Solent Life Magazine - Park Gate - October Issue 2011

solentlife.co.uk OCTOBER 2011

TS E K C I T Y L I M FONATHE Exbury Gardens GHOST TRAIN

trick or treat

have a happy halloween

courage &hope breast cancer awareness the

guide to what’s on

plus your essential

local business directory

ART REVIEWS

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INTERIORS

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GARDENS

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HE ALTH & BE AU T Y

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COMPETITIONS

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contents

welcome OCTOBER 2011

WEST EDITION

Autumn has arrived – vivid colours in the trees, the evenings drawing in fast and just when I had given up hope of that Indian summer, the clouds rolled back and the temperature has risen to unseasonable warmth. I might just be able to squeeze in one last BBQ if this lasts until the weekend.

So the things that characterise October – well the tree colour as I have mentioned and Halloween of course, and don’t forget that the clocks go back in the early hours of Sunday 30th October.

There are many things to do during this autumnal season but we highlight the joys of cycling in this issue and we have an exciting competition to win £100 towards a new cycle or accessories.

We have all of our usual features; A delightful walk on Hamble Common, we review our chosen winner in the Solent Scene art exhibition, interviews and travel.

This month we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a moving and inspirational piece from a survivor.

The team is extremely busy this month making ready for the launch of our new magazine Coast Life. This is an exciting new addition to the Solent Life family of publications and will be distributed to the west and north of Southampton with coverage from Lyndhurst and Ringwood to Winchester.

Enjoy the month and I bet those pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup recipes are being dusted down in readiness to utilise the contents of the Jack O’Lanterns at the end of the month.

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contactus

in this issue…

Tel… 01489 583800 • Fax… 01489 583803 Online… www.solentlife.co.uk • Email… info@solentlife.co.uk

12… Guide Dogs

Solent Life Magazine WEBB HOUSE, 20 BRIDGE ROAD, PARK GATE, HAMPSHIRE, S031 7GE

theteam

features

80th Anniversary Celebrations.

18… Breast Cancer Awareness Month Local survivor Karen, an inspiration.

22… The Interview Chief of Hampshire Fire and Rescue.

Editorial

Dave Hill – Managing Editor Tel… 01489 583743 • Email… davehill@solentlife.co.uk David Rose-Massom – Senior Journalist Email… editorial@solentlife.co.uk

25… Trick or Treat Have a happy and safe Halloween.

38… Winter Sports Cycling and Rugby.

regulars

Advertising Sales Sarah Kent Tel… 01489 583815 Email… sarah@solentlife.co.uk

Janet Grimm Tel… 01489 583717 Email… janet@solentlife.co.uk

Steve Walker Tel… 01489 584057 Email… steve@solentlife.co.uk

Abby Champkin Tel… 01489 584010 Email… abby@solentlife.co.uk

Design & Production Design by SolentLife Email… design@solentlife.co.uk • Online… solentlife.co.uk Deadline for advertising copy & editorial for next issue: 17th October 2011

Publisher

06… Ramble round Hamble

Far from common!

10… Artist Review The winner of the Solent Life best in Solent Scene Exhibition.

14… Restaurant Review A good reason to pay the Ferryman.

20… Coast and Country Autumn. Season of mist and mellow fruitfulness.

44… Gardening High wattage planting schemes

64… What’s On Guide Reviews, events, theatre and music coming your way.

Published by Living Coast Media.

74… Mindgym

© Copyright Solent Life 2011. All rights reserved. No part of Solent Life Magazine can be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part without the prior written permission of the publisher. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions contained within.

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• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

Room 8 Hair & Beauty Open Day Room 8 in the Locks Heath Centre will be celebrating 22 years under the ownership of Keith Pascoe with an Open Day celebration.

To celebrate 22 years in business Room 8 will be holding their Autumn Open Day on Saturday 22nd October from 10:00am4:00pm. There will be a buy 2 get 1 free special offers on hair and beauty treatments. There will also be 20% discount on retail products including Redken & Tigi hair care products and Dermalogica & Jessica beauty and nail products.

Complementary refreshments will be available and special prizes for the top 3 spenders!

Everyone is welcome even if you are not a regular client – Great offers not to be missed!

For further information call 01489 582660 (client bookings will still be available as normal for hair & beauty services on this day).

an invitation… …to room 8 hair & beauty

22 Years Open Day Celebration on:

Saturday 22nd October 2011 from: 10am – 4pm

Hair Studio

BEAUTY THERAPY

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l Buy 2 get 1 free • Special offers on treatments l Free gifts l Discount on retail products l Complimentary Food & Drink

l Open 6 days a week l Free consultations l Highly trained stylists l Restyles l Late nights & early mornings l Hair up special occasions/weddings l Men’s haircuts l 50% off Mon-Thurs for children under 12 years

l Stay young facials (non-surgical facelift) l Waxing l Massage l Electrolysis l Jessica nail products l Geleration (soak-off gel polish) l Acrylic nail service including nail art l Hot stone therapy l Tanning tube l Manicures l Pedicures l Ear piercing l Spray tanning l Open late nights

All offers excluding any other discounts or promotions

Visit us at 8 Locks Heath Centre, Locks Heath, Southampton SO31 6DX

www.room8-hair.co.uk 01489 582660

hamblewalk

medley A magical

It began much as any nice English late summer day; clean blue skies and just the gentlest of warm breezes.

By the time the car was parked on the foreshore, just outside the entrance to Hamble Point Marina, grey clouds had rolled in covering the sun and turning the easy breeze to a chill light wind! The weather, however, failed in its efforts to spoil a magnificent walk. words & images • david rose-massom

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• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

HAMBLE COMMON is 55 acres of coastal heath of special scientific interest managed by the Countryside Service of

F

or such a peaceful and tranquil place it almost seemed strange to see an antiaircraft gun poking its deadly snout out toward Southampton Water. However, it has historic value from times when Hamble Point was a perfect place to put air defences and is a vivid reminder of the cost of the freedom that allows us to take these walks.

Below the gun a lone fisherman tended several rods, all empty of fish, as he attempted to drown ragworms! Out on the vast expanse of Southampton Water the last yachts and pleasure craft of the summer season appeared and disappeared from the mouth of the River Hamble. Across the water the power station and oil refinery seem to fade from the eye line as there is so much more to grasp the attention.

Leaving the gun and car park behind the path gently curves inland away from the shore before it threads its way through a corridor of tall ferns and sharp bramble bushes still full of blackberries waiting to be eaten straight from the thorny branch.

On the right a kissing gate offers a tempting entrance to an enclosed area of heath but despite this invitation it is best to stay on the straight and narrow path. Then another invite to follow a thin gap between the bushes and back toward the shore, ignore this as the pathway then crosses in front of the BP terminal and it is far too industrial a walk, stay in the woods, much nicer.

Stopping to take some photos an acorn hit me on the head, hard! I looked up into the oak tree expecting to see a pair of mischievous squirrels taking target practice on passing humans and honing their aim, but they were too well hidden and went unspotted. What was visible was the next sign pointing the way of the Hamble Common Circular Route, there are also signs indicating the Solent Way and the Strawberry Trail which both cross the common.

Across a small patch of green and into a tight tree tunnel of oaks and silver birches a hint of envy crossed my mind as there was

Eastleigh Borough Council. Much of this area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its wide range of habitats and is also a scheduled Ancient Monument.

Since Tudor times the common has been used to help protect Southampton Water. In 1543, King Henry Vlll had St. Andrew's Castle built here, one of several sited along the Solent to defend against possible French invasion. All that remains today are a few foundation stones exposed at low tide. During the early 19th century a gun battery was constructed on the same site, this time to fend off Napoleon's forces. To help protect Southampton and the nearby oil terminals during World War II, an antiaircraft gun was sited near Hamble Point. This was removed after the war ended, but was replaced in 1989 by a similar Bofors gun, to indicate the site's defensive importance in times past. Today the common is much quieter, and an ideal place to walk and relax. www3.hants.gov.uk/countryside/hamble-common.htm the realisation that by the time Solent Life readers head out for this walk the leaves will have turned golden brown as autumn shows off her splendour, this will be a magnificent tunnel of golds and browns with sunlight dappling down through the thinning canopy.

A reed filled pond appears and it is time to put the pooch back on its lead, as there is a road to cross. A bench is almost hidden back in the brush and it is a lovely place to stop a moment and take in the scene before you. Tall reeds sway in the gentle breeze and among them dragonflies dodge and joust in aerial displays that every now and again pick up a shaft of sunlight and reflect bright colours from the shiny bodies. Across the pond a coot scooted in front of the reeds.

Over the road and back into woodland turn right if it was high tide back where you parked the car, if the tide is down a little or you have wellies then turn left. Taking the left hand route the pathway makes its way around a very pretty creek, an inlet from the main flow of the River Hamble. The path heads toward Hamble but then turns back on itself and drifts around the edges of the creek, over a short boardwalk type bridge and then a proper little bridge, but both are low and flood during high tide. It is one of the more magical moments in a series of lovely surprises on this walk.

Across the far side of the creek I watched a lovely retriever splashing in the shallow edges of the waterway, thoroughly enjoying his freedom. At the end of the grassy peninsula there was a great view across to

the pink hut that acts as the terminal for the Pink Ferry that continually works its way across from Warsash to Hamble and back again. Between where I was standing and the hut there were all kinds of floating gin palaces and power boats; as well as racing and cruising yachts. Many just tied to pontoons while others seem to be busy going up and down stream and yet going nowhere.

A hide, just a yard or two from the river’s lapping edge, is a good spot for seeing birds such as dunlin, redshank and the only one on show that day, the heron.

Another few feet along the path, another kissing gate and my patience at not entering the heathland area earlier was rewarded.

Please put your dogs back on their leads when entering the heath as cattle graze here, all part of keeping the area as natural as possible.

All too soon one more kissing gate brings walkers back to the waterfront car park.

Once there it is another nice moment to just sit on the shoreline, enjoying the view and reminisce about the walk just taken. Beach, woodland, pond, inlets and creeks, busy river frontage and the heathland before once again returning to the beach; how many walks have that variety of scenery, landscape and enjoyment? Then, just a mile or so up the road a village full of good pubs, cafes and restaurants to enjoy. It may not have been the longest, or trickiest, walk that Solent Life has undertaken but I think it is one that left the biggest smile on my face. l

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

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artreview

a stroke of

genius In September’s issue of Solent Life we featured an art exhibition, Solent Scene, that was being held at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey and it was our job to pick the Solent Life Best Exhibit. What appeared to be an onerous task turned out to be a simple one because no matter how hard we looked, our eyes kept coming back to one stunning and vibrant image, and that was painted by this month’s artist, WENDY JELBERT. words • david rose-massom

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he image we picked was called Solent Sailing and it was a colourful and amazingly energetic piece of work, very contemporary in feel, of racing yachts charging through the foam thrown up on the Solent. It was strong, it had action and movement and it offered an excitement rarely felt from a painting; and yet, it also had calmness to it that when on display it brings about the same feelings as when actually standing on the water’s edge watching the boats out at sea.

Among many superb paintings, textile works, graphite images and photographs it stood head and shoulders above a stunning crowd.

Wendy is an artist of lifelong ability, not only was she brought up in a line of generations of artists but has now passed that passion onto her children and grandchildren. She is a member of the 'Society of Women Artists', the 'Society of Floral Painters' and the 'St Ives Society of Artists'. She studied art in Southampton and has exhibited in many prestigious galleries including the 'Mall Gallery' in London, the 'Westminster Gallery' in London, the 'First Floor Gallery' in Romsey

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

and the 'John Bourne Gallery' in Reigate, Surrey.

She does not keep her skills and talents to herself however, and has written 18 art books and has been featured in seven art videos, all of which give valuable lessons in how to paint in a variety of media. She also writes articles for the 'Leisure Painter' magazine.

As well as this, Wendy has designed two watercolour brushes which have proved very popular with other artists.

Wendy has been teaching her craft for over 30 years and is a tutor for residential courses at various locations such as 'West Dean' in Sussex, as well as being an accredited art demonstrator for 'Caran D'Ache', 'Swan Studio', 'Liquitex', 'Rowney' and 'Windsor and Newton'.

She has won many prizes throughout her career. These include 'Best Exhibit' titles at; the S.W.A. in London in 1998, Bursledon Art Exhibition in 1999, Wessex Gallery in 1999 and Lee Gallery in Romsey in 2000; and now she has won the very prestigious 2011 Solent Life Best Exhibit at the Solent Scenes exhibition at Hilliers.

Wendy has two daughters, Rosalind, who has also been featured in our pages, and Rebecca who are following in their mother's footsteps, and a multitude of young grandchildren who also love to 'express themselves' in paint!

With two such talented daughters we asked Wendy if their skills were a result of nature or nurture. “A bit of both I think.” She answered.

“My grandmother painted, and was also a singer, my mother painted but was also a dancer so I have always been surrounded by beautiful things and discordant events do stand out quite sharply from the norm but there can also be beauty in decay.” She explained.

“When my daughters were young I would set my easel up near the cooker so that I could stir dinner with one hand while continuing to paint; I thought it would be annoying for them but they always told me it was great fun, which is maybe why they have also taken to it. I now have 14 grandchildren who have begun to paint.”

“I just cannot stop painting, it has helped me through the hard times in my life; if something bad happens it takes you out of yourself, but then on the flipside it can override everything else around you.”

Looking at the images in Wendy’s gallery on her website the style of painting often changes. There are fine flower images, pastoral and farm scenes; there is a definite

love of Italianate imagery and then there are the contemporary paintings.

Wendy explained the new direction.

“Because I do a lot of teaching I get different feedback from different students and sometimes we can become a little used to the ordinary, so my students were asking for something a little more contemporary. It is good to push boundaries now and again!”

“Painting for me is a passion; it is a thing you cannot just stop.” She continued. “I have just started a series of music images and it is really difficult but you have to take these new paths now and again to keep you on your toes and keep stretching yourself. With the musical pieces I want all aspects of the orchestra and the music all on one page.

Visually I am trying to portray the activity and action that conjures up the music.”

“My husband listens to the music but I try and sketch the action that comes across.

The conductor for example, his arms and hands take on such beautiful movements of circles and lines when he is leading the orchestra. I am trying to pull out the music from the movement and produce something between a portrait and a piece of music.”

Wendy never plans her pictures too much in advance. “You cannot plan too much because you will lose the spontaneity; you never know what the end product will look like because if you do you will fail to go off on those tangents from time to time. I like things to be slightly out of kilter and I also like that when I am teaching.”

“My classes are like a big bowl of soup, full of all different flavours.” She added.

The conversation led back to her winning panting and how that powerful image came into being. “I was trying to work out what I was going to do with the scene and

so I overlaid several photographic images and then I had to work out the balance of the colours. I am very surprised and very pleased that it won Best in Exhibition, that painting took a great deal of hard work.”

“As children we have abstract thoughts and images inside of us all, children have an abstract mind but sadly we then educate it out of them. So to find something like that again is great fun.”. l

Go to ww.wendyjelbert.co.uk to see much more of Wendy’s work and find out about her classes. And E-mail her at art@wendyjelbert.co.uk www3.hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens

ARTIST REVIEW SPONSORSHIP

Our Artist Review is kindly sponsored by WHITE DOG GALLERY Lee On Solent 023 9255 2255. www.whitedoggallery.co.uk

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

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charityfocus

taking the

lead

Way back in the October of 1931, exactly 80 years ago – The first four British guide dogs completed their training; they were named Flash, Folly, Meta and Judith. words • david rose-massom

I

t was in the autumn of that year that something revolutionary happened; when the first four British guide dogs completed their training and became the first of thousands of visually impaired human and canine teams. Who would have thought that well into this new century, 80 years on, there would be over 29,000 lifechanging partnerships of dog and human.

It would have been a great visionary of the time who saw eight decades later that guide dogs would be still providing freedom and independence to the visually impaired across the UK. The credo of the Guide Dogs organisation is quite simple, ‘We will not rest until blind and partially sighted people can enjoy the same freedom of movement as everyone else.’

There are currently some 4,500 people across the UK enjoying that freedom thanks to guide dogs.

The use of dogs as sighted guides for the blind and visually impaired all began in Germany when they started training Red

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Cross ambulance dogs as guides for war veterans that had been blinded in action during the First World War. That initial guide dog training developed rapidly in Germany and by 1927 it had come to the attention of wealthy American Dorothy Eustis, who lived in Switzerland and also bred and trained German Shepherd Dogs. By 1929 she had established guide dog training schools in Switzerland and America.

Miss Muriel Crooke, a German Shepherd Dog enthusiast in Britain, became aware of this through an article in The Times and approached Mrs Eustis for help in setting up a training scheme in this country. This was launched in 1930 and by 1931 the first four guide dog partnerships in the UK qualified.

Since those times guide dogs have brought life changing independence to thousands of people who are blind or partially sighted.

Now across the UK events are being held to not only celebrate this amazing anniversary but also to act as both fund raisers and awareness raisers.

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

One event is offering a wonderful and slightly different dining out experience, mixed with a taste of what life is like for the visually impaired. On Friday October 7th the Southampton branch of Guide Dogs will be hosting a ‘Dinner in the Dark’ Sensory Experience at Southampton’s Solent University Conference Centre.

The evening will kick off at 7.00pm with a welcome drink and a live band. Guests will then be taken on a unique journey exploring all their senses. They’ll enjoy a two course dinner, glass of wine, tea or coffee and an evening of fascinating sensory challenges.

Tickets for the evening cost £20 per head, plus sponsorship money of a minimum of £10 – or if possible £80 to celebrate 80 years of Guide Dogs working in the UK. For tickets and further details contact them on: 0845 372 7428; or email southampton@ guidedogs.org.uk.

