The Dever February 2025

Dever The

The Journal of the Dever Valley

Snowdrops at St Mary the Virgin church

February 2025 90p

©Peter O'Keefe

First-Sunday-in-the-Month First Sunday in the Month - Fund Raising Walk.

Sunday 2nd Feb 2025 Fund Raising Walk Car Share from Warren Hall at 10:10 Walking at 10:30 from Bullington Parish Hall, Upper Bullington. SO21 3RB. Park on the roadside.

Rupert Wieloch, local resident, historian, and author has kindly agreed to lead this walk through countryside that is so close to us, and yet so remote.

A little corner tucked away between the A34 and A303 but so cut off that it remains agricultural with swathes of wild and natural hedgerows, copses and verges. These elegant arches are virtually all that is left of the old Didcot, Newbury & Southampton line but how beautifully they frame the Dever River. Rupert will tell us how the landscape has evolved since the Iron Age. DOGS welcome . Voluntary donations always gratefully Short walk. 4-5 miles. received. Suggest £5. Children free.

Farm tracks likely to be Leads required. No Poo Bins so make muddy. Country lanes. arrangements.

For info: suebell0906@gmail.com

The Swan Inn. SO21 3RL

www.swaninnbartonstacey.co.uk 01962 760470.

“This 300 year old coaching inn has been restored to bring this stunning chocolate box pub to life.

We have an outstanding selection of real ales and great wines to accompany fresh, seasonal & local food. “ Sunday Lunch served 12.00 -2.30.

Dever The

The Journal of the Dever Valley

Contents First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Dever Valley Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Subscription Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 “Don’t You Know There’s A War On?” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 News from Woodmancote & Popham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1984 – 2024 Dever Singers 40th Anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 New Year’s Day Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Parish Council News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Dever Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Micheldever Wine Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Sutton Scotney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Community Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Dash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Planting Plan for a Drought Resistant Border . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 School Governors Needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Church Services for The Dever Benefice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Dever Valley Church Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Jackie’s County Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Holy Dusters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 We Can’t Afford Any More Winter NHS Crises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Cercle Français de Winchester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 City Councillors’ News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 EV Myths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Forthcoming Events 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Hall Booking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Micheldever Village Store - Opening Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 February Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Regular Dates and Times – Weekly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 The Dever - February 2024 3

Dever Valley Contacts Rev’d Dr Robert Rees, Rector Rev’d Jo Criscenti, Assitant Curate Benefice Co-ordinator Clare Fancourt

07590 909811 (rest day Saturday) 07515 533685 (rest day Friday) coordinator.upperdever@hotmail.com

Church Wardens

St. Mary the Virgin Micheldever Louise Keys 07779 304121 Holy Trinity Wonston Sarah Hobhouse 01962 760003 St Margaret's South Wonston Melinda Samms 01962 761036 Roger Keys 01962 881718 St Mary & St Michael Stoke Charity Roland Guy 01962 760259

All Saints’ East Stratton Chris Hilling 01962 795134 Ed Beckwith 01962 774918 St James’ Hunton Caroline Edwards 01962 760230 St James’ Woodmancote Linda Albin 01256 397616

Websites

St Mary the Virgin www.stmarysmicheldever.co.uk Holy Trinity www.wonstonchurch.co.uk Editor: Peter O’Keefe 07515 339279 1 Canada Cottages, Overton Road, Micheldever Station, SO21 3AN. Email: editor@thedever.org Website: www.thedever.org Printing: James Dixon and team Micheldever Anby Dixon Micheldever Station Andy Adams East of railway line Ann Hawkins West of railway line

Annual Subscription January to December for 12 issues: £9.00; £18.00 by post.

Articles for March issue to be received by the editor before 15th February please.

Articles printed in The Dever are accepted ‘as is’ and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editorial Team.

Treasurer: James Dixon

Subscriptions Enquiries & Distribution

Sales: Editor: 4

The Dever

07799 212586 01962 774363 01962 774956

07981 216621

East Stratton Olly Bramley 01962 774516 Woodmancote Liz Hawkesworth 07850 491889 External/Postal Hazel Nugent 07940 485882 Online https://issuu.com/thedever

Dever Advertiser

Amanda Forsey email: Roger Forsey

01962 774115 mob. 07500 334393 deveradvertiser@hotmail.com

The Dever - February 2024

“Don’t You Know There’s A War On?” Well, quite a few at the moment actually: Ukraine v Russia, Israel v Iran and its proxies, civil war in Sudan, conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, whilst North Korea stokes up tensions with its southern neighbour and China looks greedily at Taiwan.

At least one response to all of this aggression and bloodshed is a quiet sigh of grateful relief – the feeling that it may be terrible for those involved, but at least it isn’t here causing disturbance to my life.

Understandable though such a reaction may be, it completely misses a much deeper and more important point which all Christians should be aware of and which affects every person on the planet: the fact is we are all born into a battle whether we like it or not. This war is serious as it involves not just our life on earth, but the destination of our eternal soul. It is a fight that has been

continuing since creation and in which there are no observers or bystanders; for good or ill – and in one way or another – we are all participants.

