NEWS & EVENTS FOR MARCH
Find out what's going on in the Test Valley
STYLE
HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF WIGHT TRUST
King Alfred’s Cakes - a curious find with royal Hampshire link RECIPE OF THE MONTH
HEALTH & BEAUTY
INTERVIEWS
Black pudding hash with egg and Sriracha sauce
FOOD & DRINK
GARDEN FEATURE
National Open Garden Scheme
EVENTS
Thursdays
From 10am to 11.30am Abbey Hall, Romsey, SO51 8EL
If you’d like a friendly space and a warm welcome, The Social Cup runs every Thursday, 10-11.30am in Abbey.
Stockbridge Amateur Dramatic Society - Great Company
Tuesday 3 March
From 7.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
The theme is 'Home Grown'. Come and be entertained by playlets and stories written by SADS members. Come and take part in a Drama Workshop. 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
Chilbolton Village Hall Film ‘The Roses’ (15)
Friday 6 March
From 6.30pm (Film 7.30pm)
Chilbolton Village Hall, Eastmans Field, Chilbolton, SO20 6AT
Featuring Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kate McKinnon, Andy Samburg, Allison Jenney, Ncuti Gatwa and Jamie Demetriou
Life seems easy for a pictureperfect couple: successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. However, fierce competition and hidden resentments soon emerge when one career nosedives and the other takes off. Tickets £6.00 in advance from Beryl Lawrence on 01264 860618 - email: dlaw@ davidlawrenceassociates.co.uk
Or £7.00 on the door (if available) Tea/Coffee and biscuits available Wine, Beer and Choc Ices on sale.
Saturday 7 March
From 9.30am to 4.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
We offer a wide range of Decorative, Useful, Interesting, Quirky and Unusual items including good quality Furniture, Paintings and Prints, Lighting, Silver, China and Glass and Jewellery. Free Admission & Free Parking. We will also buy. The Fair is on the first Saturday of the monthConfirm fair dates on Antiques Atlas: https://antiques-atlas.com/ dbevents/ Contacts: Instagramcarolfentumantiques. Carol - 01264 335769 / 07870 432805 - Steve01722 712267 / 07915 663251
Sunday 8 March
From 5pm
St Peter's Church, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HF
“The light we cast” - A choral journey from the 16th to 21st centuries. Directed by John Holloway. All proceeds to St Peter’s TICKETS: £25 to include a glass of wine. Available on the door or in advance from John Oldfield: T: 07837 866308 or oldfieldjr0@ gmail.com
West Dean Church - talk by Lieutenant Colonel
Chris Davies OBE
Wednesday 11 March
From 7pm
St Mary’s Church, West Dean, Salisbury, SP5 1JQ
Chris was orchestra leader on Royal Yacht Brittania for 10 years. He was conductor and musical director of at the Royal Festival of Remembrance, seen on television. Come and listen to his fascinating, illustrated talk about life with Heads of State and royalty. Tickets £12 and include drinks and canapes. To reserve tickets contact janehiggins2000@gmail.com
Chilbolton Village Hall Jumble Sale
Saturday 14 March
Doors open 2pm
Chilbolton Village Hall, Eastmans Field, Chilbolton, SO20 6AT
Good quality men’s, ladies’ and children’s clothing, shoes, toys, bric-a-brac and household items at bargain prices. Doors Open at 2 pm Entrance 50p. Enquiries to: B. Lawrence, T: 01264 860618 All Proceeds to the Village Hall, Eastman’s Field, SO20 6AT Registered Charity No. 301781
Stockbridge CinemaThe Ballad of Wallis Island (12A)
Friday 20 March
From 7.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island, dreams of getting his favourite musical duo, MortimerMcGwyer (Carey Mulligan and Tom Basden), back together. His fantasy quickly turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig. Tickets £6.00 on sale online via www.stockbridgecinema. org.uk or free telephone call to TicketSource 0333 666 3366. Please visit our website for full details.
Stockbridge Cinema - The Friend (15)
Wednesday 25 March
From 4.45pm and 7.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
Novelist and creative writing teacher Iris (Naomi Watts) finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray after her closest friend and mentor (Bill Murray) commits suicide and bequeaths his beloved Great Dane to her. The regal yet intractable beast, named Apollo,
immediately creates problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, as well as more existential ones, his looming presence constantly reminding her of her friend's choice to take his own life. Yet as Iris finds herself unexpectedly bonding to the animal, she begins to come to terms with her past, her lost friend, and her own creative inner life. Tickets £6.00 on sale online via www. stockbridgecinema.org.uk or free telephone call to TicketSource 0333 666 3366. Please visit our website for full details.