The 80th anniversary of the first guide dogs partnerships is on 6th October and falls during Guide Dogs Week, which runs from 1st til 9th October. l

You can also find out more at www.guidedogs.org.uk/guidedogsweek

B I S T R O Overlooking the river Hamble set in Premier Marina Swanwick. All our food is cooked to order and many dishes are made on site by our chef’s. We’d like to share with you our Christmas Menu. Book now or call 01489 885745 Available Lunchtime and Evening from the 1st December till the 23rd December.

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solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

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coast&country

Goldentimes Trees draw water from the ground and use sunlight to turn that water, and the carbon dioxide they take from the air, into oxygen and glucose; add in a vital ingredient, the chemical chlorophyll (the thing that makes the leaves green) and this is photosynthesis. As the days get shorter and there is less sunshine, this process creates less ‘food’ and begins to starve the tree which in turn produces less chlorophyll. So the winter cycle has begun and the broadleaf tree prepares itself in readiness for less water and less sunshine. The leaves, starved of essential chemicals and nutrients turn brown, red, golden and all colours in between before dropping off and forming a crisp carpet on the woodland floor.

It gets very technical this nature thing; but all I know is that nature turns it into one of the most wonderful displays of colour in the natural world and it becomes one of my favourite times of year – AUTUMN HAS ARRIVED… words • david rose-massom

O

NE of the most stunning exhibitions is from the maple tree which, with its abundance of maples, is why New England in the USA boasts one of the world’s most spectacular displays. The bright reds and purples we see in those leaves is glucose trapped in the leaves after the photosynthesis stops. Sunlight aided by the cool nights of autumn cause the leaves to turn this glucose into a red colour; whereas the more familiar dull brown colour of trees such as the mighty oak is from the result of wastes left within the leaves.

On our doorstep is one of the most amazing autumnal displays, the New Forest.

No matter what they may think in the US, this is also one of the world’s most stunning places in the autumn.

At its heart is Exbury Gardens, and whilst best known for its display of spring flowers such as rhododendrons and azaleas, many with local knowledge know to visit again in September and October when it is ablaze with the colours of fire, those rich reds,

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• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

golden browns and rich ochre.

One day in mid September in 1819 the poet John Keats walked along the banks of the River Itchen and in a letter to his friend John Hamilton Reynolds written two days later, Keats described the impression the scene had made upon him and its influence on the composition of his ode, ‘To Autumn’; “How beautiful the season is now – How fine the air. A temperate sharpness about it… I never lik'd stubble fields so much as now… Somehow a stubble plain looks warm – in the same way that some pictures look warm – this struck me so much in my Sunday's walk that I composed upon it.

Autumn in poetry has often been associated with the mood of melancholy.

The hot and sunny days of summer are gone and the cold chill of a grey winter is on the way. Skies turn stormy and for many people their mood drops and they both physically and mentally begin to sag.

Summer clothes are packed away, thick woolly jumpers are pulled from drawers and wardrobes in readiness for the harsh onslaught of winter. Boilers are checked and the human animal begins to prepare for its annual near-hibernation. Meanwhile nature celebrates the change with her blaze of colour.

The fall of leaves forms a blanket under

which the relative warmth encourages a mass of fungi and plays host to invertebrates, a key part of the circle of life.

The oak tree makes up for around 10% of all English woods and autumn is their time to procreate. In a good year an oak, which can take a 100 years to mature, is able to produce some 50,000 acorns which begin to form in early summer; and the hotter the summer, the bigger the acorns. Come autumn they fall and add to the density of the woodland floor. These fallen acorns are poisonous to ponies and cattle so in the New Forest it is part of the annual rituals for Commoners to let their pigs out for pannage.

The New Forest web site describes this practice; ‘From around the third week in September each year for a couple of months, the famous New Forest ponies, cattle and donkeys are joined by another group of animals – pigs. Commoners let their pigs loose on the Forest to hoover up fallen acorns which are poisonous to ponies and cattle and can cause internal bleeding and death. The pigs also eat beech mast, crab apples and anything else they can find.

The exact dates are decided by the Verderers and the Forestry Commission according to seasonal variations. In 2006, for example, the ‘pannage’ season, as it is

known, started on 23 September and was extended to the end of December because of a glut of acorns. Pannage is also known as ‘common of mast’, one of the common rights attached to various properties in and around the New Forest that allows commoners to graze their pigs on the Forest. Traditionally pannage enabled commoners to fatten their pigs for slaughter and salting in the winter.’

Birds and animals eating or storing the acorns, is one of the ways the oak gets to spread its growth across the woodland and beyond. Squirrels, in particular, are good at storing acorns, though they often forget where they built a particular store, or do not need it because of overstocking during productive months. Squirrels do not hibernate but just slow down a little and then head to their storerooms whenever hungry throughout the winter months.

Autumn is just one part of nature’s annual cycle but it is without doubt one of the most amazing. For some, spring and its mass of flowers and blooms are the best time of year, but if I have to say farewell to summer then let it be for the reward of a stunning autumnal display. So get out into the woods over the next few weeks and enjoy the splendour that is Mother Nature being displayed at her very best. l

Solent Life pick of the best places to see glorious colours of autumn: The New Forest, Exbury Gardens or Queen Elizabeth Country Park. www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/living-in/common-rights/pigs-in-pannage

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…15

Bettons of Titchfield Est. 1958

Carpets Greendale Brinton Cormar Brockway

The Elephant Boatyard, Lands End Road, Old Bursledon THE ONLY FLOATING RESTAURANT RIGHT ON THE HAMBLE RIVER.

CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU: Lunch £19.95 & Dinner £23.95 Bookings & Pre-orders Only.

Book Now for your New Years Eve Party Night!

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Open Monday to Saturday

Visit Us 1 Church Street, Titchfield, PO14 4AH

☎ 01329 844208

Members of the carpet foundation

E: bettonsoftitchfield@btconnect.com W: www.bettons-titchfield.co.uk

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• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

Thursday Night Special - 4 Course Inc. Cheese course just £18.95 per head Please note our entrance is no Lunchtime menu longer through Deacons Boatyard, from baguettes & now approx 100 yds before the Jolly lighter lunches Sailor, for more details please ask at time of making reservations. to fresh fish & steak Book the entire venue for your celebration event!

Open all day Sunday with roast at just £8.95!!!

Closed Mon & Tues. Open Weds-Sat 11:30-2:00pm (lunch) & 6:30 onwards (dinner). Sun all day from 11:30am

Tel: 02380 402566 www.ferryrestaurant.co.uk

FOR A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS.

Free measuring & design service • Full fitting service available • Open Monday - Saturday • Specialists in discontinued colours Why not visit our extensive showroom today...

Find us above Colourama Designs: 114 Bridge Road Sarisbury Green SO31 7EP

T: 01489 481025 • www.in2bathrooms.co.uk

ThE

Jolly Farmer Country Inn

OPE

ALL N DAY

GE LAR AY PL EA AR To complement our food we have a selection of traditional real ales and an excellent wine list • We serve food all day on Saturdays & Sundays • Succulent sea food, locally caught (our speciality)• Business breakfast ideal for meetings • Offering superb food lunchtimes & evenings • Extensive a la Carte Menu

Try our Farmers Lunchtime Specials & Sunday Roasts Outside we have a large beer garden & patio area For children we have a purpose built play area ● Superb Accommodation facilities available ● Traditional breakfast served every morning Fleet End Road, Warsash

Tel (01489) 572500 / 575118 Fax (01489) 885847) Email: mail@thejollyfarmer.uk.com www.thejollyfarmer.uk.com

Monday 28th November until Friday 23rd December

£19.95 per person

(a non-refundable deposit of £5 per person for the Lunch and Dinner menu secures your booking).

Starters

is the place to celebrate any occasion W NE EVE S R A YE ENU M

The Jolly Farmer’s Christmas Lunch Menu

Roasted Winter Vegetable & Tomato Broth with crusty bread Devon Crab Cake and Tempura Prawns served with sweet chilli dip Portabello Mushroom with Smoked Bacon & Stilton Farmers Potato Skins filled with crispy bacon glazed with cheddar cheese

Main Courses Traditional Roast Turkey Breast with seasonal trimmings, served with roast potatoes and fresh vegetables Oven Baked Fillet of Fresh Seabass in parsley and lemon butter Baked Stuffed Peppers with Mediterranean vegetables and rice finished with cheese Chargrilled Chicken Breast with cognac and pepper sauce Braised Beef in Seafarers Ale with red wine and button onions All served with fresh vegetables and potatoes of the day

Desserts Christmas Pudding with Brandy cream Cheese and Biscuits Mulled Wine Sorbet Rudolph’s Rocky Chocy Mountain Cake with whipped cream

To Finish Coffee and Mints Crackers and Novelties

GIFT VOUCHERS

Why not make your Christmas shopping easier this year and purchase a gift voucher from The Jolly Farmer Treat your family and friends to a great dining experience at our Country Inn Christmas Evening Dinner and A La Carte menu available daily.

10% Service Charge on parties of 8 or over will be charged on food only.

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…17

solent‘life’

courage remarkable

There is no one who can understand how it feels when a finger traces its way across a lump on your breast, unless you happen to be the one who discovers it on your own body. Karen Roberts a 41 year-old mother of one knows exactly how it feels and how despite the devastation there are still positives to be gained. words • david rose-massom

18…

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

O

nly by living with a friend or family member who is a sufferer will you begin to understand the impact; and, only by being that sufferer will you truly understand the enormity of its indiscriminate attack!

“I found the lump by myself after the dog jumped up on me and as I closed my dressing gown my hand brushed across it.”

She explained. “I was laying down watching TV at the time and kept telling myself it was nothing and would disappear when I stood up; this was because of the size of the lump, it was like a big solid golf ball and I didn’t think it could get like that without me noticing.”

“It froze me to the core, it was such a big solid lump and as I watched the television I made certain not to touch it; if I didn’t touch it, it would not be there.” She recalled.

“Because it was so large and protruding I just kept thinking it can’t be there, that was for an hour. I almost convinced myself it would be gone when I stood up, there was disbelief and I almost shut it from my mind. Then I got up to let the dog out into the garden before going to bed and felt it again.”

It did not disappear and within 12 hours Karen was at her doctor’s surgery, she was diagnosed on her 41st birthday and had a 4.5cm tumour.

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. To better understand breast cancer, it helps to understand how any cancer can develop. Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy.

The genes are in each cell’s nucleus, which acts as the “control room” of each cell.

Normally, the cells in our bodies replace themselves through an orderly process of cell growth: healthy new cells take over as old ones die out. But over time, mutations can “turn on” certain genes and “turn off” others in a cell. That changed cell gains the ability to keep dividing without control or order, producing more cells just like it and forming a tumour.

The term “breast cancer” refers to, what is commonly known as, a malignant tumour that has developed from cells in the breast. Usually breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. Less commonly, breast cancer can begin in the stromal tissues, which include the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast.

Karen continued with her story. “It was a grade 3 tumour, they don’t use the terms malignant or benign anymore, that is now a little outdated. And you don’t get an ‘all

clear’ as many people I speak to expect.

What you get is a series of wide excisions, (I had three) which is where they go into the breast under anaesthetic to check on the tumour, remove the tumour and then check they have a wide margin of clearance.”

At this point Karen admitted to being in love with another man other than her incredibly supportive partner Steve.

“My consultant surgeon Dr Agrawal was amazing – he is the love of my life.”

“The first wide excision was to get a sample of the tumour; the lump is not visible to the naked eye as cancer shows itself up as normal cells so this makes the procedures tricky. That first invasion is for the biopsy and then off you go home and wait for the result and that waiting is the hardest part of the whole experience, there is no fast tracking of that part!” She said.

“It was ten days later that I was brought back in with Steve, my partner who was incredible, and with the Breast Care Specialists, who are there for support and explained what will happen.” All the while she was speaking Karen was upbeat and positive in how she recalled those people that surrounded her, her son, her partner, her friends and the professionals that were there to help her cope. “The Care Specialists really help you cope with every aspect; they explain how to tell family members and your children. They are not patronising but they are very knowledgeable, well practiced at what they do and how they help.”

Once the result of the biopsy is known things move quickly. “This is when they remove the tumour, and they go in through the same wound as the first excision. They go in through the base of the nipple so it leaves very little in the way of scarring; they do try and leave the breast looking as natural as possible.”

“My partner Steve was with me every step of the way, and I know it is not like that for all women for varying reasons, but he was there for the results and when I woke from each surgery. They go through it almost as much as the person diagnosed with breast cancer and without his support it would have been so much harder.” Karen is so bubbly as she speaks it feels as if she is talking about some adventure she has just been on rather than a highly traumatic journey. “I got so much attention from everyone I sometimes felt like Victoria Beckham, especially when Facebook became so much a part of my coping.”

The social networking site became an invaluable tool for Karen. “It was my way of keeping in contact with everyone and keeping up to date with things. Even though I work in the QA hospital in Portsmouth as an A&E receptionist I had no idea what was available to me in the way

Karen Roberts took time to speak to us here at Solent Life in the hope that others diagnosed with breast cancer can also find reasons to be positive and keep their strength to fight the disease, we thank her for her time and for sharing her experiences with us.

It is as simple as it is chilling – Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and this is despite the fact that it is rare in men.

In 2008, there were 48,034 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the UK: 47,693 (over 99%) in women and 341 (less than 1%) in men.

of support. Through Facebook I was able to post updates and photos of myself after losing my thick head of hair so that when people who knew me met with me it was less of a shock to them.”

These things have a way of turning in circles and Karen is now busy supporting a friend who has recently been diagnosed and is travelling the same journey.

“You have to just work at each day as it comes, one day at a time, try not to think too far ahead.” Karen continued her tale. “The Macmillan Centre was great for getting support and learning stuff. With the books and the information available there I was able to read up on each stage of my treatment. There are even books to help you out the other side because that too can be highly emotional and a strain.”

“My friends and family never gave me a moment’s peace, I am back to work now and I am glad just to get the break!”

She said laughing. “I had to put visitors on a rota because so many wanted to see me all the time.”

The third excision followed her toughest decision. “That third excision was to go back in and get a clear margin; this is a clear area where no cancerous cells are left around where the lump was. This operation was my decision as to whether to go for the clear margin or go for a mastectomy.

It could have been a lifesaving decision!”

“I would do anything to remain here and live, but with no history of breast cancer in my family I decided to go for the clear margins option and they would have one more go at clearing out all the bad cells. If after that wide excision they had not been able to get all the cancer I was mentally prepared to have the breast removed.”

“I battled for a couple of days with the vanity side of the decision but it was not like deciding between handbags, this was a hardcore decision!”

There is no such thing as an All Clear. “They went in that third time and I now have the clear margins. I will now be checked for the next ten years, firstly by the consultant, I have already had my first six-week check-up, I have another this month as it is one year since I discovered the original lump and then the checks will become six monthly.”

“I am amazed because the last year has passed in the blink of an eye.” She also told us that she had just run the Race for Life.

“I am so proud that I have remained positive throughout. The chemotherapy is not as barbaric as it was in the past and I went through six courses of that as well as 19 lots of radiotherapy. The Chemo cleans the blood of cancer cells and the radiotherapy is aimed at the breast where the lump was.”

“They were just making sure they got the bugger!” She added. l October is…

Breast Cancer Awareness Month www.breastcancercare.org.uk for details. www.macmillan.org.uk

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…19

restaurantreview

pay the

ferryman… a visit When is a pub, not a pub? When it is an alehouse with a fine restaurant such as The Ferryman in Warsash, where a selection of fine and well kept, real ales can be sipped and a great menu can be tasted either in the bar or the restaurant. words & images • david rose-massom

I

t is not often at Solent Life that we get to visit a hostelry unannounced.

Although we always give honest, and often blunt, reviews of the restaurants featured it was the wish of Jonathan, the owner of Warsash’s Ferryman, that we visit his establishment without revealing why we were there. As will be revealed, the faith he had in his team and product was well-founded.

On arrival in the centre of Warsash it is impossible not to notice this one time home of a local wealthy merchant, it still looks like a country cottage. The Ferryman was built in the early part of the 18th Century as home for a wealthy local businessman, a Mr Clegg, who called his home ‘Binfield’. By the 1890s a private school was operating in what is now the car park, with pupils paying

20…

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

2d a week for their private education. It was in 1957 that it first became a pub, and quite a famous one at that.

Back then it was called the Great Harry and it became one of the leading venues in the South for jazz musicians attracting performers such as Acker Bilk and George Melly. Then ten years ago Margaret Hall, the widow of the local ferry operator, took up ownership and renamed it The Ferryman.

It is worth mentioning the history as the building and then the pub has played a great part in village life and still remains the centre of focus and events in Warsash.

Equally, new owner Jonathan also has a solid history in the trade, after 14 years running pubs in London he tired of the big-city life and decided to move on. With family links to Warsash there was little

choice as far as he was concerned and he felt The Ferryman was the ideal house for him to enter into ownership. He has just one credo when it comes to running a hostelry. “It is quite simple really.” He told Solent Life. “It is about good service, and great food.” Would his new venture live up to that statement?

From outside it is a welcoming building, all the trappings of the modern but with the attraction of an old cottage-style building and once inside the welcome is warm and instant, both from the building and from the staff.

On wandering into the restaurant area of the pub a member of staff stepped forward with a warm hello and led me to a table.

At the far end of the dining area two families with young children were just receiving their food, it looked well presented and of good size portions, eyes of adults and kids lit up; a promising start.

My day had been spent on the waterfront in high winds photographing windsurfers making the most of the stormy conditions and so my lips tasted of sea salt and a thirst was insisting on being slaked. I am not a great beer drinker and so I needed to be led in the finer charms of real ale. I asked my waitress what would be the best option and she picked one of the lighter ales for my delicate tastes, and took note of the fact

I was driving so needed nothing of high alcohol content. The pale coloured ale was clear, crisp and a little musky in flavour and sorted my thirst out in no time – an excellent and educated choice.