By the grace of God, Jesus Christ won this war against the enemy of our souls, when voluntarily He died for us on the cross. We are presented with a choice: do I want to put my trust in Jesus or is it better to ignore Him? When we acknowledge Jesus as Lord of our lives, we move from death to Life whereas autonomy leaves us travelling to an unknown destination with eternal consequences.

The offer of the Gospel is as simple as it is free: if I put my future into the hands of the One who came as a baby, lived a perfect life and then died in my place, then I will be on the winning side. The alternative is not even worth thinking about.

James Gray

Subscription Reminder

Subscriptions are due in January every year. To continue receiving the Dever Magazine and Advertiser please pay your £9 by BACS as follows: Sort Code: 40-46-39 Account: 52117150 Account Name: The Dever Magazine Give your house name as the reference For a subscription to the digital magazine visit www.thedever.org/subscribe

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News from Woodmancote & Popham Our lovely Christmas Day service with Rev'd. Rob seems like a very long time ago now. It is always wonderful to see so many families all gathering together on Christmas morning in St. James. The church looked particularly beautiful with the decorated Christmas trees and candles.

January was much quieter after the busy month of December. We had a small but intimate gathering for our Evensong on 19th January. Rev. Rob talked about the Bible story of changing the water into wine and how it symbolises hope for all Christians of the resurrection and eternal life to come.

It felt very fitting to have a glass of wine at the back of the Church afterwards.

I personally have been renting for six months and have not had a garden since I left my old house. So it felt quite surprising to me to see the snowdrops pushing up. I almost panicked and thought I’d suddenly neglected or completely forgotten my garden, as time has

stood still for me in the gardening calendar since I left. I miss my garden and that peace I feel when out in it, that connection to nature, to the birds and the earth. I feel such a sense of satisfaction to see things grow, bloom or fruit and it gives me great joy. It is also here when I muse on all the things going on in the world. Often I think what a very hard, tough life so many people lead and I always feel so very blessed to live in Hampshire so beautiful, safe and green.

On the 16th February at 3pm we have our Plough Service, a traditional Service to bless the tractor and plough and say thank you to God for the fields, farmers and crops. We hope you can join us.

Jane

Save The Date

Micheldever Fête Saturday July 5th Lord Rank Playing Field 6

The Dever - February 2024

MICHELDEVER LUNCH Wednesday

5th February 12.30pm

at Northbrook Hall

Two course lunch for £5 If you are a regular and unable to attend please call: Juliet Pattinson on 774399

Micheldever Parish Council

Notice of Meeting

Wednesday 5th February Northbrook Hall 7.30pm

This will be an in person meeting of the Parish Council and residents are welcome to attend.

There will be an opportunity for questions from the public at around 8.00pm

www.micheldever-pc.gov.uk

Parish Council Matters – Planning Applications, Meetings–Agendas, Dates & Minutes, Newsletters and more.

1984 – 2024 Dever Singers 40th Anniversary Thank you for celebrating with us.

Throughout 2024 the Dever Singers have enjoyed celebrating their 40th Anniversary. Following an enthusiastic recruitment drive at Christmas 2023, several new singers joined us in January 2024 and a previous member rejoined to support our anniversary programme.

Our first performance was a Passion Sunday service in March at St. Mary the Virgin church in Micheldever where the Dever Singers had first begun, back in 1984.

Rev. Rob Rees, an ex-Dever Singer, not only led the service but, when the original organist went down with pneumonia, also played the organ and then joined the bass section of the choir for two unaccompanied songs!

That service embraced the season of Lent with some of the Christian content and community aspects of our work in contrast to our two Celebration Concerts in June at which we performed favourites from our secular repertoire with more gaiety and abandon. We were delighted that Colin and Elaine New, our founder director and his wife, returned from Wales to sing with us at those concerts along with Karen Middleton, our previous assistant director.

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Before our two month summer break we held a well-attended party in July at the Northbrook Arms for our members and their partners which was great fun.

In the Autumn term we were happy to sing at a couple of weddings in October and then saddened, but privileged, to sing at the funeral in November of Philippa Goodall, one of our longest serving singers. December saw a pair of Christmas concerts, the first at St. Margaret’s church in South Wonston and the second planned for the following Sunday at Micheldever.

It was touch and go whether we’d be able to sing in the church as the plumbing sprung a leak and our dress rehearsal had to be moved to the village hall.

Fortunately, with sighs of relief all round, it was mended with just a couple of days to spare. A cheeky version of ‘Rudolph the rednosed reindeer’ was sung as an encore with the choir sporting antlers and then everyone enjoyed wine, nibbles, including Rudolphthemed biscuits, and happy chatter, greeting friends and reminiscing about Dever Singers’ performances over the past 40 years.

The Dever - February 2024

What’s next for 2025?

From January, we will be learning some operatic choruses to culminate in a pair of ‘A Night at the Opera’ concerts in June. However, to make the most of this and allow a wider repertoire, we would really benefit from more lower voices (i.e. men) to enrich and balance our sound.

