Image: Leckford Estate, Longstock GARDEN FEATURE National Open Garden Scheme RECIPE OF THE MONTH Spanish Style Shrimps with Two & One Olive Oil NEWS & EVENTS FOR JULY
OUR REGULAR FEATURE Into the Weeds - Written by Lucia Foster-Found
We’re celebrating 20 years of excellence – and you could win £20,000 in our Anniversary competition! To enter, simply spend £500 or more with us between now and the end of August 2026.
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Forthcoming Events
Stockbridge Antiques Fair
Saturday 4 July
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 in Antiques Atlas: https://antiques-atlas.com/ dbevents/ Contacts: Instagramcarolfentumantiques: Carol - 01264 335769 / 07870 432805 - Steve01722 712267 / 07915 663251
Over Wallop Village Fete
Saturday 4 July
From 12 noon to 3.30pm
St Peter’s Church, Glebe Field, Over Wallop, SO20 8HT
Bring the family and enjoy a traditional village fete. There will be a bouncy castle, Punch & Judy shows, tombolas, BBQ, beer and wine stall, teas and cakes, a dog show with 7 categories, a prize draw, many hand made items to buy and lots of other stalls and games.
Romsey Beggars Fair 2026
Saturday 11 July
From 11am to 5pm
Romsey Town Centre
Music and dance return once again to Romsey when the 32nd Beggars Fair takes over the town on 11th July 2026. From 11am to 5pm you can expect to see, hear and enjoy 140 acts spread over more than 25 venues, as well as roaming street performers – all for FREE at Romsey’s annual family-friendly music festival!
Stockbridge Cinema
The President's Cake (12A)
While people across 1990's Iraq struggle to survive, 9-year old Lamia has been selected to prepare
Wednesday 17 July
From 7.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
a cake to celebrate the President's birthday. In a landscape of fear and scarcity, where basic ingredients are nearly impossible to find, Lamia sets out on a determined journey throughout the big city in search of eggs, flour, and sugar. Accompanied by her grandmother, her loyal friend Saeed, and her pet rooster Hindi, she navigates vendors and police officers along the way. [In Arabic with English subtitles]. Tickets £6.00 on sale online via www. stockbridgecinema.org.uk or by telephone call to TicketSource 0333 666 3366. Please visit our website for full details of all films.
Andover Carnival
Sunday 19 July
Various Times (see below)
Various Locations (see below)
Andover Carnival is the vibrant heart of our town, drawing schools, businesses, charities, and community groups into one dazzling procession. With beautifully decorated floats, energetic musicians, and performers lining the streets, the parade sparks wonder and joy in the crowds. The excitement continues at Vigo Park, where families enjoy engaging entertainment, food stalls, live music, and plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the day. Every year, this celebration brings Andover to life in a way that’s truly unforgettable. 12pm to 9pm at Vigo Park, 12pm to 4.30pm (High Street), Procession 4pm - 5.30pm. Food, Rides, Music, Entertaiment. For more information visit: https:// www.andovercarnival.com/
Stockbridge Cinema Blue Moon (15)
Wednesday 22 July
From 5pm and 7.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
A dramatization of one evening in 1943 in the life of Lorenz Hart (Ethan Hawke), best known as the lyricist half of the successful songwriting team Rodgers and Hart. The evening spent in a bar is arguably the worst night of his life, being the opening night of the new Broadway musical “Oklahoma” written by Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott) and his new lyricist partner Oscar Hammerstein II. By the time this night is over, Hart will have confronted both a world that no longer values his talent and the seeming impossibility of love. Academy Award-nominations for Best Actor (Ethan Hawke) and Best Original Screenplay (Robert Kaplow).
Trout ‘n’ about 2026
Sunday 2 August
From 10am to 4pm
Stockbridge High Street
On the first Sunday of August every year, Stockbridge high street is alive with local traders showcasing the very best of local food, produce and crafts, attracting thousands of visitors. Trout ‘n’ about is a free-to-
attend event although we do charge for park so we can raise money for local good causes. Trout’n’about is run entirely by local volunteers. We look forward to welcoming you to Stockbridge on August 2nd! For more information visit: https:// tnastockbridge.com/
Longstock Village Fete
Saturday 5 September
From 12.30pm to 4.30pm
Longstock Recreation Ground
Otterbourne brass band, BBQ, bar, teas, dog show, sheep racing. tug o’ war, laser tag, axe throwing, coconut shy, golf pitch ‘n putt, tombola, bottle stall, books, produce, cakes and jams and grand draw. Come and help us raise funds for our church and playground, while everyone has fun!
Add you event to this page FREE of charge by emailing: editor@forumpublications. co.uk. Please Note: We are unable to guarantee publication.