Onto the menu and the Specials Board that was placed in front of me. Good choices that made choosing tricky as there were several options that seemed to be calling. Starters of fish cakes or stilton and peppercorn mushrooms both looked good but the choice was Black Pudding, Poached Egg and Crispy Pancetta. A dish that could excel or fall flat The black pudding was a light version, or as light in taste as a black pudding can be, atop it was a perfectly cooked poached egg, over or under done and it would have been sent straight back but as the knife broke the egg open the golden yellow yolk dribbled down over the pudding, it looked and tasted delicious. My only adverse comment would be that the pancetta was not as crispy as advertised and so an extra texture was missed out on, but it in no way spoiled my enjoyment; just me being picky.

With main courses such as mussels, lamb shank and Gressingham duck breast the choice was tough, but I have a favourite that, like the starter, can be a triumph or a wreck, Calves Liver and Bacon served on a Creamy Mash, this version with a mouth watering Whisky and Mushroom Sauce.

As with the starter, my main looked good enough to photograph, let alone eat; and the flavours added greatly to the dining experience. The sauce was smooth and delicious; the mash was indeed creamy, although my personal choice would be to have the mash just a little lumpy to give it a rustic texture, but that is just a personal choice and again in no way detracted from the dish. The liver was soft in texture, slightly pink in colour as requested and full

The website is currently being re-built but is at www.theferrymanwarsash.co.uk

in flavour. Blended with the sauce and the mash with its plentiful scraps of bacon it was a complete triumph and from the first to the last mouthful enjoyable and a superb warming antidote to a stormy day on the beach.

Again for a dessert I went for a dish that can be spot-on or spoiled, there was no need to worry as the Crème de Cassis Brulee was delicious and cleansing to the palate. Served in a deep coffee cup the caramelised topping was a crisp biscuit of sugar and beneath it was a smooth and creamy dessert.

After the superb meal I introduced myself to owner Jonathan and even he had forgotten a restaurant reviewer was visiting his comfortable and clean establishment.

His staff, from the greeters, to the serving staff and the chef had all done him proud.

The service had been impeccable, polite and just on the good side of friendly without imposing. The dining room, bar and back-bar were clean, tidy and comfortable.

The atmosphere and hum of enjoyment were welcoming and the whole experience was one of pleasure. My eyes had been entertained with the food presentation, the aromas had been intoxicating and my taste buds both with the real ale and the fine cuisine had been satiated. What more could you ask from any hostelry.

I dislike the term ‘pub-grub’ as it does nothing to excite the thoughts of what is to come. The Ferryman has a good bar-snack menu and a complete and tasty restaurant menu filling both sides of the business with choice and flavours. Owner Jonathan is keen on his real ales and on the quality of his food and the experience from the moment I stepped from the car until I walked out through the front door in the light autumn drizzle was an enjoyable and pleasant one. l

The Ferryman Bar and Restaurant, 2 Warsash Road, Warsash, SO31 9HX Phone: 01489 573 088

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…21

theinterview

the

interview Aged 21 and with an Honours Degree in Politics from York University your career path may well already be mapped out in front of you; but for the family of this month’s interview subject there came a bit of a shock – JOHN BONNEY joined the Fire Service. words • david rose-massom

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• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

We make life safer

N

ow John is Chief Officer of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and he took time out to speak with Solent Life about his job and his career. “I am a bit of everything but first and foremost I am a fire officer.”

The amiable and relaxed John explained.

“29 years in a service that I have a great commitment to. What I do is something to really believe in and in a complex world I, and the Fire and Rescue Service, deliver something very simple – we keep people safe.”

Outside the Eastleigh headquarters stand several statues of fire-fighters and they clearly proclaim the pride there is in the Service. “I joined the Service straight from university at 21 years of age and I wanted to do something exciting with my life. Family and friends were surprised and back then so were the Fire Service and I almost failed to get in as I was sort of overqualified.” He continued. “This is a fantastic profession that has always been held in high regard; we are lucky to do what we do and very proud of what we have done and achieved.”

He admits to still being excited by the job and all it entails. “Most of my life is spent running the Service as its chief executive but I am never far from the front line and at any moment could be called on to take control at a major incident. I still have command responsibilities so I have to stay fit and be ready to go.”

“Physical fitness is important as it also keeps me mentally alert, and my conduct is a role model for others around me; I expect them to conduct themselves in the same professional manner as I do.”

John Bonney regards his status and role in the modern Fire Service as vital to keeping people in the community safe.

“I am very open and approachable in my job to everyone within the Service and I am not a believer in status for its own sake but for doing the jobs we have to do.”“We have for many years been the Fire and Rescue Service, not just the Fire Brigade, and are increasingly focused on three different aspects of our profession. We are deeply involved with the protection and inspection of buildings and making sure they are safe to use. Another key facet is fire prevention and about changing people’s behaviour and finally we provide the rapid response to an incident – our last line of defence.”

“The prevention side of things over the last ten years has become the driving force of

our work.” John added. “In that period we have used the ‘brand’ of the Fire Service to better effect; especially in schools and with young people. Some troubled kids may not take to a police officer but we can often have a more positive impact on that child.”

“Our strap-line is WE MAKE LIFE SAFER and every time we touch a life in someway we should do that, whether that is in someone’s place of work or in the shopping centre on a Saturday afternoon. We carry out some 10,000 home checks in the county each year which means we are accessing the public, ensuring that working fire alarms are in place, and doing our job of making sure people are kept safer.”

John went on to explain that many years ago none of us wore seat belts when driving and yet now it feels strange not putting one on; it has become an automatic action which keeps us all that little bit safer. John would like to see that same level of behaviour with fire prevention.

“We use Facebook and Twitter to help get our message across, when we all suffer from information overload it is important to get that message through by any means available to us and as a Service we also have a great image which we use to the best effect. Who does not get a thrill when they see a big red fire truck go by?”

The down side of John’s job became all too apparent on Tuesday the 6th April last year when fire-fighters James Shears, 35, and Alan Bannon, 38, died at the 15-storey Shirley Towers in Southampton where a fire had broken out.

“The reaction to the events and deaths at Shirley Towers reminded us very much about how we are valued. We are at the delivery end of helping people and the reaction was incredible, not just from the immediate community as I also had letters of support from the USA and France among others. It was all very humbling. Informing the families was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but we will never stop what we do and we have to step up even higher to do our job, it galvanised us as an organisation and we all became closer and more conscious of supporting each other.”

The danger in to which those two firefighters and their colleagues had walked was heightened by John when he explained the circumstances of the blaze in which the two men had died while tackling the fire on the seventh floor. “Effectively it was a fire in a box within another box that was high

up on the fifteen storey tower-block; there were high winds on one side of the building and adverse pressure on the other side of the building and my men were caught in something totally unexpected.”

“Jobs like that take courage, strength and clear leadership. It was a black moment but it bought out something good in everybody involved.” His praise moved on to the families of James Shears and Alan Bannon.

“The families were amazing and they showed incredible strength at a time of bitter loss.

As a Service we still support them and the Watch that the two men were part of still visit them and keep in contact.”

“Once you are part of the Fire and Rescue Service you never leave and the best part of my job is that it never ceases to amaze me what we can do and what we achieve.”

John continued talking with immense pride about the Service he heads. “There is a great camaraderie that runs through the county and beyond into other counties across the UK.” “There is a great visibility in what we do in the Service and that reflects in my career as I always wanted to see the impact of what I did and I have seen that throughout my working life. We are good at our jobs, we are professional and we have even reduced the number of fires in the county each year.”

The main thrust of John Bonney’s message is about prevention. “Influencing and changing people’s behaviour is at the heart of what we do within the Fire and Rescue Service, so that safety becomes second nature for people, such as putting on your seat belt.”

“The thing I am most proud of is having led Hampshire Fire and Rescue, and this is not about spin, I am proudest of the people I lead and it has been a real privilege working alongside them. No matter what I do in the future I will never replace the pride and satisfaction I have taken from this job no matter how rewarding it may be.”

“Some people see us as, maybe, some sort of super heroes but we are no different from anybody else, we are just ordinary people called upon at times to do something extraordinary. The people of Hampshire Fire and Rescue do a job that is an honourable thing to do.” l www.hantsfire.gov.uk for details of Hampshire

Fire and Rescue, tips on testing your fire alarm, fire safety within your business and of course rules and tips on how to stay safe during Bonfire celebrations.

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…23

The Exbury

FAMILY TIC

ON THE E

Ghost Train

KETS

xbury G ardens’ GH

OST TRAIN

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E-mail: solentfunerals@aol.com • www.solentfuneralservices.com

*One winner will be selected for each of the three days.

It’s all aboard the Exbury Ghost Train this coming halfterm, for a 35 min “Phantom-mime” for Halloween!

The popularity of Exbury’s half-term ‘spooktacular’ has led organisers to extend this year’s event to nine days, with the Ghost Train running between Saturday 22nd and Sunday 30th October. Seven trains a day will be leaving “dead on time” with hosts Napoleon Bone-aparte, the famous French skeleton, and his sidekick, Batty the Vampire. Passengers on the train will encounter scare-crows, ghostly pirates, werewolves, Cyclops and other ghoulish characters, and should listen out for the greetings of an eerie Rothschild ancestor when the Ghost Train pulls slowly to a halt in the dark, dark tunnel. After your spine-tingling train journey, why not enjoy some spooky fayre in Mr Eddy’s Restaurant and Tea Room.

TERMS & CONDITIONS l The prize will be one of three family tickets l The prize must be taken by 29th Oct 2011 l Employees of Exbury Gardens are not for the Exbury Ghost Train. eligible to enter. l No purchase necessary. l Photocopies will not be valid. l There is no cash or prize alternative.

Which Rothschild gives the restaurant and tea room at Exbury its name?

(A) Freddy (B) Eddy (C) Teddy TO ENTER, email competitions@solentlife.co.uk quoting ‘Exbury Ghost Train’, with your name, contact details and answer! Alternatively post your entry to Solent Life, Webb House, 20 Bridge Road, Park Gate, Hampshire, SO31 7GE. Closing date 21.10.11

Telephone orders welcome Freshly cooked traditional Fish & Chips, served with a smile.

01489 581880 Most of our fish is boneless and skinless. 21 Shore Road, Warsash, SO31 9FS

Fish: Cod • Haddock • Rock Salmon • Plaice • Scampi Cod Roe • Whitebait • Fish Cakes Also... Chicken • Sausages • Pies • Fritters Burgers & Baguettes.

Open lunch Tuesday - Saturday 11.30-1.45pm • Evenings MonDAY - Saturday 5pm - 9pm www.t h ef r y in gf ish .co.u k

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• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

023 9265 3352 • 07860 356466

www.bobweaverroofing.co.uk

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halloweenhistory

trick or

T

he American tradition of ‘trick-ortreating’ probably dates way back to the early parades in England to celebrate All Souls' Day, or as we know it these days, Halloween. During those early festivities and celebrations the poor citizens of the towns and villages would beg for food and their neighbours would give them simple pastries called soul cakes and in return the recipients of these edible gifts would promise to pray for the donating family's dead relatives. Seems like a fair exchange!

Despite the nature of the celebrations the distribution of these soul cakes was encouraged by the church as a way to replace the ancient and pagan practice of leaving food and wine for the spirits that would return on Halloween night. This practice was referred to as Going-a-Souling and it was eventually taken up by children of the town who would visit the houses in their own neighbourhood and be given gifts of ale, food, and even on occasions, money.

Our American cousins love nothing better than to dress the whole family in gory and ghoulish costumes when they go out on Trick-or-Treat but even that tradition of dressing in costumes and masks on Halloween finds its roots back in both European and Celtic history. On Halloween, when it was believed that ghosts came back to the earthly realm, people actually feared that they would encounter the ghosts if they left their homes and went out into the streets. In order to avoid being seen by these ghosts and mischievous spirits, people would wear gruesome masks as a form of disguise in the hope they when they stepped out on the dark night of Halloween that the roaming ghosts and ghouls would mistake them for fellow spooks.

In the US the aptly named National

treat

It is thought by many that the strange Halloween method of celebrating and the custom of Trick or Treating probably began in the USA. However, research shows that they stole it from us, the English… words • david rose-massom

Confectioners Association reported back in 2005 that 80 percent of adults in America planned to give out candy to trick-ortreaters, and that 93 percent of children planned to go trick-or-treating. It has not yet reached that level in the UK, but we are catching up fast.

Trick-or-Treating in this country is very much a Marmite event; it is either loved or hated. Unhappily early exponents tended to lean toward the mischievous behaviour rather then the fun side of the event and some of the, so called, ‘tricks’ were a little more malicious than they should have been with houses, cars and sometimes people being pelted with eggs or worse. But in recent years it has become more of a harmless family event, as it is in the US, where parents join their offspring with dressing up and touring their neighbourhoods in search of sweet treats.

The unwritten rule for the trick-or-treater is that if a house has a lit pumpkin somewhere in or outside the house then they are happy to be treated, no pumpkin, then leave the house alone and move onto a neighbour who does display a pumpkin.

As well as the dentist and the obesity clinic the main beneficiary of this celebration seems to be the sweetshop, of which many traditional versions are springing up again with shelves of sweet jars with all types of colourful treats available to be handed out.

The history of Halloween is long and

complex and seems to get more confusing as time moves on and it has always seemed strange to celebrate the return of spirits and ghosts who once again move among the living. The origins however, are said to date back more than 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain. In times long gone the Celts roamed over most of the UK as well as Ireland and northern France and their version of new year began on the 1st November and celebrations commenced with a festival the previous night honouring Samhain to mark the beginning of winter.

The Celts strongly believed that Samhain allowed the souls of the dead to return to their earthly homes on this night. Samhain, or All Hallowtide, was the feast of the dead in Pagan lore and it signalled the close of harvest and the beginning of the winter season.

So why do we also celebrate this fun festive moment with a lit pumpkin, or as it is formally known Jack O’Lantern? Well that is a story for another time and I will only tell for a sweetie treat… l

If out trick-or-treating please be aware of your neighbours feelings and privacy. Go with your children and keep them safe as well as joining in with their fun. If a house shows no signs, such as a lit pumpkin, of celebrating Halloween then leave them in peace. Most of all, have fun, stay safe and don’t eat all the sweets at once!

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

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travelfeature

Fjordlands, New Zealand

home of the icons

New Zealand has been getting its fair share of exposure over the past month with the Rugby World Cup and it will have no doubt created a serious amount of interest for the coming months, a timely boost just as New Zealand heads into its summer season. words • jeff kilby

N

ew Zealand has so much to offer, with the crystal turquoise waters of Bay of Islands and The Coromandel, the geothermal bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers of Roturua through to the calming waterways of the Charlotte Sound and the magnificent Glaciers of the Southern Alps, all of which makes it difficult to know where to start, particularly if time is of the essence.

Possibly the biggest draw and one of the most photographed areas has to be the Fjordlands, with the grandeur of the Milford Sound, once described by Rudyard Kipling as the eighth wonder of the world, making for the main attraction. Cruises up the Milford Sound run daily, it pays dividends to get up early and take the morning cruise, avoiding the lunchtime arrival of day trippers from Queenstown it will feel like you have the Sound to yourself. This will allow you to appreciate

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the magnificent Bowen and Stirling Falls as the water hurtles down the towering cliffs, all the more spectacular after rain. You are also in with a good chance of viewing some the native wildlife with Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seal and Fjordland crested Penguins all in residence, A really spectacular way of viewing the Milford Sound is from the air, by fixed wing, floatplane or Helicopter where you get a completely different perspective of the surrounding scenery with crystal clear lakes, glacier carved fjords and endless snow clad mountains, and this will be one excursion that will live long in the memory.

Te Anau is the town at the centre of the Fjordlands and is where the majority choose to base themselves whilst visiting the area. All the major attractions are within easy reach, with the Glow Worm caves and the silent darkness of the Glow Worm Grotto just a stone’s throw away. Twenty Minutes out of town you will find Lake

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

Manapouri and Pearl Harbour, the gateway to a variety of water based excursions including the Doubtful Sound, three times larger than the Milford Sound, this full day excursion takes in some of the Fjordlands densest rainforest and includes a coach journey over the majestic Wilmot Pass before arriving at Deep Cove for a 3 hour cruise and ending with a tour of the highly impressive Manapouri Underground Power Station.

The Fjordlands are a walkers paradise with several well known wilderness tracks to choose from including the Routeburn, Hollyford and the Milford Track, the latter often described as ‘the finest walk in the world’ a 55km walk stretched over 4 days with a cruise up the Milford sound to complete this most memorable of experiences.

New Zealand is blessed with many natural attractions and you should allow as much time as you can to experience this amazing country, if your time is limited and you need to prioritise then you should make sure that the Fjordlands are high up the list. I can guarantee they will not disappoint.

Whatever your reason for heading to New Zealand, be it walking, Rugby, Food & Wine or just for the sheer experience of witnessing the stunning scenery of the Glaciers, Fjordlands, waterways, national parks and Beaches, to get the best of your time you need to speak with the experts at Amity World Leisure Travel. l

Are you planning a major holiday?

Whatever your reason for planning a trip of any kind, you want to be sure that the arrangements are just right and that you have the holiday of your dreams. One way to be certain of this is make Amity World Travel your first port of call in order to discuss your plans. Here, you can be sure that you will be offered expert advice and assistance in putting together your perfect holiday.

Amity World Travel has been trading since 1970 and has been based at its current location in Segensworth since 1994. This unusual location for a travel agency offers a “non shop” setting where clients are welcome to drop in (often by appointment), and meet with a consultant who can take as much time as is needed to discuss your plans over a coffee, suggest a variety of options and make the necessary arrangements in quiet and relaxed surroundings.