No auditions are needed and no previous singing experience or ability to read music is necessary, although that would be a bonus.

New ladies are also welcome as always.

Not sure how you feel about opera?

Neither are many of us but, with your help, we’re looking forward to having fun exploring it. Lifting your voice in song also lifts your spirits so why not give us a try! Rehearsals are on term-time Thursday evenings at 8-10pm at either South Wonston (winter) or Micheldever (summer months). Further details from: ruthironton@gmail.com, 01962 774817 / 07784967464

New Year’s Day Breakfast Despite the very inclement weather on New Year’s Day approximately 45 people braved the weather to enjoy a delicious breakfast in a warm and friendly atmosphere in East Stratton village hall.

It was as always so good to see residents from across the parish community sharing news and spending time together.

A BIG THANK YOU to all the team for

their hard work to make this a great start to 2025.

Olly

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Parish Council News NEW WEBSITE AND EMAILS As noted in the December newsletter, the Parish Council, in line with national guidance, have moved to a .gov.uk domain for our website and now have linked emails for councillors.

Please view our new website at www.micheldever-pc.gov.uk Councillor O’Keefe has worked hard to facilitate the introduction of the new domain and to make the website both attractive and accessible for users. We are very grateful for all his work.

The Clerk and councillors now have linked emails to use exclusively for Parish Council business and should be contacted on these if you wish to raise a relevant matter with them. Most general queries should still be directed to the Clerk clerk@micheldever-pc.gov.uk William Helen (Chairman) – william.helen@micheldever-pc.gov.uk David Wandless (Vice Chair) – david.wandless@micheldever-pc.gov.uk Olly Bramley (Parish Services) – olly.bramley@micheldever-pc.gov.uk Andy Adams (Planning) – andrew.adams@micheldever-pc.gov.uk Peter O’Keefe (Website, Climate) – peter.okeefe@micheldever-pc.gov.uk

Graham Foot (Play Areas) – graham.foot@micheldever-pc.gov.uk Suzy Findley (Trees) – suzanne.findley@micheldever-pc.gov.uk Lynn Drury (Finance) – lynn.drury@micheldever-pc.gov.uk Nick Greenwood – nick.greenwood@micheldever-pc.gov.uk Roger Townsend (Allotments) can be contacted on 07904 359905 The Parish Council can be contacted via Jocelyn, the Clerk, clerk@micheldever-pc.gov.uk or 01794 368951

The Dever Website Visit The Dever website www.thedever.org for information on the journal, how to subscribe and to catch up on archived issues. Scan the QR code �

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The Dever - February 2024

Micheldever Wine Circle We are a friendly group of villagers who like to gather together a few times a year to taste, discuss and enjoy wines from around the world whilst socialising with our neighbours.

Absolutely no knowledge or experience is necessary – if you enjoy drinking wine you’ll enjoy coming to our wine circle!

Most of our events are held in the Northbrook Village Hall where usually an independent wine merchant brings 6 wines for us to taste . Cheese and crackers with other nibbles are provided whilst sampling the wines and learning more about them. The cost is £15 per head though the Summer and Christmas parties generally cost a little bit extra.

If you’d like to know more or would like to come along to an event to test the waters then please email thewinecircle@gmail.com or text Craig on 07869 049220. There is no membership requirement so why not give it a try?

Next get together 7th February. For this get together the MWC committee members will put forward a selection of their current favourite wines.

2025 Programme – Fridays at Northbrook Hall at 8pm except for Summer & Xmas party 7th February – A case of the Committee (we choose what you try) 21st March – Wine merchant tbc 16th May – Wine merchant tbc 5th July (Summer party) 10th October – Wine merchant tbc 5th December (Xmas party)

The Dever - February 2024 11

Sutton Scotney Community Café Yet another drab December morning was cheered by the sight of some scrumptious cakes and bakes, and the promise of hot coffee – although many visitors chose the hot chocolate option this month! The tables were decorated with a variety of homemade Christmas table decorations created by Celia and Janis. Our new visitors from November, the young adults and their helpers from Thrive Day Services in Chandlers Ford, returned and enjoyed more cakes. We raised £395 after expenses from cake and coffee sales. In addition, sales of the table decorations raised another £80, so our donation to Go LD totalled £475. Emma and the Go LD helpers set up a stall in the foyer and took £240 in sales of merchandise for the charity. The Go LD helpers all really enjoyed the morning and were remarking on it in the car on the way home. They had a wonderful time; it was a really fun and uplifting morning–everyone was so friendly. It was a good opportunity

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for them to talk to people about Winchester Go LD as well as practicing their sales retail skills.

The next Sutton Scotney Community Café will be at the Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney, 9.30am–12 noon on Wednesday 19th February.

This month our chosen charity is the Mother and Baby Unit, Royal Hampshire County Hospital.

