Informer january covers by Solent Life

January 2015 No.288

38,000 copies each month

From the publishers of Solent Life

Featuring in this month’s issue

New year, new you Weddings BOTLEY, BOORLEY GREEN, BURSLEDON, HEDGE END, HAMBLE, LOCKS HEATH, PARK GATE, SARISBURY GREEN, STUBBINGTON, SWANWICK, TITCHFIELD, TITCHFIELD COMMON, WARSASH, WEST END, WHITELEY

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6£66 HOURS FOR

Offer subject to terms and conditions

DSA Approved Instructor Friendly, Reliable, Professional Service Great Value Lessons

Call or text for details

07917 731246 Foxtrot your way to fitness with Fitsteps

issing Strictly? Want to find a dance class where you can loose weight and get fit, and you don¹t need a partner? Then a Fitstep class would be perfect for you. Join them on Wednesdays at 6.50pm or Mondays at 2pm at the Victory Hall in Warsash. Newcomers are always welcome. Contact CJ Dancing on 07786 175188.

Domestic Darlings

omestic Darlings are dedicated to providing exceptional cleaning, laundry and ironing services tailored to meet your individual requirements! From the moment you contact them they offer an excellent service!

Once you call they will arrange a suitable time to visit your home – the same day if you require! They will then have a friendly discussion to understand your exact requirements. You can book them for any of their services regularly or as a one-off – they are very flexible. They will work at the weekends, which is great if you are moving home, for pre- and post-parties or special occasions. If you require any other services – just ask and they’ll work their magic! If you have a small business then they are also experts at cleaning your premises – at a frequency to suit you. Domestic Darlings love their customers and they are loved by them they have many local testimonials from happy customers! Open for business 7 days a week!

informergroup.co.uk JANUARY 2015

24 hour Padathon

squad of 12 boxers from HMS Collingwood’s team continuously punched pads for 24 hours all in the name of charity.

The team made up of both Navy and Army personnel kicked off their day long challenge with a view to landing 50,000 punches whilst raising money for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and local children’s charity KIDS. Working in rotation, the boxers spent their time in the ring boxing in 5 minute bouts and then holding the pads for fellow team mates. The 24 hour Padathon concept was thought up by Head Coach Petty Officer Physical Trainer Daz Hoare in a bid to demonstrate core naval values of courage, determination, commitment and fighting spirit. In total, the squad surpassed their target of 50,000 punches by achieving a total over 200,000. So far they have raised over £500 for the two charities. The total continues to climb as sponsorship money comes in. On completion of the challenge the team enjoyed a complimentary breakfast from the Harvester in Fareham.

atthew John Ltd have been fitting kitchens and carrying out interior refurbishment works in and around Southampton and Hampshire for quite some time now. Over the last few years they have noticed an increasing number of customers opting for window shutters, so have now decided to bring this service in house, offering a full design, supply and installation service. Window shutters are an excellent window dressing for any home. They are great all year round, offering extra insulation during the winter months and shading during the summer. Not only will they save you money on energy bills but they will add value to your home. Matthew John can supply and install a wide range of shutter styles and colours. They offer expert advice on what is the best shutter solution for your home. Their shutters are made to measure and can be fitted to compliment any awkward size or shaped windows. They can be fitted to bay windows, patio doors, and even be used for room dividers or wardrobe doors with their tracked options. When it comes to having your window shutters manufactured and installed, Matthew has made sure they are of the best quality. The Matthew John team is made up of fully qualified professional carpenters working to the same high standard Matthew would expect himself. As a Checkatrade vetted company you can rest assure they are the best company for the job, providing you with extra peace of mind. Throughout January they are running a special offer. Buy one window shutter and get the second half price. Orders must be placed in January. So give them a call today. For more information call Matthew or Lisa today on 02381 290 280, email shutters@matthewjohnltd.uk or visit the website www.matthewjohnltd.uk

informergroup.co.uk JANUARY 2015

JANUARY 2015

informergroup.co.uk

informergroup.co.uk JANUARY 2015

The Computer Trainer By Paul Foley

Technology Will Save Us! But Do We Want it?