As an independently owned, ABTA and ATOL accredited company, Amity is able tailor the widest choice of travel options match your own personal needs. Through years of experience they have built direct

Contact us for the widest range of New Zealand holiday options

relationships with ground handlers and hoteliers around the world, and they may be able to offer unique experiences that you just won’t find in a mass-market brochure.

Amity World Travel blends old fashioned qualities of customer service, choice and impartiality with modern day booking technology to help give them the edge over their competition. As the leisure travel division of one of the most successful Business Travel Management Companies in the south of England, their consultants use the most up to date reservation technology, and have millions of “contract” rates for worldwide flights, hotels and car rental.

Put this together with the 60+ years of travel experience that Jeff, Sue and Lisa have between them, and you have a winning formula that sees clients returning year after year to put their trust in travel arrangements planned and booked at Amity World Travel.

Telephone: 01489 579975

Your Local Travel Experts As members of Advantage, the UK’s leading consortium of independent travel agents, we have the widest choice of tour operators from which to choose your dream holiday.

Our expert consultants can also piece together the elements of your dream trip into a tailor-made holiday while you relax, safe in the knowledge that your arrangements are fully bonded.

Telephone: 01489 579975

Email: holidays@amitytravel.co.uk

Web: www.amitytravel.co.uk

4 Manor Court, Barnes Wallis Road, Segensworth East, Fareham, PO15 5TH solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

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photocomp this months winner...

Andrew Gregory

the

january

make a

july

date… december

As the Solent Life 2012 Calendar heads for the printers we continue to receive great images from photographers of all ages and all abilities – when it goes on sale it may have our magazine’s name on it but it will be your work that makes it something special. words • david rose-massom

E

very month we have upped the challenge and each new entry has exceeded our hopes, please continue sending the great work in because we are now looking at images for our 2013 Calendar.

Judging throughout the year has been really tough and now we have the unenviable task of choosing the Solent Life / Fareham London Camera Exchange Photographer of the Year and the image that will grace the front cover. Will there be arguments and disagreements or a swiftly reached accord; only time will tell.

Many good entries have had to be sent to the sin-bin as they were too small for publishing or were marked in some way, caused by a dirty lens or sensor. One set of stunning winter images sent in by one reader had us salivating because of the sheer winter beauty they recorded, but sadly they were scans of prints and had too many marks on them to make them usable.

So tips for future entries, keep your equipment clean, not easy with this modern technology but necessary; London Camera Exchange have the correct cleaning equipment and advice on the best way to clean the delicate sensors in your camera. Each time you are ready to take another photograph, take another look at your set-up before

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• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

2012

april

calendar pressing the button, is the horizon straight, does the image in the viewfinder say what you intend to portray with your final picture.

Finally, and most importantly, would you be proud to see your image among those published. If you are not positive about any of those things then step back from the camera and start again; unless of course like any photographer you have been lucky enough to just catch that one special shot totally by the accident of being in the right place at the right time with your lens pointing in the right direction; it is a lovely feeling when downloading such an image.

Thank you from everyone at Solent Life and our sponsors London Camera Exchange in Fareham, for taking part in this year’s inaugural competition; it has been a joy, and a trial, picking out the winning shots. We look forward to sending out our 2012 Calendar within the coming weeks, it is something to be proud of. l

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION SPONSORSHIP Our Calendar competition is kindly sponsored by the LONDON CAMERA EXCHANGE FAREHAM & NIKON, 135 West Street, Fareham. T: 01329 236441. E: fareham@icegroup.co.uk

On the first year of Christmas my true love gave to me… a Festival to make you happy! 12 years on and that is still the case as Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will once again step back in time for the magical Victorian Festival of Christmas on Friday 25th – Sunday 27th November 2011.

This family favourite event is a wonderful mix of Christmas shopping markets, festive food and cookery demonstrations, Father Christmas with his sleigh and baby reindeer, toe-tapping entertainment at the ornate Fagin's Tavern, Dickensian-style street with snow, the Historic Dockyard attractions, hundreds of colourful characters at every turn and more!

Buy your tickets before 31st October and receive a 10% discount! For more information or to buy tickets see www.christmasfestival.co.uk

OPEN DAYS 2011 Sunday 23rd October 10am – 4pm

Autumn Steam Festival & Ghostly Goings On at the Brickworks

Sunday 20th November 10am – 4pm

Christmas at the Brickworks

www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk

01489 576248

>NOTES FROM A DISHWASHER • 12th – 13th OCTOBER Writer, actor and director Julian Sluggett turned dishwashing into an art form during the historic opening season of the Chichester Festival Theatre an historic time for him and British theatre generally. This one man show brings those exciting theatrical years to life Two nights only in aid of TFT’s Wall fund.

The FB’s are back for two more fantastic nights of Blues and Jazz. Join them and us on the 15th October for Mood Blue for Autumn and our Great Christmas Wonderland Party on 18th December.

MUSIC

> F RANKENSTEIN

> T HE OLD COUNTRY

> L AST TRAIN TO NIBROC

>28th SEPTEMBER– 8th OCTOBER

>26th OCTOBER – 5th NOVEMBER

>23rd NOVEMBER – 3rd DECEMBER

Loosely based on Mary Shelley's amazing story, this version doffs its cap to the German filmmakers of Nosferatu, Universal’s Frankenstein and The Hammer House of Horror. An early treat for Halloween which may have you in stitches.

Alan Bennett's play The Old Country deals with questions of loyalty and betrayal, homeland and exile, friendship and family, in a way which is both ambivalently funny and exceptionally touching.

View our programme of shows through to Christmas 2011 at

www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com Support your local arts centre.

It's 1940. America is on the brink of war. On a train heading for Chicago from California a young flyer meets a missionary girl. They discover that they live in neighbouring Kentucky towns but philosophical and class differences lead to a fractious relationship.

WHERE: ST MARGARETS ARTS ST MARGARETS LANE, TITCHFIELD PO14 4BG. TIME: START AT 7.30PM. MONDAY TO THURSDAY – £9. FRIDAY & SATURDAY – £11.

DISCOUNTS: £1 OFF FOR STUDENTS, SENIORS, UNEMPLOYED, PARTIES 4+ £1 PER TICKET DISCOUNT. BOOK 2 SHOWS OR MORE £1 PER TICKET DISCOUNT. SPECIAL RATES FOR SCHOOLS AND PARTIES OF 10+.

BOX OFFICE 01329 556156 OR AT

www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

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technologyview

email

scams E-mail – the easiest way of communicating in our modern world and most likely, the cheapest way of reaching large numbers of people. However, for all of its good points, as always, there are some bad.

Unsolicited E-mails, more commonly known as spam! words • connie stanley

H

ave you ever received spam; often it’s even claimed to be from a trustworthy company, asking you for personal information?

If you have, you are not alone; more than 3,000 people have reportedly been scammed in the last year, making this a very common occurrence. Unfortunately there are plenty of situations where you can be acting with the best of intentions but can find yourself coming off worse from a transaction.

If you have received spam, you may have been targeted by a particular scam called “phishing”. This is where an E-mail will arrive into your inbox appearing as though it’s from a reputable organisation and includes a website address. This is not from an actual company, but probably a bogus E-mail from a fraudster. It may direct you to a website, claiming to be genuine to trick the reader into responding and divulging personal information. Banks or other reputable companies will never ask for personal details through an E-mail.

These bulk E-mails are used and are generated in massive quantities. Another of the main types of email scam is called “advance fee” fraud. This is carried out in different forms but usually the E- mail leads you to believe that the sender has money to move and needs help to move it, in return for a share of this money. The recipient is then persuaded to make a payment to help the transaction run more smoothly but, of course, the money is lost.

Age UK researchers have found that people in later life are not only more open to scams but lose nearly twice as much money as younger people (£1,261 per scam compared to £684). More mature people are seen as a soft target because they are most likely to have disposable income and may have more accessible savings than younger people. However anyone can be targeted

30…

by these scams.

National lottery E-mail scams are becoming more popular. This is where you might be persuaded to part with money in order to release a so called “winning” lottery prize.

The National Lottery say they don’t inform players how much they have won in an E-mail and they won’t ask for any bank details either.

The BBC’s top 10 list of most common E-mail scams included online auctions where the items purchased are never delivered. Nigerian money offers another plausible benefit where it attempts to obtain recipients bank details by offering to transfer large sums to them for safekeeping.

This particular scam has been around for some years via post or fax before E-mail was introduced. The list also included Internet scams, where fake internet service providers fraudulently charge for internet access that has never been used.

Many people ask “Can I get my money back?” Unfortunately you are unlikely to get a refund but if you let the Police or Trading Standards know they will try and prevent any future problems. At the very least you should report the E- mail to the fraud department of the email provider hosting the scammers account.

An E-mail scam was reported just a few weeks ago when a gap year student went travelling for a year. He was keeping in touch with his parents via E-mail and he had let them know he wouldn’t be E-mailing for a while. They then received an E-mail saying he needed money to pay off police. After the parents had arranged for the money to go to South America they received a phone call from their son saying he was fine. Now they believe they had been subject to a big scam where his accounts had been hacked. This just goes to shows how safe you should keep your details. l

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

Age UK have some top tips on how to detect possible scams: l The senders email address doesn’t match the real organisations website address.

For example, an email may purport to be from your bank with the right headings and logos – but the email address is from an individual eg johnsmith@hotmail.com l The e mail does not use your proper name, but uses a general greeting like “Dear Customer” l There’s a sense of urgency – for example, the threat that unless you act immediately, your bank account will be closed. l A link to a fake website, which may look very similar to the official address. l A request for personal information such as your user name, password or bank details. l The email comes out of the blue, is from a company that you weren’t expecting to hear from or you have not requested or agreed to any contract. l You should never reply to a suspect email or open any attachments that come with it.

As long as we have this fantastic technology, scams and fraudsters will be around. So to make sure you minimise the risks, you should keep your personal details as safe as possible and always be cautious when using E-mail systems.

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solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

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weddingideas

brides Janet Mist sits in her beautifully coordinated home, and talks enthusiastically about her latest venture, Lovely and Vintage Wedding Fayres. words • david rose-massom

J

anet, a busy mum of two year old twins and two older children, bubbles with excitement as she tells Solent Life about her plans and what has lead her to create a wedding fair slightly different from usual. Only a short time ago she was embarking on her first venture into the world of weddings with her business, Tailored Wedding Plans, which has achieved great success due to her enviable talent in being able to create beautiful, bespoke seating plans and invitations all with a vintage twist.

The popularity and excellent value for money of her quality, hand made products has enabled Janet to introduce additions to her range. These include decorated bird cages, stationery and decoration hire. Stunning vintage handbags have also been added to the range recently together with corsages, fabric table runners and my personal favourite, sweetie tables; your choice of traditional sweets served in an eclectic mix of crystal and cut glass dishes and bowls and personalised again with a vintage twist with candy bar signs.

Having attended Wedding Fairs both as a bride to be and as an exhibitor, Janet realised that the bride, looking for everything she dreams of for a modern wedding, but with that vintage twist that will reflect her own personality and style, could not be found in one place – Janet’s solution; to organise her own wedding fairs.

She has carefully selected a group of like minded and highly recommended suppliers to join her for her first fair on 6th November 2011 at Titchfield Community Centre from 10am-4.30pm. Entry cost will be a great value 50p per adult.

Each bride to be will be able to choose from suppliers of all things modern but ‘vintage’ including venues, flowers, wedding gowns, decorations, transport and much, much more. And if the bride is unable to find everything she needs this time that’s not a problem as Janet plans more fairs soon (dates to be announced) and she already has a list of potential exhibitors waiting to join her exciting and unique Lovely and Vintage Wedding Fayres. l

Hands and Treat

Just For Guys

Hands and Treat, based in Southsea, delivers the best in beauty and massage therapy to your door, or on site.

Frankie Rusby will put you at ease and ensure that you look and feel your best, emerging relaxed and destressed ready for the big day. www.handsandtreat.com frankie@handsandtreat.com

You’ve seen the rest… now choose the best!

Formal suit hire for that special occasion.

Phone/ Fax: 01730 894969 T: 07879 456773 Email: ukjustforguys@aol.com www.just-for-guys.com

Solent Bug & Bus

Charles Burley Photography

Classic VW Wedding Hire Arrive in cool retro style in a chauffeur driven, classic VW. The Bride & Groom in an iconic Karmann Cabriolet Beetle and up to five passengers each in either of our beautiful buses.

For more information, prices and package details, call us today on: 02381 780 494 Email us at: info@solentvw.co.uk or visit: www.solentvw.co.uk

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Lovely and Vintage Wedding Fayre Sunday 6th November Titchfield Parish Hall.

Enquiries Janet Mist 07917611127 www.lovelyandvintage.co.uk Also Tailored Wedding Plans… www.tailoredweddingplans.co.uk

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

Wedding Photography Tailored to suit you.

Capturing all of your special moments.

High quality reportage style at an affordable price to all.

T: 07595601006 charlesburleyphotography@live.com www.charlesburleyphotography. co.uk

Eden Florist

Blanche & Lola

Emma Dunaway has over 22yrs experience in all aspects of floristry, make sure you drop by Eden Florist before that special day.

Eden Florist, 16 Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth, P01 2NR T: 023 92 733305 emma@edenfloristoldportsmouth. co.uk www.edenfloristoldportsmouth. co.uk

Blanche & Lola create handmade vintage jewellery, bridal headbands and accessories using genuine vintage and vintage-style treasures inspired by the whimsical and the wonderful. Commissions are available so you can have something made just for you. www.blancheandlola.com hello@blancheandlola.com www.facebook.com/blancheandlola www.blancheandlola.blogspot.com

Tiers & Tiaras We are a Husband and Wife team, providing many wedding services including, wedding planning, an extensive wedding accessories online shop, wedding table decoration hire and set up service, personalised napkins plus much more.

T: 07702044023 www.tiersandtiaras.co.uk

Sweet Heart Gift Sweetheartgift offers a range of unique bath products and sweets beautifully presented in our range of traditional glass jars. We provide wedding favors and childrens party bags. There is something for everyone at sweetheartgift.

T: 07896846012 www.sweetheartgift.co.uk facebook & twitter sweetheartgift

Hamilton Wedding Cars Hamilton Wedding Cars, caters for Wedding Hire, with their unique 1930’s Style Beauford’s, please call with any Rental requirements you may have... hamiltonweddingcars.com T: 02392 780095

Occasional Cakes A special cake for your special occasion, individually created for you and to your own design.

Handmade sugarpaste decorations a speciality. occasionalcakesbybarb@gmail.com T: 07511617283

The Bon Temps Sisters The Bon Temps Sisters are a Chichester based swing, blues and boogie-woogie trio with a passion for all things vintage and retro. The eight piece ensemble are available to play for all types of functions and ensure everyone dances the night away. thebontempssisters@hotmail.co.uk

The Tea Party With a vast range of services available, we are able to help you create your perfect wedding. We have a beautiful range of vintage crockery and decor for hire as well as Afternoon Tea catering services.

For Further information please call Lauren on: 07528 987614 or Stephanie on: 07723 712866

Pansy’s Creations Whatever your venue, Pansy’s Creations can offer a full service from design to venue dressing. We work closely with our clients to create the design and feel of your day.

T: 02392 637175 E: info@pansyscreations.co.uk www.pansyscreations.co.uk

Elegance Hair & Beauty Why not treat yourself to a gorgeous cut, style and highlights. Elegance Hair & Beauty specialise in long hair, beauty and wedding packages, and provide complete top to toe care for that special occasion!

T: 07737 899237 www.elegancehairandbeautysalon. co.uk

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

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health&beauty

Southampton’s Dr Xavier Receives Double Recognition Southampton’s national award-winning cosmetic clinic ‘Dr Xavier G. Medi-Spa’ is in the news again this month after its medical doctor, Dr Xavier Goodarzian, received a double recognition from his profession.

Dr Xavier was invited to join the Committee of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors (BACD) to help them drive forward improvements in standards in the UK cosmetic medical industry. He brings years of experience in training doctors in popular cosmetic treatments such as injectable fillers, Botox® and other skin-health and anti-ageing therapies.

The BACD represents over 300 medical doctors across the UK who offer a wide range of cosmetic treatments. The Association also gives practical advice and reassurance to people seeking cosmetic treatments and helps them to find their nearest suitably trained medical professional through the BACD’s website www.cosmeticdoctors.co.uk Also this month, Dr Xavier was invited to speak at the UK national conference of the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN), held in Birmingham.

Attended by over 100 nurses from across the UK, who offer cosmetic treatments, Dr Xavier spoke about how Botox can be used to treat areas of the face and neck that are often considered “advanced” treatments such tackling the often media-highlighted ‘Deirdre Barlow (from Coronation Street!) neck lines’ and other lower face signs of ageing.

Dr Xavier explained; “It is comforting to know that such Associations exist to help people find suitably-trained professionals for popular cosmetic treatments. It also gives some reassurance that despite there being no appetite by the Government for proper regulation of the cosmetic injectable market, professional bodies such as the BACD and BACN can help to improve standards and public confidence, which can only be a good thing.”

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• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

“They are wonderful.

I couldn’t go anywhere else.”Diane Combine dental excellence with a warm, friendly environment and you have the ingredients for a great family dental practice.

Put us to the test and place your dental wellbeing in the care of our dedicated team.

Call us now on 01489 581158 l Preventive dental care for the whole family l Anxious patients particularly welcome l Hygiene therapy l Cosmetic treatments & whitening l Dental implants l Orthodontics (teeth straightening)

Look out for the green and white picket fence.

63 Southampton Road, Park Gate, Southampton, Hampshire SO31 6AH

T: 01489 581158 | F: 01489 582220 | E: info@titchfielddental.co.uk

www.titchfielddental.co.uk If you’re overweight here’s some very good news!

Sue Peckham and James Holmes at the Hampshire Hypnotherapy Centre in Whiteley, Fareham have developed 3 programmes that will empower you to achieve your weight loss goals easily.