The unit, based in Clover Ward, supports women experiencing serious mental health difficulties from 32 weeks pregnant up until one year post-natal. The Perinatal Mental Health Services provide help and support for mothers experiencing severe mental illness through a programme of treatment and support in the community and in their specialist inpatient unit.

Please do come along to support the community café, which is staffed entirely by volunteers. All the cakes are homemade, we have real coffee and plenty of The Dever - February 2024

free parking! As well having a gluten free cake option every month, we also have delicious homemade biscotti and a savoury offering. All the cakes are available to eat-in

or takeaway – in fact some of our regulars bring their own takeaway containers!

The café is cash only.

Janis Kinnell

The Dash

by Linda Ellis I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her casket from beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash, What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard; are there things you would like to change?

For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough to consider what is true and real And always try to understand the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more And love the people in our lives like we have never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile, Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read with your life’s actions to rehash…

Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?

The Dever - February 2024 13

Planting Plan for a Drought Resistant Border

In recent years, our summers have proved to be very hot and dry, with little rain to nourish the garden for a period of time. Some plants have naturally adapted to develop resilience and drought tolerance by protecting themselves from the sun, for example through silver or blue-grey leaves with tiny hairs or foliage with a tough, waxy surface.

The 13 plants included in Rosy's plan for a drought resistant border will all thrive in full sun in a well drained soil and can cope with periods of little rain once they are established. Although shown within a rectangular 'border' area, the same plants would also suit a gravel garden by pulling groups of plants apart to introduce walkways through them.

As with our other plans, you can scale the area and quantity of plants up or down to suit your garden.

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The Plan AMARINE 'Anastasia' (1) - vibrant pink flowers in autumn arranged like the spokes of a wheel on upright stems–bit of a showstopper Or try any AMARINE or NERINE...

BALLOTA pseudodictamnus (2) medium height mounds of tactile greygreen foliage with small pale pink flowers in summer, good for planters too Or try PHLOMIS grandiflora 'Lloyd's Silver' OENOTHERA 'Rosy Shimmers' (3) airy and graceful plant with large pale pink flowers and deeper reddish-pink veining from mid summer into autumn Or try any OENOTHERA vars except O.'Ruby Ruby' , VERBENA bonariensis HYLOTELEPHIUM 'Matrona' (4) clusters of small pale pink flowers in autumn over waxy bronzed foliage– attractive seed heads through winter Or try EUPHORBIA 'Blue Haze' The Dever - February 2024

IBERIS sempervirens (5) - a spreading carpet of pure white flowers in late spring/ early summer over dark evergreen foliage Or try ARTEMISIA schmidtiana 'Nana' IPHEION 'A lberto Castillo' (6) masses of dainty white honey-scented flowers during late winter and early spring–summer deciduous Or try any STACHYS or VERBENA rigida LYCHNIS coronaria 'Gardeners World' (7) - vivid magenta double flowers on multi-branching stems in summer–does not self-seed MORINA longifolia (8) - white flowers fading to pink then crimson over glossy, thistle-like foliage from July through August–will wander as it self seeds SALVIA 'Blue Spire' (9) - 'Russian Sage'–masses of small pale blue flowers carried on white stems in autumn– fragrant with good winter interest PULSATILLA vulgaris 'Rode Klokke' (10) - stunning red form of Pasque Flower–crimson red petals and finely

dissected foliage Or try any PULSATILLA, HYLOTELEPHIUM cauticola 'Coca-Cola' or HYLOTELEPHIUM cauticola 'Lidakense' STIPA tenuissima (11) - 'Mexican Feather Grass'–a fountain of fine green grass fading to buff in autumn, staying upright through winter–very tactile Or try CAREX comans bronze-leaved , FESTUCA glauca 'Elijah Blue' TEUCRIUM x lucidrys (12) - bright pink tubular flowers through summer set off by shiny evergreen foliage–this shrub can be clipped to form a low hedge VERBASCUM 'Chantilly' (13) - delicate pale cream flowers open from the base of the stem upwards from mid to late summer–neat basal foliage Or try VERBASCUM blattaria f.albiflorum.

This plan is also available on our website at www.hardysplants.com where you can see pictures of each plant. We also have plans for a Sunny Border, a Shady Border and a Moisture Retentive Soil, or visit us at our nursery in Freefolk, where we will be delighted to help.

School Governors Needed Retired and keen to continue to use your professional skills for the benefit of your community? Or looking for a way to develop your skills outside of your day job? Have you thought of becoming a school governor? We are currently recruiting additional Governors to join the Dever Federation Governing Body, strategically overseeing Micheldever C of E Primary School and Barton Stacey C of E Primary School.

We are a dedicated team of volunteers.

We work with the headteachers and schools to define and implement strategy, hold the schools to account and provide

challenge and support in equal measure.

Members of the governing body bring different skills, for example, strategic leadership, project delivery, finance expertise, education expertise – a mix of skills is important and new perspectives/ skills are welcome in our team!

If you can volunteer some time and your skills, please do contact Carey Hornby, the governor responsible for recruitment at adminoffice@micheldever.hants.sch.uk.