Winchester Cathedral Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius
Friday 27 March
From 7pm
Winchester Cathderal, 9 The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS
The Waynflete Singers are joined by the English Chamber Orchestra and Winchester Cathedral Chamber Choir for Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius. A stellar lineup of soloists includes Dame Sarah Connolly making her debut appearance in Winchester Cathedral. Andrew Lumsden, musical director of the Waynflete Singers will conduct the proceedings. And if you’ve seen the film The Choral, this concert is of course unmissable! Tickets £15.00 - £50.00. For tickets visit: https:// www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/ event/elgars-dream-of-gerontiuswith-the-waynflete-singers/ or call the box office 01962 857275
The Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, 'A View from the Chair'
Friday 27 March
From 6.40pm to 8.0pm
Winchester Cathderal, 9 The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS
In aid of Stockbridge Ukraine, please join The Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Romsey and Southampton North, for an engaging and entertaining evening offering a unique behindthe-scenes insight into life at Westminster. https://buytickets.at/ stockbridgeukraine/2024871
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Sarson Mill, Amport | Price £2,500,000
A large detached five bedroom family house with detached two bedroom annexe / cottage standing within beautiful grounds of just over 4 acres in the heart of this attractive and sought after village.
Long Acre, Amport | Price £1,695,000
Exceptional
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.
Professional | Dedicated | Successful
Pinewood, Little Ann | Price £895,000
A large detached five bedroom family house in approaching a quarter of an acre offering light and airy living and a large private westerly facing garden.
Chalkdell, Chilbolton | Price £545,000
A charming detached period cottage with well presented accommodation including two reception rooms and three bedrooms with a low maintenance raised terrace garden with timber frame tiled gazebo situated in the heart of the old part of this highly sought after village with amenities and outstanding walks.
Tegwood, Longparish | Price £775,000
An extended detached family home with a double garage and a well enclosed garden, peacefully located on the edge of this highly regarded Test Valley village.
2 Southview, Houghton | Price £340,000
A well appointed character cottage together with a barn style garage and enclosed gardens in a quiet position set back from the lane within this highly sought after village.
For the millions of people who rely on hearing aids to stay connected with the world around them, these small devices play an enormous role in daily life. But like all technology, hearing aids don’t last forever. Knowing when it’s time to upgrade can make the difference between struggling to hear and enjoying clear, effortless communication.
How long should hearing aids last?
Most hearing aids are designed to last between 4 and 6 years with proper care and maintenance. However, this timeframe can vary depending on several factors, including how often you wear them, the environment they’re exposed to, and how well they’re maintained. Some people find their devices still function adequately after six years, whilst others may need to upgrade sooner.
It’s worth noting that even if your hearing aids are still working, they may not be working optimally. Technology advances rapidly in the hearing aid industry, and what was state-ofthe-art a few years ago may now seem dated compared to today’s capabilities.
Signs it may be time to upgrade
Several indicators suggest it might be time for new hearing aids. If you find yourself constantly adjusting the volume or asking people to repeat themselves more than you used to, your current devices may no longer be meeting your needs. Perhaps your hearing has changed since you were last fitted, or the technology simply isn’t keeping pace with your lifestyle.
Physical wear and tear is another telltale sign. If your hearing aids require frequent repairs, if the battery drains much faster than it once did, or if they no longer fit comfortably in your ears, these are all legitimate reasons to consider an upgrade. Sometimes the cost of ongoing repairs can actually exceed the investment in new technology.
Many people also find that their lifestyle has changed since they first got their hearing aids. If you’re now more active, spending more time in
noisy environments, or engaging in activities that require better hearing in challenging situations, your four or five-year-old devices might be holding you back.
benefits of modern technology
If your hearing aids are four years old or more, you’re likely missing out on significant technological advances. Today’s hearing aids offer features that would have seemed like science fiction just a few years ago.
Modern devices provide exceptional sound quality with sophisticated processing that automatically adjusts to different environments. Whether you’re in a quiet room, a busy restaurant, or outdoors in the wind, newer hearing aids can adapt in real-time to ensure optimal hearing.
Connectivity has also revolutionised the hearing aid experience. Many current models can connect wirelessly to smartphones, televisions, and other devices, streaming sound directly into your ears. This means you can take phone calls, listen to music, or watch television with crystal-clear audio without disturbing others or struggling with volume levels.
Perhaps most importantly, advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning mean that today’s hearing aids can learn your preferences and environments, becoming more personalised to your specific needs over time. They can distinguish between speech and background
noise with remarkable accuracy, making conversations in difficult listening situations significantly easier.
The decision to upgrade your hearing aids is a personal one and depends on your individual circumstances. However, if your devices are approaching or beyond the four-year mark, it’s certainly worth having a conversation about what’s available. Even if they’re still functioning, the improvements in technology could significantly enhance your quality of life.
Consider what you’re missing with your current hearing aids. Are there situations where you avoid socialising because you know you’ll struggle to hear? Do you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day from the effort of trying to listen.
Good hearing is fundamental to staying engaged with life, maintaining relationships, and enjoying the world around you. It’s not about having the latest gadget - it’s about having the tools you need to live your life fully.