1. Easyloss Virtual Gastric Band stimulates your body into thinking you’ve had a gastric band fitted. Most suitable for clients with a high BMI over 30. Consultation Fee usually £75 but call us before September 30th quoting ‘Solent Life’ and your fee will be only £50… saving a massive £25!

2. Easyloss Programme created by James and Sue. Sue lost over 3 stone with this programme in 2004 and has kept it off ever since!

3. Pure Hypnoanalysis which clears any underlying unconscious cause which may be driving you overeat or ‘comfort eat’.

All initial consultations for Pure Hypnoanalysis and Eayloss are FREE!

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We guarantee that if you follow our simple guidelines you will lose weight so just pick up the phone and call us FREE on 0800 970 4776 to arrange your Initial Consultation and start your weight loss success story today!

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

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spa experience

retreat I

yourself

am then greeted by Hannah, my therapist for the day, who can only be described as tiny, beautiful, friendly and lovely. I am to spend the next couple of hours being treated to a Carita Pro-Lift Facial at the Retreat at the Meon Valley, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club in Shedfield, the only salon in Hampshire to offer treatments by Carita.

Hannah leads me to one of the four luxurious ensuite treatment rooms. The room is decorated in warm rich colours and the treatment bed is draped in an Eastern influenced cover, the towels are fluffy and plentiful and I am already feeling relaxed in this cocoon like environment.

Hannah is an extremely knowledgeable and professional therapist who has recently undertaken to share her in depth knowledge of her profession by lecturing at a local college. As she prepares to begin the treatment she explains exactly what she will do, the products she will use and the benefits of each step and each product. She is chatty and reassuring, constantly checking that I am OK and the treatment is relaxing and painless.

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I am greeted by a smiling, neatly uniformed, beautifully turned out lady who offers me a cup of cleansing green tea as I fill in the necessary forms and questionnaires before my treatment starts. words • janet grimm You may be wondering why a facial may be painful so perhaps I should mention that the Carita Pro-Lift Facial is what is often described as a ‘non surgical facelift’, combining traditional massage techniques with cutting edge Advanced Pro-Lift technology. The difference between the Pro-Lift and more traditional roller or ‘prod’ systems is that this system uses gentle sponges to massage the skin and apply the products.

Carita comes from the same beauty house as the more familiar Decleor and is relatively new to the UK. It is only available in a small number of salons throughout the country. The range of products is extensive and every Carita Pro-Lift Facial is unique to the person being treated as a different combination of products is used making

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

this treatment exclusive yet suitable for people of all ages and with all skin types.

The treatment is carried out in eight separate steps beginning with a cleanse and tone. This is followed by exfoliation using a wonderful product called Renovateur, which contains crushed sunflower seeds, rosemary, thyme and healing cloves and smells of Christmas Pudding!

Next comes ‘Deincrustation’ which is when the Pro-Lift technology sponges are used to open the pores, remove the impurities and then tighten the pores again. Despite Hannah’s assurances I was still expecting some level of discomfort but in fact the only sensation I experienced was a strange metallic taste in my mouth.

Stage 4 is the eye and lip mask to soothe

Join Elaine, the Retreat Manager, and her team on 30th November 2011 for their Christmas Open Evening in aid of Breast Cancer Research.

Shop for gifts, products and treatments at special rates and prices and watch demonstrations and makeovers. Enjoy a wonderful evening, food, drinks and shopping amongst friends and all for a good cause.

VOUCHER

comment on how well I look, I’m even asked if I’ve been on holiday. My skin looks healthy and glowing and the effects of the facial are still evident.

I would recommend the Carita Pro-Lift facial to anyone – and I do!

The Retreat at the Meon Valley, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club offers a full range of treatments and products including Bare Minerals makeup which contains healing zinc and doesn’t clog your pores or damage your skin. Spa days can be tailor made to suit your requirements and your budget. Each spa day includes a three course lunch in the relaxed restaurant and full use of the pool, gym and leisure facilities throughout the day. The Carita Pro-Lift Facial can also be included as part of your day. A spa day at The Retreat is perfect for a celebration, a hen party or just for a treat. l

Exclusive Solent Life Reader Offer

VOUCHER

and calm these delicate areas. The lip mask ensures I can’t talk so I am nearly asleep by the time the masks have worked their magic and Hannah has carried out a lemon scented hand and foot massage. It is bliss.

Next comes a facial massage which Hannah promises will provide 24 hour hydration to my badly dehydrated skin (Note to self – cut down on coffee, drink more water!) The sixth step is ‘Iontopherosis’ and Prolift; here the sponges push the products deep into the skin and stimulate the muscles encouraging signs of lifting and firmness. This time the sensation is like somebody tapping on my teeth – it’s not uncomfortable and bizarrely I find myself enjoying it!

Next come the eye products filling in the fine lines and erasing dark circles; and finally lashings more moisturiser this time containing real gold, to act on the signs of ageing and give instant radiance.

And then its over, my 90 minutes of luxuriant ‘me time’have flown by and I am shown to the comfortable sofas of the relaxation room adjacent to the manicure and pedicure stations. I am sorry to leave the Retreat but when I do I feel like I am walking on air. I could have danced all night but instead I have to go back to work!

Over the next few days lots of people

50% off Carita face and body treatments Valid until 31 December 2011, subject to availability, not to be used in conjunction with any other offers, pre bookings advisable.

Meon Valley, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club Sandy Lane, Shedfield, Southampton SO32 2HQ MarriottMeonValley.co.uk

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…37

autumnsport

ON YER

bikes!

Life on the open road, a family adventure and maybe a somewhat perilous pastime! Well, it may have been once upon a time but now with the provision of cycle paths and some 750 miles of designated off-road cycle routes and urban cycle ways across Hampshire, cycling is a safe and carefree exercise that the whole family can enjoy. words • david rose-massom The first thing to do of course is get a bike; but what do you choose as there are BMX, off-road mountain bikes, comfortable road bikes, road-racing bikes, folding bikes and now, for those lacking energy the electric bike. So where do you start looking?

The prime task is to decide what you need your bike for, where it will take you and what you want from owning a bike. Is it as simple as a transport to and from work, or is it to be an adventure that will take you through woodland, over rough trails and down steep hills. Maybe you want to take your children down to the BMX track and race alongside them, or even emulate one of our Olympic greats such as Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton and take your bike to the velodrome. The choice they say, is all yours; only you can decide what you want and need from your two wheeled open-air exercise machine.

We live in a time when you can pop down to your local supermarket and buy a bikein-a-box, and they come pretty cheaply as well. But, would you purchase a car in that way, and would you expect it to fit you, be suitable for purpose and enable you to get the best possible vehicle for your money? Visit your local independent bike shop, where they will have the time and

38…

knowledge to ensure you climb aboard the machine suited to you and your needs. Take your time, ask questions, and then purchase the bike that is best fitted to you and your leg length. That way you know your gleaming new machine will be the best for what you need and safe. Ask the following questions among others: l l l l l l l

What type of bike do I need?

Do I need suspension?

How much should I spend?

What gear system do I want?

Do I need disc brakes?

Why can't they fit a comfy saddle?

Do I really need a bike helmet?

Across the Solent Life region, there are a wide variety of independent bicycle retailers and they carry a comprehensive range of men’s, ladies’ and children’s bikes. They stock a wide variety of mountain bikes, a selection of road and hybrid bikes as well as, in some cases, electric and foldaway bikes.

Both men’s and ladies’ bikes are designed differently to suit each gender in terms of frame size, saddle type and handlebar style so getting help in picking the right bike is essential for you and your children.

Once the family are kitted out with the right bike for the right family member and all with

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

the correct safety gear, don’t forget you will need a rack for the back of the car to carry your new transport to your safe cycle routes.

Over recent years the New Forest, amongst other country areas, have realised the growth in cycling as an outdoor pursuit and they have set aside and built tracks especially to maximise the enjoyment without damaging the delicate ecology of the Forest. If you do not yet wish to spend a small fortune on purchasing bikes, there are several excellent bike-hire companies in the New Forest, and other areas, to allow you to try before you buy.

The New Forest is typical of areas where families wanting safe off-road and easy cycling routes can go, where you will get to experience the open heathland as well as sheltered woods. But, what if you just want to go fast, and get competitive?

Calshot Activity Centre is where you need to be as it has the only indoor banked velodrome in the South of England. This national standard track was built in 1997 and can be used by a wide range of cyclists from novices to international standard. As long as you can ride a bike you can have a go under the watchful eye of a coach. Track cycling is now the fastest growing branch of the sport, due in major part to the successes which the Great Britain squad has enjoyed at World Championship and Olympic levels over the last few years. As it states on Calshot’s website ‘If you need further convincing, just think... lightweight bikes, no wind, no rain and no cars!’

Cycling on Calshot’s velodrome couldn’t be easier and they offer five levels of progression, from the ‘have a go’ first timer, through to the race ready track rider.

Across the south we have plenty of quiet country roads and cycling routes for those wanting to just improve their fitness and stamina, as well as taking in the stunning landscapes and historic villages.

Cycling is available as a hobby all year round and is the perfect way to take in the changing seasons, enjoying the autumn through to winter with the crisp frosty mornings.

So choose your bike carefully, enjoy your new hobby and get the whole family involved. Take in the Hampshire scenery at a slower pace and get fit into the bargain this winter.

Then, as you get older and the bright chrome on your bike begins to fade and rust you only need ask one further question!

‘Can you ride tandem?’ l

www.hants.gov.uk/cycling www.thenewforest.co.uk/activities/cycling www3.hants.gov.uk/calshot/track-cycling.htm

And for BMX riders Gosport now has one of the finest tracks in the south, recently hosting the National Championships at their venue and offering facilities for the whole family to enjoy the sport… www.gosportbmx.co.uk

autumnsport

&dirty get down

Back last winter during the opening weekend of the Six Nations Rugby Championship I spent a blustery Sunday sitting in a tiny grandstand watching two teams of Under 16s battle it out on a muddy field on the outskirts of Eastleigh.

Solent Life was visiting one of the most famous sporting clubs in the south; we were at the home of THE TROJANS! words • david rose-massom

S

team was coming off the boys as they touched, paused and engaged into the scrum; their boots and legs coated in mud.

The Trojan boys heaved and pushed against the visiting team from Romsey and as they were forced backwards they received positive encouragement from the touchline. Parents and friends cheered on both teams and across the 16 acre site, the same things were being repeated in similar matches with teams of different ages.

As the game began I spoke to one of the coaches. “We are very much a working class club, some rugby clubs are full of public school boys and maybe those from better homes but we have always been a good working class club.” It was said with pride and not with bitterness or any sense of class separation. That day speaking to others involved with Trojans it was obvious they all had the same passion for both the sport and for the club they, or their children, played for.

“All the boys learn discipline and respect; it is part of the game.” The coach continued.

“They have to learn to work as a team and respect the officials and coaches, and once here as part of the club, that seems to come naturally to them.”

Trojans are thought to be the oldest rugby club in Hampshire; on a September day in 1874 a meeting was taking place in The Antelope Hotel in Southampton and the

Trojans was formed. H F Gibbs was voted in as the first Captain and the clubs colours were determined as blue and red. In the first season of 1874/75 the team produced five victories and three defeats.

On an evening late in November of 1878, a match was played against Rovers Football Club under the glow of electric light; the match having been cancelled the night before because of rain. This was the first exhibition of electric light in Southampton, and believed to be the first ever game of rugby under lights. The local newspaper reported that "at times the light was very brilliant and players could be seen plainly".

Trojans have teams from every age level from Under 7s to Seniors’, as well as a very successful Ladies team and the social side is as important as the playing and training. It is a non-profit making, multi sports club that, as well as rugby, has facilities for football, cricket, hockey and squash. Each member of the club is entitled to participate in any or all of the activities.

Laura Self is the Chair of Youth Rugby at the club. “We give everybody equal opportunity to enjoy rugby, and sport and keeping fit in general, and that means youngsters of all ages, both boys and girls.” She told Solent Life.

“We work toward giving them all a good experience, rugby is a great sport for team building and we are very much into

nurturing that.” Laura continued. “We lay out codes of conduct for not only our players but also their parents, the coaches and everyone involved in the club.”

This was the case when we at Solent Life visited the Under 16 team on both an away and a home game. The boys were respectful, well behaved and sporting at all times. But, this did not mean they did not play hard or play to win. In the away game they thrashed the opposition, but there was no bragging nor was there any attempt to lessen the efforts of the losing team. Equally two weeks later when they returned home to battle one of their great rivals, they were on the receiving end of a solid defeat and although disappointed and a little down hearten their sportsmanship and spirit was there for all to see.

Laura added, “Here at Trojans we welcome everyone and are very happy for people to come and try us out. Everyone here works really hard, especially our mass of volunteers, and we work hard in having, and keeping, a very solid and positive environment here.”

They say rugby is a game for hooligans played by gentlemen, and it was a real pleasure to hear young lads calling the referee ‘sir’, something that their coaches and parents also do. There is not the shouting and abuse that football referees have to put up with and none of the players, even after the hardest tackles, rolled on the ground in pretend agony. With each tackle and each passage of vigorous play the lads just got up from the muddy pitch and continued to support their teammates while getting on with the game. It was as joyful to watch as the Six Nations matches on my TV but at Trojans there was also a great family atmosphere to enjoy. l www.trojansrugby.co.uk for more details of the club, how to join in as well as more on its history.

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…39

homes

How’s this for a deal?

The Kitchen Company is rarely beaten on price The Kitchen Company would like to say a huge thank you to all their friends who have invited them to their homes to help design their dream kitchens. And it is with their support, and ongiong recommendations, that they have been able to move next door into larger premises and construct their new and far more luxurious showroom.

At over twice the size this has allowed them to show far more design ideas, and the icing on the cake for them is that they have a separate studio for fitted bathroom furniture and showers and can still supply bedroom furniture. To anyone looking for Kitchens, Bathrooms or Bedrooms, who wants great range at a sensible price and design ideas by someone who cares passionately – you need look no further, just take a good look at the promotion in their advert. Any additional units would also be discounted. Please compare their fitted price with any of the discount sheds; they are rarely beaten on price!

The Kitchen Company 20 Bridge Road, Parkgate Southampton SO31 7GE

Tel: 01489 575855 Fax: 01489 589197 Email: thekitchenco@btconnect.com

MIDDLE ROAD

S TA

TIO

NR

OAD

BOTL EY R OAD

ROAD BRIDGE

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• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

includes all units, worktops, sink, taps, BEKO appliances… oven, hob, hood, fridge-freezer and dishwasher

All for £2,999 (Refers to image above)

Designed • Managed • Guaranteed

“

We understand how important an investment in a new kitchen is to you and your home. With over 38 years combined experience we will take every step to more than satisfy your expectations.

ALLSORTS OF KITCHENS

Unit 9, Solent Industrial Estate, Hedge End, SO30 2FX

T: 01489 788617

www.allsortsofkitchens.co.uk

“

Houses in Disguise Proprietor of Home Transformers, James Thompson has many years experience in the building trade which began many years ago as a property developer, gaining a wide range of skills by buying Victorian houses and converting them into flats, rebuilding derelict houses for the first time buyer market and extending bungalows by creating liveable space in the lofts. When the property slump started I seized the opportunity to focus on a business that could help growing families remain in their own homes and maximise their space. The aim was to make people realise that the expense and stress of selling up and moving on was not the only option.

The focus was to extend and convert mainly into the loft area and garage space, helping clients that thought they had outgrown their small new build to realise the full potential of their homes.

By using my own property to demonstrate what could be achieved I decided to develop a small 3 bed roomed house, successfully converting the loft and garage into living space. Prospective clients had something tangible to look at and liked what they saw.

We were approached by an inventor of a new innovative product that had heard about us and said that his invention would make the major works required by customers a less disruptive process, safer for the workforce and produced a much higher standard of product.

This was Telebeam which enabled the builder to dispense with the use of heavy steels in loft conversions. I was convinced by the product and adopted the new method immediately. The inventor, Digby Roswell became an integral member of the workforce by being present when a property was being surveyed, when the product was being used and post installation. As he monitored our developing expertise he recognised that my team were so proficient in using his product that he named us as preferred fitters in the South of England.

We have now moved and my very supportive wife has allowed me to totally rebuild the fabric of the house, transforming and extending the living space to the maximum. This development helps prospective clients visualise some of the ideas I present to them and also showcases the quality of work my team achieves.

The support from Whiteley customers has been a major contribution to our success for which we are grateful and we look forward to welcoming new clients from throughout the area.

Don’t move away… convert, extend and stay…

Home Transformers are a specialist building company providing customers with home development services, including loft and garage conversions, extensions and general building work.

Why choose Home Transformers… ✔ Experienced and reliable workforce ✔ Fully project managed – from design through to completion ✔ Liaise with all relevant council departments ✔ Provide half and full conversions/ extensions ✔ Approved Telebeam fitters ✔ Fixed pricing—no hidden charges

✔ 15 year guarantee on all structural work ✔ Approved telebeam installers ✔ Show work to view ✔ Customer references ✔ Recommended by Velux ✔ Fully insured ✔ Free no obligation quotation ✔ Minimum disruption

For a FREE no obligation quotation please contact James direct on 07708 478542

We will pay the VAT on all full conversions and extensions if booked this year for commencement in 2012.

