TroutnAbout from your bric-abrac and donations, plus his own fundraising, Mark Betteridge will be heading out to Lviv with retired Brigadier Robert who he met when they joined the Army together in 1978. They will be handing over our 6th Vehicle to Gena of the 25th Airborne Brigade, along with three generators and two Mavik 2 training drones. We know and trust Gena who often shares this essential kit with other units.
Free Entry - Open Friday 7th November from 2pm to 7pm, Saturday 8th November from 10am to 5pm, Sunday 9th November from 10am to 4pm. Refreshments available. There will also be a prize draw!
FROM THIS TO THIS IN ONE DAY
FROM THIS TO THIS IN ONE DAY
FROM THIS TO THIS IN ONE DAY
Skandoor has led the way in manufacturing and installing garage doors in Hampshire and the south for many years. Our speciality is high-quality garage and front doors, on-time delivery and full ownership from start to finish.
A well respected long established family run business based in Bishop's Waltham
ELECTRIC GARAGE DOORS
AUTOMATIC INSULATED GARAGE DOORS & FRONT DOORS
© LUCIA FOSTER-FOUND 2025 WWW.LUCIAFOSTERFOUND.COM
“Tailgating. I can’t stand it. There’s an old Morris Minor right up my… and we haven’t been formally introduced.” Himself muttered indignantly as they drove home from their afternoon trip to the forest. She turned around to have a look just as the last blaze of scarlet painted the horizon. ‘Dark early’, she thought.
The long, hot days of summer so soon had passed; she’d woken up on the first of September to Autumn. Now, even September was old news - the clocks had gone back and her thoughts turned reluctantly to Christmas, helped along by the festive aisle in the supermarket, stacked high with chocolate reindeer poo. And tubs of Quality Street, so much smaller than she remembered them.
The chutney she’d made from the plums, the walnuts she’d pickled - these would make nice gifts, she mused, looking out at the gathering gloom. This year, the hedgerows had been blue with sloes, clinging like dusty musket balls to their spiny branches; bottles of sloe gin lined her pantry. The blackberries had hung in clusters like grapes, no amount of picking left a dent. And on her short commute to work she counted a dozen apple trees drooping with their branch-splitting burdens. Sadly, they fell unharvested onto the dual carriageway, carpeting the verge for the wild things only.
Made from the apples that her spaniel had not plucked and eaten from their own tree, crumbles were stacked in the freezer waiting to cheer a wet and wintry Sunday. And the chestnuts they’d just gathered would be cooked and frozen ready for the turkey stuffing.
There were, however, no runner beans languishing in the freezer to be served with Christmas dinner, adding a small blast of summer past.
The heatwave-hose-pipe-ban combo meant the beans were not so much runners, more asthmatic joggers that got old and stringy if she took her eye off them. The peas up and died, the cucumber plant produced a short, fat specimen that seemed to kill it and there’d been a caterpillar farm in the nasturtiums.
Himself was still muttering about his tailgater. “I’m fed up with this Moggie on my tail. I’m going to pull over and let it pass, then I’m going to tell you something that I read. A ghost story. ‘Tis Halloween after all and t’would seem fitting.” Himself waggled his eyebrows at her as he slowed to move into a layby and waved the car on.
The Morris Minor passed by. The driver, visible in the faintly lit interior, stared straight ahead, making no sign of thanks. “You’d think,” she said
with a shiver, suddenly cold, “that someone who drives an old-fashioned car, wearing an old-fashioned hat, would have old-fashioned manners.”
They once more joined the road, but the Morris Minor just carried on at the same speed and didn’t, as expected, pull away.
“Anyway. My story.” Himself went on to regale her with a tale of ghostly Roman soldiers marching through the misty fens, terrifying a local walking home late from the pub. When he’d finished, she applauded.
“Well, that’s creepy, but the local was on the way back from the pub… Might have something to do with it?”
“Ah yes, but the man said that the Centurions looked like they were walking thigh-high through the ground.”
She said, “Why would he say that?”
Himself was gleeful. “Because the topography had changed over the millennia. It may have been built up deliberately to alleviate flooding, or maybe just layers of soil from centuries of vegetable matter had raised the ground to the level it is now. The soldiers were walking on the road as it was then. It gives the story credence.”
“This seemingly endless road,” he went on, “for example, is a Roman road, but it’s probably a lot higher than it would have been nearly two thousand years ago.”
“And not nearly as straight,” she observed. “Look down there – pretty sure that the Romans wouldn’t have put in a sharp right.”
Himself explained, “Apparently, after the war the local landowner decided he didn’t want the road going right through his estate and had it diverted. The road used to go straight on.”
The Morris Minor’s headlights faintly illuminated the tarmac ahead as it approached the right-angled bend. Himself slowed up in anticipation of the turn. For one brief moment, the empty interior of the car in front glowed brightly, before it drove straight on and out of sight.