If you feel it’s time to explore new hearing aids, it’s important to work with a professional who can properly assess your hearing and guide you through the options available. Independent hearing care providers often offer a more personalised service, taking the time to understand your specific needs and lifestyle. For local residents, Alresford Hearing Studio provides expert, independent hearing care with a focus on finding the right solution for each individual. Whether you’re considering an upgrade or simply want to explore what’s available, a conversation with a HCPC Registered Audiologist is the first step towards better hearing and a more connected life. Your hearing is too important to compromise on. If your hearing aids are four years old or more, now might be the perfect time to discover what modern technology can do for you.
Alresford Hearing Studio 42 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 790749 alresfordhearingstudio.co.uk
At the Alresford Hearing Studio, we’ve cultivated strong partnerships with the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers. As an independent practice, this enables us to offer unbiased access to the latest and most sophisticated hearing technology on the market, ensuring our recommendations are based solely on what’s best for you.
We’re committed to continually investing in the latest diagnostic equipment, guaranteeing that every hearing assessment and ear wax removal appointment is conducted to the highest standards of accuracy, care, and patient satisfaction.
Our experienced team understands how vital good hearing is to building meaningful relationships with loved ones and enhancing overall quality of life. That’s why our fully qualified, HCPC-registered audiologists guide you through a comprehensive hearing consultation and demonstration in our state-of-the-art immersive hearing studio. By replicating challenging real-world environments, we ensure you have all the information needed to make a confident, informed decision about your hearing health.
As an independent clinic, we have the freedom to recommend the very best solutions for your individual needs, without limitations or compromises.”
“Our confidence in the quality of our products and services is reflected in our 60-day money-back guarantee on all hearing aid purchases, ensuring complete peace of mind as you begin your hearing journey.”
If you enjoy winter walks through the woods, keep an eye on fallen trees and logs – you might spot something that looks like a pile of burnt charcoal buns. These are King Alfred’s Cakes, one of our most amusingly named fungi.
Despite the name, this fungus isn’t edible. Known to scientists as Daldinia concentrica, King Alfred’s Cakes grow as hard, round balls rather than the classic “mushroom” shape. They have no cap, stem or gills, just shiny black lumps ranging from about the size of a marble to a small orange. When young they can look reddish-brown, but as they age they turn jet black and brittle. When the fungus is seen broken open, it reveals beautiful rings inside, rather like tree rings.
You can find King Alfred’s Cakes for much of the year, especially in autumn and winter. They grow on dead or dying wood, most commonly ash and beech, so woodland is the best place to search. Ancient woods and hedgerows make it a perfect county for spotting them, particularly after storms when fallen branches are plentiful.
The link to King Alfred the Great is what really captures the imagination – and it’s a story rooted firmly in southern England. Alfred, who ruled Wessex in the 9th Century, is closely associated with Hampshire and Winchester, his former capital. Legend says that while hiding from Viking invaders, Alfred took shelter in a peasant woman’s home. She asked him to watch her cakes baking, but he became distracted and let them burn. Ashamed, he supposedly scattered the burnt cakes in the nearby woodland. The black, cake-like
fungus was later said to mark the spot – and the name stuck. Whether true or not, it’s a wonderful tale that ties local history to the natural world right on our doorstep.
King Alfred’s Cakes have had other uses too. They burn very slowly, making them excellent natural firelighters, and were once carried to transport a flame. In nature, their real value is helping dead wood break down, returning nutrients to the soil and providing homes for insects.
So next time you’re out walking, take a closer look at fallen logs – they may be hiding a little piece of fungal folklore.
You can help protect the wildlife and countryside you love by joining Hampshire & Isle of Wight Trust. If local wildlife is important to you, then become a member of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust today, and you can give nature a wilder future. Visit: www.hiwwt. org.uk/join-today for more information.
Due to our Safeguarding policy unfortunately we cannot recruit volunteers under the age of 18. However, if you are under 18 and would like to get involved, you can find various wildlife groups and activities on our website: www.hiwwt. org.uk/young-people If you are able to volunteer then please visit: www.hiwwt.org. uk/volunteering-opportunities
Office hours: 9am-5pm, Monday to Thursday. Address: Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdridge, Hampshire SO32 2DP Phone: 01489 774400 (Switchboard open Monday-Friday) www.hiwwt.org.uk
Andover Chamber Choir celebrates the spring season with their concert, ‘Thine be the Glory: Choral Favourites for an Eastertide Celebration’. While Easter Sunday may have passed, the fifty days of Eastertide are in full flow, and the choir’s latest programme is designed to keep that flame of joy burning bright. “Easter Sunday is the start of a whole season of celebration and renewal,” says Musical Director, Lucy Hole. “I wanted a programme that captures the feeling of spring arriving and the continued joy and importance of the resurrection.”
The concert aims to showcase the diverse textures of the Easter story - from quiet moments of individual devotion to the rousing collective joy of full choir and organ. The programme features choral favourites and organ classics, celebrating composers who have defined the British choral tradition. These include Vaughan Williams’ ‘O clap your hands’, Widor’s ‘Toccata’, the world-famous ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, and the iconic hymn from which the concert takes its name, Handel’s ‘Thine be the Glory’.