Q: I am an active 80 year old and everyone is telling me to “get online” - do I really need to? A: A new government report came out last month that showed 7 million people in the UK remain offline, or without the basic skills to enjoy the Internet. Many people argue that “the modern world” of Internet devices is leaving the older generation behind. Sometimes technology does pass us by. Our tutors have had many visits with older clients up to the age of 96. “It’s like Chinese”, one would say. “What’s the point – it’s too late for me”, said another. New technology is often thought of as the plaything of the young, with the older generation wary of innovations like smart phones, tablets and social media. Do you remember the days when you used to go to the library to find information? You’d sit there for hours researching with books. But now we can get answers with the touch of our fingertips. As with everything, some simple guidance can open up the wonders of technology for even the most basic of beginners. Many people who are isolated can be helped enormously through the power of the Internet. The stories of success are endless. Instead of being scared of technology, we can embrace it. You can receive email messages instantly instead of waiting for the post. You can ‘Skype’ families across the world to hear their voice and see them – for free! You can research hobbies at the touch of a button. Just being online allows you to save hundreds of pounds a year in finding better deals. If anything, it should make your life easier. So no, you don’t NEED to get online, but why not try it out? Take that step now and move into a whole new world – you ll wonder how you ever lived without it! Do you have a technology dilemma? A burning computer question? Write to The Computer Trainer at info@silvertraining.co.uk or call 02380 001 290

Antiques to sell

ave you got any interesting curiosities hidden away or in the loft, not knowing quite what to do with them? Have you just inherited some boxes of ‘bits’ that are not to your taste - but you don’t know what to do with them? Carol Walker is looking for vintage clothes or fabrics, cutlery, pretty tea sets, China, jewellery, small furniture, silver,

Antiques to Sell?

• Need Space? • Clearing Clutter? • Unused Dinnerware? • Inherited Items? • House Clearance Undertaken

Fair Prices, No Fuss Phone Carol on 01489 602462

collectables, curtains and any old or interesting things. If any of these ring a bell, call Carol on 01489 602462 or email her at carol.wedgwoodlady@ ntlworld.com. Carol can come to you and give you a fair price with no fuss.

Brand new Ballroom Beginners Class starting in January

.J. Dancing are delighted to announce they are launching a new Beginners Ballroom Dance Class on Wednesday evenings at The Victory

Hall in Warsash at 7.45pm. This popular dance school already run 10 dance classes, but wanted to introduce a brand new Beginners Ballroom Class to their schedule at The Victory Hall in Warsash. This new 45 minute class covers all the basic Ballroom and Latin dances that you would see on Strictly Come Dancing. So if strictly has got you hooked this class is for you. This new class will be run every Wednesday apart from the last Wednesday of every month. If you would like more information please contact them on 01489 584502 or 07786 175188. They look forward to meeting you.

Film workshop at Dante Academy, come and be a film star!

ante Academy will be hosting a 3 hour film workshop for anyone who wants to perform in front of the camera.

This exciting experience is free for current students and is also open to ex students and anyone aged 5 – 17 years, who would like to have a go at being filmed whilst performing. The cost to ex or non students is £30 for the 3 hour workshop. The workshops will be running throughout Saturday 25th January 2015, spaces are limited, so if you are interested please contact them to book your place. Dante would like to congratulate all students on an amazing ‘End of Year Show 2014’, the standard of the performance was excellent and the audience were thrilled. A big well done to those students who won an award at the ‘Annual Award Ceremony’ too, they all worked exceptionally hard throughout the year. Becky, Zia, Anne and Jodie are so proud of each and every one of their students and would like to wish them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, you do shine and you are all stars!

JANUARY 2015

informergroup.co.uk

informergroup.co.uk JANUARY 2015

Health & beauty

Strands and Victoria Secret

ondon hosted the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for the first time last month.