We’d love to hear from you and can arrange a no obligation chat in the first instance to explore the opportunity.

Your community needs you!

The Dever - February 2024 15

Church Services for The Dever Benefice February 2nd 9.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

11.15 am

February 9th 10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

4.00 pm

6.00 pm

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St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever St Margaret's - South Wonston

St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity Holy Trinity - Wonston

5th Sunday after Epiphany

Holy Communion with Holy Baptism Rev’d Robert Rees Informal Service Iain Henderson Holy Communion Rev’d Jo Criscenti Evening Prayer Rev’d Rob Rees & Rev’d Jo Criscenti Evensong Rev’d Rob Rees & Rev’d Jo Criscenti

February 16th 10.00 am

10.00 am

3.00 pm

4.00 pm

6.00 am

Presentation of Christ (Candlemas)

BCP Holy Communion (said) Rev’d Robert Rees Café Church Claire Bentham Holy Communion Rev’d Jo Criscenti Morning Prayer Ruth & Roland Guy Morning Prayer Claire Bentham

3rd Sunday Before Lent

Holy Communion Rev’d Rob Rees Holy Communion Rev’d Jo Criscenti Plough Service Rev’d Rob Rees Evensong Rev’d Jo Criscenti Evensong Rev’d Jo Criscenti

All Saints - East Stratton St James - Hunton Holy Trinity - Wonston St Margaret's - South Wonston

St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever

St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever St Margaret's - South Wonston St James - Woodmancote Holy Trinity - Wonston St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity

The Dever - February 2024

February 23rd 10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

March 2nd 9.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

11.15 am

2nd Sunday Before Lent

Café Church Lay led Informal Service with children’s activities Ruth & Roland Guy Holy Communion Rev’d Jo Criscenti & Rev’d Dave Mapes

St Margaret's - South Wonston

St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity Holy Trinity - Wonston

Sunday Next Before Lent

Holy Baptism and Holy Communion (said) St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever Rev’d Robert Rees Café Church St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever Claire Bentham Holy Baptism and Holy Communion St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity Rev’d Robert Rees Morning Prayer St Margaret's - South Wonston Rev’d Jo Criscenti Holy Baptism and Holy Communion Holy Trinity - Wonston Rev’d Robert Rees

For further information, please contact the Parish Coordinator, email: coordinator.upperdever@hotmail.com

Dever Valley Church Locations All Saints East Stratton SO21 3XA _________________ ruffling.upstarts.disposing Holy Trinity Wonston SO21 3LS ______________________ grub.dove.unpacked St James Hunton SO21 3PX _____________________ lingering.distract.improve St James Woodmancote SO21 3BL ____________________ scatters.helper.rating St Margaret's South Wonston SO21 3EW _________________ diver.guises.tarred St Mary the Virgin Micheldever SO21 3DA _____________ sprays.serenade.gripes St Mary and St Michael Stoke Charity SO21 3PG __________ evaded.avoid.lyricist

The Dever - February 2024 17

Jackie’s County Corner After a gloomy winter, this old saying may lift your mood!

“No winter lasts forever and no Spring skips its turn”.

Many of you know that we open our garden under the NGS scheme for the spring bulbs. Wet weather can make it difficult to accommodate everyone, so we’re limiting visitors , asking you to book in advance.

You can see more about the NGS and book for The Down House on www.ngs.org.uk .

This year, our booking days are mid-week, so you can catch the bus if you wish!

Climate resilience will be an increasing part of Local Councils’ agenda and I believe it should be on Parish and Town Council’s agendas to encourage residents and property owners to take this into consideration as they make choices for their own properties, gardens and transport options. Currently, ground water levels are high; rivers are in full flow too, so heavy rain could tip into flooding. Boggy gardens are a problem, but household flooding is much more serious, especially if polluted.

We hear a lot about polluted water spilling out into rivers, but in heavy rain, SW report that up to 96% of the water through the sewage pipes can be clean rainwater, which shouldn’t be there!

Please check that your rainwater pipes are not connected to your sewage system: this may have happened before you moved in. And please check the ditch and drain outside your home is clear so the water flows away. Use the ‘report it’ tab on hants. gov.uk to report blocked drains and pipes.

Leaflets with further information available online on hants.gov.uk, or 18

contact me for a paper copy.

2025 started with significant changes proposed to the organisation of Local Government.

The start of the process is the decision for creation of a Mayor for the Strategic authority.

On the 10th January, All four HIPS Councils (Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Councils submitted a proposal to Government for the ‘fast track’ creation of a Strategic Mayoralty, called the Devolution Priority Programme. This new mayoralty will have strategic powers (transport, skills, public health, nature recovery etc) rather than ceremonial ones.

The Cabinet decision following the Council debate online can be seen at hants. gov.uk -search Cabinet (January 10th).

This process may delay County Council elections, although I disagree with this.

If the proposal is accepted, all of the district councils and smaller unitary authorities within the HIPS area will The Dever - February 2024

then have to decide how they will be organised into Unitary Authorities .