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Village & Rural Estate Agents
Stockbridge | Price
£1,925,000
An outstanding, recently built and beautifully finished detached family house, presented in excellent condition, enjoying an elevated position with far-reaching views, attractive southerly facing garden and paddocks, yet within easy walking distance of Stockbridge High Street.
Wherwell | Price £1,750,000
A unique and substantial modern residence architect designed to a theme of inter-connected converted period barns with traditional outbuildings, featuring impressive oak framing, remarkable accommodation with several garages, an annexe/office and games room, all set within an acre of mature secluded grounds with far-reaching views and backing onto woodland.
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.
Porton | Price £795,000
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 within close walking distance
Broughton | Price £995,000
A substantial detached period house, beautifully presented throughout, set in the heart of this extremely sought-after village
Quarley | Price £1,199,000
A unique country property providing extensive and versatile accommodation all beautifully presented and full of character. Perfect for three generational living with a detached two bedroom, three bathroom annexe. All set within a private landscaped garden with plenty of parking and a triple garage.
East Cholderton | Price £950,000
A spacious detached cottage featuring spacious principal rooms and a beautiful mature private garden extending to just over 0.4 acres on the edge of a hamlet between Amport and Thruxton.
Email: property@evansandpartridge.co.uk
Into the Weeds
“What’s ‘bandwidth’?” Himself peered at her. “When it’s not about the internet, I mean.” Oh dear, she thought.
“It’s something that people say at work. It really means time or capacity.
Telling someone that you ‘don’t have enough bandwidth’ is nicer than you ‘can’t be bothered’. Less confrontational.”
“I like it!” He was enthusiastic. “I can’t wait to use that.”
“But not on me, I hope,” she commented, thinking that it would be beyond weird. Himself was a ‘call a spade a shovel’ kind of a guy and, after she’d spent a lifetime working in offices, she found it refreshing.
“Not unless I want to say I can’t be bothered nicely!” He laughed like a drain. “Oh, oh, I’ve got another one!” he chortled. “‘Into the weeds’. Someone on the radio was saying that they weren’t going to get into them. And it wasn’t Monty Don.”
Mmn. She wasn’t sure that she wanted to get ‘into the weeds’ either. “Well, it means that they don’t want to focus on the minutiae and lose the big picture.”
“Really! I’ll stow that one away for future use too.” He looked gleeful. She’d really rather he didn’t. Work was work and home was home. They were different countries, with different languages. And she liked it like that.
To distract him from his newly discovered dialect, she suggested they nip to the garden centre. The reference to weeds had reminded her that on July’s job list was dealing with some perennial thugs that were intimidating some of her more genteel specimens. Her favourite imaginary friend, Claude, had suggested a natural, pet-safe, non-toxic, eco-friendly weed killer. It sounded too good to be any good, frankly, but she wanted to ‘pressure test’ it. Just in time, she caught herself before she said that one out loud for Himself to add to his burgeoning dictionary of corporate-speak.
Alarmingly though, they got halfway down the road when he announced,
“We’ll have to circle back on this one.”
“What did you say?” She’d been thinking about work and wondered if she’d actually manifested more over-used jargon.
“I’ve left my wallet at home. We’ll have to circle back on this roundabout. Won’t take long.” Himself went on to make a very un-corporate comment about a fellow motorist’s driving skills - and she felt a surge of relief.
The expedition to the garden centre was successful. Expensive, but
successful. Armed with the recommended weedkiller (Claude would be so pleased when she told him) she decided she’d tackle the ‘low-hanging fruit’ first. Glad she’d said that only in her head, she declared, “let’s try it on the little ones growing through the patio. See if it ‘moves the needle’.” Darn and blast! She braced for impact, but Himself was peering at his ‘phone and hadn’t heard.
“Darling, I know you’ve bought this new stuff, but I saw Martha Stewart on the internet killing weeds using vinegar and salt. I wanted to show you, but Martha’s not loading. I don’t think I’ve got enough bandwidth..” he said without a trace of irony. It was as weird as she thought it would be. She smiled.
“Oh well,” he said. “Anyway, I’ve got a surprise for you!” Taking her by the hand he led her down the garden path to the abandoned vegetable bed. Last year she’d tried to grow peas and runner beans. The peas had been a dismal failure – she didn’t want to do a ‘deep dive’ into the reasons for that, probably a lack of ‘syncing up’ the ‘action items’, namely watering and weeding.
The runner beans, on the other hand, had produced lots of greenery, some very ornamental flowers and even a few beans. She’d cut them back at the end of the season, but the promised re-growth hadn’t happened like Chat GPT had said it would. To be fair to her former favourite imaginary friend, it had used a lot of words that she now suspected may have been important. But she’d put ‘drainage’, ‘sheltered’ and ‘mulch’ in the ‘parking lot’ and ignored them.