Tel: 01489 881875 Mobile: 07708 478542 Email: info@hometranformers.net Website: www.hometransformers.net solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

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LTD

www.carpetzone.co.uk 80/20 Wool Twists

From £12.50 m2

100% Wool Berber From £10 m2

72 Botley Road, Park Gate, Southampton, SO31 1BA Tel/Fax: 01489 559915 Email: carpetzone@tiscali.co.uk

BOTLEY BATHROOM CENTRE with 36 years experience, let us build your dream

Largest family run bathroom centre in the area

70% OFF Selected Shower Cubicles

Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling Specialist

PAUL HUBBARD • Member of The The Tile Association • CSCS Registered

• Domestic & Commercial Work Undertaken • Marble • Slate • Porcelain • Ceramic • Limestone • Mosaic & More • Free Estimates Mob: 07775 725098 Tel: 01489 572954 Web: www.hubbard-tiling.co.uk

Fully guaranteed Fully insured

GUTTER Cleaning • • Planning Service Available | Large Bathroom and Shower Showrooms

Extensive Clearance Area Now Open

Large dedicated shower & bathroom showrooms Evening Planning Appointments Available The Malthouse, Church Lane, Botley, Hampshire OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK tel: 01489

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786272

email:admin@baths-etc.co.uk

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

Gutters Cleaned Out Fascias & Soffits Cleaned • Block Paving Cleaned & Re-sanded • Patios & Paths Cleaned • Patios & Paving Sealed • Decking Cleaned (Restaining optional) • All Pressure Cleaning Undertaken

FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL

01489 881 110 / 07540 878 089

House Martin Heating Gas Heating and Plumbing

Your complete heating & plumbing service

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR SPECIAL OFFERS

226 198

• Full Central Heating Installations • Boiler Change and System Upgrades • Servicing & Breakdowns on all types of Gas Appliance • Landlord Safety Certificates issued • Free Quotes, all work Guranteed & Fully Insured • All Major Credit & Debit Cards Accepted 5 YEAR GUARANTEE ON VAILLANT HIGH EFFICIENT BOILERS

T: 01489 5801 4 5 • M:07867 5 2 0 6 8 0 E: steve@housemartinheating.co.uk

www.housemartinheating.co.uk

Solent Flooring Ltd

Established 21 Years • Fully Insured

CARPETS • VINYLS • LAMINATES • REAL WOOD • CERAMIC TILES ALL SUPPLIED AND PROFESSIONALLY FITTED

SPECIAL OFFER

All prices include fitting, good underlay, disposal of old floor covering, grippers and door bar.

Solent Twist

Approved Retailers & Installers

FREE Home Selection & Estimate Service For a friendly and genuine service with no obligation call: Freephone: 0800 9177 553 Jason: 07770 411734 John: 07812 132087 Fax: 01329 238861

Email: jason@solentflooring.co.uk

Unit 19, Regent Trade Park, Barwell Lane, Gosport PO13 0EQ

10 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty 10 Year Stain Warranty 12 Colours to choose from

Solent Berber

100% Man Made Natural Looking Carpet

Room Price Examples Including VAT

3m x 4m £156 • 4m x 4m £208 5m x 4m £260 • 6m x 4m £312

WE PAY THE VAT INCREASE FOR YOU solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…43

greenfingers Scary times at Titchfield There is Halloween fun at Garsons Garden Centre in Titchfield during half term, including spooky story telling on Friday 28th at 2pm and 3pm.

Visit garsons.co.uk for more details.

green fingers October

Expect falling leaves, high winds and rain in October. On the bright side, we can also be blessed with sunshine and the soil is an ideal temperature to encourage roots of newly planted shrubs, hedging and other hardy plants. words • anne watson

B

ulbs such as daffodils and crocus can go in the ground as early as possible this month. Enriching the soil with a bulb feed such as Miracle-Gro Bulb Booster gives balanced nutrients to ensure they are well fed during their spring growth.

Be creative with bulbs and plant pots of spring colour that last from February to June. Planting different types of bulbs in one pot is a great way to maximise the colour and interest. Choose snowdrops for February, crocus for March, daffodils and narcissus for April and tulips for May. Top off each planter with a few violas to tie the colours together.

Brighten up existing patio pots by replacing

summer bedding with wintery interest.

Autumn flowering hebes or evergreen conifers can provide a central plant with decorative cabbages, heuchera, ivy and thymes added for foliage around the edge.

Pot up the bulbs of hardy cyclamen.

Cyclamen coum is probably the hardiest and is grown by many gardeners in shaded areas where light is at a premium.

Alliums are a great investment as these decorative onion bulbs produce spectacular globe-like heads in May and June. The heads come in all sizes and various colours from white through pink, lilac and purple flowers. l

Conifers are often overlooked when planning a garden scheme. They provide structure and year-round interest with colour, texture and form. Three that are looking good in the garden centre at the moment are: Cupressus Castlewellan Gold is a conifer with beautiful gold foliage, it’s evergreen, fast growing and is happy in full sun or part shade. It is tolerant to most soils and climates and can be planted directly into the garden provided there’s good soil and sufficient water.

Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana Grayswood Feather or Lawson Cypress is a small narrow columnar evergreen tree with upright sprays of green leaves. It makes an attractive specimen conifer and can grow as high as 6 metres.

Cryptomeria japonica – 'Elegans' is my favourite. It’s a rounded conifer with midgreen leaves and the foliage turns a lovely vibrant red in the autumn and winter months. Very hardy and drought tolerant, it will tolerate heavy clay soil.

Many roses will produce flowers until Christmas if kept tidy. Continue to deadhead by either snapping off flower heads about 2cm (1in) below the head or snipping off the complete flower truss using secateurs.

If you haven’t done so already, feed your lawn with an autumn treatment to sort out any moss and provide nutrients to harden off growth so your lawn is prepared for all the weather winter can throw at it.

Sow a few hardy broad beans so plants are established before the coldest weather slows growth. They will survive frosts and burst into growth well before any spring sown seed.

Until next time, happy gardening!

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• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

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for all your Autumn planting Pansy, Polyanthus, Home Grown Cyclamen, Wallflowers, Spring Bulbs & Shrubs Ready made hanging baskets & tubs.

Tel: 01489 584476 46 Brook Lane, Warsash SO31 9FG

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www.outsidespacesltd.co.uk

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solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…45

“The Future of Energy Supply is as individual as any Customer”

l Get your roof space working for you now by installing Solar Panels l Capitalise on the NEW Government backed ‘Green Energy CashBack’ Scheme l Get a TAX FREE & RPI INFLATION PROOF Income for a GUARANTEED for 25 Years l You could earn over £1,800 per annum from your Solar System! l Your own CLEAN, GREEN, Renewable energy – use whatever Electricity you generate and still GET PAID for it! l Full PAYBACK on your Capital within 10 years PLUS 10-12% Return on Investment for 25 Years! l Currently only 5% VAT rated on PV Systems l Solar4UK – Established now for over 60 years

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• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

Generate your own Free Electricity and get paid for it!

ACT FAST & Capitalise NOW! The Government ‘FIT Scheme’ will reduce the current highest ever Tariff from 4kWp Solar System 31st March 2012. for only £11,000 Fully Installed (MCS Approved)

SPECIAL OFFER!

envirothought

green thing the

Solent Life was recently sent an E-mail called THE GREEN THING, it was such a simple and yet stunning statement that we felt it should be repeated. Apologies to the original author because we have no way of knowing from where it originally came; so the author shall remain… words • Anon

I

n the queue at the supermarket, the checkout boy told an older woman that she should bring her own shopping bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment.

The woman apologized to the boy on the checkout and explained, “We didn’t have the green thing back in my day.”

He responded, “That’s our problem today.

Your generation did not care enough to save our environment.”

He was right - our generation didn’t have the green thing in its day.

Back then, we returned milk bottles, lemonade bottles and beer bottles to the shop on the corner of our street. The shop sent them back to the bottling factory to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.

But we didn’t have the green thing back in our day.

We walked up stairs, because we didn’t have an escalator in every department store and office building. We walked to the local grocery shop and didn’t climb into a 200-horsepower, metal machine on wheels every time we had to go just around the corner.

But he was right. We didn’t have the green

thing in our day.

Back then, we washed the baby’s nappies because we didn’t have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up all that electricity – wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new designer clothing. But that young man on the checkout is right; we never heard of the green thing back in our day.

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of Hampshire.

In the kitchen, we blended, mixed and stirred by hand because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the post, we used a rolled up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn petrol; or plug in a fifty foot lead, just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. Our exercise was just taken by working so we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

But he is right; we didn’t have the green thing back then.

We filled a glass from the tap when we were thirsty instead of using a plastic cup or bottle every time we had a drink of water.

We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got blunt. But we didn’t have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the bus and children rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their mums into an all-day taxi service.

We had one electrical socket in a room, not an entire bank with multiple adapters to power a dozen appliances. And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 100,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza delivery service.

But isn’t it sad how the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn’t have the green thing back then? l

Our thanks to Anon and didn’t that bring back a few memories? Such as the rattle of the bottles on the milk cart and are you of the generation that can recall their fathers and grandfathers stepping out of the house with a shovel to collect the droppings for fertilising the vegetable garden after the horse-drawn dustcart or milk float had moved on to the next road. No, I guess the checkout boy was right, we did not have the green thing back in our day…

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…47

backtonature

events

wildlife OCTOBER

October is a spectacular month at Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve. Autumn is beginning to have a dramatic effect on our landscape with changing leaves and the reflections created by the lakes make for some spellbinding views. As the season progresses, the green pigment (chlorophyll) in the leaves breaks down, leaving behind the reds, golds and yellows with which we are so familiar.

My personal favourite are the golden yellow leaves of the Field Maple; a small tree with spinning ‘helicopter’ seeds. words • jess daish-miller images • darinn smith

O

ver the past year, we have been celebrating the splendour of Swanwick Lakes with the help of Sarah Morrish, our Artist in Residence. Sarah specialises in detailed watercolour portraits of wildlife and also uses graphite and lino printing to portray her subjects. Sarah’s aim has been to record the natural seasonal changes on the Reserve over the last year. Her project, entitled The Natural Year at Swanwick Lakes, culminates during the October half term holiday with an exhibition in the Study Centre. The exhibition will begin with an illustrated talk given by Sarah, exploring the inspiration and techniques used to create her artwork. For more information on The Natural Year at Swanwick Lakes project and for a preview of some of Sarah’s work, visit her dedicated website at http:// naturalyear-swanwick.blogspot.com/ Details of the talk and the exhibition itself can be found in the October events listing.

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Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve is an 86 acre reserve located on Sopwith Way, off Swanwick Lane. The reserve is owned by NATS and managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

The reserve is open from dawn until dusk for all to enjoy.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust works to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Island.

Find out more at www.hwt.org.uk

Join us today …and enjoy the benefits of being a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. For more information contact our membership team on 01489 774408.

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

at Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve…

Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Oxenbourne Down 10th October 7.30pm Conservation Ranger Steve Peach will talk about the history, present state of wildlife and conservation and future plans. To be held at Holy Trinity Church Hall, West Street, Fareham PO16 OEL. Parking is available in Western Road or Trinity Street car parks. For further details please contact Peter Adams 01329 287653.

Suggested donation £2.

Art for Families A Window through Time 25th October 10.30 – 12 noon or 1 – 2.30pm Help us celebrate the history of Swanwick Lakes by creating a drawing on the reserve. The drawings will be put together to create a big display which will feature in our art exhibition later in the week. For further details contact Dawn Preston or Jess Daish-Miller on 01489 570240. Suggested donation £3 per child. Please bring outdoor clothing and sensible shoes. Booking is essential.

The Natural Year at Swanwick Lakes • Art Exhibition 28th – 30th October 10am – 5pm An exhibition showing the artwork of the Swanwick Lakes Artist in Residence, Sarah Morrish. The project has been running since November 2010 and this exhibition is the culmination of the year’s work illustrating the natural seasonal changes on the reserve. For further details, please contact Dawn Preston or Jess Daish-Miller on 01489 570240. Entry to the exhibition is free. There will be artwork, cards and prints available for purchase with a percentage of the proceeds going to the Wildlife Trust.

The Natural Year at Swanwick Lakes • Illustrated Talk and Tour 28th October 7pm An illustrated talk and tour given by Swanwick Lakes Artist in Residence, Sarah Morrish. This will be a great opportunity for people to meet the artist and discuss how the artwork was created and find out more about natural history illustration. For further details contact Dawn Preston or Jess Daish-Miller on 01489 570240. Suggested donation of £3 per person. There will be artwork, cards and prints available for purchase with a percentage of sales going to the Wildlife Trust.

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solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…49

education

It’s the

principle!

W

e are listening to young people and we do try and accommodate their voices.” Catherine Richards is the Vice Principal of Students and Teaching at Fareham College. “For us, as we are based on the 14 to 19 year old range of students it is not so much of a shock to the system for our new students.We have in place support systems such as a Health and Well Being Co-ordinator who has the job of helping with medical or complex needs and concerns for any student.

“The students have support throughout their time here.” Catherine continued. “Let us say for example that a student is absent, we will telephone to check if there is a problem as we want them to be happy and confident here. The students are still young people so we do give them space to go forward, but still keep an eye on them. All the staff here are very approachable.”

As Catherine speaks it is very clear that there is a great pride in what Fareham College is achieving both in terms of education and with the growth of young people moving into life as young adults.

“If you get down to the nuts and bolts of college life it is about helping them achieve the very best they can in what they want to do and where they want to go. We are here to facilitate their needs and give them a good experience.

“To work in a college such as Fareham you have to feel a real passion about the future of young people; which is why I am in this job!” she added.

If there is a frustration in her job as Vice

50…

The transition from school days to college ways can be daunting for any young person and when the age group is from 14 to 19 years then great care and support must be given – Fareham College offers that support and more. words • david rose-massom Principal it is the one that thwarts every move in most organisations – funding.

“Over the summer we have invested some £150,000 in our theatre area and if we had that sort of funding throughout every department it would be just fantastic.

“That funding has been spent on a new Mac Suite for music practice and studio spaces so that music and performing arts courses can move onto a whole new level. These facilities are planned to be open to the local community as well as the students and that also shows our commitment to the local community as a whole.”

The college is very much part of the community it serves and Catherine briefly told of the many links formed between coursework, the students and the people of Fareham.

“The college has travelled so far from its early days, even in the last three years since I first came here. It is now so involved with the community and has moved far away from its old tech college days; we have grown immeasurably.” Catherine continued in the relaxed but passionate tones of someone who is totally committed to what they do. “In the last eight years the college size has doubled and we are aimed at that 14 to 19 year range.

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

“We are preparing young people not just for further education but also to begin work and yet continue their studies with us. We are working closely with the likes of the NHS and apprenticeships, but we also take NHS staff and train them.” She explained.

“Most of our qualifications lead onto apprenticeships or higher education; if you like we are the start of a life-long education which is one of the things that make us so important within the community.

“We are training the next generation, it’s about new experiences and different challenges. We are in partnership with the schools and we work closely with them so we are making the transition from school to college for the 14 to 19 year-olds easier; it is important to inspire them toward their future.” l

Fareham College also operate various courses at Gosport College. For details of the colleges and their prospectus go to… www.fareham.ac.uk www.gosport.ac.uk

The King’s School for children aged 3 to 16

Come and sample a taste of College life at Fareham College If you’re unsure of where to take the next step in your education, come along to one of our Taster Days Held three times a year, they give you the opportunity to see what life is like at Fareham College. Students will be able to try out two courses during the day and will be mixing with students from other schools.

Taster Days are an ideal opportunity to speak to lecturers and to see the amazing facilities that you could be studying in.

The first one of the academic year will be held on Friday 11th November, 9.00am to 1.30pm.

If you can’t make this then you can come along to our next Open Evenings. These will be on 5th and 6th October and 30th November, 5-8pm. Here you will be able to find out what courses are on offer, tour the campus and quiz current students about College life.

This is not the only event that is on offer to students who are considering Fareham College as one of their college choices.

The School Liaison Team, who work with 43 schools, are able to provide bespoke campus tours for parents and their child(ren) or large school groups. They also attend school careers fairs, assemblies, Personal Development Lessons, Parent’s Evenings and additional personalised events which are requested by the schools they liaise with.

If you want to be part of Fareham College’s success then contact the School Liaison Team on (01329) 815380/250 or email schools@fareham.ac.uk for more information or to make a booking.

The King’s School opened in September to an increased number of pupils for the fifth consecutive year. Whilst fees are among the most affordable in Hampshire, parents are also attracted to the unique Christian ethos which offers children love, safety and security. It seems that these are key ingredients in preparing young people for a changing world. Many comment on the real sense of peace that they experience when visiting and surveys show that pupils find the school experience deeply fulfilling and enjoyable.

Earlier this year The King’s School was praised by OFSTED for its outstanding teaching exemplified by very good pace and questioning that promotes pupils’ thinking. Key Stage 2 numeracy was also noted as outstanding as was the whole of the School’s provision for pupils’ Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development. The report which is available in full on the OFSTED and The King’s School websites, commended the curriculum for its depth and diversity especially in its provision of a range of interesting and challenging activities such as a residential camp week for all pupils, Shakespeare week, strong performing arts events, cultural experiences such as the Rwanda visit and an enrichment programme that stretches across the whole 3-16 age range.

Personalised learning was also mentioned with teachers congratulated for their attention to pupils’ individual learning and pastoral needs and the school was seen as outward looking with its strong and effective links with parents, other schools and other nations. School leaders were seen as effective in transforming the school from its position at the time of the last inspection five years ago into the strong and thriving school of 266 pupils that it is now.

The natural consequence is that 80% of pupils of all abilities achieve their 5+ high grades with a significant number achieving as many as 13 subjects at grade C and above.

Parents looking to explore The King’s School for their children are welcome to visit and meet with the Head Master. We also offer Taster Days throughout the year in all year groups. Our next Taster Days are for current Year 6, on Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th October. For these or any other days/year groups, please contact Amanda Pole on 023 8060 0986 or email amanda@ thekingsschool.eu The King’s School, Lakesmere House, Allington Lane, Fair Oak, Eastleigh SO32 1DX www.thekingsschool.eu

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…51

£1.2 million grant will help transform St Vincent St Vincent College is to get a fresh, new look in time for its 25th anniversary thanks to a £1.2 million grant.