The ‘final’ new government system is unlikely to be in place before 2027. Somy County Corner will continue!

If you have gas, many of you may be experiencing Southern Gas Network disruption as they work to repair old pipes.

This work is disruptive but necessary, but I have found the SGN teams to happy accommodate any particular problem that you have with a closure in your area.

Please make contact with them using the number on their notification letter or on the yellow signs as soon as you can.

Kings Barton works continue: the Andover Road closure is still not resolved.

The ‘trigger’ of 650 homes is nigh, but neither Cala nor HCC are ready to sign off road and junction designs. I’ll keep you posted on updates. Acorn Energy and Instavolt EV charging are poised to open at Three Maids Hill.

I’m making progress on a number of pedestrian and cycle improvements. Lack of evidence from the public means that I am struggling to stop drivers misusing bridleways. So far, just one person reports this! If you are concerned by this too, please

report to the Police and let me know too.

I’m pleased that despite budget restrictions, I have confirmation that a number of Rights of Way works across the division are continuing: preparation for Nuns Walk improvements have started (by 2027 earliest), the cycle path from Harestock Water Treatment to Wellhouse Lane will be done this Spring, Bishops Sutton to Long Barn path improvements due in June 2025, and a tarmac cycle link on the Barton path under the mainline railway this year.

We have a date of summer 2026 for long awaited West Street improvements (first requested 2009!) and there is now a costed solution for the Andover Road path in Micheldever Station. By the way- watch out for exciting ‘Railway 200’ Events this year!

Meanwhile the Government has announced a new fund to provide 100% fast broadband: I will be renewing efforts to link all of you into this funding along with our MP, Danny Chambers.

I know from your comments that this affects not just rural areas, but pockets of the towns and villages too.

Cllr Jackie Porter Tel/text: 07973 696 085, email: Jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk

Holy Dusters St Mary the Virgin

Week beginning Monday 3rd Gail Sue 10th Helen Jane Flowers From 31st Jan Alex Young & Gail Bates

St James

Flowers and Cleaning

Mary Wallis and Alex McPherson

The Dever - February 2024 19

We Can’t Afford Any More Winter NHS Crises It’s been a busy start to the year for me in Parliament and in Winchester. It was no joy to see the second critical incident declared this winter at Winchester Hospital. There simply aren’t Danny Chambers at the new Royal Hampshire County Hospital enough social care packages Accident & Emergency Department available from the County Council to allow patients ready to leave recommendations. I’ll be keeping an eye hospital to get the support they need at home on their progress and doing what I can and free up hospital beds for critical patients. to ensure there is no further delay.

It comes down to years of cuts and neglect to I am delighted to say I have been our health and local services by the previous appointed to the committee to scrutinise government. Many of us have been warning the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. So much of for years about the challenges our hospitals Parliament’s work happens away from the are facing every winter and my thoughts cameras and spectacle of the Commons in go out to all the staff and patients who are committees like this. As a strong advocate having to deal with this crisis every year. for investing in preventative healthcare, I’ll I’ve been repeatedly raising this urgent be taking this opportunity to help ensure issue in Parliament since I was elected this Bill is the best it can be and helps us and challenging the government to raise the next generation smoke free. put health and social care at the top of Back in Winchester, I was delighted their agenda. We simply can’t afford to speak with students at Winchester for these crises to go on and on.

College. I was very impressed with how Child Protection has also been on the well informed and politically engaged agenda recently and I took the opportunity they were. It was a pleasure to discuss a to ask the government to promptly variety of subjects including the Tobacco implement all of the independent inquiry and Vapes Bill and global issues like recommendations which for years had Ukraine, US politics, and climate change. been ignored by the previous government.

My team and I are ready to help, so if there Rather than wasting time repeating the are any issues or concerns you have, get in inquiry, I was pleased to hear a clear touch at danny.chambers.mp@parliament.uk commitment to start implementing the Danny Chambers MP

20

The Dever - February 2024

Cercle Français de Winchester An opportunity to enjoy talks in French on a variety of topics with a glass of wine.

Thursdays at St Peters Pastoral Hall, Jewry Street, Winchester at 7.30 pm Program for 2025 Season 6 February Johnny Hallyday - un mythe francais

13 March 10 April 15 May

L’heritage de Napoleon Une visite des gares de Paris La patisserie francaise est plus qu’une fierte national c’est un art

Annual membership £30 or Non‑members evening cost £10

For more information on the group please visit www.cfwinchester.org.uk

Save The Date

WONSTON FETE

Returns With Fun For All The Family

Saturday 12th July 2025

1-4.30pm at The Old House, Wonston Hope To See You There!

The Dever - February 2024 21

City Councillors’ News In response to the Government’s English Devolution White Paper, Hampshire County Council has submitted its proposal for devolved government in Hampshire. The County Council plans would bring greater powers to Hampshire along with increased funding to deliver these new responsibilities.