Billy Fry senior stylist at Strands Hairdressing was chosen as part of the GHD team to style the hair of the 47 models and angels for this runway spectacular with the likes of Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Doutzen Kroes, Candice Swanepoel,

Lily Aldridge, Behati Prinsloo and Karlie Kloss and performances from Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Ariana Grande and Hosier. But it was The $2million fantasy bras made using 16,000 rubies, diamonds and sapphires, strung together with 18 karat gold that stole the show, “This was an amazing expierience” said Billy “I loved it !!”

o+Vello Fareham is excited to announce that they have finally opened their doors in West Street.

No+Vello has over 1 600 clinics across Europe and are now taking the UK by storm. With their flat rate pricing model, their IPL and Aesthetic treatments are now affordable to everyone! Treatments they offer: • IPL Hair Removal

• IPL Skin Rejuvenation • Teeth Whitening • ProSkin Facial Cleansing • Cellulite Reduction • Body Toning • LED Facials • Their very own No+Vello Skincare Range With the latest technology incorporated in their state of the art IPL machines, along with the treatment protocols they follow which are personalised to each client, they are now able to successfully treat tanned skin. This now means you do not have to stop your treatment sessions if you have just come back from a sunny holiday abroad! They sell gift vouchers to any value or for any specific treatment. A fantastic Christmas idea! Like and follow them on Facebook and Instagram: NoVello Fareham (FB) and novello_fareham (IG) for more special offers and discounts and keep up to date with what’s happening.

informergroup.co.uk JANUARY 2015

Health & beauty

informergroup.co.uk JANUARY 2015

What’s on

Titchfield Youth Theatre

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre

The Snow Queen

kilfully adapted from the famous original story by Hans Christian Andersen, the classic story of The Snow Queen is brought to life by Dynamo Youth Theatre.

NEEDS YOU!!!

o you dream of treading the boards? The smell of greasepaint and the roar of a standing ovation? Titchfield Youth Theatre can offer you all of these things…..and may be the first step to having your name in lights. “I am learning about acting and having fun doing it.” Taught by professionals, the Youth Theatre presents three or four productions a year, and has been both nominated for, and won, Daily Echo Curtain Call awards. It is affiliated with Titchfield Festival Theatre, so there are opportunities to appear in adult productions from Shakespeare to Dickens to panto.

When her friend Kai is bewitched and imprisoned by the Snow Queen in her ice palace, Gerda must find a way to help him. With help from some friends she meets on the way, innocent Gerda helps Kai to escape to Lapland, but not before a final good versus evil confrontation with the ice creatures and a heartwarming reunion. Welcome in the new year with Dynamo Youth Theatre’s adaptation – perfect January entertainment for the whole family. Thu, 15 January, 2015 7:30 pm £10, £8 concessions 023 9247 2700 The Spring Arts & Heritage, 56 East Street, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1BS, United Kingdom

“Doing professional plays gives a taste of how it works in the professional world.” Some of their senior members have left, so they now have vacancies for children and teenagers between 8 and 17. Sessions are held at the theatre on Saturday mornings from ten till one. The cost is £12 per session, which includes drinks and snacks, and a reduction is made if there is more than one child per family. A lot of what they learn is through the games they play, and the emphasis is on fun. All aspects of acting and stagecraft are taught, but not musical theatre. “Rarely, even within professional companies, have I experienced such passion and commitment from the cast.” Children are welcome to have a taster session free of charge, so go and give them a try! Call Julian Sluggett on 07791 941923. Email: juliansluggett@yahoo.com “I love acting. It is so much more real than life” Oscar Wilde Titchfield Youth Theatre. Community Interest Company. 73 St Margaret’s Lane. Titchfield.

Get on board for a spectacular spring with Coliseum Coaches!

his spring, get out and about with Coliseum Coaches. They have a great range of exciting days out departing in the next few months; from local shopping outings to wonderful continental trips - there’s so much to choose from! So make sure you’re on board! Book your place now, and let Coliseum Coaches make this your best spring ever! For a brochure pack filled with great days out, call Coliseum Coaches today on 023 8047 2377, quoting reference number TI0115.

informergroup.co.uk JANUARY 2015

What’s on

Find your voice with SINGsational Voices

INGsational Voices in Park Gate, Bursledon and Curdridge are looking for new members especially sopranos, altos and men.