“I’ve been watering them.” Himself announced proudly. He was pointing at the abundance of plants that had wrapped themselves in elegant spirals around the bamboo stakes (she immediately thought ‘stakeholders’). Stoppit.
But he really was a darling boy. The lush and lovingly nurtured, pernicious bindweed was flourishing where the runner beans had gone to die. She thought fondly of Himself toiling up and down the garden, weighed down with watering cans.
Gently, she led him back up the path, tenderly placed the weedkiller into his hands and said, “If we ‘have the bandwidth’, I think we may ‘need to circle back on this one’ and ‘get into the weeds after all’...”
ARE YOU UNDER PRESSURE?
• A wide range of locally sourced produce and a friendly service Next time you’re passing...
• Indoor and outdoor seating
• Barista-style co ee
• Plenty of free customer parking
...take a break and visit our café Shop at the heart of the Community www.broughton.shop
@broughtonvillageshop • 01794 502495
ANTIQUE FURNITURE
Antique furniture bought, sold, restored
Showroom open Fridays 10am – 4pm or by appointment Unit 1, Homestead Farm, North Houghton Nr Stockbridge, SO20 6LG Message us on Instagram casson_drinkwater Mobile: 07503 316306 info@cassondrinkwater.co.uk
We have 3 containers, or areas in our torso with slightly differing pressure gradients.
1. Our chest is under negative pressure to create a sucking up and out of the lungs and heart to give them lots of space to function.
2. Our upper abdomen is under slightly positive pressure to aid digestion and excretion
3. And the pressure in the deep pelvis is negative to aid in the lift and separation of the pelvic organs up off the pelvic floor
In practice, I see many people with altered pressure gradients. This is due to alignment changes, beginning right at the top. As the head and shoulders come forward, the chest is compressed and the breathing mechanics are compromised. This increases the pressure further down the torso, resulting in a ‘dumping down’ on top of the pelvic organs.
That pressure has to escape somewhere
It can result in disc injuries, organ prolapse, pelvic congestion, hernias, diastasis recti and incontinence.
How much you sit, stand and move will all influence your pressure gradients.
Forward head posture increases the mechanical load on the neck. A common estimate is that each inch of forward head position adds about 10 lb (4.5 kg) of effective force that the neck muscles must counteract, If your head is forward of your midline the body has to make some big adaptations.
Early changes can be seen throughout the body. Such as the foot having to shoot out further in front of you whilst walking and running, increased spinal curves and muscular imbalances.
Early effects may be felt as tension headaches, stiff neck, tight shoulders, repeated sighing or yawning (can’t get a deep breath),
tingly hands, poochy belly and sluggish digestion. Later, changes can be seen as altered loading through joints, increased pressure in the pelvic organs (leaking and prolapse), disc injuries and degenerative change.
How to improve your alignment:
• Retract the head and lengthen your neck (imagine a string pulling you up from the crown)
• Bring your pelvis back to align over your ankles so your toes feel light
• Light engagement of the abs and relax the glutes (no butt clenching)
• Keep your front ribs down
• Open the front of the chest
If you need a cue, stand with your back against a wall and see if you can get your heels, tail bone, mid back and back of your head to make contact.
If it feels strained, take your feet a few inches away from the wall. This is a good benchmark to work from and note your progress. Over time, keep working those heels back towards the wall and note your improved alignment. Think of a plumb line linking ear lobe, tip of the shoulder, side of the pelvis, side of the knee and ankle bone.
Practice this every day, all day, for the rest of your life!
Emma Wightman - www.the-sop.com
ANDOVER CHAMBER CHOIR INVITES AUDIENCES TO REVISIT CHILDHOOD WITH “RHYMES AND RECOLLECTIONS”
Andover Chamber Choir is set to transport audiences back to the carefree days of youth with their charming and evocative upcoming concert, “Rhymes and Recollections: A Choral Collection of Childhood Songs”.
This unique performance weaves together familiar nursery rhymes, beloved literature, and masterful choral arrangements that celebrate the wonder and nostalgia of childhood, promising a captivating evening for all ages.
The programme is an eclectic and beautifully curated mix, showcasing the choir’s versatility and passion for diverse choral repertoire. Highlights include John Rutter's charming ‘5 Childhood Lyrics’, a playful arrangement of ‘Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ by Andrew Carter, and Eric Whitacre’s ethereal setting of the Rudyard Kipling poem, ‘The Seal Lullaby’ - a piece renowned for its poignant beauty. Adding a rich layer of literary charm, the evening will be interspersed with prose from iconic children’s authors, including A. A. Milne and Beatrix Potter, grounding the musical pieces in cherished childhood narratives.
