Issuu

ISSUE 217 OCTOBER 2026

Forum Publications

Test Valley Magazine

NEWS & EVENTS FOR OCTOBER

HALLOWEEN FEATURE

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

GHOST ENCOUNTERS OF THE BLURRED KIND

Find out what's going on in the Test Valley

Halloween: The dark history behind the night of fright

Cauliflower and coconut milk curry with sprouts

Our regular feature written by Lucia Foster-Found

STYLE ˙ INTERIORS ˙ HEALTH & BEAUTY ˙ INTERVIEWS ˙ FOOD & DRINK ˙ ENTERTAINMENT ˙ EVENTS

TEST VALLEY MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2026

CONTENT S 03 Home

32 Feature

Trades, services, designers, All you need for your home

06 Forthcoming Events 07 Food & Drink 07 Eat out, stay in: Food,

Ghost Encounters of the Blurred Kind by Lucia Foster-Found

34 Garden 34

drink and dining in

Buying, selling, letting?

10 Retail

Our regular retail feature,

Unique, Bespoke, Eclectic and Local shopping

Looking after your health and yourself!

Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

Make your garden dream come true

Feature Writer Lucia Foster-Found

36 Professional Services

See our other Titles

All stop for local government reorganisation - By Yinnon Ezra MBE

FAMILY HALLOWEEN EVENTS

Winchester City forumpublications.co.uk/winchester

40 Education Continued Meon Valley forumpublications.co.uk/meon-valley

Cauliflower and coconut

13 Wellbeing

Director of Advertising Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

38 Feature

12 Recipe of the Month

milk curry with sprouts

Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk

From photographers to solicitors every professional service you need

08 Property

Find local estate agents and property management services

The Team

14 Entertainment

Family Halloween Events

Itchen Valley forumpublications.co.uk/itchen-valley

20 Property Continued

Forum Publications

22 Education

New Farm Road,

Find local schools and educational experts

Alresford, SO24 9QE

24 Home Continued

www.forumpublications.co.uk

28 Feature

Halloween: The Dark History Behind the Night of Fright

Tel: 01962 735137

The Test Valley Magazine contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine. Test Valley Magazine takes reasonable efforts to include accurate, current information on its pages, but make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, safety or value of the published items that are displayed. No liability or responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions in magazine content. Test Valley Magazine magazine content does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or recommendations of its creators and any reliance upon its content is taken at the user’s sole risk. Adverts designed by Forum Publications remain the magazine's legal ownership. Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household © Forum Publications Ltd, 2026

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EVENTS

Forthcoming Events Stockbridge Antiques Fair Saturday 3 October 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 month Confirm fair dates in Antiques Atlas: https://antiques-atlas.com/ dbevents/ Contacts: Instagram - carolfentumantiques | Carol 01264 335769 / 07870 432805 Steve - 01722 712267 / 07915 663251

Wherwell History Group Talk - A Century of Family 1538-1638 by Kathleen Osgood, Ph.D. Tuesday 6 October From 8pm Wherwell Village Hall, Church Street, Wherwell, SP11 7JJ

For full information see page 24 of this magazine.

Somborne Sessions - Rob Clamp and trio Saturday 10 October From 7.30pm (Doors 8pm) King's Somborne, Stockbridge SO20 6PP

The new season of Somborne Sessions - top quality live music at value for money prices opens with the Rob Clamp Trio. Rob is an acclaimed musician, accompanied at the Sessions by his folk trio. We can’t wait to welcome Rob and Trio to King’s Somborne Village Hall. Tickets are £17 in advance via www.sombornesessions. co.uk (£20 on the night, if still available). PLUS - there’s still time to grab a season pass for entry to all six of this season’s shows! A snip at £95, please email

sombornesessionsmusic@gmail. com for further details.

SADS Great Company An evening of Readings, Sketches and Songs Tuesday 13 October From 7.30pm Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

This months theme: It Makes Me Laugh. Come and enjoy an evening of readings, sketches and songs with a joyful theme. You don't have to be a member of SADS to come along (but we'd love it if you'd join). We are always looking for new blood to act, direct and be part of the backstage team. No experience necessary. Stockbridgeamdrams@ gmail.com or find us on Facebook.

Broughton and Bossington Horticultural Society Talk Wednesday 14 October From 7.30pm Broughton Village Hall, High Street, Broughton, SO20 8AX

An Autumn evening talk entitled “It’s a good day to Fly a Kite’ given by the Hawk Conservancy Trust of Weyhil, Andover. The talk will provide an interesting and fun insight into the work of the Trust as well as elaborating on their important conservation projects and the individual birds that make up part of their team.

Stockbridge Cinema - The Secret Agent (15) Friday 16 October From 7.30pm Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

In 1977, in a Brazil still torn apart by military dictatorship, the story of Marcelo comes to life. A forty-year-old teacher who, leaving behind a troubled past, arrives in the city of Recife hoping to build a new life and reconnect with his family. Upon arriving, he quickly realizes that the new city is very

different from the idyllic refuge he hoped to find. A tense and gripping tale of surveillance, paranoia, and the shadows of power. Tickets £6.00 on sale online via www. stockbridgecinema.org.uk or by free telephone call to TicketSource 0333 666 3366.