A contemporary community choir ideal for beginners and experienced singers. No auditions, no music to read, just a love of singing and a good sense of humor is required.

Community Choir Starts January 5th

Mondays 10.30am -12.15pm Locks Heath Working Men’s Club Tuesdays 7.30 - 9.00pm Pilands Wood Community Centre Wednesdays 7.30 - 9.00pm Curdridge Reading Room

First Session is Free! Tel: 07858 686286

ABBEY DANCE Based in Hamble and West End

BALLET, TAP, MODERN, AND JAZZ ALSO PRE-SCHOOL BALLET FROM 2 YEARS 9 MONTHS

Spaces available from January

ALL CLASSES ARE GIVEN BY FULLY QUALIFIED MEMBERS OF THE ISTD AND ALL HOLD DBS CERTIFICATION

CONTACT JANE HENDRY

07794 303241

jane@abbeydance.co.uk

www.abbeydance.co.uk

Singing Pop, Musicals, Gospel and more. SV Daytime meet Mondays at Locks Heath Working Men’s Club 10.30am - 12.15pm, SV Bursledon meet at Pilands Wood Community Centre, Tuesdays 7.30 - 9.00pm and SV Curdridge meet at Curdridge Reading Room, Wednesdays 7.30 - 9.00pm. Just turn up or for more details tel: 07858 686286 or visit: www.singsational.co.uk

Warsash Horticultural Society

The first meeting of 2015 will be held on Wednesday 28th January. Following a short A.G.M. an illustrated talk will be given by Paul Bowers on National Parks of the USA. Go along and join them for another interesting and informative presentation. Visitors and new members are most welcome at all their meetings which are held in the Bartholomew Room of the Victory Hall at 7.30 pm. Contact Glenda Edmondson 01489 573755.

Warsash Residents Association

The next meeting will be held at the Bartholomew Room at the Victory Hall Warsash and will commence at 7.15 pm on Wednesday the 21st of January 2015. The guest speaker will be Diane Hardiman, a counsellor and a psychotherapist from Warsash, will be briefing the meeting about the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends programme and will tell us about their the initiatives. There also will be local councillors and a representative from Hampshire Constabulary who will inform us of any issues that may arise in the area.

Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell

Weddings and All Other Special Occasions Licensed Bar at no extra charge and Facilities for up to 200 people

To advertise your forthcoming events please call 01489 579577 62

JANUARY 2015

informergroup.co.uk

By Keith Waterhouse. Based on the life and writings of Jeffrey Bernard. The well known journalist and Spectator writer, awakes to find himself locked in at his favourite pub, The Coach and Horses in Soho. He uses the occasion to share anecdotes of his life with the audience and in flashback form, versatile actors create characters from Jeffrey’s somewhat colourful and alcohol-filled past... WARNING: Contains adult themes and strong language. 7.30pm nightly. Tickets £10 each (no concessions) Ashcroft Arts Centre, Osborn Road, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 7DX Thursday 15 Jan 2015 to Saturday 17 Jan 2015 Contact telephone: 01329 223100 www.ashcroft.org.uk

Your essential guide to all the local news and events in your community Crofton Amateur Dramatics Society (CADS)

Present Cinderella 29th, 30th, 31st January and 1st February 2015 Crofton Community Centre, Stubbington. Performances at 7.30 on 29th and 30th and 2pm matinees on 31st January and 1st February. Tickets for children £6 and adults £8. For tickets call 01329 661143. Will Cinderella go to the grand ball ? Go to the panto to find out.