The programme touches on the universal themes of innocence, memory and comfort, and Andover Chamber Choir invites everyone - from those who grew up singing these tunes, to music lovers discovering them anew - to join them for an evening of musical reflection and joyful recollection.
The concert takes place at 7.30pm, Saturday 18th July, Farleigh School, Andover, SP11 7PW. 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.
THE RAWLINGS DIFFERENCE
When it comes to eye and hearing care, the experience you receive is just as important as the products you choose.
At Rawlings, we’ve been taking a different approach for more than 130 years, providing personalised care built on expertise, time and genuine service.
As an independent family-run business, we believe healthcare should never be one-size-fits-all. We take the time to understand each patient’s individual needs and offer tailored advice and solutions, ensuring everyone feels informed, valued and well looked after.
Our highly qualified team is at the heart of what we do. Our Optometrists, Audiologists and Dispensing Opticians bring extensive clinical knowledge and experience to every appointment. With qualified Dispensing Opticians in every branch, patients can be confident they are receiving expert guidance on both their eye health and eyewear choices.
We also allow longer appointment times than many larger providers. This gives our clinicians the opportunity to carry out thorough assessments, answer questions and discuss the most appropriate options for vision, hearing and lifestyle. It’s one of the reasons so many patients return to us year after year and recommend us to family and friends.
Our practices are designed to feel welcoming and relaxed, offering an alternative to the fast-paced retail environment often found elsewhere. Whether you’re attending an eye examination, hearing appointment or choosing new eyewear, you can expect attentive, personal service from a team that genuinely cares.
When it comes to products, quality is our priority. Our eyewear collection is carefully curated, featuring designer frames selected for their craftsmanship, style and durability. The same principle applies to hearing care. As an independent provider, we can recommend hearing aids from a range of leading manufacturers, enabling us to find the solution that best suits your needs, lifestyle and budget.
At Rawlings, great eye and hearing care comes down to three things: expertise, time and personal service.
Proceeds are in aid of Andover Young Carers, providing vital support and respite to young carers in Andover and the surrounding area.
Rawlings Opticians
Lane End, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6EU
Tel: 01264 312654
rawlingsopticians.co.uk
Is it time to listen to your hearing?
Hearing changes graduallyso gradually that most of us barely notice. Here’s a gentle guide to recognising the signs, understanding what’s happening, and taking that first, easy step.
Picture this. You’re at your grandson’s birthday party. Everyone is laughing, talking over each other, sharing stories. But you can’t quite follow the conversation - too many voices, too much background noise. So you smile, nod, and hope nobody notices you’ve lost the thread again.
Later, in the quiet of the car home, you feel something you can’t quite name. Not just frustrated. Tired. A little lonely, perhaps. And you think: maybe next year I’ll get my hearing looked at.
Sound familiar? You’re far from alone. Most people wait several years before having their hearing checked — not out of reluctance, but simply because the changes happen so slowly that it’s easy to adapt without noticing. By the time we think about it, it just feels normal.
Samuel Longman, Founder & Director, Alresford Hearing Studio
The good news - and there really is good news - is that modern hearing care is gentle, effective, and more accessible than most people realise. Understanding what’s happening with your hearing is the first step. And that’s really all a hearing test is: an honest, relaxed conversation with a
specialist about what you’re experiencing and what, if anything, might help.
SIGNS WORTH BEING AWARE OF - AT ANY STAGE
EARLY ON
You find yourself asking people to repeat things.
Especially in busier environments — restaurants, family gatherings, the phone. This is often the first gentle signal that your hearing may have shifted a little.
A LITTLE LATER
The television creeps up If family members mention the volume, or you notice you need it louder than you used to, it’s worth taking note — not with alarm, just awareness.
OVER TIME
Social situations start to feel tiring
When following conversation takes effort, gatherings can feel draining rather than enjoyable. Many people find themselves avoiding situations they used to love — without quite knowing why.
WORTH KNOWING
Hearing and overall wellbeing are closely linked
Research suggests that staying connectedthrough conversation, company and shared experience - has a meaningful impact on our mental sharpness and happiness as we get older. Looking after your hearing is looking after yourself.
THE REASSURANCE
Earlier is always easier
The sooner hearing is assessed and supported if needed, the more straightforwardly the brain adapts. There’s never a wrong time to find out where you stand.
At Alresford Hearing Studio, we see patients at every stage — some who’ve noticed only the smallest of changes, others who’ve been putting it off for years. Whatever the case, the response is always the same: a warm welcome, a thorough and unhurried assessment, and honest, independent advice with no pressure whatsoever.