Stockbridge Cinema - My Mothers Wedding (15) Wednesday 21 October From 5pm and 7.30pm Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

Heartfelt and funny, the film follows three sisters who return to their childhood home for a momentous weekend: the third wedding of their twice-widowed mother, Diana Frost (Kristin Scott Thomas). The three daughters are from vastly different walks of life: Katherine (Scarlett Johansson) is a Captain in the Royal Navy; Victoria (Sienna Miller) is a Hollywood star; and Georgina (Emily Beecham) is a hospice nurse.

Goodworth Clatford Village Club Art & Craft Weekend Fri 6 to Sun 8 November Fri: Midday to 6pm, Sat: 10am 5pm, Sun 10am to 4pm Goodworth Clatford Village Club, Village Street, Goodworth Clatford SP11 7RE

This year sees the return of several popular exhibitors, alongside new artistes offering a fantastic variety of arts and crafts to suit all tastes and all pockets: jewellery, paintings, leatherwork, textile art, ceramics, woodturning, and much more. The ever-popular Goodworth Clatford Art Group will be showcasing their talents once again, completing a tasteful lineup of high-quality products from talented local artists and artisans. There’s a prize draw, too, and with refreshments available for when you need a moment to re-group and take the weight off your feet, it’s not only a superb preChristmas gift-buying opportunity, but a jolly good day out in its own right.

Stockbridge Ukraine Talk Reflections from the Frontline Wednesday 18 November From 7.30pm to 8.30pm Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

Banned from Russia, Jerome is an awarding winning war journalist and Defence Editor of the Sun Newspaper. He presents the Sun’s most followed Youtube channel “The Frontline with Jerome Starkey”. For more details and to buy your tickets, click this link. https://buytickets.at/ stockbridgeukraine/2337305

Get Festive with The Petal Boutique’s Christmas Wreath Workshops Sunday 29 November From 10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 4pm The Petal Boutique, 6 The Fairground, Weyhill, Andover SP11 0QN

Promising plenty of greenery, creativity and Christmas cheer. The workshops are relaxed, lively and sociable, making them perfect for getting together with friends, enjoying a festive afternoon out or simply trying something new. No floristry experience is required! The team will provide everything needed and guide guests step by step as they create their own beautiful Christmas wreath, ready to proudly hang on the front door afterwards. Places are limited and advance booking is required. To book visit: thepetalboutiqueandover.co.uk – just click ‘Workshops’ to see all the details and choose your session.

A Christmas Carol Goodworth Clatford Friday 11 December Performances 5pm & 7.30pm Goodworth Clatford Village Club, Goodworth Clatford, Andover, SP11 7RE

Paying Bar Available. Tickets available from: www.thisismy theatre.com/goodworth-clatford-achristmas-carol Tel: 07732 253311

FOOD & DRINK / PROPERTY

Village & Rural Estate Agents

Chilbolton | Price £1,350,000 An extremely spacious detached residence with versatile accommodation situated at the end of a private road in the heart of the village with a large secluded garden backing onto cow common

Stockbridge | Price £1,350,000 An enviably situated detached house at the end of Trafalgar Way, with a south facing garden and open views over the water meadows toward Stockbridge Common all within an easy walk of the High Street, yet away from the bustle of the town.

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

West Tytherley | Price £1,250,000

Chilbolton | Price £900,000

A substantial period family house that has been largely extended with characterful accommodation extending to over 3,000 sq ft, including five double bedrooms (three en suite), in a quiet central village setting in about three quarters of an acre with substantial private mature gardens

An individual detached family house that is well appointed and in excellent condition with a landscaped garden featuring a BBQ cabin all quietly situated towards the end of a highly sought after cul-de-sac of large detached village homes.

Chilbolton | Price £695,000

West Tytherley | Price £1,250,000

A linked period cottage, formerly two cottages that have been combined to form a four bedroom characterful home, featuring a charming, well stocked garden with drive and detached barn style garage, in an enviable edge of village setting near the church.

Set rurally on the outskirts of this popular village this large and unique detached property provides characterful spacious and light accommodation with a range of outbuildings, all standing in attractive and secluded gardens and grounds of about 1.2 acres.

Email: property@evansandpartridge.co.uk Agriculture House, High street, Stockbridge

Tel: 01264 810702

www.evansandpartridge.co.uk

Hampshire, SO20 6HF

COMMUNITY / WELLBEING

CERAMICUS - OCTOBER 2026 POTTERY EXHIBITION AT THE FREEDOM THROUGH EXPRESSION GALLERY IN ALTON

SHOP OPEN MON - FRI 9 - 5 • SAT 9 - 12.30 • SUN 9.30 - 12.30

MON - FRI 9 - 4.30

MON - FRI 9 - 5

MON - FRI 9-5 SAT 9 - 12 SAT 9 - 12 SUN CLOSED SUN CLOSED

MONSAT - FRI 9 - 4.30 9 -12 SAT99-12 -12 SUN SUN 9 -12

Next time you’re passing...