Himself slammed on his brakes and came to a juddering halt on the bend.
They leapt out of the car, but as they ran across the verge and up to the impenetrable thicket of brambles and hazel that barred their way, there were no tyre tracks through the long grass.
And no sign of the Morris Minor.
As a footnote, I should say that whilst this is a piece of fiction, the two ghostly tales are ones I heard many years ago. Ghostly soldiers marching across land as it would have been nearly two thousand years ago, or a car driving along a road that no longer exists? Whether these sightings are “true” or not remains to be seen. Or not.
•
•
•
Supply
Espalier,
All
Design,
Bosque
Harko:
Students at St Swithun’s School in Winchester were celebrating during the summer holidays after the school equalled their best-ever year for A-level grades. 35% of all grades were A*, which is the school's highest ever amount of A*s.
70% of the grades were A*/A while 91% received A*-B. Just under two-thirds of the year (65%) earned grades AAA and above, while 17% of the year group achieved three or more A* grades.
Students have been accepted into some of the most prestigious universities in the UK including Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Imperial College, King’s College, LSE, St Andrews, York and UCL. For a fourth year in a row 10% of students have earned places at the universities of Cambridge or Oxford, a school achievement not matched for at least 20 years.
Head of sixth form, Nick Fyfe commented, “We are incredibly proud of all of our sixth-form students, for what they have achieved today and for the skills they have built to help them thrive in the next stage of their lives and we wish them the best of luck for the future.”
Students in science were celebrating extraordinary results with 53% obtaining A* in biology and 50% in chemistry.
Over half of the year studied maths, with over a third (35%) achieving A* and 84% A*/A. There were also high performers in several subjects with 100% A*/A grades in French, German, Latin, music and the extended project qualification (EPQ), as well as history, where students achieved 88% A*/A.
Jane Gandee, headmistress at St Swithun’s said, “We are delighted that our students have achieved results that reflect their two years of consistent commitment, critical thinking and intellectual
playfulness. Their teachers have relished working with such an independent-minded cohort.”
St Swithun’s students have also surpassed previous top GCSE grades, with the exception of pandemic years. 36% of grades were Grade 9, an uplift of 6% on the previous year and 60% of grades were 9/8/A* with 77% being 7/A and above.
This year saw St Swithun’s students take an average of 9.7 GCSEs each. 56% of the cohort earned six or more 9/8/A* grades and over a quarter of the year group gained nine or more 9/8/A* grades. 11 students achieved straight 9/8/A* grades, three of whom gained all 9s.
A large number of students achieved outstanding results including boarder Julia C, who obtained 12 grade 9s including Chinese and Spanish which she took in year 9 and year 10 respectively. She plays both the cello and piano and is a key member of the String and Symphony Orchestras at school. Day students Freya W also received 12 grade 9's while Ankara P received 11 grade 9s.
Music scholar Emma P received 10 grade 9s at GCSE. An accomplished pianist, flautist and violinist, she is currently studying piano and flute in the junior department at Royal College of Music in London. Emma also received a gold award in the Junior Chemistry Challenge as well as achieving the gold/kangaroo award in the Intermediate Maths Challenge.
Boarder Ingrid L obtained straight 9 and 8 grades in the 11 GCSEs that she completed. Alongside her academic commitments Ingrid has played lead roles in a variety of drama productions and represented Hong Kong in the U20s Lacrosse World Championships as well as being in the school’s U15A National Lacrosse Championship winning team.
St Swithun’s has a reputation for academic excellence whilst seeing pupils flourish in extracurricular activities such as sport, music, drama, academic enrichment, volunteering and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Accredited as a High Performance Learning World Class School, St Swithun’s holds the belief that high achievement is an attainable target for everyone; high performers are not born, they work for it.
St Swithun’s School, Winchester, SO21 1HA T: 01962 835700 www.stswithuns.com
Saturday 4 October, 9am
St Swithun’s is a world-class boarding and day independent school for girls aged 11-18. Our vision is a world where young women see possibilities not barriers. Attend our open day to discover more.
Friday 7 November, 1.30pm
“A super school for those that love to be stretched in all directions and will thrive on the bonanza of opportunities that St Swithun’s has to offer.” – Good Schools Guide
Opening Times Tuesday - Saturdays 11:00am - 5:00pm (Closed Sundays and Mondays)
25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH LIMITED EDITION BOHO-INSPIRED NECKLACE
Claudia Bradby is a visionary jewellery designer and founder of Claudia Bradby Pearls, specialising in modern, freshwater pearl jewellery. Claudia transformed the freshwater pearl landscape when her female-owned brand pioneered the modern pearl category in 2000. Since then, Claudia Bradby Pearls has offered the ultimate modern pearl edit, quietly leading the pearl revolution from its Hampshire base.