A FEW THINGS THAT MIGHT PUT YOUR MIND AT EASE
• A hearing assessment is completely painless and takes around 30 minutes - many patients find it a relief simply to finally know.
• Modern hearing aids are discreet, sophisticated, and nothing like the devices of even a decade ago - many are virtually invisible.
• There’s no obligation to do anything after a test. It’s simply information - yours to take away and consider in your own time.
• Alresford Hearing Studio offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on all hearing aids so you can try with complete confidence.
• As an independent practice, the team are free to recommend whatever is genuinely right for you - no targets, no one brand to push.
Life is full of moments worth hearing clearly. The laughter at the dinner table. A grandchild’s voice on the phone. The easy back-and-forth of a conversation with someone you love.
A hearing check is simply a chance to make sure you’re not missing any of them. It costs nothing but a little time — and the team at Alresford Hearing Studio will make sure you feel completely at ease from the moment you walk through the door.
BROUGHTON RESIDENTS UNITE AGAINST UNPLANNED HOUSING EXPANSION AS PETITION DELIVERED TO TVBC
Broughton residents have demonstrated overwhelming opposition to a new planning application proposing 40 homes at “Hasley Meadows”, submitting a formal petition today to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC). The proposal comes only weeks after the TVBC Southern Area Planning Committee approved a separate 9 home development at Cooler’s Farm, intensifying concerns about cumulative, uncoordinated growth in the village.
A petition — signed by more than 250 residents and increasing - each of whom also submitted an individual written comment expressing their personal concerns — was delivered this morning to TVBC’s Beech Hurst offices by local representatives and community leaders. Those present included TVBC Cllr Stewart MacDonald, Hampshire County Cllr David Drew, and Broughton Parish Council Chair Cllr James Hodgson, accompanied by residents, who have mobilised rapidly in response to the new application.
The submission follows a public meeting on 28 May, where more than 200 residents gathered to express deep frustration at the scale and pace of speculative development targeting Broughton. The strength of feeling in the room was described as “immense”, with residents united in their view that the Hasley Meadows proposal is unsustainable, unnecessary, and incompatible with the character and capacity of the village.
A spokesperson for the Broughton for Sustainable Development Group said:
“Broughton is not opposed to growth — but it must be sustainable, proportionate, and community plan led. What we are seeing instead is a wave of speculative applications that ignore local infrastructure constraints, environmental impacts, and the clearly expressed wishes of the community. The Hasley Meadows proposal is the tipping point. Residents have had enough.”
NEW AGREEMENT PAVES WAY FOR BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR ANDOVER TOWN CENTRE
Quicker fixes and a smarter-looking town centre are on the horizon for Andover, as Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) and Hampshire County Council (HCC) are working together to undertake day-today repairs and maintenance across parts of the High Street, Waterloo Court and Town Mills.
Historically, Hampshire County Council has been responsible for carrying out work such as fixing paving slabs and street furniture, looking after drainage channels, and cleaning and repairing signage. But a new agreement means that TVBC will be able to undertake this work on their behalf, meaning they can identify and fix issues, as well as ensure that repairs are in-keeping with the rest of the town centre. The agreement means that TVBC will invest dedicated resources to support the delivery of these jobs locally, helping to ease pressure on Hampshire
Key concerns raised by residents include:
• Strain on local infrastructure, including roads, drainage, and essential services
• Loss of valued green space and harm to local biodiversity
• Erosion of village identity, with developments out of scale with Broughton’s rural character.
• Poor access via narrow country lane (Horsebridge Road)
• Additional traffic and high number of vehicle movements it would generate on Horsebridge Road impacting safety of children / other pedestrians / cyclists / horses / mobility scooters
• Risk of frequent flooding from surface water /poor drainage/ ground water on Horsebridge Road with narrow choke points / bends
• Possible contamination of Wallop Brook and River Test, world renowned chalk water courses
• Inappropriate overdevelopment on a single site in the Village
- a site not part of where the Neighbourhood Development Plan
(NDP) indicates appropriate development should take place
• A site near the conservation area requiring further investigation into the consequences of any development to the ecology and unique wild-life
• Distance from village facilities - school, surgery, sports field, village hall and community shop etc
The Group emphasised that Broughton has already contributed significantly to local housing supply and continues to support genuinely sustainable development that aligns with community needs and environmental responsibilities.
The petition urges TVBC to reject the Hasley Meadows application and to work with residents, the Parish Council, and local representatives to ensure future development is properly planned, appropriately located, and environmentally responsible.