...take a break and visit our café Ceramicus is pleased to announce that this year’s 2026 exhibition will be held at the Freedom Through Expression Gallery in Alton. The Ceramicus exhibition, previously held at both the Allen Gallery in Alton and the City Space Gallery in Winchester, is a popular opportunity for seeing and purchasing unique ceramics in a wide rage of styles including Raku, reduction fired stoneware and beautiful porcelain. This year’s exhibition will run from Saturday 3 October until 31 October, Tuesdays through to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm. Entrance is free. The exhibition features individual ceramic works by 10 members of the group. A fascinating range of work in clay will be on display, showcasing diverse styles, skills and techniques. Items will be available to purchase and take away on the same day. There will also be an opportunity to meet the potters on the morning of the opening day, Saturday 3 October.

• Indoor and outdoor seating • Barista-style coffee • Plenty of free customer parking • A wide range of locally sourced produce and a friendly service

Shop at the heart of the Community www.broughton.shop FB: @broughtonvillageshop • 01794 502495

ANTIQUE FURNITURE

Antique furniture bought, sold, restored Showroom open Fridays 10am – 4pm or by appointment Ceramicus is a group of potters based in the Surrey and Hampshire area who have come together to exhibit their work. This talented group covers a wide range of throwing, hand building and sculpting methods in various types of clay, followed by a wide spectrum of glazing and firing techniques. These range from the ancient art of wood burning kilns with natural ash glazes and the oriental "raku" methods to traditional gas fired processes using oxygen-starved reduction atmospheres and modern electrically heated, electronically controlled kilns with oxidising conditions. The artists each have their own technique and show their individual expression of artistic form in their work.

For more information on Ceramicus please see their web site https://www.ceramicus.co.uk

Unit 1, Homestead Farm, North Houghton Nr Stockbridge, SO20 6LG Message us on Instagram casson_drinkwater Mobile: 07503 316306 info@cassondrinkwater.co.uk

BOOK YOUR FREE VALUATION TODAY

02380 119936

www.dalmenys.co.uk

sales@dalmenys.co.uk

o 1A Toll Gate Estates, Stanbridge Lane, Awbridge, Romsey, SO51 0HE

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Cauliflower and coconut milk curry with sprouts INGREDIENTS

METHOD

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder • 1 dessert spoon med hot tandoori or curry powder • 1 teaspoon garam masala • 1 teaspoon cumin • 2 pinches of salt • 1 dessert spoon cooking oil • 1 onion • 4 cloves garlic • ½ a cauliflower • 10 sprouts • A thumb sized piece of ginger • 4 balls of frozen spinach • 1 tin of coconut milk • 1 handful of red split lentils

• Peel and thinly slice the onion; peel and grate the garlic. • Peel and grate the ginger – don’t worry if it doesn’t grate well, it will cook well into the sauce regardless. • Give the sprouts a good wash and discard any damaged outer leaves. Then thinly slice. • Roughly chop the cauliflower (stalks, leaves and all) into bite sized pieces. • Now, heat the oil in a medium sized frying pan on a medium heat; add the garlic, ginger and onion, mix well. • Then add the spices and curry powder and gently mix well with a wooden spoon. • Now add the cauliflower and sprouts, mix well and cook for about 30 seconds. • Open the coconut milk and give it a stir (the fats tend to separate) Now add the coconut milk to your pan. Add the lentils. Give it all a really good stir and cook for about ten minutes. • Keep an eye on the sauce, giving it an occasional stir. If it starts to boil down too much add a touch of water (about half a mug). • Add the spinach to the sauce and cook for a further five minutes, gently breaking it down with a fork as it starts to defrost. • Cook until your sauce has thickened and the cauliflower and lentils are soft. • Serve with a white and brown rice mix, pitta or cous cous. ENJOY!

RECIPE COURTESY OF HAMPSHIRE FARE

FOR MORE GREAT GREAT LOCAL FOOD AND DRINK VISIT: WWW.HAMPSHIREFARE.CO.UK

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ENTERTAINMENT Hawk Conservancy Trust, Owl-O-Ween Thur 29 to Fri 30 October From 5.30pm Hawk Conservancy Trust, Sarson Ln, Andover, SP11 8DY

Food available to purchase from: 5:30pm. First flying display commences: 7pm. Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening this Halloween. Enjoy ghostly storytelling and marvel at our owls as they put on two mystical flying displays against the backdrop of our moonlit grounds. Before the first flying display begins, you can take part in our fiendish Halloween Trail around the Trust, and explore our grounds and see our birds in their homes. If you fancy a bite to eat, a delicious barbeque and fresh hot churros will be available to purchase! Feathers Restaurant will be open to buy warm drinks and light snacks. All children must be accompanied by a full paying adult. Dressing up is encouraged! For more information and booking visit: https://www.hawk-conservancy.org/ events/owl-o-ween/

Wizard Week at the Watercress Line Sun 25 Oct to Mon 2 Nov From 10.30am to 4.30pm The Watercress Line, Station Road, Alresford, SO249JG

We have lots of spooky activities to keep the kids entertained this October half-term. Grab your cloak and wave your wand to climb onboard our Wizard Express! Have a go at circus skills and tricks to frighten your friends. Get stuck into the slime laboratory with Professors Slugwind and Apricus, and create your own slime to take home! Children of all ages are invited to dress up as their favourite scary Halloween character – little monsters, ghosts, witches and wizards are welcome. There are prizes to be won at the fancy dress competition, to be held each day – with three age categories: Under 4s – ‘Brand New Wizards’ 4 to 8 year olds | ‘Emerging Wand Talent’ | Overs 8s – ‘Potion Masters’. Spine-tingling treats are in store – including terrific rides on the