The concert takes place at 7.30pm Saturday, 18 April at St Michael and All Angels’ Church, West Andover, SP10 3BB. Tickets are £15 on the door or £12 in advance from The Lights (in person and online) or through choir members. Under 16s are admitted free. Interval refreshments included in ticket price. Proceeds are in aid of Andover Young Carers, providing vital support and respite to young carers in Andover and the surrounding areas.
Lucy May Walker was discovered by Jeremy Vine in 2018 while she was busking in London. She went on to perform live on the presenter’s BBC radio and Channel 5 television shows. Lucy May has since carved out an impressive career as a singersongwriter. Her debut album ‘Nothing Ever Stays the Same’ features a number of standout tracks, including the heart-rending ‘The Hardest Goodbye’, which reached Number 1 in the iTunes SingerSongwriter chart. Her latest single, ‘I Moved to the Beach’, released in Spring 2025, is a haunting and emotional telling of her life, from busker on the Tube to singer-songwriter based in Folkestone where among other things she hosts a monthly gig at the town’s Music Workshop.
She has supported the likes of Texas and Tony Hadley as well as selling out numerous headline shows of her own. Somborne Sessions is delighted to welcome Lucy May to King’s Somborne Village Hall on Saturday 21 March 2026. Tickets are priced at £16 each via the Sessions website (www.sombornesessions.co.uk) (£18 on the day of performance, if available). Doors open at 7.30pm for 8pm. King’s Somborne Village Hall is just off the main A3057 road, which runs through the village. The postcode is SO20 6PP.
SLEEP? IS SLEEPING ON YOUR SIDE GIVING YOU HIP OR SHOULDER
It Might Be Tendinopathy, Not Arthritis – And You Can Do Something About It
If you’re waking through the night with aching hips or shoulders when you lie on your side, the first worry is often arthritis. But what if the pain isn’t from your joints at all? Increasingly, we’re recognising tendinopathy – a chronic irritation of the tendon – as a common source of night-time discomfort in active adults.
Side-lying places sustained compression on the tendons around your outer hip (glute medius) and shoulder (rotator cuff), and if those tendons are struggling to cope because of inflammation, repetitive strain or past injury, you feel it most when you rest on them for extended periods.
Tendinopathy or Arthritis
Arthritis involves the cartilage and joint space itself. Tendinopathy affects the tendons – the thick bands that connect muscle to bone. As well as night pain, you might notice:
• Pain when you press over the tendon area
• More discomfort climbing stairs, standing on one leg or reaching overhead and putting a coat on
• Pain starting slowly, usually after a gradual increase in load
• Pain on initiation of activity, but warms up and can lessen as you get going
Many middle-aged adults live with tendinopathy unaware, believing it’s ‘just arthritis’ or ‘getting old’.” The good news? Tendinopathy is treatable and often reversible with the right approach.
1. Modify Your Sleep Environment
• Pillow support: For shoulder pain, hug a cushion or use a body pillow to take weight off the rotator cuff. Ensure you have enough height in your pillow to help keep head and neck aligned.
• Hip cushioning: Place a firm pillow between your knees, ensuring the pillow supports your entire lower leg, down to the ankle, to reduce pressure on the hip tendons.
• Mattress check: A mattress that supports your body’s curves can make a big difference. Pocket sprung mattress and/or a mattress topper can help hugely.
• Gentle exercise before bed can help reduce pain, such as arm or leg swings and isometric holds.
2. Gentle Daily Movement
Tendons adapt through load, not rest. But it’s the right kind of load:
• Shoulder strengthening: Isometric holds - try holding your arm against a wall at a gentle angle for 10–15 seconds, 5 reps, and use pendulum swings for pain relief. Avoid strong stretches, but frequent shoulder rolls to open the chest and improve your posture is helpful.
• Hip strengthening: Isometric holds - Side-lying leg lift and hold, and gentle glute bridges help strengthen hip stabilisers. Regular walking on the flat is helpful, but avoid crossing the legs and any strong glute stretches.
“Controlled loading is the tendon’s best friend – it tells it to get stronger.”
3. Seek Treatment Early
Hands-on care, guided exercise programmes, and advice on movement patterns can speed recovery and prevent compensation issues.
Osteopathy can help identify whether it’s tendon irritation rather than joint degeneration. Pain at night isn’t something you have to put up with. With simple changes, targeted exercises, and early intervention, you can sleep comfortably and enjoy active days again. If side-lying pain wakes you more than your morning alarm, it’s worth investigating – and resolving!
Visit the website for a simple exercise program with instructions and images for early stage tendon rehab.
Emma Wightman - www.the-sop.com
Southampton Philharmonic Choir and Southampton University Philharmonic Choir join forces this March for A Night at the Opera, an evening of great operatic choruses and arias performed with London-based Docklands Sinfonia under guest conductor Rory Macdonald — a musician widely recognised for his work in the opera house and on the international concert platform.