The Broughton for Sustainable Development Group added:
“This petition is a clear message: Broughton will not accept development imposed on it without regard for sustainability or community voice. We expect TVBC to listen.”
County Council at a time of high demand across the wider county area. The county council will continue to respond to safety-critical work as required.
Councillor Steve Forster, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Passenger Transport, said: “We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Test Valley Borough Council to support the ongoing improvement of Andover town centre.
“This new arrangement reflects our shared commitment to delivering day-to-day maintenance efficiently and we welcome additional support to do so. Strong collaboration is key to creating attractive, well-maintained places, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with Test Valley Borough Council to support Andover’s future success.”
Any issues should still be reported through Hampshire County Council’s website at https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways.
The county council will then pass on any that TVBC is able to address under the new agreement.
On the market. Under offer. On the move.
A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO PROPERTY VALUATION
A valuation service that considers both the sales and rental markets affords homeowners the most comprehensive assessment of a property’s potential in the current market.
By undertaking a sales valuation, an agent will establish a property’s likely market value based on buyer demand, recent comparable sales, market trends, and individual attributes. This provides a clear understanding of the capital value that could be realised through a sale and enables owners to evaluate their position within the current market.
At the same time, a rental valuation offers valuable insight into the property’s investment potential. Assessing achievable rental income, tenant demand, and prevailing rental market conditions allows owners to understand the potential return that could be generated if the property were retained and let rather than sold.
In an evolving property market, the strongest financial outcome is not always immediately obvious. There may be circumstances where retaining a property and generating rental income provides greater long-term value, while in other cases strong buyer demand may present an excellent opportunity to maximise capital returns through a sale.
Ultimately, a dual valuation provides clarity, flexibility, and strategic insight. It enables property owners to fully understand both the capital and income potential of their asset, ensuring they are equipped to make confident decisions that align with their immediate requirements and long-term objectives. For your complementary dual valuation contact: 01264 312832
Kate Porter Head of Sales
katep@countryhousecompany.co.uk
Kate Morton Head of Lettings
kate@countryhousecompany.co.uk
The Country House Company www.countryhousecompany.co.uk
forthcoming EVENTS HAMPSHIRE
SOUTH DOWNS SHOW 2026
The South Downs Show has been running for decades in various formats and this year it will be a two day event from Saturday 8 to Sunday 9 August. So many attractions and displays are included in the admission price with a totally awesome day to be had without the need to spend any more although the choices of food and drink on offer you may not be able to resist.
Animals
Animals galore including gun dog scurries, dog shows for your dog to enter, Canine Partners awesome displays, Dunreyth Alpacas, Wild in the Country ferret racing, The Reptile Academy.
Arena
Awesome arena acts including the amazing epic Robin Hood experience, Little Nippers terriers, Ridgeside Falconry, Dog and Duck shows, reenactment battles.
Family
Awesome fun for all the family with many activities included in the ticket price. Dinosaurs, miniature steam engine to ride, Juggling Jake circus skills, Punch & Judy, the magical musical bubble bike.
Displays
A whole host of attractions including a living history village, dancing sheep, Solent Guild of Woodcarvers, QE Country Park spinners, the British Army with a tank, Petersfield & District Beekeepers, dog training.
For tickets and more information visit: www.southdownsshow.com
NEW FOREST FOOD FESTIVAL
Enjoy a fantastic weekend of gastronomic delights on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August from 10am to 5pm. There is plenty to eat, drink and see in a vibrant atmosphere here in the New Forest.
Food Pop-ups
Indulge yourself in a weekend of delicious food and drinks guaranteed to satisfy your tastebuds. There is something for everyone, mouth-watering burgers, Tex-Mex, stone-fired pizzas, street food, traditional spit roasts, seafood, artisan coffee, craft beers, awardwinning spirits and much more.
Artisan Market
We are delighted to introduce a host of local and regional producers bringing delights to your tastebuds.
Family Friendly
Enjoy a family day out with lots of fun activities for the kids. Keep your young ones entertained and happy all day with laughs and frolics.
Live Music
Over the weekend, we are thrilled to present a remarkable line-up of exceptionally talented local musicians performing on the main stage.
Camping
The New Forest Food Festival has teamed up with Coast & Country Camping Club, a members-only campsite on the Hinton Admiral Estate. Which offers offer a small, family-friendly, pop-up campsite, a short stroll away at their In Nature Camping site.
For tickets and more information visit: www.newforestfoodfestival.co.uk
DELLFEST - CEDAR VALLEY, EAST MEON
A family festival in Hampshire's Meon Valley Our much-loved family festival returns to The Dell on the 17 & 18 July for another unforgettable summer weekend in the heart of the Meon Valley.