Plans are already well advanced to replace the windows and clad and insulate the exterior of the main college building.

Work is due to start on the project in September 2011 and be finished by early 2012.

The Mill Lane sixth form college opened in 1987 and Principal Di Lloyd is thrilled with the news that the YPLA – the body which funds sixth form colleges - has awarded the cash for improvements to its buildings.

'I have been working at St Vincent for 23 years and this is the most significant sum we have ever received as a capital grant.

It really shows the YPLA has tremendous faith in the future of the college,' she said.

'We have been able to bring forward some of our planned maintenance projects, but the key job is to bring the main building into the 21st century in terms of its appearance.

'Our concept is very similar to the work Highbury College in Portsmouth did when it revamped its tower building. The work will also mean our energy efficiency will be significantly improved, but just as importantly it will transform the impression we give to the outside world.

'Internally the building is of good quality and we have improved this still further with a £140,000 makeover of our canteen facilities during the summer in partnership with ABM caterers,' she added.

For more information about the wide range of courses available at St Vincent, call 023 9258 8311 to reserve a prospectus or visit www.stvincent.ac.uk.

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• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

Little Oms Baby Yoga & Mummy Moments

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Aspire and achieve at City College City College Southampton has helped thousands of young people and adults aspire and achieve in a variety of career paths.

Whether they want to head off to university, get straight into the workplace or move ahead in their current career, City College has the expertise, guidance and facilities to get them there.

City College’s recent £48m campus redevelopment allows students to experience hands-on and academic learning using equipment that is used in workplaces across the world. City College’s team of personal tutors and careers advisors ensure everyone finds the best learning pathway, tailored to their own requirements. A wide range of pathways are on offer including apprenticeships, advanced apprenticeships, NVQs, national diplomas, BTECs and A levels.

It’s not just school leavers who achieve at City College. City Business, run by City College, offers a wealth of nationallyrecognised qualifications and courses to help business owners train their staff and management teams. Richard Flux was promoted to one of the directors at Fairfax Classical Properties, a construction company, having successfully gained a Level 7 certificate in Strategic Management with City College.

In terms of success rates, City College is the 4th best performing general further education (GFE) college in the country when taking into account all qualifications and the college has recently received its best Ofsted report in its history, marked as good across the board with some outstanding features.

Visit www.southampton-city.ac.uk to find out more.

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solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…53

spookywildlife

halloween festival frights

Enjoy the wonders of nature this half term when visiting Marwell Wildlife’s spooky Halloween Festival. Visit the eerie maze where you can be astounded by the tales of the unexpected with a scary storyteller. You can buy a pumpkin from the craft area Pumpkin Emporium (or you can bring your own), then design your scary faced carving and let Marwell’s Master Carvers turn your design into reality!

You then get to take your creations home or, like many visitors, leave them for the animals to enjoy, as they will be treated to extra and delicious pumpkin feeds throughout the Halloween celebrations. words • david rose-massom

Y

oung visitors and parents alike can also enjoy special Bug Encounters with snakes, giant snails, hissing cockroaches and stick insects! Spooky, scary and a whole load of fun, plus the usual attractions and animals on Marwell’s wonderful wildlife trail.

The Halloween Festival is FREE and included with park entry. For further details visit www.marwell.org.uk/ halloween Halloween Festival at Marwell Wildlife on 22nd to 30th October during normal opening times.

Discover the benefits of Meoncross School Deciding which school to send your child to can be one of the most important decisions a parent can make. The right choice can help ensure children have a successful start in life. With 90% of pupils achieving at least 5 A*-C GCSE passes for more than 10 consecutive years, Meoncross School is a happy, thriving, coeducational day school located in Stubbington, near Fareham.

The School caters for children aged 2¾ to 16 and aims to provide a well-rounded academic, social and personal education – based securely on clear Christian principles and values.

The School has an ethos of welcoming children of all ages at any stage of their education. Children are invited to have a ‘Discovery Day’ which is usually followed up by a day of assessment. Parents are encouraged to tour the school and will have the opportunity to discuss their child as an individual with Mrs. Sheila James, Headteacher. Alternatively, the School is holding an Open Morning on Saturday, 15th October at 10am.

For children who are currently in Year 6, assessments for entry into Year 7 next autumn will be held on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th January 2012. Meoncross aims to make the experience as enjoyable as possible for children and, in addition to written tests, they will have plenty of opportunity to meet friends of their own age, and to take a tour of the School. Following the assessments, the School will be awarding a limited number of scholarships; further details of which are available on request.

Mrs. Lorraine Orridge, our Registrar, would be very pleased to give you more information about Meoncross. Just call her on 01329 662182 for an informal chat, or visit www.meoncross.co.uk.

54…

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

SATURDAY 5th NOVEMBER LOCKSWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE LOCKS HEATH 10am until 3pm - free parking

• Usborne Books • Craft Stalls • Cake Stalls • Phoenix Cards • Jewellery • Tombola & Raffle plus many more

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To book a stall contact Vanessa Eden On 01329 666916 / 07880 926751

A gift shop selling more than you might think • Open 7 days a week Silver Jewellery ~ ‘Jelly Cat’ ~ ‘Lily Flame’ ~ ‘Spaceform’ ~ Scarves ~ Handbags

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Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm / Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm / Sunday 11:00am - 4:00pm. solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…55

communitynews OFF WITH A BANG St Anthony's Primary School Fireworks and Bonfire Spectacular is on Saturday 5th November. Doors open at 4pm – arrive early (gates will close at 5pm). Fantastic fireworks display (6pm), brilliant bonfire (5pm), magnificent models and much more.

Bring all the family and friends and enjoy the hog roast, bbq, luxury hot chocolate, mulled wine, toffee apples and many other delicious treats. There will be a pumpkin competition, stalls and games for all! Tickets on sale at the school on Primate Road, Titchfield Common from Friday 21st October – Adults £3, children £2, pre-school children free, and family tickets available.

WHITELEY TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD An invite from one of our townswomen’s guilds: “Want to meet new people. Why not come along as we meet at Whiteley Primary School, Gull Coppice, off Yew Tree Drive, Whiteley on the third Wednesday of each month at 7.15pm. We have a varied programme of events and speakers.”

“We have a craft section, reading group, gardening group, lunch club, cinema/theatre club & weather permitting, a walking group.

New members and visitors are always welcome. Meetings always end with a cup of tea, or coffee and a chat.” they told Solent Life. For more information please contact: Mrs Pauline Register (Chairman) Tel: 01489 603356 or Mrs Chris Gray (Secretary) Tel: 01489 880421.

SPORTS BOOST FOR WASPS A new £310k football facility has a Warsash team buzzing and the village are all set for a major sporting boost following the news that Warsash Wasps Sports & Football Club will receive a cash injection of £148,421 from the Football Foundation. The grant will go towards developing a state-of-theart third generation (3G) artificial training pitch. The project, which will cost £310,073 in total, has been made possible thanks also to a £100,000 from Fareham Borough Council, a figure that matches the sum already raised by the club through countless fundraising schemes. Warsash Wasps SFC was presented with 2 large cheques at a ceremony in the village when Mark Hoban MP handed over the Football Foundation cheque, and Fareham Mayor Trevor Cartwright presented the Fareham Borough Council cheque. www.warsashwasps.co.uk JAZZ AND LUNCH Tony Linford and his wife Jacqui, who is an accomplished pianist, will play for and entertain the Burridge and Park Gate WI with the History of Jazz before a Harvest Soup and Sweet Lunch at 11 am on Wednesday 12th October at the Burridge Village Hall. There will also be an exhibition of recent projects by the craft group. Join them for what promises to be an interesting occasion. Tickets are £7.50 per person from Margaret Frost 01489 573683

October

community news Your essential guide to all the local news and events in your community MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT SCHOOL As the nights draw in and you are starting to wonder where the year has gone, why not make this a very different autumn by going back to school? Only this time, volunteer your time and enthusiasm as a school governor. There are thousands of school governors across the UK, supporting their local schools and colleges. There are regular vacancies for ‘community governors’ – and Sarisbury Infant School is looking for two right now. The Barnes Lane school has a great reputation, excellent teaching and a caring environment. You don’t need to be an expert in education to become a governor, but you must have some regular time to spare, live locally to the school and have a real desire to see the school thrive at a time of change.

If you are interested in the role, call Christine Jones, Chair of the Governors, on 01489 481 804 or Charlotte Weavers, Head teacher, on 01489 573 800 for a chat. You can find out more about being a school governor in Hampshire by logging on to www3.hants. gov.uk/education/governors/governorsgovrecruit/governors-info.htm BROOKFIELD SCHOOL MUSICAL EVENING On Saturday 15th October, at Brookfield School, 7.00 for 7.30 pm. This year the charities supported are "Shelter Box", which sends out boxes of life saving equipment to all manner of disaster events, and the School's link with African schools, "Global Voices". The School's gifted music pupils are planning a splendid evening's entertainment, with cold nibbles, wine and soft drinks being served in the interval. Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for children aged 12 and under, from Paul Cope (01489 573808) and Carole Ross (01489 576335).

OXJAM FOR OXFAM On Saturday 15th October at 7.30pm a live music event is taking place at The Ferryman Pub in Warsash. The event is taking place in order to raise funds for Oxfam’s vital work and is part of a month long ‘Oxjam’ nationwide music event happening throughout October. All of the acts playing on the night are local artists who have donated their talents free of charge. The landlord of The Ferryman Pub, Jonathan Armstrong, has provided the

function room at the pub free of charge and has also donated prizes for the raffle taking place on the night. The three acts playing on the night offer something to suit all tastes, including acoustic, punk and rock.

The event starts at 7.30pm with acoustic act Stu “Sweetchunks” Blakeledge, followed by rock act “Neko Roshi” then “The Midlife Crisis” will be headlining the event at 9.30pm. Local DJ Josh Jacobs will be keeping the crowd entertained between sets. All of the acts supporting the event are local musicians living and working in Southampton. Tickets are priced at £3 each and are available at www.oxjam.org.uk, www.wegottickets.com/event/130021, at the bar in The Ferryman Pub, via the Oxjam Southampton Facebook page or directly from the organiser who can be contacted on 0786692408.

BROOKFIELD SCHOOL MUSICAL EVENING Dame Ellen Macarthur, the record breaking yachtswoman, is to perform the starter’s duties at the Bupa Great South Run this October. Having broken the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2005, she retired from professional sailing in September last year.

The Bupa Great South Run, which was first staged in 1990, will take place on October 29th and 30th in Southsea, and has established itself as one of the most popular and prestigious road races in Europe. This year a record 24,000 entrants have been accepted. October 29th will see a new event, the Bupa Great South Run 5k, added to the calendar, alongside the traditional junior and mini runs for children; with Sunday 30th being reserved for the grownup runners completing the 10 mile event.

General entries have closed for the event, although a limited number of charities, including the Dame Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, have places available. Those interested in running as part of Ellen’s team should contact mari-louise.white@emcancertrust. org. Go to www.greatrun.org for more details of races and charities still looking for sponsored runners.

IF YOU HAVE A LOCAL EVENT You wish to promote then please contact us at info@solentlife.co.uk

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…57

out&about

out&about Solent Life has been venturing out across the region to capture and bring to you some of the best events in the past few weeks… words & images • david rose-massom

Concorde Classics

Owners of classic cars need little excuse to buff up their paintwork and polish their chrome trims but when the event is in aid of a great charity such as Naomi House Children’s Hospice then the chance to show-off the vehicular pride and joy is easily leapt at. The Concorde Club and Hotel at Eastleigh hosted the Classic and Sports Car event, which was officially opened by TV chef James Martin who arrived in his very own classic Ferrari.

Regatta Revelries

One of the most colourful, and highly anticipated, events in the Solent Life area happens in September each year and it is the themed regatta held on the River Hamble at Bursledon.

This year’s theme was a Venetian Masquerade Carnival and it was the perfect excuse to really dress up and impress.

58…

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

Windy Moments

The middle of September saw high winds across the coastline as the remnants of the hurricane that devastated the east coast of the USA hit our shores. While our American cousins quite rightly dived for cover, down at Hill Head it was the perfect moment to get the dinghies out and enjoy the blustery conditions.

Heritage Days in Gosport

Across the UK communities, towns and villages celebrated Heritage Days. Solent Life went out and about around Gosport and found scarecrows, birds of prey and families having fun while learning more about where they live.

Holding an event you’d like us to feature?

Simply email details of your event to info@solentlife.co.uk and we will do our best to cover the most exciting and interesting events.

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…59

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Fencing Shoreline Fencing All Types of Quality Fencing Supplied & Erected, Including....

• Discount Sheds made to Order • Repairs • Gates • Decking We will beat any written • Patios & Paving and quotation Much, Much More

Solent Garage Doors S

G

THE PREMIER GARAGE DOOR SPECIALIST

D

GARAGE DOORS SUPPLIED & FITTED

• MAINTENANCE FREE DOORS • UP AND OVER DOORS • ROLLER DOORS • SIDE HUNG DOORS • SECTIONAL DOORS • AUTOMATION TO NEW AND EXISTING DOORS • REPAIRS - SPRINGS CABLES - LOCKS ETC. FOR ALL MAKES OF DOORS.

N O VAT – Call N ow

FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE OR ADVICE PHONE CHRIS ON 07500 926558

Tel: 01489 578699 Mobile: 07850 332363

3 OAKTREE GARDENS, HEDGE END, SOUTHAMPTON, SO30 4AP EMAIL: SOLENTGARAGEDOORS@YAHOO.COM

info@shorelinefencing.co.uk www.shorelinefencing.co.uk

advertise your business here?…

TEL: 01489 786273 or 07500 926558

from as little as £30 per month.

Please contact us on…

01489 583800

All Aspects of Hard & Soft Landscaping

• Patios & Decking • Pergolas & Pathways • Fencing • Water Features Jonathan Pearman: 07974 195874 William Pearman: 07793 116017 escapes@hotmail.co.uk

Garage Doors

Florist

Gardening Services

Private and Commercial All Aspects of Hedge Work Target Pruning / Trimming Mowing and Brush Cutting Garden Maintenance Site Clearances Planting / Re-planting All Green Waste Disposed of

Steve Allen Fully Insured

Tel: 07983 622747 01489 588533

admin@teamgreenstreeservices.com

DJO Services - Home & Garden - Decorating & General Repairs - Clean, Tidy & Reliable - Free Estimates Please ring 01489

482855

Green Fuse Gardens A reliable and efficient garden care service offering single, occasional or regular visits.

For a free informal chat, in your garden, telephone David White on:

07973 326157

• Grass Cutting • Hedge Trimming • Pruning • Planting

General Maintenance

THE REACH & WASH SYSTEM

Gutters Cleared

Gutters Cleared

using the reach vacuum Also:

UPVC conservatory & window cleaning. Gutter repairs & replacement.

Proud members of where reputation matters

www.highvac.co.uk info@highvac.co.uk Call Mark 023 80 4779 80 or 07762 807824

0800 955 0888 31 Bentley Green, Southampton

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…61

Business Directory Landscaping

Music Tuition

Graham Thomas

Piano & Keyboard

Landscape & Construction Driveways, Patios, Paths & Walls Turfing, Fencing & Decking Ponds, Water Features & Drainage Block Paving Specialist 20 Years Experience Fully Insured, Free Quotations

Tel: 01329 315409/07970 780490 www.grahamthomasonline.co.uk

Lessons

One to one tuition Beginners to Advanced All Ages Under 7’s Special Tuition All Types of music taught, Classical and Jazz etc.

Painter/Decorator

Plumbing/Heating

KEVIN TAYLOR

G.T. Services

Professional Decorating Services All types of decorating, paper-hanging a speciality, no job too small.

Public liability insurance held.

FREE ESTIMATES

FREE ESTIMATES

01329 845279

Tel: 01489 582655 Mob: 07771 970294

LOCAL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

Decorating Services

FENCING - DECKING HEDGE TRIMMING CONCRETE BASES - REPAIRS

15 YEARS EXPERIENCE & FULLY INSURED

Tel: 01489 559214 Mob: 07810 832667 Email: fairviewlandscapes@yahoo.co.uk

Dan Morgan

All Aspects Of Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

• Hedge Trimming • Pruning • Patios • Border Maintenance • Decking • Pergolas • Fencing

Mobile: 07725 210869 Home: 01489 589516

Irrigation

Carpenter School of Music

☎ 01489 789541

Plasterer

PLASTERER JEFF MARRIOTT

ALL PLASTERING WORK UNDERTAKEN - INTERNAL/EXTERNAL CLEAN, TIDY, RELIABLE

CALL JEFF ON 01489 576209 OR 07799 498494

C.C. Jones PLASTERER FREE ESTIMATES

Don’t Get Caught Out By Another Drought!

• Lawns • Borders, • Greenhouses • Rain Harvesting • Storage Solutions • Pots • Tubs • Window Boxes

‘now is the time to prepare’ T:01489 891896 M:07974 628404 andrew@greenerwaysirrigation.com

62…

FREE ESTIMATES NO OBLIGATION

TEL: 01489 581168 MOBILE: 07917 133223

Paving

For All Your Plumbing & Heating Requirements, From a Dripping Tap to Bathroom Installations & Power Flushing Fully Insured - Free Quotations Tel: Dave 01329 847056 Mob: 07852287476 Gas Safe Registered

COLIN SHARPE

PLUMBING & HEATING Boiler Servicing, Central Heating, Dripping Taps, Landlord Safety Checks, Blocked WCs, Bathroom Suites

All Plumbing Work Undertaken 01489 787647 07775 506891

A. W. PAVING Turning Dreams into Reality with complete peace of mind

TELEPHONE: LEE-ON-THE-SOLENT

Anthony George Withey Block Paving Specialists

Drives • Paths • Patios • 10 year Marshalls guarantee • Member of Hampshire County Council business Standards Partnership

Tel: 01489 557268 Mob: 07958 678811 Email:awpaving@yahoo.co.uk www.aw-paving.com

023 9255 0844

Y WIT U

CO

Domestic & Commercial Irrigation Specialist

PAINTING & DECORATING

H

Responsible Eco-Friendly Irrigation

Richard Nicholson

Proctor Plumbing & Heating Services

FOR A FREE QUOTE

30+ years experience

GREENER WAYS IRRIGATION LTD

Call Derek on 01489 581 269 • 07780 910 799

B

(CLEANED, RESANDED, RE-SEALED)

We help everyone to attain their potential in a relaxed and friendly environment.