At the heart of Claudia’s designs is her dedication to authenticity and sustainability – each unique design features only the finest hand-selected freshwater pearls, paired with precious recycled metals in 925 silver and 18k gold plate. Skilled silversmiths bring her designs to life with meticulous attention to detail, creating heirloom-quality pieces that tell stories and forge connections.
Beyond the studio, Claudia draws inspiration from being a passionate bee conservationist, wild swimming enthusiast, reader and mother of three adult children, she can often be found exploring Cornwall’s rugged coastline.
Open Fridays 10am – 4pm Or by appointment Message us on Instagram casson_drinkwater www.cassondrinkwater.co.uk
Unit 1, Homestead Farm, North Houghton, Nr Stockbridge SP20 6LG Mobile: 07503 316306
Email: info@cassondrinkwater.co.uk
Annual Jewellery Sample Sale One Day Only!
Gorgeous Christmas Gifts Starting At £10
Friday 14th November from 9am – 2pm Stockbridge Town Hall www.claudiabradby.com
COUNCILLORS TO DISCUSS
Test Valley Borough Council has this week published meeting papers setting out a shared vision for local government reorganisation (LGR), which are due to be discussed later this month.
Councillors are set to consider the joint LGR proposal to government drafted by 12 of the 15 councils in Hampshire titled ‘Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong’, at cabinet and full council meetings both taking place on 24 September.
The government wants to replace the current system of councils - including Hampshire County Council, the 11 district and borough
GET READY, GET SET –JUST A FEW WEEKS TO GO UNTIL WEEKLY FOOD WASTE COLLECTIONS BEGIN IN TEST VALLEY
There’s just one month to go until Test Valley’s new weekly food waste collection service officially starts on Monday 13 October 2025. Delivery of the food waste caddy packs has begun. These include a five-litre kitchen caddy, a 23-litre kerbside caddy, a roll of compostable liners, and an information leaflet explaining how the service works. Properties with shared bins will have a communal 140-litre grey-lidded wheeled bin.
councils and the existing unitary councils - with new unitary councils that would be responsible for all services in their areas, each covering a population of approximately 500,000.
In response, the joint proposal from the authorities sets out how best to reorganise councils in Hampshire, with the finding that the creation of four new mainland unitary authorities and keeping Isle of Wight as an independent unitary council, would help to save at least £63.9 million a year. And critically, would ensure that the new authorities remained local enough to be able to understand and respond to their communities’ needs.
As part of this, the recommended option being put to councillors later this month would see Test Valley join with Winchester, New Forest and East Hampshire to create one of those new authorities. This was also the option most popular with Test Valley residents who responded to a public survey back in July, with almost half of respondents supporting or strongly supporting the proposal.
Option two, which would still join Test valley with Winchester and East Hampshire but would see New Forest join Southampton, received significantly less backing, with under a third of respondents supporting or strongly supporting the option. The least popular option with Test Valley residents was option three, with just 11% indicating their support. This option is largely based on option one, but would see Nursling and Rownhams, Chilworth
Residents are being reminded to store their caddy liners in a dry place and keep the information leaflet safe for future reference. Households should keep an eye out for a postcard from the council saying what day their food waste will be collected.
The new weekly service will see food waste taken to an anaerobic digestion facility, where it will be transformed into renewable fuel and nutrientrich fertiliser.
Councillor David Drew, portfolio holder for recycling and environmental services, said: “We’re now just weeks away from launching our new food waste collection service, and so much hard work and effort has already gone into this project and making sure residents get what they
and Valley Park split from the rest of Test Valley to join Southampton and Eastleigh.
Following the meeting, Test Valley will submit their joint proposal and preferred option to government on 26 September. The papers can be accessed at www.testvalley.gov.uk/LGR and you can listen to the meetings from 5.30pm on 24 September.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “We know that many of our residents and partners are not particularly enthused by local government reorganisation and we very much share those views. However, the government has set us a task that they have made clear is not up for debate and so, with a resolute focus on getting the very best outcome for our residents and collaborating cross-party with colleagues, we have worked with 11 other councils across Hampshire to develop this plan.
For me, the main prize is securing four mainland councils that are large enough to succeed but small enough to care, whilst keeping Test Valley together. These are councils that, unlike other proposals, make sense, as they are grouped around similar communities and economies and have the greatest potential to create the right conditions to transform local government, rather than just reorganise it. The alternative being put by the county council is that we all end up being run from Southampton and I really don’t want that to happen.”
need before 13 October. This marks a major step forward in our efforts to reduce waste and improve recycling across Test Valley. And please don’t start using you caddies until the week commencing 6 October.
“To celebrate the new service, 20 golden tickets have been hidden inside randomly selected caddy packs. Lucky winners can choose from a range of prizes, including a £50 gift voucher for The Lights and a three-month premium membership for Andover Leisure Centre, Romsey Rapids, or Knightwood Leisure Centre.
“Good luck everyone.”