Each summer, Dellfest brings together relaxed countryside atmosphere, exceptional festifood, and uplifting live music for a weekend designed for all ages. It's a celebration of long golden evenings, children running barefoot on the grass, wood-fired pizza shared between friends, and live music echoing across open skies. If you're searching for a Hampshire summer festival that feels personal, playful and full of heart – welcome! There's something for everyone!
Dellfest has quietly become one of the most anticipated family-friendly festivals in Hampshire, because we've shaped it carefully. It's a festival for: - Wild little dancers and snack negotiators - Grown-ups who like their music loud but their atmosphere relaxed - Families who want space to breathe - Friends who want an excuse to gather outdoors - Daytimes are light, lively and full of movement. There's space to roam, sprawl, bump into neighbours and make new friends. As the day rolls on, the mood gently shifts –the light softens, the music builds, and the whole field begins to hum.
This is a Meon Valley festival done the Dell way – thoughtful, generous, and rooted in the countryside that surrounds us.
For tickets and more information visit: thedellhampshire.co.uk/dellfest-hampshirefamily-festival/
Your Local Roofing Experts
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.
Spanish Style Shrimps with Two&One Olive Oil
“This dish is a true taste of Spain - simple, vibrant, and perfect for sharing with good bread. The whole dish comes alive with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil which adds a gorgeous depth and richness to the shrimp. Cooking with such high-quality Spanish olive oil makes all the difference: it turns something so simple into something so flavoursome”
INGREDIENTS
Takes 10 mins - serves 2 as a main, 4 as starter
• 12-14 large prawns, shell-on
• 5 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 red chili, sliced
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 5 - 6 tbsp Verde Harvest Olive Oil
• 1 lemon, for finishing
• Crusty bread, for serving
METHOD
Heat the Verde Harvest Olive Oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chili, letting them gently sizzle until fragrant but not burnt. Add the prawns and cook for 2 - 3 minutes on each side, until they turn bright orange and are just cooked through.
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss in the chopped parsley and give everything a good stir.
Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and plenty of crusty bread to soak up the garlicky, chili-spiked Two&One Olive Oil.
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Something to liven up a grey summers evening!
By Yinnon Ezra MBE
There are many ways to lift the spirits on a grey English evening, it rained all day, but few are as reliably effective as unleashing Morris dancers into the village “square” just outside the village pub - The Greyhound. Last night, Broughton was treated to this annual burst of cheerful chaos when the Wickham Morris and Sarum Morris descended in full regalia, transforming the exterior of the pub into a scene that looked part folk festival, part medieval flash mob, and part extremely enthusiastic PE lesson.
The dancers arrived dressed in a wonderful mix of outfits - there were waistcoats in colours, hats decorated with enough flowers to alarm a passing botanist, and tatters that fluttered like flags in a stiff breeze. The Wickham and Sarum groups brought a glorious mix of dancers — men, women, tall, short, nimble, determined —
all united by the belief that the best way to spend an evening is to leap about with sticks while being serenaded by fiddles and squeezeboxes.
The musicians, perched with the calm authority of people who know exactly how many beats remain before someone accidentally whacks a neighbour, kept up a lively soundtrack. Their tunes were bright and capable of lodging themselves in the mind for days. One suspects that if you stood still long enough, you’d start unconsciously hopping from foot to foot.
The highlight for many came when a very young child — clearly a future ambassador of the Morris tradition — toddled into the dance space and joined in with fearless enthusiasm. His movements bore only a passing resemblance to the choreography, but what they lacked in precision they made up for in gusto. The dancers, with
admirable reflexes, managed to avoid both collisions and the temptation to scoop the child up and award him honorary membership on the spot.
For all its cheerful eccentricity, Morris dancing has deep roots. It stretches back at least to the 15th century, possibly earlier, and has survived everything from changing fashions to the invention of television. Revived in the early 20th century by folklorists determined not to let it vanish, it now thrives as one of the most delightfully stubborn traditions in English culture.
By the time the final stick had clashed and the last bell had jingled, the crowd was thoroughly charmed, the dancers pleasantly worn out - if this annual event proves anything, it’s that Morris dancing isn’t just alive — it’s thriving, one exuberant hop at a time. Sorry couldn’t resist that!
Hambrooks Landscaping
Expert gardening care & maintenance in Hampshire
Year round border & pond care
Keep your garden looking beautiful - without the hassle
When you visit a National Garden Scheme Open Garden you are helping to support many amazing charities. One such charity is the very well known Macmillan Cancer Support. The National Garden Scheme has been supporting Macmillan Cancer Support since 1984. Since this time we have raised £20 million for Macmillan, enabling them to give vital support for people all over the UK from their first diagnosis. Thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of the National Garden Scheme and its supporters, Macmillan has been able to fund 150 Macmillan nurses, healthcare professionals and specialist care units, including Y Bwthyn, Bristol and Chesterfield. These services play a crucial role in helping people affected by cancer to get the support they need, when they need it most.