The choirs are thrilled to be working with Macdonald, whose career spans leading orchestras and opera companies across Europe, North America and Asia. A regular guest with major UK orchestras, he opened last year’s Glyndebourne Festival and has conducted for companies including San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Oper Frankfurt. Known for his theatrical instinct and clarity of musical direction, he brings deep operatic experience to both rehearsal room and concert platform.
The programme draws together some of opera’s most memorable moments, opening with the Toreadors’ music from Carmen and including major choral scenes such as the Bell Chorus from Pagliacci, the Easter Hymn from Cavalleria rusticana, and the Procession and Chorale from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. With 2026 marking 125 years since Verdi’s death, the concert also features the Triumphal March from Aida, the Brindisi from La traviata, and “Va, pensiero” from Nabucco.
Solo highlights come from soprano Anita Watson and tenor Jay Broadhurst, with arias including O mio babbino caro, Song to the Moon, Lensky’s aria from Eugene Onegin, Una furtiva lagrima and Nessun dorma.
Saturday, 14 March, 7pm at O2 Guildhall, Southampton Doors open at 6pm for the 7pm concert. Tickets are available from the O2 Guildhall Southampton box office and online, with concessions available.
SATURDAY 14 MARCH 2026
Sunday 8th March 2026 at 5pm St Peter’s Church, Stockbridge
“The light we cast” A choral journey from the 16th to 21st centuries Directed by John Holloway
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Test Valley Borough Council is to investigate whether Test Valley’s chalk streams could become a National Landscape, previously known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Early feasibility work will help the local authority understand whether areas might be suitable for designation.
The work will focus on protecting the River Test, its tributaries and other chalk streams across Test Valley and beyond. A National Landscape designation is made by Natural England and is one of the highest forms of landscape protection in the country. It recognises the natural, cultural and historic importance of an area and helps protect places from pressures such as overdevelopment, climate change and habitat loss. National Landscape status strengthens long term conservation, supports nature recovery, and helps communities thrive in a sustainable way.
Initial investigations will also determine what other potential protection designations could be pursued, such as green infrastructure planning or Local Nature Recovery strategies, if National Landscape status is unattainable.
Councillor Stewart MacDonald, portfolio holder for community led projects, said: “We’re proud of Test Valley’s natural beauty and we know how important it is to local people. The rolling chalk hills, ancient woodlands, historic villages and the River Test create a landscape rich in wildlife, heritage and character. These qualities make the area distinctive and valued by residents, visitors and communities across the region.
“While achieving National Landscape status isn’t easy, we believe this is worth pursuing, and it would also be worth knowing what other avenues could be explored to make sure it’s protected for the future. It would help safeguard what makes our borough special, while supporting the needs of our communities.”
Councillor Alison Johnston, portfolio holder for climate emergency and countryside, added: “Protecting our chalk streams has been a priority for Test Valley Borough Council for many years and if we can achieve this status it would be a game changer, giving stronger protection to this unique ecosystem.
If you’ve visited Welborne recently, you’ll have seen how quickly the landscape is taking shape. With all three housebuilder show homes opening, the wider setting is beginning to reflect the season too.
Across Dashwood, Welborne’s ancient woodland, primroses and wood anemones are starting to emerge beneath the canopy. It’s an early sign of what makes this place distinctive: more than 50% of Welborne is accessible green space, embedded from the outset rather than added later. This isn’t landscaping as an afterthought. It’s part of the structure of this garden village.
Newly planted semimature trees around the homes are coming into leaf, while Dashwood’s established woodland continues to evolve through the seasons. The 1.7-mile circular walking route is already well usedby runners, dog walkers and those simply taking time outside.
Green space at Welborne not only softens hard landscaping but connects it to neighbourhoods, supports daily routines and creates room to move. Habitats and wildlife corridors have been carefully restored and extended, supporting biodiversity across the site while making nature completely accessible to residents.
From spring through to summer, the landscape becomes increasingly active, with insects, birds and native planting contributing to a setting that feels established rather than newly built.
Alongside the maturing landscape, the homes themselves are now ready to explore. CG Fry & Son, Pye Homes and Thakeham are each showcasing their approach to craftsmanship, material quality and long-term design.
The architecture is designed to sit comfortably within its setting, framed by tree-lined streets and walkable green routes rather than being dominated by tarmacked roads. Welborne is evolving steadily and deliberately. What you see today is the early stages of a place planned for the long term, so we warmly invite you to explore in person and discover the timeless design and charm of Welborne Garden Village.
Experience Welborne this Spring. Book your visit at welborne.co.uk or call us on 01329 623247
On Monday 2 February, Mrs Edwards (Year 3/4 teacher) travelled to London to attend a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament and collect Appleshaw’s International School Award certificate and plaque. This International School Award was awarded in recognition for 3 years of outstanding international work at Appleshaw St Peter’s CofE Primary School and was presented by Mark Stephens CMG, Director Cultural Engagement. Mark has worked for the British Council since 1992. Also in attendance was Uma Kumaran, MP and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and local MPs, including Caroline Nokes, (our local MP) who spent time talking to all the school representatives. In attendance were 89 schools from across the UK ranging from small primary schools to large secondary schools and academies.