By retaining and distributing more public money in Hampshire, it is hoped to provide the services that residents need more efficiently. By forming larger Combined Authorities to deliver the services currently provided by County, District and City Councils, under the leadership of an elected Mayor, public services in Hampshire will continue but in a different form.

The County Council has also bid to be included in the next group to form combined authorities. If Hampshire and neighbouring Councils in Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight are included in this priority group, council elections will be postponed from 1st May 2025 to May 2026.

If they are not included, devolution and Local Government Reorganisation will only be delayed until 2027 or 2028 at the latest.

The current responsibilities performed by Winchester City Council will be subsumed within the new Combined Authority.

Caroline and Stephen visited the site of the new anaerobic digester at Three Maids Hill. We were shown around the impressive facility that is due to be operational in the next few weeks, generating methane and carbon dioxide that will be used to create electricity for the national grid and other industrial purposes. We raised several concerns about the operation, including the increase in heavy traffic in the area, the risk of damage to the air quality in South Wonston and Littleton and the challenges of sourcing the quantity of vegetable matter required for the process.

We were assured that the operation will be closely monitored and we expect key measurements to be shared widely.

You can contact your City Councillors at any time or you can catch us at any of the Parish Council meetings. Their next meetings are on: Micheldever PC

Wednesday 5th February

Northbrook Hall.

Wonston PC

Wednesday 12th February

Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney.

South Wonston PC

Monday 10th February

South Wonston Pavilion.

All meetings start at 7.30pm. (Micheldever PC meets at 7.45pm this month)

Stephen

Cllr Stephen Godfrey 119 Downs Road South Wonston SO21 3EH Tel: 01962 884477 sgodfrey@winchester.gov.uk

22

Caroline

Cllr Caroline Horrill Wheatlands Woodman Lane Sparsholt SO21 3SH Tel: 01962 776844 chorrill@winchester.gov.uk

Patrick

Cllr Patrick Cunningham The Corner House North Drive Littleton SO22 6QA Tel: 07866 367897 pcunningham@winchester.gov.uk The Dever - February 2024

EV Myths Electric Vehicles can't Tow

There’s a wide range of EVs suitable for towing

R

E

EV E M N YT H S!

EV depending on load, speed and driving style can be as much as 30% less. Charging with a large caravan or trailer in tow can be more difficult in smaller charging sites and bays.

M O

The best towing cars are those that produce the most torque at low engine speeds and the torque in an EV is instantaneous. As long as you choose an EV that has been approved by the manufacturer for towing, you’ll find that they can work as well as combustion cars and, depending on the battery, can tow between 1500 kg and 2500 kg. The BMW iX is rated for a 2500kg towing weight, the Genesis EV70 is 1800kg and the Tesla Model Y 1600 kg.

Because EVs don’t have gears the smoothness of power delivery and reduced noise can make towing a caravan easier and quieter. As with ICE cars, towing will reduce your mileage range, which on an

Extract from The Little Book of EV Myths available as free download from www.faircharge.co.uk/ little-book-of-ev-myths

The Little Book of EV Myths

EV batteries don’t last? EVs pollute more than ICE cars?

Hydrogen will displace EVs? EVs cost more to maintain?

And much more nonsense...

Micheldever Community Library Northbrook Hall

Community Library Assisted Support Thursdays 2.00 - 3.00pm

Access to the community library is also available whenever the Northbrook Hall is open. Books can be borrowed and returned at any time.

This community library is a free village provision open to all.

I would be grateful if returned books could be left on the table for me to return to the shelves on the assisted opening day.

DONATIONS OF PAPERBACK FICTION BOOKS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME. Dawn Snow: Community Library Assisted Support Volunteer.

The Dever - February 2024 23

Forthcoming Events 2025 March 5th 12.30pm 5th 7.30pm 19th 9.30am 21st 8.00pm 28th 7.30pm April 2nd 12.30pm 2nd 7.30pm 7th 10.00am 11th 7.00pm 16th 7.30pm May 7th 12.30pm 7th 7.45pm 11th 16th 8.00pm 22nd 10.00am June 4th 12.30pm 4th 7.30pm 7th 1.00pm July 2nd 12.30pm 2nd 7.30pm 5th 1.00pm 5th 7.30pm 14th 1.00pm September 3rd 12.30pm 3rd 7.30pm October 1st 12.30pm 10th 8.00pm November 5th 12.30pm 15th 19.30pm 24

Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall Sutton Scotney Community Cafe, Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney Micheldever Wine Circle - Northbrook Hall The Quiz - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall Play In A Week starts - Northbrook Hall Bugsy Malone, Play In A Week Show - Northbrook Hall Parish Assembly, Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall 200 years of Train Travel event - The Warren Centre Micheldever Wine Circle - Northbrook Hall Plant Sale - St Mary the Virgin church Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall East Stratton Village Fête and Dog Show - Green Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Church Fête - Lord Rank Playing Field Micheldever Wine Circle summer party - venue tbc Wonston Fête - The Old House, Wonston Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Wine Circle - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Safari Supper - Micheldever The Dever - February 2024