Every pound we donate to our beneficiaries is hard-won by the amazing generosity of both our Garden Owners and Volunteers, not to mention that of the ticket-buying and tea-drinking visitors.
The Down House
Itchen Abbas, SO21 1AX
Opening: Thursday 23 July from 2pm to 5pm. Pre-booking available. Admission: £8.00 children free Cashless Payments available. Refreshments: Home-made teas. https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ garden/21395/the-down-house
A 2 acre garden laid out in rooms overlooking the Itchen Valley, adjoining the Pilgrim’s Way. In summer, a terrace of agapanthus and succulents, pleached hornbeams, rope-lined fountain garden, formal box-edged potager, a new wildlife pond and sustainable garden, yew-lined avenue and walks in adjoining meadows.
Bere Mill
Amport, Andover, SP11 8AY
Opening: Sunday 5 July. Pre-booking available. Admission: £8.00 children free. Cashless Payment available. Refreshments: Tea & cake 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 on 07703 161074 or rupertnab@ gmail.com
Woolton House
Woolton Hill, Newbury, RG20 9TZ
Opening: Friday 17 July from 2pm to 5pm. Pre-booking available. Admission: £8.00 children free. Cashless Payments available. Refreshments: Home-made teas. https://findagarden.ngs. org.uk/garden/17116/wooltonhouse
This major garden was designed by the famous French designer Pascal Cribier. At present this is the only example of his work in this country. The large Mondrian–inspired layout is dramatic from any angle, even from the air. The long lines of vegetables interspersed with flowers in wonderful colours and textures and in generous quantities leaves a lasting impression for the visitor. The tramline garden has long green paths, exactly the width of the mower. Between these is planting in red: tulips followed by geums, dahlias and amaranthus, later with many different squashes. The picking garden has red pillars for the vines, to partly shade the separate beds of flowers for picking. In the smaller walled garden is a dramatic planting of large cacti interspersed with rows of different sedums. Finally the rose garden has a majestic pond on different levels. This remarkable garden should not to be missed.
Pat Beagley (Head of Publicity) - National Garden Scheme - Hampshire pat.beagley@ngs.org.uk
Financial planning tips for entrepreneurs
It can be easy to neglect your own finances when you’re focused on growing your business. But creating a solid plan for both your business and personal finances can give you more confidence your hard work will pay off.
Here are five financial planning tips for entrepreneurs.
1. Make the most of pensions
Relying solely on your business to provide for retirement is risky.
Making contributions into a pension could help you save for retirement. As a business owner, you can make your own tax-efficient savings into your pension and make employer contributions that are deductible against corporation tax.
Your accountant can help you make the most of all the personal and business tax reliefs.
2. Protect against risks
Insure not just your business premises and stock, but also what’s arguably your most valuable asset – yourself. Protection against death and illness could be crucial. Also consider key person protection and shareholder protection to minimise disruption should the worst happen to one of your key members of staff or shareholders.
Finally, make sure your will states who will receive your shares or business interest when you pass away.
3. Plan your exit strategy
Planning your exit early could reap rewards. Work with a wealth manager to determine your ‘magic number’ – how much you would need from a sale to achieve your desired lifestyle. The wealth manager can also help you work out how much your future lifestyle might cost, and whether your finances are sufficient.
Note that from April 2026, the 100% rate of Business Relief applies to the first £2.5m of combined qualifying assets. A 50% relief rate is available for any assets above this value, which gives an effective 20% IHT rate. Investments that aren’t listed on markets of recognised stock exchanges, including the Alternative Investment Market
(AIM), no longer benefit from full relief – the 50% rate applies to the entire sum.
4. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
While growing your business should be the priority, also consider investing across other asset classes, such as equities, bonds, and cash. This could help to cushion the impact if your company doesn’t perform quite as well as expected.
We can help you build a diversified portfolio that suits your individual needs and objectives.
5. Surround yourself with experts
At RBC Brewin Dolphin, we can introduce you to the right people at the right stage of your journey – whether that’s venture capital firms, lawyers, tax advisers or accountants.
We’ve worked with thousands of business owners, supporting them in making the right decisions. With us at your side, you can concentrate on looking forward to the future with confidence.
We live and work local to you. We would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.
Adam Jarvis Head of Office –Senior Investment Manager E: adam.jarvis@brewin.co.uk
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. You should always check the tax implications with an accountant or tax specialist. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of RBC Europe Limited. RBC Europe