The International School Award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life work in today’s world.
Appleshaw St Peter’s CofE Primary School’s international work includes a close partnership with Primary School No 15 in Gorzów Wielkopolski (Poland); and they would like to extend their thanks to the Polish school, as achieving ISA status would not have been possible without this partnership.
The International School Award encourages and supports schools to develop:
• An international ethos embedded throughout the school
• A whole school approach to international work
• Collaborative curriculum-based work with international partner schools
• Year-round international activity
• Involvement of the wider community
It is one of the most common questions property owners ask, whether they’re thinking of selling or letting: how much is my property worth? The answer is refreshingly straightforward; your property is worth what a buyer or tenant is prepared to pay.
Even on the same street, values and rental prices can vary dramatically. Easy access to transport links, local amenities, countryside or coast, along with overall demand and the wider economy, all play their part. For landlords, tenant expectations around space, finish and energy efficiency are increasingly influential too.
Online portal valuations have become a popular starting point for both sellers and landlords. However, these automated estimates are driven by algorithms and historic data. They do not take into account improvements you have made, the condition of the property, or the subtle lifestyle appeal of an area. They also fail to reflect shifts in demand, such as a surge in buyers or renters relocating, or changes in what tenants are prioritising right now. The result can be figures that are misleading, outdated or simply unrealistic.
This is where an experienced property professional makes all the difference. With their finger firmly on the pulse of the local market, they understand buyer and tenant behaviour, pricing trends and seasonal demand. They can advise not only on achievable sale prices or rental levels, but also on how to position your property to attract the right audience.
Whether you are selling or letting, an accurate valuation is the foundation of a successful move. For FREE confidential advice contact The Country House Company: 01264 312832
katep@countryhousecompany.co.uk Claudia
Lettings
claudia@countryhousecompany.co.uk
kate@countryhousecompany.co.uk Kate
Compelling long-term research has shown an all-girls educational environment can improve performance, as well as encourage more girls to play sport for longer and to study STEM subjects. From the macro to the micro elements of the educational experience, an all-girls’ school has the specialist capability to tailor the journey towards the girl. So why are girls’ schools so important and do girls perform better in a single-sex environment?
Academic and future opportunities
Girls achieve more when given a dedicated space to do so. Academic results are better (The Guardian; GSA; BBC) and the environment is more likely to lead to girls choosing traditionally male-dominated subjects such as engineering, technology, science and maths (Good Schools Guide).
Compared with girls in co-ed schools, girls in girls’ schools are 2.7 times more likely to take further maths, and more than twice as likely to take physics and computer science A-levels (FFT Education Data Lab 2022). The UK government recognises there is a significant difference in the number of boys and girls who choose to study STEM subjects in school, and also that studying STEM A-levels can boost a young person’s earning potential when they leave education (UK Parliament Report 2022-2023).
An investigation into the effects of an allgirls’ education on the transition to university and on career aspirations showed interesting findings (Higher Education Research Institute 2018) and a positive
impact on performance and success in later life. Girls’ school graduates are more likely than their co-educated peers to be proactive with problem-solving and critical thinking, show a higher level of cultural competency and confidence in science, and are generally more academically engaged. Improving prospects is a priority on a girls’ schools’ agenda, from academic to physical and mental wellbeing and everything inbetween.
Girls in a single-sex environment show higher levels of self-esteem and confidence as they can be themselves when in an environment free from gender stereotyping. Considering the role of technology and pastoral care, the National Educations Union suggested a rise in sexism in schools because of harmful content on children’s
phones. However, an all-girls school has the opportunity to eliminate sexism, and at St Swithun’s we have also adopted Yondr pouches to avoid the distractions of smartphones during the school day.
It’s no secret that physical activity in girls declines in early adolescence, but research suggests it looks different if you’re at an all-girls school. The GSA with the Department of Education reported in 2024 that nationally, there is a 65% drop off in the time spent playing sport between KS4 and KS5, but in girls’ schools this is only 25%. We believe girls’ schools are more important than ever, providing as they do, a place in which girls find their voice, practise leadership and develop more mental toughness than their peers in co-ed schools.
St Swithun’s School, Winchester, SO21 1HA T: 01962 835750 www.stswithuns.com
For Year 7 2027 entry
Top tips for parents and a fun-packed taster programme for current year 5 girls.
Discover the value of an all-girls education. To book your place please scan here: Saturday 16 May 2026, St Swithun’s School, 9.00am-12.00pm
By Yinnon Ezra MBE
In case you haven’t noticed it’s raining again! Apparently January was a record month for H2O falling from the sky with February already starting to follow suit
In our village we are the subject of regular flood warnings, Southern Water have tankers taking our sewage elsewhere to protect our precious chalk streams, the pot holes seem to have spread like a virus. It is as if this wet winter is a big surprise.