FAMILY HALLOWEEN EVENTS

it will be running throughout the week so solve the clues and find out some freaky facts! Messy madness with pumpkin carving bring your imagination and we will tidy up… YUCK! Enjoy some forest school fun to celebrate all things Halloween and Autumn! Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November – Creepy Creatures Outdoor Trail | Tuesday 29th October – Pumpkin Carving | Wednesday 30th October – Little Adventures Halloween Forest School For more information: https:// www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ countryparks/qecp/visit-us/whatson

Pumpkin Time at Sunnyfields Farm Sat 3 Oct to Sat 31 October

Wizard Express heritage train. For more information visit: https:// watercressline.co.uk/special-days/ wizard-week/

The Rogate Pumpkin Patch 2026 Fri 16 Oct to Sun 1 Nov Various Times (see website) Slade Farm, Slade Lane, Rogate, Petersfield, GU31 5EG

The Rogate Pumpkin Patch is now in its 12th year, the pick your own autumn pumpkin event. We'll close the event with our muchloved Pumpkin SMASH! Autumn Finale! a one-day ONLY event where visitors return to smash the remaining pumpkins, which are then enjoyed by our grazing cattle over the winter. For tickets visit: www. rogatepumpkinpatch.com/

Supernatural Tours at Winchester City Museum 2026 Sat 25 October From 10am to 5pm (Sun 11am) Winchester City Museum, The Square, Winchester, SO23 9ES

Join Supernatural Tours at Winchester City Museum for an evening of ghost stories! Wander the museum after dark and listen to spooky stories about Winchester. The content is family friendly but still scary. Supernatural Tours and Events and is the UK’s leading supernatural events company. For more information and booking visit: https://supernaturaltours.co.uk/

winchester-ghost-stories/

Various Times (see website)

Glow Night - Halloween Spectacular at Hollycombe

Sunnyfields Farm, Jacobs Gutter Lane, Totton, SO40 9FX

Saturday 31 October From 6pm to 10pm Hollycombe Steam in the Country, Iron Hill, Liphook, GU30 7LP

The perfect mix of spooky and fun... not too scary for little ones but scary enough for the adults! Grab your Halloween fancy dress and join us for the BEST Halloween party going! Unlimited Ride Wristbands, Eerie Quarry Railway, Spooky Garden Railway, Haunted Ghost House, Golden Galloping Horses, Steam Chair-o-planes, Children's Dobby, Hall of Mirrors, Children's Chair-oplanes, Children's Toyset Ride, Plus more rides to be announced. There will also be Let's Toast Bar, Hot food traders, Candy floss, Fairground games, Fancy dress prizes, Pumpkins and Halloween decor, Spine-tingling tunes on fairground organs, Sinister Shooting Gallery (over 16’s) and a Showman's engine powering the fun.

Halloween Fun at Queen Elizabeth Country Park Sat 26 Oct to Sun 3 November From 10am to 4pm Queen Elizabeth Country Park Gravel Hill, Horndean, PO8 0QE

October half term spooky goings on! Take part in our outdoor Halloween trail around the forest,

The farm will be turning orange as thousands of pumpkins await your arrival. Photo opportunities, WOW displays and pumpkin picking are just the start for this event. Pumpkin Time 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest and best yet! There will be two brand NEW indoor experiences, a photobooth area, and familyfriendly roaming characters bringing the magic to life. From Saturday 10th October, our DJ will be on site every open day from 2:30pm - bringing the perfect soundtrack to your pumpkin picking and keeping the good vibes going all afternoon and into the evening. For more information visit: https://sunnyfields.ticketsrv.co.uk/ product-collection/4

Halloween Family fun - Hinton Ampner Sat 17 Oct to Sun 1 Nov From 10am to 4pm Hinton Ampner, Alresford SO24 0LA

Head into the spooky corners of Hinton Ampner’s gardens and discover a Halloween adventure packed with games and challenges for the whole family. Race your broomstick, toss eyeballs into the bubbling cauldron, see if you can land a ring on the shooting star and take on plenty more spellbinding challenges along the way. So grab your little witches and wizards and get ready for some seriously spooky fun this half term… if you dare!

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Settle in with a tea or coffee and get to know your audiologist.

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WELLBEING

IF YOU CAN’T FEEL IT, YOU CAN’T HEAL IT “What is your body doing right now? Were you aware of it before I asked?”

Perhaps you’re sitting at your desk with your shoulders creeping towards your ears, or your head is pushed forwards as you squint at your phone screen? Do you drive with your jaw clenched and hands gripping the steering wheel, or brush your teeth with your butt gripped and your stomach sucked in.

None of these things are necessarily a problem occasionally. The issue is when they become our default, and we no longer even realise we’re doing them. As an osteopath, I often see people who have become disconnected from certain parts of their body. Some muscles are constantly working: gripping, bracing or holding tension. Others may be doing very little. A rounded upper back and forward head may become normal after years at a screen. Someone experiencing pelvic floor problems may constantly squeeze their pelvic floor because they’re frightened of leaking or prolapse, yet never allow those muscles to properly relax. And sometimes the first challenge is simply learning to feel the difference.