A GIFT of lessons for someone special could be the start of years of enjoyment and fun.

N

E

BLOCK PAVING RESTORATION

www.mccsm.co.uk

•Internal/External •Paperhanging •Insurance Work a Speciality

C

PATIOS - DRIVEWAYS - PAVING

Our Record 100% Exam Passes (including many distinctions) Festival Cup Winners

=

FAIRVIEW LANDSCAPES

BOILERS • CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS WATERHEATERS • FIRES • COOKERS

BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS POWERFLUSHING - LANDLORDS CERTIFICATES

For a professional service with over 30 years experience call:

Est. 23 years

DOMESTIC GAS & PLUMBING, Gas Appliances Installed, Serviced & Repaired

FID E N

Accountants

PETER E. KING ACCOUNTANT

Accounts & Taxation Services for the small business.

Tel: 01489 579191

Canterbury House, 58E Botley Road, Park Gate, SO31 1BB

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

C K ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES Full accounts preparation, book-keeping, VAT returns, taxation, payroll services, CIS admin, cashflow planning.

Sole traders to limited companies.

Katy Firrell

M.A.A.T A.T.T

01489 581071

PLUMBING • HEATING • GAS SERVICES

COMBI BOILER INSTALLATIONS: (PRICES INCLUDE STANDARD FLUE, PROGRAMMER AND SCALE REDUCER) COMPLETE CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS FROM:

£2995

M: 0778 9394486 T: 023 8083 9211 E: liam_omahony@hotmail.com W: www.lpssouthampton.co.uk

PURPLE

PLUMBING & HEATING LTD

All aspects of plumbing & heating undertaken • OAP Discounts for boiler servicing • Boiler changes/replacements • Reasonable rates • Power flushing • Free estimates • Local and reliable • Bathrooms

233959

W.R.A.S Approved 01489 691541 07711 812966 or 07977 807057

Roofing

ROOFING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

New Roofs, Roof Repairs to

• Flat Roofs • Tiled Roofs • Slate Roofs Etc • Storm Damage • Chimneys • Valleys & Ridges • UPVC Fascias & Guttering • Re-pointing Of Brickwork

FLAT ROOFING SPECIALIST

Property

Tel: 01489 583486 or Mob: 07813 087210

HIGH PERFORMANCE FLAT ROOFING STRIPPING & RE-DECKING GENERAL ROOFING & MAINTENANCE FULLY INSURED NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

For all your interior & exterior improvement projects Painting & Decorating Tiling & Flooring Carpentry • Plastering Garden Maintenance/Clearance Interior Woodwork & Floorboards Furniture Restoration For a professional service call 07596 989422 or

02380 403270

Email: mtjallin@hotmail.com Insured by Simply Business

Strawberry Homes REQUIRED

Building Plots & Houses in need of Renovation in Warsash and the surrounding area.

Call Paul on

01329 841416 or 07876 194823

& PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

01489 584 550 07780 877955 1 Mulberry Lane, Sarisbury Green

Taxi Services

Grab a Cab Airports, Seaports, Clubs Local & Long Distance

01329 825045

ROOFING WORK

Tel 01489 576020 Mob: 07774 552349

www.samgrayroofing.biz

to its former glory ● Great choice of latest fabrics ● Free home visits and quotations

15% Discount on orders placed in OCTOBER

Southern Contract Furniture LTD Unit 22, Park Gate Business Centre Chandlers Way, Park Gate, SO31 1FQ

Not Written Your Will yet?

Tree Services

Team Greens

Tree Services

20 years experience & fully insured All areas covered

● Restore your favourite furniture

A member of The County Wills Group

All aspects of tree work

Roof Repairs : New Roofs Flat Roofs : Extensions Tiling/Slating : Lead Work Re-pointing : Guttering Fascia/Soffits : Insurance Work Emergency Call Outs

holstery Speciali st -Up e R Local Company

Solent Wills

Block Paving • Fencing Garden Decking • Garden Walls Re-Pointing • General Property Repairs

AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Upholstery

Will Writers

MAINTENANCE WORK

jands.roofing@yahoo.co.uk

Single items to complete workshop Steam models & scientific items

☎ 01489 576555

UPVC Fascia & Soffits • Velux Windows Gutters • Loft Conversions Dorma’s etc • Insurance Work

01489 574306 • 07960 947971

Tool chest with tools, Precision engineering, Woodworking, All trades

Call Joe on:

COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE ALL ASPECTS COVERED

FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES

ALL TOOLS WANTED FOR CASH

Tel: Alltools on 01329 285644

Wheelchair and pushchair friendly

PROPERTY SERVICES

Tools

s

All Aspects Of Property Maintenance Over 20 Yrs Experience Fully Insured

BJ DAWKINS

» Crown Reductions » Crown Lifts / Felling » Target Pruning » Dismantling » Hedge Work » Stump Grinding » Emergency Tree Work Undertaken

Steve Allen NPTC Qualified Fully Insured

Tel: 07983 622747 01489 588533

Don’t put off the essential job any longer.

Now it could not be easier with a confidential and professional Will Writing Service in the area.

Instructions are taken in the comfort of your own home.

Your family deserves the protection a legally binding Will can provide NOW also lasting power of attorney Don’t be tempted to put it off For prompt personal attention,

Tel: 0845 6200016 or 02380 403781

advertise your business here?… from as little as £30 per month.

Please contact us on…

01489 583800

to find out more today!

admin@teamgreenstreeservices.com

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

…63

Local events across the Solent region.

on guide what’s

The Point, Eastleigh Tel… 02380 652333 Chichester Festival Theatre Tel… 01243 781312 Salisbury Playhouse Tel… 01722 320333 Mayflower Theatre Tel… 02380 711811 Theatre Royal, Winchester Tel… 01962 840440 King’s Theatre, Southsea Tel… 02392 828282 Tower Arts Centre, Winchester Tel… 01962 867986 Ferneham Hall Tel… 01329 231942 Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham Tel… 01329 310600 The Concorde Club Tel… 02380 613989

If you have anything going on, tell us here at Solent Life and we will include it in our feature Tel… 01489 583800 Fax… 01489 583803 Email…

whatson@solentlife.co.uk

64…

REVIEW ‘The Music Business’ is a phrase too often heard and with TV talent shows offering an easy route to fame and fortune it is a pleasure to discover a group of talented musicians who not only play just because they can, but also play for free so they can bring the community together. For one evening each month in search of simple enjoyment they perform to packed audiences to bring joy.

The main membership core of the band CAHOOTS is Steve Allcock on lead guitar and vocals, Martyn Scott – bass and vocals, Steve Denholm – rhythm guitar and vocals and Paul Barrow on percussion and vocals; but they are often joined by fellow musicians and even their own children.

Ten years ago they began as a two-piece but very soon became a quartet and now they play on the second Saturday of each month in the Grove Room of St John’s Church in Locks Heath; and they call it Spirit Café.

The Spirit Cafe is a once a month music and entertainment night, hosted by Cahoots, that is a magnificent community tool, engaging with the local populace.

“We are suckers for quality.” Martyn told Solent Life.

“So even though we may be referred to as part-time performers we still have to get it right and, we must be getting something right as the audiences keep coming back each month.”

Steve Allcock said, “What we do is about community so there are two sides to Cahoots. We love playing together, as well as having guest musicians join in and we love our audiences within the Spirit Café. We don’t take bookings, we don’t go out around other venues and this means that we control everything we do and get the maximum enjoyment from our music.”

The popularity of Spirit Café with both young and old is testament to its relaxed and inclusive style. Entry is free and relies on nothing more than a donation box,

• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

the Café always supports itself and profits are given back to St John's.

Once a year they do an extra concert in aid of charity.

Steve explained, “We started the charity concert, just because we could, and for once each year it’s nice to play to a bigger audience as well as raise money for a good cause.”

This year’s concert will be held on Saturday October 8th, at 7.30pm in St Johns Church. Together with invited guests, they will be displaying their tight harmonies and intricate guitar work in the atmospheric setting of St John’s Church. Regular Café goers will know that these boys know how to put together a fun evening so call Cliff on 01489 559982 to book your tickets now as this will be a sell out. Tickets are £5 with all proceeds going to St John’s Church.

Spirit Café is held on the second Saturday of the month at 8.00pm. Soft drinks and nibbles are provided. Bring your own wine or beer as we are not licensed for alcohol. If you have yet to try Spirit Café we would be very pleased to see you. Feel free to bring friends and have a good time! Further dates for SPIRIT CAFÉ 12th November and 10th December. Through donations at the Spirit Café over the years, Cahoots have raised in excess of £25,000 for various causes. www.stjohnslocksheath.org.uk/activities/ musical-life/spirit-cafe/

Events GHOST TRAIN Spooky goings on down in the woods this autumn when the Exbury Steam Train winds its way through the gardens with plenty of scares, surprises and spectres along the way. It is a great day out as the gardens take on the colours of autumn and you and the kids get to ride the steam Ghost Train as it winds its way past costumed characters, graveyards marked by skulls and pirates dispatching their victims. Harmless fun for kids of all ages, with skeletons, scarecrows and other ghoulish characters on route, dare you ride the Exbury Ghost Train?

Enter the pitch-black tunnel at your peril. Full of interesting stories, dreadful puns & even more terrible jokes, played out by your spooky hosts Napoleon Bone-aparte and his sidekick Batty the Vampire! Look out too for some groan-inducing visual gags. Come in fancy dress and receive a free treat bag. Prebooking highly recommended for all dates. It’s all aboard for a Halloween “Phantom-mime”!

EXBURY GARDENS, near Beaulieu in the New Forest.

Sat 22nd October - Sun 30th October. Booking Office 023 8024 5750, currently between 9.30am - 4.30pm Mon-Fri. Ticket price £12.50 adults; £12 seniors; £11 groups (when booked in advance, 15 or more) and £5.50 children aged 3-15. A family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) £34.50.

This includes entry costs to Gardens.

GHOST HUNTERS Join the Hampshire Ghost Club as they embark on a paranormal investigation at the historic 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, the site of many spooky spectre sightings. Founded in 1204 when King John gave a gift of land to the Cistercian monks to

Children build a monastery. The largest Cistercian Abbey in England, it thrived for over 300 years until it was destroyed in the 1530s at the time of the dissolution of the Monasteries.

The strange stories and legends surrounding Beaulieu Abbey have captured the imaginations of people from all walks of life, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and to this day, both staff and visitors to Beaulieu report glimpsing ghosts of the Abbey’s former inhabitants, as well as sounds and smells from eras past.

Now the Hampshire Ghost Club are inviting members of the public to join them on a ghost hunt, with the paranormal sessions taking place on two nights around Halloween, beginning at 9pm and continuing through to 1pm.

BEAULIEU ABBEY, on the 22nd and 31st October. Ticket prices are £50 per person, including hot drink refreshments, and are available to people aged 18+. Pre-booking for these sessions is essential, and you can reserve your place by telephoning 01590 612888.

For more information, please visit www.beaulieu.co.uk ALL ABOARD THE SPINNAKER TOWER GHOST SHIP! Heading up a fleet of Ghost Ships, the Spinnaker Tower will be transformed this Halloween, with cobwebs, pirates and skeletons making the surroundings truly terrifying!

Free* activities for the family will be held each day during half-term, from Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 October, with childfriendly pumpkin carving plus spooky ghost stories delivered on the view deck. Staff will also be getting in on the action, by dressing up in their most frightening Halloween costumes

to really complete the Ghost Ship makeover.

THE SPINNAKER TOWER is open daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm (excluding Christmas Day). See www.spinnakertower. co.uk or call 02392 857520 to book in advance or to find out more! *Activities free with admission to the tower.

SPOOKY HAPPENINGS Kids get to step-out with spooks, get down with ghouls and party with phantoms in Halloween Hip Hop, a spookythemed workshop for eight to 16 year-olds. Run by Eastleigh’s The Point’s professional dance team, the day-long class will get children into the spirit of Halloween by helping them to create a devilish dance routine using the latest Hip Hop moves and techniques.

Halloween Hip Hop will take place at THE POINT in Eastleigh on Friday, October 28th from 10am to 4pm. No dance experience is necessary. Places cost £15. To book, contact the box office on 0238065 2333 or visit www.thepointeastleigh. co.uk WILDLIFE ART EXHIBTION A few months ago Sarah Morrish was one of our featured artists as the Artist in Residence of the wonderful and wild Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve. This area of natural beauty that is packed with wild and birdlife is an inspiration to naturalists, painters and photographers. Now there is the chance to combine a walk in the wild with some stunning lakes, with an exhibition of Sarah’s wonderful work.

SWANWICK LAKES Study Centre, Sopwith Way, Swanwick, the exhibition is running from Friday 28th Oct until Sunday 30th October from 10am to 5pm daily.

Theatre THE FEATHERSTONEHAUGHS This is the farewell performance by the renowned all-male dance company of legendary choreographer Lea Anderson’s The Featherstonehaughs (pronounced Fanshaws). This farewell tour is the last chance to see the exquisite six-strong all-male company perform.

Celebrating 25 years at the top of the contemporary dance world they will present a dynamic reworking of their 1998 classic hit show Draw On The Sketch Books Of Egon Schiele.

Bursting with Anderson’s visionary choreography, the piece sees the dancers deliver a series of twisted and tortured tableaux and short, sharp sequences set against an entirely new score.

The Point, Eastleigh on October 5th will also feature a unique opportunity to hear from choreographer Lea Anderson, who will deliver a Q&A session ahead of the show. For more details or to book tickets, call the box office on 023 8065 2333 or visit www. thepointeastleigh.co.uk DICK TURPIN’S LAST RIDE A dynamic new musical play about the most famous highwayman of all, daring robber, swashbuckling swordsman, adored by every woman, respected by every man... or thief and murderer who swung from the York gallows…

What do you want to believe?

Please note that this production is for those over 10 years of age only. The Nuffield Theatre, Southampton, Tues 11th – Sat 15th Oct at 7.30pm (& 3pm Sat 15) Tickets: £10.50 – £19 www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk

solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •

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puzzlesection

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mindgym

Quickish Crossword

Train your brain with our selection of puzzles.

Solutions are printed at the bottom of the page...

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Hard Sudoku 2

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DOWN 2 The first artefact Lucy saw in Narnia (1,8)

10 Mariner (9)

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4 Architectural style (6)

12 Very large items (7)

5 Flower part (5)

14 Unhappy (6)

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7 Shorthand (11)

18 Relic (7)

8 Not misshapen (11)

20 Anaesthetic (5)

13 Pasta type (9)

21 Acrobats know this (3,2,4)

16 Goose type (7)

23 Knot (3)

17 Don't get hoist with your own (6)

ACROSS 1 Word misapplication (11)

6 2

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24 Infrequently (3,3,5)

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• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

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M A L A L L 10 E A Y M S A P U S P U L OOM S N T I 19Q U 22 OW T O H T N OWA

COPYRIGHT

With many thanks to www.sudoku-puzzles.net for the sudoku puzzles, and www.dowedo.net for supplying the crossword puzzle.

24

check your answers here!

7 S 9 T E 11 N O 14 G R 18 A P 21 H Y

solutions

Give your home...

a new lease of life this Autumn

Talk to us about your building project

Extensions, Garage Conversions, Interior Alterations, Plumbing, Plastering, Electrics, Tiling & Flooring

01489 565711 221 Locks Road, Park Gate www.justhomeimprovements.co.uk info@justhomeimprovements.co.uk

Just

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Locks Heath £299,950 • Detached house • Quiet established location • Very spacious layout • 3 Double bedrooms

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Locks Heath £475,000 • Brand new detached house • Close to village centre • Luxurious kitchen fitments • 4 good bedrooms with 2 en-suites

• 3 separate receptions • Underfloor heating • West facing rear garden • Garage & carport

Titchfield Common £675pcm • Terraced House • 2 Bedrooms • Modern Kitchen • Modern Bathroom

• Double glazing • Redecorated Throughout • Allocated Parking • Available Long Term

Titchfield Park £350,000 • Individual detached property • 4 bedrooms & 3 reception areas • Large re-fitted kitchen/ breakfast room • Open fire to lounge

• Good sized plot • En-suite to master bedroom • Detached brick built garage • Re-fitted bathrooms

Burridge £550,000 • Non-estate detached house • 4 Double bedrooms • En-suite to 2 beds • 3 reception rooms

• Luxury fitted kitchen • Conservatory • Landscaped gardens • Det. double garage

Bishops Waltham £750pcm • Top Floor Apartment • Built 2008 • 2 Double Bedrooms • En-suite Shower

• Fully Integrated Kitchen • Under Floor Heating • Allocated Parking • Available Now

Warsash £399,950 • Detached family home • 4 good bedrooms • 3 separate receptions • Large kitchen/breakfast

• Glass roof conservatory • South West facing garden • Detached double garage • Hook School catchment

Bursledon £575,000 • Individual detached home • Recently renovated • Set on 1/4 acre plot • 4/5 bedrooms

• 2/3 Reception Rooms • Luxurious kitchen • Elevated position • Stunning views

Alverstoke £895pcm • Sought After Location • 3 Bedroom Town House • Lounge & Dining Room • Ground Floor Reception

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w w w. s b k 4 h o m e s . c o m Canterbury House, 58 Botley Road, Park Gate, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 1BB