Abshot Indoor Car Boot Sale 17th January 9:30am - 12noon At Abshot Community Centre Kelsey Close, PO14 4NR 50p entrance, Kids free £7 per table Tel. Carolyn on 07951 702949

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

ArtSeen Paint Let Loose Thursday 8 January - Monday 26 January, 10am - 4pm Artseen a collective of local artists, are delighted to welcome the New Year with another exciting exhibition of new work in a variety of styles and media. Framed originals and a wide selection of unframed paintings, prints and cards will be available to purchase. Artists will be demonstrating and available to discuss their working methods. Free entry to the exhibition Telephone 01794 369318 Website: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens

The Warsash Over 60’s Fellowship Club

meets fortnightly on Monday afternoons at 2.00pm in The Victory Hall. With Christmas and New Year behind them, they look forward to 2015. On Monday January 19th they are to have a “Bring and Buy” Sale – a chance to dispose of unwanted Christmas gifts!!! There will also be a short talk by Mr Brian Butcher. New members and visitors are always welcome. For further information please ring Mary Ford on 01489 584923.

In The Attic Events

Locks Heath Indoor Car Boot Sale 10th and 17th January 9.30am-12noon Main Hall, Lockswood Centre SO31 6DX Admission 50p per adult, children free Pre book a table: 07901 501509 info@intheatticevents.co.uk Find them on facebook The Wedding Boot Fair Sat 24th January 10am-1pm Main Hall, Lockswood Centre SO31 6DX Admission £1 per adult Pre book a table from £15: 07901 501509 info@intheatticevents.co.uk Find them on facebook The Wellbeing Fair Sat 31st January 11am-2pm Main Hall, Lockswood Centre SO31 6DX Admission £1 per adult Pre book a table from £15: 07901 501509 info@intheatticevents.co.uk Find them on facebook Antiques Market & Boot Sale 17th January 10am-1pm Lockswood Centre, Locks Heath Shopping Centre SO31 6DX Admission 50p per adult Book a table: 07901 501509 info@intheatticevents.co.uk Find them on facebook Locks Heath Boot Sale & Indoor Market Every Tuesday 9.30am-12noon Genesis Centre, Locks Heath Centre SO31 6DX Admission 30p Children free Book a table: 07901 501509 info@intheatticevents.co.uk Find them on facebook Locks Heath Vintage Boutique Market Saturday January 31st 10am-2pm Genesis Centre, Locks Heath Centre SO31 6DX Admission 50p Children free Book a table: 07901 501509 info@intheatticevents.co.uk Find them on facebook

Burns Night

January 17th Swanwick Lions are holding a Burns Night at the Harmony Hall in Fareham. An evening of music and poetry, with a full 3 course haggis dinner, and piping in the haggis. Tickets at £29 are available from Lion Helen on 01489-584718 or email swanwicklions@aol.com

Warsash Local History Society The first meeting in 2015 will be on Wednesday 4th February when Kay Ainsworth will make a welcome return visit this time talking on “Alfred The Great” (incorporating the Winchester connections). Additional Committee members are urgently sought to assist the enthusiastic existing small team. They meet five times a year and have a very interesting list of speakers booked for 2015. New members and visitors are most welcome at all their meetings which are held in the Bartholomew Room of the Victory Hall commencing at 7.30 pm. Do go along and learn more of their interesting local history. Glenda Edmondson 01489 573755

Warsash Choral Society

The Society will resume their rehearsals in preparation for their spring concert. The works they will be preparing are Haydn’s “Maria Theresa Mass” and Mozart’s “Missa Brevis”. They urgently need extra voices to sing these lovely works. Soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices would be most welcome. They rehearse in the Hook Room at the Victory Hall, Warsash, on Friday evenings at 8 pm. Music is provided, and it is free. Josephine Wylie 01489 892326

If you have an upcoming local event you would like to advertise let us know at miles@informergroup.co.uk informergroup.co.uk JANUARY 2015

Home improvements

Property, finance & law

Solicitors celebrate golden year of fundraising

taff at leading law firm Eric Robinson Solicitors had cause for celebration after looking back over a year of fundraising for Wessex Heartbeat’s ‘HIGH 5 Appeal’. As part of the celebrations for the firm’s 50th anniversary, Eric Robinson Solicitors embarked on a series of events including a 50 mile bike ride across Southampton, a well-attended golf day with the firm’s corporate clients and, most recently, a team of staff (pictured) participating in the Great South Run. ‘For our Golden Anniversary, we wanted to do something for a local charity that the staff chose,’ explained Catherine Maxfield, Managing Partner. ‘There was such enthusiasm across the firm and so many fantastic suggestions, that we decided to do a programme of events. We had never attempted anything on this scale before, but now we couldn’t be more proud of the firm and each other.’ The company, which had raised £5,632.68 before its final effort at the firm’s Annual General Meeting, was personally thanked by Wessex Heartbeat Chief Executive, Alison Farrell, who was delighted to be given the invitation to attend. ‘From the start of the year, staff at Eric Robinson Solicitors have been very active in raising funds for our HIGH 5 Appeal for young people with