For more information, including FAQs and guidance on what can and can’t go in your caddy, visit: www.testvalley.gov.uk/foodwaste
Inflammation is the body’s natural way of protecting and repairing itself. When you sprain an ankle or cut your skin, inflammatory processes bring healing cells to the site of injury. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, whether from arthritis, autoimmune conditions, stress, or poor recovery, it can tip the balance toward pain, stiffness, and slower healing. From our perspective, reducing unnecessary inflammation is crucial for restoring mobility and function. While manual therapy supports alignment, circulation, and tissue repair, diet plays an equally powerful role. The foods we choose can either increase inflammation (eg. ultra processed food) or help reduce it, making an anti-inflammatory approach to eating a valuable tool in both recovery and long-term health.
Spices: Potent Natural Modulators
Spices are among the most accessible anti-inflammatory foods. Turmeric is the best-known, with curcumin shown to reduce pro-inflammatory chemicals and oxidative stress. Ginger also shines, with gingerols that act in a similar way to some pain-relief medications. Even everyday spices like cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper provide antioxidants and mild anti-inflammatory benefits. Regular use of these in teas, marinades, or seasoning is a simple way to bring medicinal value to your meals.
Berries: Rich in Antioxidants
Berries are small but mighty when it comes to inflammation. Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are particularly rich in anthocyanins, compounds that combat oxidative stress and improve circulation. Studies have linked regular berry consumption to reduced cartilage breakdown in arthritis and better vascular health, both of which support faster recovery from musculoskeletal issues. Their natural sweetness makes them an easy, enjoyable way to support healing.
Cacao: More Than Just a Treat
Pure cacao is an often-overlooked anti-inflammatory food. Its flavanols help regulate immune function and reduce inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein. Unlike highly processed chocolate, raw cacao powder or dark chocolate with minimal sugar offers a nutrient-dense indulgence that supports heart and joint health.
Oily Fish: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies provide powerful omega-3 fatty acids, namely EPA and DHA. These compounds form the building blocks of resolvins and protectins, molecules that actively turn off inflammation once the body no longer needs it. Clinical studies show that people with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis benefit from regular oily fish intake, often reporting less stiffness and pain. Adding oily fish two to three times a week can make a noticeable difference to joint comfort and tissue recovery.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Cornerstone of Mediterranean Health
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is more than just a kitchen staple; it’s a medicinal fat. Rich in monounsaturated fats and a unique compound called oleocanthal, EVOO reduces inflammatory enzymes in a manner similar to ibuprofen. Populations that consume high levels of EVOO, such as those following a Mediterranean diet, consistently show lower rates of cardiovascular disease and inflammatory disorders. Using EVOO as your main cooking oil or salad dressing base is a simple and effective anti-inflammatory habit.
Nuts and Seeds: Small Foods, Big Impact Nuts and seeds are compact sources of healthy fats, protein, and micronutrients. Walnuts and flaxseeds provide alpha-linolenic acid, a plant form of omega-3, while
pumpkin and sunflower seeds supply zinc and magnesium, vital for regulating the immune system and supporting muscle repair. A handful of nuts or a sprinkle of seeds daily is a small step with long-term benefits for inflammation and overall health.
If you’re seeing us for an injury, arthritis, or stress-related tension, nourishing your body with these foods can help speed up recovery and make treatments more effective. Think of it as teamwork: manual therapy helps restore movement and reduce strain, while your diet creates the internal environment for healing to flourish. By making everyday choices like cooking with olive oil, enjoying a berry smoothie, or sprinkling seeds over your breakfast, you’re actively supporting your body’s resilience.
Emma Wightman - www.the-sop.com
We’re here so your loved one can stay at home, where things are familiar and they feel at ease. We’re here for you too, because when a loved one needs care, it can be a challenging time in your life as well.
Of course, it’s much more than that. They also get 1-to-1 support with everyday errands. Help with washing and feeding, someone to swap stories with, and a new friend who can help them see old friends. All this in a safe environment, with familiar routines, that can delay age-related illnesses such as early onset dementia.
You also get complete confidence that they are receiving premium support from a provider that’s proudly rated Outstanding by the CQC.
For outstanding-rated home care throughout the Test Valley, contact us today 01264 310 888 andover@bluebirdcare.co.uk
It’s not just putting Mum at ease. It’s giving you peace of mind.
• 650G PUMPKIN, PEELED & CHOPPED INTO 2CM CUBES
• 300G RED LENTILS, RINSED AND DRAINED
• 2 RED CHILLIES
• 2 CLOVES GARLIC, PEELED AND ROUGHLY CHOPPED
• 3CM PIECE OF FRESH GINGER, PEELED & CHOPPED
• 2 ONIONS, FINELY CHOPPED
• 1 TSP OF MUSTARD SEEDS & CUMIN SEEDS
• PINCH ASAFOETIDA
• 1 TSP TURMERIC
• 1 TSP GROUND CUMIN
• 1 TSP GARAM MASALA
• 1 TSP SEA SALT
• 10 DRIED CURRY LEAVES
• 400 ML CAN ORGANIC COCONUT MILK
• 400 ML CAN ORGANIC CHOPPED TOMATOES
• 2 TBSP GROUNDNUT OIL
• 20G FRESH CORIANDER LEAVES
• 300G BOILED BASMATI RICE
Chop the chillies roughly (if you prefer your curry mild, remove the seeds first). Place the chopped chilli, with the garlic and ginger, in a food processor or pestle and mortar and grind down to a rough paste. Set to one side.