Last summer we were treated to some fantastic weather – but some were worried about it being too dry. We complain when its too hot, too cold and too wet and everything in-between. Yes we joke about this as it’s the British way of coping with the various circumstances.
Or is it?
In the pub someone recently back from Norway was outlining how that country organises its responses to the weather - we were all impressed. Elsewhere, with regularity there are reports of devastating floods, forest fires and much more in distant lands. Yet we seem sometimes to accept the consequences of weather with a shrug. Particularly when
the 24 hour news cycle reports on the consequences of an unfortunate tragic war, another political scandal or the actions of individual world leaders. The human costs of weather-related disasters are painful, some destroying whole communities for generations.
Is it that the weather is a constant?
It’s always there but sometimes misbehaving. When the sun does eventually come out and the rain stops we quickly forget. Also, while its raining, cold and muggy it’s the best time to market and think about our sunshine summer holidays with the “huge” discounts if you book now!
Certainly, more cash should be spent of trying to anticipate the highs and lows of the weather - but its probably more than that. In some of our country villages just doing some regular maintenance of, for example, road ditches in the summer months would help. Also, when the hedges are trimmed in the autumn finding a way to avoid the cuttings falling into the ditches thus undoing the original effort to clear them. Many, also take personal responsibility with neighbours to clear gutters and other measures which all help. These are simplistic examples but it’s about all of us actioning our genetic responsibility for coping with the weather
- which human beings have been doing for centuries - seriously.
Frustration develops when despite the efforts of individuals, it sometimes needs the intervention of various elected officials to bring people together. There seems to be a lack of co-ordination between all the “bodies” responsible for dealing with the weather. On one occasion in our little village the local electricity provider wanted to trim some trees requiring the electricity to be off for a day. This was at a time when many a resident required the electricity to keep their pumps going to keep dry. On that issue the local MP intervened and the work was postponed.
There seems to be no shortage of agencies and individuals dedicated to ensuring we are able to cope with our changing weather. But so often it’s the left/right hand issue all over again - add in the need to work with the locals and it can get complicated. But it is essential to our survival that we respond positively to our changing weather.
Maybe, taking a leaf out of the second world war - where local communities had air-raid/fire wardens - maybe we need “weather” marshals in each area to bring people and agencies together to plan and deal with the local effects of our British weather?
A Class Roofing and Construction Ltd (A Class Roofing) is an established roofing and construction business. We have been established, well known and well credited business and between us have more than 100+ years of roofing experience.
We are a fully licenced and insured roofing business and perform our work with pride, safety and professionalism. We appreciate how important your home or business is to you and therefore we ensure our work is given the same care and attention as we would complete if we were performing on our own property.
We pride ourselves with our customer service, health and safety knowledge, and our attention to detail. We will always try to ensure that any work is a "stress-free" project from start to finish for our clients.
Please do contact us if you wish to discuss any roofing needs further or have a query in mind. We are always more than happy to help.
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
This hearty recipe is from the team at Meadowbrook Produce, a smallholding in the New Forest which produces eggs, lamb, pork and occasionally beef.
∙ 2 x pieces finger-width cut
∙ Meadowbrook black pudding
∙ Sriracha sauce
∙ 1 x hash brown
∙ Hollandaise sauce
∙ ½ bunch whole leaf kale, shallow fried
∙ Micro leaf salad
∙ Sweet smoked paprika
∙ 1 egg
Cook your hash brown. When it’s nearly ready, cook and assemble the rest of the dish. Heat a dash of olive oil in a small frying pan and then place the black pudding into the oil and cook for around three minutes on each side until a crust has developed. Then place in the oven for 10 minutes and fry the kale.
Bring a medium pan of water to the boil and add a generous dash of white wine vinegar, then reduce to a simmer. Using a whisk, create a whirlpool and gently crack your egg into the water and leave simmering for 3½ mins. Meanwhile gently warm the Hollandaise sauce in a small saucepan and take your plate and dress with Sriracha sauce around the edge.
Take your egg from the water and place on a kitchen napkin to drain. Place the kale on the plate, then your hash brown, then your egg on the hash brown, and drizzle with the Hollandaise. Then add a generous pinch of sweet smoked paprika to cut through the Hollandaise. Top with the cooked black pudding, slightly overlapping one another. Finish with a pinch of mixed micro leaf salad and enjoy!
Christmas in Stockbridge this year we were reminded just how fortunate we are to live in a community where local businesses don’t just serve customers they actively support local children and families too, giving generously creating such a positive statement of good links we have between the schools, local families, businesses and communities.
The Community Christmas Fund exists because of the generosity of Stockbridge area businesses who choose to give back and this year other businesses from Broughton, West Tytherley and Houghton also gave support with this special project, thanks to all their support, children at all local Primary Schools are able to take part in a lovely tradition: each child decorates a wooden bauble, makes a wish from a pre-selected list of small gifts (each under £10), and the baubles are displayed on the wish trees at Prego Dining, Stockbridge, John O Gaunt, Horsebridge and The Broughton Community Shop. The wishes are then turned into real presents, wrapped and delivered back to the school in time for their Santa visit.