December 5th 7.30pm Micheldever Wine Circle, Christmas Party - Northbrook Hall 17th 12.30pm Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall

Hall Booking East Stratton Hall Northbrook Hall The Warren Centre

01962 774517, 07802 755132, booknorthbrookhall@gmail.com visit www.thewarrencentre.co.uk/hire

Micheldever Village6 Store - Opening Times 8 5

6 77

9 1

10.00am - 3.00pm

9 2 7 7 6 8 2 8

9 94 3

5

1 4 5 9

Sudoku 4 3 9 2 1 5

8

5(Medium) 6 3 2 3 7 5 9 1

Daily Sudoku: Tue 15-Mar-2022

7 3 8 5 1 9 2 4 January Solution 4 9 6 7 8 2 1 3 3 6 1 8 5 9 2 7 2 5 1 4 3 6 8 9 8 9 2 4 7 1 6 5 8 1 4 6 2 5 9 7 7 5 4 3 6 2 8 9 3 6 9 1 4 7 5 8 1 7 6 9 4 8 3 2 5 5 7 4 2 8 87 92 33 61 16 6 9 8 2 3 3 26 71 15 44 58 9 6 4 1 5 9 32 63 87 75 24 1 4 2 8 7 5 91 59 46 37 63

6 5 4 7 3 3 1 2 5 4 9 9 7 1 8 8 2

2 3 7 5 8 4 9 1 6hard

Daily Sudoku: Tue 15-Mar-2022

Daily Sudoku: Wed 11-Dec-2024

medium

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd Sudoku 2024. AllLtd rights reserved. (c) Daily 2022.

All rights reserved.

Daily Sudoku: Wed 11-Dec-2024

9 1 3 8 4 2 8 7 6 6 7 3 8 2 4 5 6 1 7 9 4 8 4 2 5 9

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2025. All rights reserved.

6 1 6 2 8 9 4

5 9.00am - 6.30pm,

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd (c) 2024.

AllSudoku rights reserved.

Daily Ltd 2022. All rights reserved.

Monday - Saturday1 Sunday 2 5 1 4

Daily Sudoku: Tue 14-Jan-2025

http://www.dailysudoku.com/ http://www.dailysudoku.com/

The Dever - February 2024 25

February Diary 5th 12.30pm 5th 7.30pm 7th 8.00pm 11th 7.30pm 19th 9.30am 23rd 2.00pm

Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Wine Circle, A Case of the Committee - Northbrook Hall Disasters That Made Hampshire - The Warren Centre Sutton Scotney Community Cafe, Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney MVG Auditions - Northbrook Hall

Mobile Post Office

Wednesday morning 9.30 – 10.30 Lord Rank Car Park (please note: times may vary slightly)

Regular Dates and Times – Weekly SUNDAYS TUESDAYS

Church Services Details on centre pages 8.00 - 9.00 pm Circuit Training by Toppe from T Fit Training, Micheldever School Hall. contact Jane 07919 018877 WEDNESDAYS 8.45 - 9.45am Body Control Pilates, Northbrook Hall, Micheldever contact Emily Bray emsbray@hotmail.com 9.30–10.30am Mobile Post Office, Lord Rank Car Park, Micheldever 6.15 - 7.15pm Keep Moving Pilates, Beginners/Improvers 7.30 - 8.30pm Intermediates The Warren Centre, Micheldever Station THURSDAYS 9.30 - 10.30am Keep Moving Pilates, Beginners/Improvers The Warren Centre, Micheldever Station

contact: Chloe Nicholson chloe@keepmovingpilates.co.uk 2.00 - 3.00pm Community Library, Northbrook Hall, Micheldever 6.30 - 7.30pm Lets Do Pilates, Northbrook Hall, Micheldever

contact: lucy@letsdopilates.com 8.00 - 10.00pm Dever Singers Rehearsal–Micheldever or South Wonston churches. contact, ruthironton@gmail.com FRIDAYS 4.00pm Petanque at The Warren Centre.

26

The Dever - February 2024

Debi Rush & Micheldever Variety Group present

y Play-In-A-Week s g u for Children

B

Malone

aged 8-12

7th to 11th April, 10am to 4pm Show 11th 7pm

Northbrook Hall, Micheldever, SO21 3DF £100 (£30 deposit to book) Contact Peter O’Keefe peter.okeefe@mac.com mob: 07515 339279

Auditions Micheldever Variety Group are holding auditions for a comedy to be decided. All are welcome!

23rd February 2-5pm at Northbrook Hall, Micheldever, SO21 3DF Rehearsals will follow on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons Technical rehearsal 21st/22nd June Performances 26th, 27th, 28th June.

Email to register an interest at: info@micheldevervarietygroup.org.uk www.micheldevervarietygroup.org.uk

The disasters that made Hampshire (and their silver linings)

by Erica Wheeler

Popular, local Blue & Green Badge Tour Guide

7.30 pm – Tuesday, 11th February 2025 Warren Centre, Micheldever Station, SO21 3AR

£5 entry & Donation Bar available