Heat the groundnut oil over a high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds and cook for 30 seconds, by which time they will have started to brown and give off a lovely aroma. Add the asafoetida and stir, then add the onions. Reduce the heat and stir until the onions have become soft and translucent. Add the garlic, chilli and ginger paste, sea salt, cubed pumpkin, lentils, ground cumin and turmeric. Stir to combine, making sure all the pumpkin and lentils are exposed to the oil. Now add the chopped tomatoes, curry leaves and 500ml fresh water. Stir, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cook for a further 20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and the pumpkin is just tender. Stir in the coconut milk and bring back to simmer, then add the garam masala and half of the chopped coriander. Remove from the heat.
Serve the curry hot, sprinkled with the remaining chopped coriander and accompanied by plain basmati rice and naan breads if desired.
Hamble Harvest Festival - Sat 4th, Petersfield - Sun 5th, Romsey - Sun 5th, Alton - Sat 11th, Winchester - Sun 12th, Emsworth - Sat 18th, Alresford - Sun 19th, Southsea - Sun 19th, Ringwood - Sat 25th, Winchester - Sun 26th For more information visit: www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk
This November marks and incredibly special moment for us – The HUB is turning 10!
What started as a dream over a decade ago has grown into a thriving salon, filled with creativity, care, advice and most importantly, you – our amazing clients.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of helping our community look and feel their best, and we’re so proud of the journey so far. From our very first client to the thousands of transformations since, every haircut, colour, treatment, and chat has meant the world to us.
We’re also celebrating another exciting milestone – Hayley’s 1 Year anniversary offering beauty treatments! In just a year Hayley has brought a fresh energy and a whole new set of skills to the team, extending our La Biosthétique treatments from relaxing facials and flawless brows to her signature treatment – the Elim pedicure. A state-of-the-art medical pedicure. Her dedication and passion for helping clients feel confident has truly elevated our salon experience.
To our loyal clients – thank you for being part of our story. Your trust and support have been the heartbeat of our success, and we wouldn’t be here without you. We feel honoured to be part of your journeys too.
We’ve shared more than just hairstyles with our clients, we’ve lived life with you. From first dates to last dances and everything in-between, we’ve welcomed new babies, back to school haircuts (not forgetting the wonderful teachers), prepped nervous teens for proms and driving tests and offered calm before job interviews, to new businesses, and big birthdays. As hairdressers we don’t just witness change, we hold space for it, celebrate it and help you feel like yourself through it all. Thank you for letting us be part of it all.
We’re excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to share this celebration with you. Keep an eye out for some special treats, offers and events in November – it’s our way of saying thanks.
Here’s to many more years. With love, Adelle & Hayley and The HUB team
HUB, Old London Road, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6EJ appointments@thehubstockbridge.co.uk
As I prepare for my next humanitarian expedition to Kenya, this time with my 18 year old daughter, I am taking a moment to think about how it might feel seeing it all through her eyes for the very first time. My mind goes back to the days I spent with the Pokot tribe and my diary entry for that time…
“A travelling day and a chance to reflect. I’m struggling to find the words to tell you about the last 3 days working in Pokot. The page is too small and the emotions too big.
While I work I’m focused, determined and mostly manage to suppress my feelings. But now I have time to process, digest and feel. It has been a harrowing, exhilarating and thought provoking 3 days. A complete rollercoaster of emotions; from sharing success, jokes and laughter, to sharing failures, anger and sadness with both the team and our patients. We have treated over 1000 women and children suffering with the disastrous effects of poor sanitation and hygiene, no education, malnutrition, no contraception, no water and a 99% FGM (female genital mutilation) rate.
The women and adolescent girls’ trauma is written on their hardened, knowing faces, and their shock we can hear with our listening hands. The girl in the picture is 9. She has a red bead in her ear which signifies she has recently been cut and is soon to be married. She is just 9.
You can then understand when a young woman, pregnant with her 6th child tells me she’d rather be a man. We are all smiling as we hear the sound of her unborn baby’s heartbeat resonate around the camp, but there is no joy in her face. It is blank.
So where do we start? What can we do?
How can we help these people in such desperate need, in a field clinic in the middle of the bush? I ask myself many times. What can I possibly do?”