heart conditions,’ said Alison. ‘The grand total, which may yet nearly reach £6,000, is testament to the Company’s commitment to fundraising and the energy and stamina of the Company’s cyclists, runners and golfers. This money has definitely helped us meet our £500,000 HIGH 5 target as well as supporting us in fitting out the new Young Adult Cardiac Unit. It’s a great local company helping a great local cause and we are extremely grateful.’ See their advert on page 39.

informergroup.co.uk JANUARY 2015

Property, finance & law

Pension Changes from April 2015

he 2015 changes represent the biggest shake-up to UK pensions ever and reflect the Government’s vision for a more flexible regime giving clients more choice, control and responsibility over how they access their pension savings. The key, of course, will be using this new flexibility sensibly to meet financial needs tax-efficiently. The new freedom brings temptation and a lot of new responsibility and there’s a danger that some pension savers will draw their pension savings out at the first opportunity. This could see them hit with a large income tax bill - much larger than the bill for only taking what they needed, when they needed it. And, of course, there’s the danger that some may fritter it all away without any constraints to hold them back. Equally, there will be those who will be tempted to stick it all in the bank - but they do so at their peril with the current low level of interest being paid, and also that the long term effects of inflation may erode their fund’s spending power. The new flexibility is not available in certain circumstances, such as existing Annuities, Scheme Pensions and potentially Defined Benefit pensions which is subject to a Government consultation. Regardless of the type of pension you have it is clear that clients will need to take advice on how best to access their pension funds, and how to build in protection for spouses or dependents. If you are looking to address your pension position, whether this is reviewing existing pensions, building up your pension benefits or taking income from your arrangements please contact Sheila Tarr I.F.S. on 01489 574355 or by e-mail ifs@sheilatarr.co.uk to arrange a free, no obligation consultation.

river Belcher’s family law department provides an individual service suited to your needs and individual situation. They understand that family issues involve complex emotions, even in amicable circumstances, and that relationship breakdown can be traumatic. They are committed to resolving disputes in a sensitive way, preserving the dignity of all those involved but with an acceptable outcome. Their Family Law department can advise you on many areas of family law including: • Divorce • Resolution of finances • Separation • Cohabitation • Children matters • Pre-nuptial agreements • Post-nuptial agreements • Pre-civil partnership agreements • Civil partnership dissolution Their family solicitors are members of Resolution the national organisation of family lawyers who are committed to resolving disputes in a non-confrontational way. They firmly believe that family law disputes should be dealt with in a constructive way designed to encourage agreements and thereby minimise legal costs. They recognise the importance to many clients of avoiding the stress and costs of court proceedings in family law cases. As a team they have years of experience in litigation which allows them to recognise the careful balance to be maintained between negotiation on the one hand and the use of the court on the other, to achieve successful outcomes They will discuss these options in detail with you at the outset so that you can make an informed decision as to which process is right for you and your circumstances. The team has developed a particular expertise in advising on financial resolution, both upon relationship breakdown and in anticipation of marriage or civil partnership. They regularly work with other professionals, including accountants, financial/tax advisors and chartered surveyors, to offer you a full service and tailored advice specific to your financial circumstances and needs. Please contact Victoria Baker on 01489 785737 for an initial consultation.

informergroup.co.uk JANUARY 2015

MENTS

Local faces in The Informer area

Grand opening of the refurbished Co-operative, Park Gate

informergroup.co.uk JANUARY 2015

MENTS

Local faces in The Informer area

Locks Heath Free Church Christmas Fayre. An amazing array of gifts

JANUARY 2015

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