Your brain is listening

Your brain is constantly receiving information from your body. Proprioception helps you sense where your body is and how it is moving, while interoception helps you notice what is happening inside it, including sensations such as tension, effort and changes in breathing. Together, these contribute to our overall body awareness. If you repeatedly adopt the same position or muscle pattern, your nervous system becomes very familiar with it. What once felt tense, uneven or awkward can gradually start to feel completely “normal”. Stress can reinforce this. When we’re mentally under pressure, many of us unconsciously brace: shoulders rise, breathing becomes shallower, the jaw tightens, abdominal muscles grip and the pelvic floor may tense too. This is why simply telling someone to “stand up straight” or “relax your shoulders” rarely creates lasting change.

Awareness comes before change

Try becoming curious about your body during everyday life.

STOCKBRIDGE OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE

Emma Wightman and Associates Specialising in women’s health, sports and paediatrics. A gentle hands-on approach for newborns, through to adulthood and in pregnancy

Also Massage Therapy Pilates, 1 to 1 and small group Acupuncture Nutrition Online Bookings available via the website

01264 810028 www.the-SOP.com reception@the-SOP.com STOCKBRIDGE OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE - HIGH STREET, STOCKBRIDGE, SO20 6HF

When you’re waiting for the kettle to boil, sitting at traffic lights or brushing your teeth, notice: Where is my weight? Am I gripping anything? Can I soften my jaw? Are my toes relaxed? Can my ribs expand when I breathe? Can I relax my butt, belly or pelvic floor? Use a mirror occasionally. Set a reminder on your phone. Take a slow breath and deliberately release areas that don’t need to be working so hard. Move out of the position you’ve been holding rather than searching for one “perfect” posture. Osteopathic treatment can help by giving you feedback about alignment, tension holding patterns, and areas that are overworking or poorly coordinated. Then between appointments you can begin recognising the habits you have developed over time. Because once you can feel what your body is doing, you have the opportunity to change it. And that awareness is where healing begins. If you are interested in improving pelvic floor awareness and healing, I have a series running on social media at the moment and you might like to follow along (handle below). Emma Wightman www.the-sop.com @stockbridgeosteopathy

WELLBEING

BLUEBIRD CARE AND WINCHESTER MOBILITY LAUNCH NEW COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP Bluebird Care Winchester, Eastleigh & Romsey and Winchester Mobility have launched a new partnership built around their shared commitment to exceptional customer service, personalised support and making the care journey feel less overwhelming for local families.

care, overnight support and 24-hour live-in care.

Bluebird Care provides 'Outstanding' rated home and live-in care across Winchester, Eastleigh, Romsey and the surrounding areas. Its services range from companionship, personal care and help around the home to complex

Winchester Mobility is a family-run mobility specialist supporting people across Winchester and Hampshire. From its local showroom, the team provides mobility scooters, wheelchairs, powerchairs, rise-and-recline chairs, walking aids and other equipment designed to help people maintain their independence. It also offers servicing, repairs, equipment hire and free home demonstrations. By working closely together, the two teams hope to make it easier for people to understand the support available and connect with a trusted local organisation when they need additional advice. Norman Murphy, Director at Bluebird Care, said: “This partnership is about bringing together two trusted local businesses that share the same values. Both teams take the time to listen, understand each person’s circumstances and help them find a solution that is right for them. Lee Cogan, owner of Winchester Mobility, said: “We are delighted to be working with Bluebird Care and strengthening the support available to people throughout Winchester and the surrounding areas. By building a closer relationship between our teams, we can offer customers another trusted source of support if their wider needs begin to change.” Both organisations believe strong relationships between local businesses can make a meaningful difference, particularly for customers and families navigating care or mobility support for the first time.

CARE THAT GOES BEYOND THE APPOINTMENT When it comes to your sight and hearing, exceptional care shouldn’t begin and end with an appointment. At Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care, we believe the best healthcare is built on long-term relationships. It’s about knowing our patients, understanding their individual needs and being there when they need advice, reassurance or support.

That philosophy is at the heart of our Vision Plan and Hearing Plan. Our plans are designed to make looking after your eyes and hearing simple and convenient, while giving you access to the high level of personal service that generations of Rawlings patients have come to expect. With our Vision Plan, regular professional eye care becomes part of your routine, helping us monitor changes in your vision and eye health over time. Rather than simply thinking about your eyes when something feels wrong, ongoing care allows our experienced team to build a much clearer picture of your individual needs. Our Hearing Plan brings the same approach to your hearing care. Hearing needs can change gradually, and regular contact with your audiology team means your hearing, hearing technology and ongoing requirements can be reviewed and supported over the longer term. But the real benefit of both plans goes beyond the appointments themselves. It’s knowing there is a familiar, local team you can turn to. It’s having time to ask questions. It’s receiving advice based on what is right for you rather than feeling rushed into a decision. And it’s the reassurance that your care continues long after you leave the practice. Rawlings has been caring for families since 1895, combining clinical expertise with something we believe is equally important: outstanding personal service. Our Vision and Hearing Plans simply make it easier to enjoy that standard of care year after year. At Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care great care isn’t a one-off appointment. It’s an ongoing relationship. Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care Lane End, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6EU www.rawlingsopticians.co.uk | Tel: 01264 312654