As I prepare my daughter, I try to answer my own question. Our very first touch is one that shows respect, kindness and compassion. Our underlying principle is that the body has its own medicine chest. It knows what it needs and is always striving towards health. We show a person they are worthy and respected simply by touching them with a compassionate hand, we stimulate their innate ability to heal, we treat the structure of the body to improve its function, and we educate with practical advice. With the incredible team of doctors, midwives, nurses and Osteopaths, together we can make a huge difference. As I embark on my next mission, I am asking for you to consider supporting my work once again. Most importantly we need to travel there and raise £1000 to help cover our flights, accommodation and internal travel.
With your help, so far I have treated over 16,000 women and children, handed out 500kg of donations, and educated families on vital topics from tooth-brushing, hygiene, and nutrition to contraception, childbirth and FGM!
The charity I work for provides free healthcare, education, food and clothing for impoverished women and children. www. divinityfoundation.com
It is tough and often heart-breaking work, but through the charity's amazing work we have managed to educate the cutters about the dangers of their work, provide a rescue home for girls at risk, provide alternative rites of passage and empower the tribal chiefs to make changes in their community.
The girls are now thriving in the rescue home. Having been rescued from the brink of FGM, many of them already forced into relationships where they suffered rape and abuse, they have shown extraordinary bravery and resilience by turning their lives around. The centre gives the girls vocational skills to enable them to become independent young women one day. The charity gives them skills for life!
We are so very grateful for your support. Your donations are completely traceable, you can see and hear about the amazing results we have been achieving and know your gifts go straight into the hands of the children!
Please visit my Just Giving page to donate: www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/emmaandjemimainkenya
Thank you so very much - Emma Wightman - www.the-sop.com
VOLUNTEERING – SEE WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT
Friends of the Family is a small Winchester charity supporting children and families who are facing tough times. Volunteers are vital to us. One local volunteer, Jane, started out feeling she was ‘just a mum’ with no formal childcare experience to offer. She is now one of our longest-standing volunteer befrienders, supporting children aged 5-13:
“To watch a child grow in confidence whilst doing things my own children took for granted is such a privilege. It’s never a chore and the smiles on their faces are definitely worth it!”
And the impact is felt by families too. One mum describes how her daughter lights up after spending time with her befriender:
“When she’s been out, she comes back buzzing. She’s light, like she’s flying like a little fairy. It gives her an escape from being a carer and lets her just be a child for a while. The relationship they’ve formed is beautiful.”
The simple gift of time and empathy changes lives, not only for the children and families who benefit, but for the volunteers themselves. It fills the soul, not just the schedule.
Join us at our Open Morning for coffee and a chat. Explore volunteering with us and discover the difference you could make. No strings attached – just a chance to see what it’s all about.
Friday 24 October, 9-11am - Rick Stein, 8 High Street, Winchester SO23 9JX Or get in touch at: volunteer@fotfwinchester.org www.fotfwinchester.org Tel: 01962 864466
Sat 25 Oct to Sun 2 Nov
From 10am to 4pm
The Watercress Line, Station Road, Alresford, SO24 9JG
This Halloween, The Watercress Line becomes a spellbinding world of magic, mischief, and spooky fun for the whole family! Join us as our historic railway is transformed into a haunted haven filled with exciting activities for young witches, wizards, and little monsters. Don your cloak and grab your wand to hop aboard the Wizard Express – ghouls and ghosts can ride the steam trains throughout the day and hop on and off as they wish to explore the four heritage stations. Enjoy a day of Halloween adventure! For tickets: watercressline.co.uk/wizard-week
Fri 17 Oct to Tue 4 Nov
From 10am to 5pm
Slade Farm, Slade Lane, Rogate, GU31 5EG
Unleash your autumn spirit, and celebrate all things halloween. We invite you, your friends and family to immerse yourself in a world of pumpkin fun and spooky delights at this magical outdoor event each October. The countdown is on! We're beyond excited to welcome you back this October for another season of pumpkin-filled fun. adventure, and magical moments! Get ready for brand-new surprises, thrilling activities, and, of course, pumpkins galore! For tickets visit: www.rogatepumpkinpatch.com
Halloween for Families guided walking tour of Winchester
Fri 31 October
From 5pm to 6pm
Winchester Visitor Information Centre, Guildhall, High Street, Winchester, SO23 9GH
A Halloween feast of ghosts and other ghastly goings-on. Fancy dress.
optional to enter into the fun spirit! Join Winchester's professional guides for a 90 minute walking tour, starting at Winchester Visitor Information Centre. Encounter the history and mystery of this once Capital City of England. Discover the gruesome tales of times gone by whilst walking down the ancient alleyways and passing the great Cathedral, ending near the medieval Buttercross on the High Street. For tickets visit: https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/halloween-for-familiesguided-walking-tour-of-winchestertickets-1245989771949?aff=ebdsopo rgprofile There are additional times at 7pm, 7.30pm and 8pm for adults only.