Behind the scenes, this takes a great deal of organisation but it only happens because members of the local community step forward year after year. Their kindness helps create a moment of excitement and joy for every child, and it means a great deal to families in our area.
We want to place on record our sincere thanks to the businesses and communities who have supported the Community Christmas Fund. Your community spirit is exactly what makes Stockbridge and the surrounding villages such a special place to live.
With heartfelt thanks to:
Bobbins Sewing, Ecology, Willow & Co, Little Whiskey Shop, Middleton's Solicitors, Meadow, Stone Vine Wine, Trout N About, Renown Associates, Rob & Pippa Mott, Myddleton Major, Owl & Pussycat, Purbani, Sarah Madden, Susanna Jackson, Mercedes Waters, The Boot Inn, Orvis, The Greyhound on The Test, Wilds, River Dental, Stockbridge View Campsite, The Stockbridge Barbers, Wykeham Gallery, Haydown Kitchens, Evans Partridge, Stockbridge Community Cinema Club, Clos Du Marquis, Robinson Butchers, Broughton Crafts, Broughton Community Shop, JJ Acquisitions, The Hart Family, Chris & Deborah Barlow, The Blackshaw Family, Cranbourne Stone, Benridge Ltd, Daleoak Ltd, M J Davis, Ennis & Co, John O Gaunt Public House, P Casson, A Ganaway, The Malthouse Pub, Annabel Vial, Renown Associates, Jaqueline Maxwell.
On behalf of the Community Christmas Committee, thank you again for your support and for showing what local community looks like. For more information contact Mandy & Dave from Prego Dining in Stockbridge 01264 811482.
www.mooresmaintenance.co.uk
&
Book your driveway & garden tidy up - get ready for spring!
Driveway & patio cleaning or repairs
Fencing renovations & repairs
Hambrooks Garden Centre, Titchfield
Explore our landscaped gardens, specialist plants, outdoor living products, gifts, workshops & garden advice...
Open Mon-Sat: 8am-4:45pm Sun: 10-4pm
Yet again, the National Garden Scheme has beaten the 2024 total of £3.5 million by an additional £300,000, making a Grand Total Donated for 2025 of £3.85 million, to be distributed to Nursing, Caring and Health beneficiaries. This is all down to the generosity of our garden owners, our army of volunteers, and the general public for visiting our fabulous Open Gardens.
Our ‘big six’ beneficiaries are Carers Trust: Hospice UK: Macmillan Cancer Support: Marie Curie: Parkinson’s UK: Qinc: (Queens Institute of Community Nursing) If you would like to read more about the impact your money makes to our beneficiaries simply click on the link to read our Impact Report, which does just that - reports on the Impact your visits make to our beneficiaries. https://ngs.org.uk/app/uploads/2025/12/2025Impact-Report-pages.pdf
And so to some forthcoming Open Gardens, which you might like to visit during March and April.
Bere Mill
London Road, Whitchurch, RG28 7NH
Opening: Sunday 15 March 1pm to 5pm
Pre-booking available. Admission: £8.00 children free. Cashless Payments available. Refreshments: Tea and cakes in the West Barn. https://findagarden. ngs.org.uk/garden/ 19432/bere-mill
On an isolated stretch of the upper River Test the gardens have been built incrementally over 30 years with bulbs, herbaceous and Mediterranean borders, magnolia, irises, and tree peonies. There is a traditional orchard and two small arboretums, one specialising in Japanese planting. The garden stretches into the landscape and forms part of a renaturing project. The mill buildings were the original location of Portals who first sold bank
note paper to the Bank of England from the mill in 1724 and there are interesting industrial and agricultural archaeological remains, including reconstructed water meadow structures.
Also open by arrangement: From February to November for Groups of 20+ Coaches Welcome. Contact the owners to discuss your requirements. T:07703 161074 or rupertnab@gmail.com
Crawley, Winchester, SO21 2PR
Opening: Sunday 20 and Monday 21 April from 1pm to 5pm.
Opening: Friday 3 and Monday 6 April (Easter Weekend) Pre-booking available. Combined
Admission: £8.00 children free. Cashless Payments available.
Refreshments: Home-made teas in Village Hall. (in aid of Village Hall Trust) - https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/17567/ Crawley%20Gardens
Crawley is a charming period village nestled in chalk downland, featuring thatched cottages, a C14 church, and a village pond.
The gardens offer seasonal interest with both traditional and contemporary approaches to landscape and planting. Little Court is a 3 acre country garden with beautiful country views, carpets of spring bulbs, herbaceous borders, and a large meadow. Paige Cottage (pictured above) is a 1 acre traditional English garden surrounding a period thatched cottage (not open), with bulbs, wild flowers, and old climbing roses.
Your visits help to make a difference to so many lives.
Pat Beagley (Head of Publicity)
National Garden Scheme - Hampshire pat.beagley@ngs.org.uk
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