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EDUCATION

Let them wonder

By Liz Norris, Head of St Swithun’s Prep

ne of the special things about spending your working life around children is being reminded just how much there is to wonder about. Why is the moon out in the daytime? Who decides the names of colours? How do birds know where home is? Can fish get thirsty? Where does the sun go at night? And, perhaps most urgently of all, what happened to my snowman? Children ask extraordinary questions. As adults, one of the most important things we can do is make time to explore the answers with them. The answer itself is not always the most important thing. Sometimes it is better to respond with another question: What do you think? or Shall we find out together? Curiosity is where so much learning begins.

At St Swithun’s, we are fortunate to witness the very beginning of that journey in our co-educational Nursery and Preschool, where we welcome boys and girls from nine months to four years. Those earliest years are full of firsts as children discover the joys of play, stories, movement, creativity, friendship and the natural world. The adults around them remain close, knowing when to offer a helping hand and when to step back and let discovery unfold. As children grow, so does their world. From Reception onwards, St Swithun’s Prep is for girls. One of the things I value most about educating girls from a young age is that it gives them the freedom to discover who they are before the world starts suggesting who they ought to be.

A puddle on a hot day becomes an experiment. Building a home for a favourite toy becomes an engineering challenge. A walk in the park becomes an exploration of colour, smell and texture. Children are constantly making connections, testing ideas and changing their minds, often without realising they are learning at all. Our job is to notice what captures their imagination and sparks their enthusiasm, then help them follow where it leads.

Scientist, artist, footballer, veterinarian, mathematician, musician, writer, explorer or performer: all are possible futures. Better still, they are not mutually exclusive. A child can be imaginative and analytical, creative and scientific, ambitious and kind. Possibilities should have no limits when you are a young, curious child. Of course, nurturing curiosity does not mean filling every moment with structure and activity. Some of the most meaningful discoveries happen when children have

time to potter, stumble, make mistakes and try again. Curiosity can mean following an unexpected idea, getting lost in the moment and happily abandoning even the most carefully made plans. Perhaps that is what it means to light the way for a child. Not choosing their destination or providing every answer, but giving them the confidence, encouragement, opportunities and space to begin finding their own path. From a baby's first discoveries in Nursery to the increasingly ambitious questions of Prep, I hope we never lose sight of the value of that small but powerful phrase: I wonder...

St Swithun’s Prep School, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HA T: 01962 835700 www.stswithuns.com

Prep School

FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 26 | 1.30PM

PREP OPEN AFTERNOON Come and discover St Swithun’s Nursery, Preschool and Prep. Meet our Head of Prep, Liz Norris, ` hear more about life at St Swithun’s, and explore the school on an individual tour led by one of our current pupils. Open to families considering our co-educational Nursery & Preschool (9 months–4 years) and girls’ Prep from Reception to Year 6.

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EARLY YEARS STAY & PLAY Come and play, explore and discover. Once a term, we open our doors for a free Stay & Play session for children aged 18 months–4 years. A relaxed chance for little ones to explore, and for you to meet our Early Years team and get a feel for life at St Swithun’s.

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FEATURE

Halloween: The Dark History Behind the Night of Fright

very October, darkness takes over. Pumpkins grin from doorsteps, shadows move behind windows, and children dressed as ghosts and monsters roam the streets. But Halloween was not born in a supermarket aisle or a Hollywood horror film. Its origins are far older—and far darker. Long before trick-or-treating, haunted houses and buckets of sweets, people gathered around roaring fires as winter approached. More than a thousand years ago, Celtic communities across Ireland, Scotland and parts of Europe celebrated a festival called Samhain. It marked the end of summer and the beginning of the cold, dangerous winter months. For these communities, winter was more than simply a change in weather. It was a season of darkness, hunger and death. Crops had been harvested, animals were brought indoors and people prepared to survive the months ahead. Samhain marked the mysterious boundary between the old year and the new. And according to ancient beliefs, something else happened on that night. The barrier between the world of the living and the world of the dead was thought to become dangerously thin. Spirits were believed to wander among the living. Some might be harmless, while others were feared. To protect themselves, people lit enormous bonfires and sometimes disguised themselves in animal skins or costumes. Whether these disguises were intended to frighten spirits away or prevent spirits from recognising people remains uncertain. Either way, the ancient celebrations contained

something recognisably Halloween: fire, darkness, mystery and fear. As centuries passed, Christianity spread across Europe, and older traditions became intertwined with Christian festivals. 1 November became All Saints' Day, also called All Hallows' Day, a time to honour saints and holy people. The evening before became known as All Hallows' Eve—eventually shortened to the word we know today: Halloween. But the connection with the dead did not disappear. The following day, All Souls' Day, was dedicated to remembering those who had died. During the Middle Ages, poor people sometimes travelled from house to house, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food. This tradition, known as “souling”, is often considered one of the influences behind modern trick-or-treating. Then Halloween crossed the Atlantic. European immigrants brought their customs to North America, where different traditions collided and evolved. Over time, Halloween became less focused on religious observance and more focused on entertainment, community celebrations and, of course, frightening fun. One of its most recognisable symbols also underwent a transformation. In Ireland and Scotland, people traditionally carved turnips and other vegetables into lanterns. These strange glowing faces were connected to folklore about supernatural beings. When the tradition arrived in North America, pumpkins were found to be much larger and easier to carve.