Halloween Potions
Half Term TrailHinton Ampner
Sat 18 to Fri 31 October
From 10am to 5pm
Hinton Ampner, Alresford, SO24 0LA
Calling all young adventurers – the gates are flung wide for two weeks of magical adventures in the Hinton Ampner gardens. Join the quest to find the missing feathers and meet mysterious beasts along the way! Tackle bean bag challenges, leap, jump and dash your way through the quest finding clues and solving puzzles to resolve the mystery this October Half Term. Magic wands and pointy hats – welcome!
it show? Free with garden entry. For more information visit: https:// gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/event/ pumpkin-trail-2/
Owl-O-Ween at the Hawk Conservancy Trust
Wednesday 29 October
From 5.30pm to 8pm
Hawk Conservancy Trust, Sarson Ln, Andover, SP11 8DY
Wild Autumn at Marwell Zoo
Sat 25 Oct to Sun 2 Nov
From 10am to 5pm
Marwell Wildlife, Thompsons Lane, Winchester, SO21 1JH
This October half term, enjoy a week of seasonal fun and wildlife adventures at Marwell Zoo. With pumpkin carving and painting, a haybale maze, pumpkin patch games, face painting, storytelling with Esme the Witch, animal talks, games, and more, it’s the perfect autumn day out for the whole family. For more information and tickets visit: https://www.marwell. org.uk/plan-your-visit/zoo-events/ october-half-term/
Pumpkin Trail at Gilbert White’s House & Garden
Sat 25 Oct to Sun 2 Nov
From 10.30am to 4pm
Gilbert White’s House, High Street, Selborne, GU34 3JH
The pumpkin trail is back! Pumpkins and gourds of all shapes, sizes and colours will be placed in some unusual places around our gardens this Autumn half term - collect your Pumpkin Spotters guide and see how many you can find! There will be one carved pumpkin to find - Where is it and what creature does
Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening this Halloween. You can enjoy some ghostly storytelling and marvel at our owls as they put on two beautiful flying displays against the backdrop of the Trust’s moonlit grounds. Before the first flying display begins, you can take part in a fiendish Halloween Trail around the Trust, and explore to see our birds in their homes. All children must be accompanied by a full paying adult. Dressing up is encouraged! Fundraising Event – Your ticket will support the charitable work of the Hawk Conservancy Trust. For more information and to book tickets visit: https://www.hawk-conservancy.org/ events/owl-o-ween/
Half Term & Halloween Events at Sky Park Farm
Mon 27 Oct to Sat 1 Nov
Various Times (See website)
Sky Park Farm, West Harting Petersfield, GU31 5PT
Sky Park Farm has a line-up of spooktacular events in Hampshire that promise fun, learning, and plenty of seasonal magic. From wildlife encounters to bubbling potions, trains to silent discos, there’s something for every child to enjoy.
Potionology - 28 October, Spooky Native Wildlife Encounter - 29 October, Boogie Oogie Silent Disco – Halloween Weekend, Woodland Mini Craft Sessions – 31 October. For more information and booking visit: https://www.skyparkfarm.com/ index.php/event/book-sky-parkfarm-tickets-spooktacular-events/
Many rural communities are facing a quiet crisis. Local peoplethose who grew up in the village, work nearby, or have family ties, are increasingly unable to find homes they can afford. Without action, rural communities risk losing the very people who keep them thriving.
Action Hampshire is a local charity who provides Rural Housing Enabling (RHE) services to support communities and parish councils to deliver the homes needed in their community. RHEs act as an independent advisor providing impartial assistance in developing affordable and community led housing for people with a local connection and will work with and on behalf of rural communities to address the shortage of affordable homes within the parish - homes specifically for local people who are priced out of the general housing market.
These homes can be for rent or sale, and eligibility for occupancy is based on a strong local connection, such as living in the parish currently, having previously lived there with family still in the area or working locally in essential roles (e.g. teachers, shopkeepers, farm workers).
Why it matters
Hampshire has a serious housing affordability gap. Property prices are high, while wages are below average, in 2023, the median house price was 10 times the average wage. This forces many households to leave their communities, which can lead to:
When friends gently encouraged Jasmine Watkiss and Zoe Wren to sing together one day in Ely market square, they probably couldn’t have guessed that it would be the beginning of an enduring duo. Jasmine and Zoe have been writing songs and singing together as Americana band at Roswell Road ever since.
• Closure of local services like pubs, shops, and schools
• Loss of community diversity and sustainability
• Limited turnover in existing affordable housing stock
Unlike general housing developments, rural affordable housing built on rural exception sites is reserved for people with a local connection - helping villages retain their identity and support their services. Rural Exception Sites are small plots of land just outside or adjacent to village boundaries that are permitted as exceptions to standard planning rules because they meet a proven local need. These sites can accommodate small-scale housing developments (typically 4–10 homes) which are retained in perpetuity for occupancy by local people.
Even if you’re not directly affected, you can help raise awareness and encourage local action:
1. Speak to your Parish Council - Ask them to contact Action Hampshire to request a free Parish Housing Profile. This provides an overview of the current housing situation in your area.