The jack-o'-lantern was born. By the 20th century, Halloween had become a major celebration, particularly in the United States. Costumes became more elaborate, parties became popular and children began travelling from house to house demanding treats. The playful threat of a “trick” eventually produced the familiar phrase “trick or treat.” Today, Halloween is celebrated around the world. Streets are decorated with cobwebs, graveyards and skeletons. Horror films dominate television screens, haunted attractions draw crowds and millions of pumpkins are transformed into glowing faces. Yet beneath the costumes and candy lies something much older. Halloween is a reminder of humanity's ancient fascination with the unknown. It began in a world where winter could mean death, where the darkness outside was genuinely dangerous, and where people looked into roaring flames and wondered what might be waiting beyond the edge of the light. Perhaps that is why Halloween has survived for so long. Because even in the modern world - with electric lights, smartphones and busy cities - we are still fascinated by ghosts in the darkness. And every October, when the sun disappears and the pumpkins begin to glow, Halloween whispers the same question it has asked for centuries: What if, just for one night, the dead really could come back?

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FEATURE

Ghost Encounters of the Blurred Kind (This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to real people, locations or events is entirely coincidental.)

The Cathedral sat squatly in its grassy surrounds, anchored to the ground by flying buttresses made golden in the sunset. The high stained-glass windows gave one final gleam as the sun slipped down the sky, leaving the horizon to bloom red and orange. The streetlights glowed into life and the guide lit his lamp. "It's an interesting way to spend our anniversary." Himself gazed around at the other people in their party: the enthusiasts, the goths and the slightly sheepish – like Himself – who also seemed to be wondering what they were doing on a ghost tour. "Something different and memorable, I thought. How many other anniversaries do you remember?" He considered she had a point. Their guide was doing a hasty rollcall, talking and handing things out at the same time. Himself was suddenly in possession of some bent copper rods and an EMF. He could have brought his own if he'd known – the one he used for locating power cables in the wall before drilling. The guide was saying something about psychic energy readings, so he switched it on. The lights swiftly went all the way from green to red. The man next to him looked over. "Woah - steady on, mate – you must be energetic!" he chuckled, before strolling away. Himself laughed back, but switched it off, slightly embarrassed. The guide strode off with instructions to follow, and Himself noticed his wife was only a pace behind. She's keen, he thought, as he brought up the tail end of the group. The buildings on the ghost trail ranged from private houses and clubs to chapels, museums and even a pub; tales of the occult, of raising the dead, whispers of witchcraft and grisly murders were rife. The town had been a hotbed of executions, unsolved crimes and paranormal activity. He'd always thought the old streets pretty, and liked it for Christmas shopping. Now he was wondering if he'd rather find a new destination with a less gruesome past. Wondering what to do with the divining rods, he glanced around at everyone else. Some rods stayed resolutely still. Others refused to point at anything but the person holding them. More were crossing and uncrossing in random movements. Himself grasped one in each hand and walked about a bit. They spun like rotor blades. Thinking that couldn't be right, since no-one else's were doing that, he clamped them together and swapped hands. This made it worse. "Steady on, mate! Get some bigger ones and you could take off!" The 'wag' was back, and Himself glanced at him, but the guide was now saying something about

selfies. Allegedly, spectral presences had periodically been captured by tourists in the background of their photos, and Himself thought he'd give that a go. Currently in front of a house where a ghostly ancestor had revealed the location of a long-lost property deeds, he thrust the malfunctioning rods into a pocket and retrieved his phone. Getting a picture of the building alone proved tricky, as the man with the quips kept moving in and out of shot, taking his own selfies. Himself noticed his wife was taking a double selfie with the guide. He frowned. His new and irritating friend sidled over and stood at his shoulder. "Steady on there, mate and don't take it to heart. I've been on a few of these and this guide's always a big hit with the ladies." Himself 'mmned' in what he hoped was a noncommittal way. Himself put his phone away and got out the EMF again, mainly to end the conversation. All the lights were red, but his new acquaintance looked down and tapped his foot on the pavement. "Steady on, mate, don't get too excited. Utilities; underground power cables," he said matter-of-factly, and sauntered off. The tour ended, and the guide did a quick count. "I like to count them all back in, don't want to leave anyone at the mercy of the ghosts." To Himself's surprise, his wife kissed the guide on the cheek. "I didn't recognise him at first," she explained later as they walked to their car, "but we were friends at college!" That explained it, thought Himself. "It was a load of nonsense, wasn't it." She reached for his hand. "How did you get on?" "You mean apart from the helicopter divining rods, the faulty EMF, the underground cables, and the guide who can't count – there were nineteen of us, not eighteen. Oh, there was also Mr 'steady on mate' following me around. Annoying." Himself huffed. "I think I want to go Christmas shopping somewhere new this year." He said as he scrolled through his photos. They'd come out alright; only bits of blurry 'mate' disappearing out of shot, but he could crop him out. She was looking at him strangely. "Actually, my friend the guide mentioned the chap who used to run this tour, before him. He was annoying too. One night he annoyed someone so much they took a swing at him. Anyway, he retired and passed on, but I think going somewhere else Christmas shopping might be a good idea, darling, because his last words were, 'steady on mate…'"

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Are you making the most of your money?