2. Support a Housing Need Survey - This survey identifies the type and amount of housing needed locally. It provides evidence to help communities make informed decisions and may encourage landowners to offer land for development. These are usually commissioned by your Parish Council and can be carried out by Action Hampshire.
3. Know a local Landowner? If you know someone with land near the village, they might be interested in offering it as a Rural Exception Site. Landowners receive a fixed payment per property built but they will also be supporting their local community. Ask them to get in touch with Action Hampshire.
Affordable housing is about more than bricks and mortar - it’s about keeping building sustainable communities that will thrive for generations to come. Contact Action Hampshire housing@ actionhampshire.org or find out more by visiting www.actionhampshire.org.uk
The London-based duo’s multi-instrumental, harmony-infused sound has been likened to Fleetwood Mac and The Indigo Girls. In only their first year together, Jasmine and Zoe won Purbeck Rising (Purbeck Valley Folk Festival). As well as UK gigs, they have toured in France and Germany and appeared at Folk Alliance International in Montreal.
They are currently working on their debut album with acclaimed songwriters and producers The Dunwells (Sessions regulars will remember the Leeds-based brothers performing on King’s Somborne Village Hall stage earlier this year). Don’t miss this chance to see ‘A duo whose voices combine to create a seamless flow of rich, harmonic beauty’ (Americana UK).
Roswell Road perform at the Somborne Sessions in King’s Somborne Village Hall on Saturday 8 November 2025, with doors opening at 7.30pm for 8pm. Tickets are priced at £16 in advance from www. ticketsource.co.uk/sombornesessions or £18 at the door on day of performance (subject to availability).
King’s Somborne Village Hall is just off the main A3057 road, which runs through the village. The postcode is SO20 6PP.
Since the introduction of pension freedoms in April 2015, you have a lot more choice about what you can do with your pension pot. You no longer have to buy an annuity and income drawdown is available to everyone. But all this choice means making the right decision has become more difficult.
More choice, more considerations
With greater flexibility in accessing your pension comes the possibility of making the wrong decisions. Under income drawdown, there’s a risk that drawing too much income each year could see you using up all your pension fund within your lifetime, leaving you short of the income you need.
Many retirees opt to buy an annuity to get a guaranteed retirement income. Figures show someone with £500,000 in pension savings who buys an annuity at age 66 could expect annual retirement income of nearly £31,500 a year1. This is less than the £43,100 net annual income which the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association says is required to fund a ‘comfortable’ retirement for the average single person2. You may also be entitled to the full state pension, which is currently £221.20 per week (just over £11,500 per year).
Some avoid annuities to leave their pension pot as an inheritance, yet this can backfire if they live longer than expected, leaving little or even nothing behind. Note that it was announced in the 2024 Autumn Budget that the value of unused pension funds and death benefits will be included in a person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes from April 2027. This could significantly affect how you wish to structure your retirement income to make sure it’s withdrawn as tax efficiently as possible.
So, if you have a £500,000 pension pot, what could you do with it? First of all, you need to think about more than just your pension savings. A financial adviser will look at your personal and financial circumstances to ensure your retirement income strategy meets your needs and that all the risks are fully considered.
Planning your retirement income should consider all assets, not just your pension. If you have other investments, accessing them first could be more tax efficient.
Meanwhile, if your pension is your main income, relying solely on income drawdown might risk depleting your funds. Buying an annuity with at least part of your fund could still be a good option.
If we assume for the sake of income drawdown that the £500,000 pension fund grows at 5% a year after charges and that the income increases annually with inflation, then that fund could provide annual income of around £31,500 from age 66 until age 86. For those with more modest needs, the fund could provide a £25,000 annual income until age 95.
Income drawdown suits some, while others might benefit from using other assets and leaving their pension alone. Buying an annuity with part of your pot is another option.
Taking some financial advice can help you make an informed decision. With a holistic view of your finances, an adviser can help you achieve your retirement aspirations.
We live and work local to you. We would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.
Kirsty Simpson
Financial Planner
Divisional Director
E: kirsty.simpson@brewin.co.uk
Joy Moir
Investment Manager
Assistant Director
E: joy.moir@brewin.co.uk
46 Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8RY T: 01962 798000 W: brewin.co.uk/our-offices/winchester
(1) Annuity assumptions: single life, monthly in advance, no guarantee period, 2% indexation, non-smoker, standard (healthy) rates, payable for life. Quotes obtained from Iress on 25 October 2024; (2) http://www.retirementlivingstandards.org.uk/.
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. Neither simulated nor actual past performance are reliable indicators of future performance. 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. Forecasts are not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Wales No. 995939. Registered Address: 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AA. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
/ ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used
Senior School Open Mornings
Thursday 16 October
Wednesday 5 November
Wednesday 26 November
Sixth Form Open Evening
Friday 10 October