Making your money work harder could help you reach your goals more quickly and boost your long-term financial security. Whether you want to grow your wealth, save for retirement or ensure your loved ones are provided for, the place to start is to ask yourself the right questions.

1. What do you want your money to do for you? The answer will partly depend on your circumstances and priorities. What are the financial milestones you want to hit? Do you have a secure plan in place for your retirement or is, say, saving for your children’s future your priority?

2. Are your savings growing? Although the stock market goes down as well as up, history shows that it tends to perform more strongly than cash over the long term. Investing could therefore give at least some of your money the opportunity to grow faster.

3. When do you want to retire? This question will be at the core of any long-term financial strategy. Working backwards will allow you to cross-reference your desired lifestyle with the funds you need to sustain it and the time needed to accumulate them.

4. Are you separating your long and short-term priorities? Defining your goals is one thing – but considering how much time you need is just as important. You’ll most likely have different priorities over your lifetime that may require separate financial strategies.

5. Do you have debts to tackle? The interest rates on credit cards, overdrafts and personal loans are usually higher than the interest rates on cash and the average return on investments. By paying off expensive debts, you’ll be in a better overall position in the long term.

6. Are you using all your tax allowances? No one knows what tax changes may lie ahead. Maximising your tax allowances now could give your finances a boost. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities to benefit from tax efficiency today and profit over the long term. Our wealth managers can help you keep abreast of changes in the tax landscape and make decisions that optimise the allowances that do exist, such as pensions and Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). We live and work local to you. We would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability. Kirsty Simpson Wealth Manager Director E: kirsty.simpson@brewin.co.uk Matt Lyth Wealth Manager Director E: matt.lyth@brewin.co.uk 46 Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8RY T: 01962 798000 W: brewin.co.uk/our-offices/winchester

The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. 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. Neither simulated nor actual past performance are reliable indicators of future performance. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of RBC Europe Limited. RBC Europe Limited is registered in England and Wales No. 995939. Registered Address: 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AA. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. ® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence.

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FEATURE

All stop for local government reorganisation By Yinnon Ezra MBE

he Government’s decision to freeze the reorganisation of local government in Hampshire has met with a mixture of disappointment and resignation. After months of discussion, several lengthy local and national consultations, and no small amount of public money and time spent trying to understand what the proposed new unitary structures might mean, ministers have now announced that everything is on hold while they “review the legal framework”. It is the sort of announcement that asks the simple question: why was this not done at the beginning? Councils engaged constructively with consultations, to consider future governance models, and to think ahead only to find that everything is now on hold! The freeze means that the elections expected next May will not take place. These elections were intended to create the “shadow” new councils, including the proposed Mid Hampshire authority. Instead, councillors are once again left in a holding pattern, unsure whether the reorganisation will resume, be redesigned, or quietly fade away. While some early planning has taken place Councillors and staff have remained focused on delivering day to day services, and the sudden halt means even that forward looking work now sits on the shelf. For councillors who had been trying to understand how their communities might be represented under a new structure, the pause must feel like yet another step backwards. The Government insists that the freeze is necessary to ensure the legal foundations are sound. That may well be sensible, but it does little to soften the frustration and no doubt anxiety felt. Councils have already spent time responding to consultations, attending briefings, and trying to interpret

shifting guidance. The reaction is not anger so much as weary acceptance: another change of direction, another delay, another period of uncertainty. Complicating matters further is the Government’s commitment to creating a Solent Mayor as part of its wider devolution agenda. The new Prime Minister has made no secret of being strongly in favour of elected mayors, seeing them as a way to deliver clearer accountability and stronger regional leadership. The Solent area has already established the Solent Combined Authority; the partnership designed to work with the future mayor and prepare the ground for the new devolved powers. I speculate that ministers may want this mayoral structure in place first, before tackling the more complex question of reorganising Hampshire’s councils. If so, it is a curious sequence, given that elections for the Solent Mayor -delayed already- are not expected until 2028. One may reasonably wonder why one major reform is being paused while another - which will not take effect for two years — is still happening?

Without shadow authorities, the existing councils will continue as they are, but with no clarity about their long term future. Potential Council candidates who had been preparing for new roles must now freeze their plans. Officers who had been modelling early scenarios must return to business as usual, albeit with the knowledge that the ground may shift again at any moment. As for us citizens who had been told that reorganisation would bring clearer governance and better value for money we are obviously wondering whether any of it will actually happen. My real concern is for Councillors and staff - already stretched by rising service demands and financial pressures - this latest twist feels dispiriting. Local government works best when it can plan ahead, but planning becomes nearly impossible when the very structure of that governance is uncertain. The freeze may ultimately lead to a more coherent reorganisation -or not- but for now it simply adds uncertainty.

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