The Dever June 2021

The

Dever

June 2021

80p

The Journal of the Upper Dever Valley

Hot Air Balloon over Micheldever - June 2020

photograph by Charles Holden

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

Sunday 6th June 2021

Please arrange your own car-share.

Walk sets off at 10:30am

From Abbotstone Down Car Park Grid Ref SU 585 361.

(Between Swarraton and Old Alresford)

We head north then east following the Three Castles Path to Godsfield.

(3 miles). Peter and Sarah Vey have kindly offered coffee & biscuits and will show/tell us about Godsfield Chapel. We continue 3 miles along footpaths back to Abbotstone Down.

Info: suebell0906@gmail.com

Apre-walk refreshment venue, drive to: www.thethreehorseshoesbighton.co.uk Dogs on leads welcome. Ensure Poo is picked up and disposed of appropriately

The

Dever Contents Upper Dever Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 View from the Vicarage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 News from Woodmancote & Popham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Rights Of Way Volunteers: A Step In The Right Direction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Clive Dixon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Micheldever Lunch Club Announcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The Questor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Police comment to the Parish Council following the events on the A33 . . . . . . . . 11 Barton Stacey Village Garden Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Your Tea Tent Needs You! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Chocolate Brownies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 June Services – Upper Dever Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Sidesmen & Readers ~ St Mary the Virgin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Holy Dusters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Upper Dever Church Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 From Our MP, Steve Brine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Micheldever & Stratton Pre School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 WeCAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Citizens Advice Winchester District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Jackie’s County Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Thank You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 City Councillors’ News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 In the Garden – June . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Forthcoming Events 2021-2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 June Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Hall Booking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 The Dever–June 2021 3

Upper Dever Contacts Priest in Charge

Ordinand Benefice Cordinator

Rev'd John Rennie

Dr Robert Rees Clare Fancourt

01962 760827

07590 909811 coordinator.upperdever@hotmail.com

Church Wardens

St. Mary the Virgin Micheldever Jan Mason 01962 774362 Juliet Pattinson 01962 774399 Holy Trinity Wonston Sarah Hobhouse 01962 760003 St Mary & St Michael Stoke Charity Ruth Guy 01962 760259 All Saints’ East Stratton

Chris Hilling Ed Beckwith St James’ Hunton Campbell Dye St James’ Woodmancote Linda Albin Mary Wallis

01962 795134 01962 774918 01962 760001 01256 397616 01256 397271

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 Printing: Richard Vellacott and team

The Dever Annual Subscription January to December for 12 issues: £8.00; £14.00 by post.

Articles for July issue to be received by the editor before 15th June please.

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

Treasurer: Tony Patston

Subscriptions Enquiries & Distribution

Micheldever Maureen Allan Micheldever Station Andy Adams East of railway line Ann Hawkins West of railway line Sales: email: Editor: Amanda Forsey 4

07702 879865 01962 774363 01962 774956

East Stratton Olly Bramley Woodmancote Liz Hawkesworth External/Postal Caroline Knight

01962 795028

01962 774516 01256 397429 07548 955374

Dever Advertiser

deveradvertiser@hotmail.com 01962 774115 07500 334393 Roger Forsey The Dever–June 2021

View from the Vicarage Unexpected guests Hospitality has taken a big hit during lockdown. We are all holding our breath hoping life might return to near normal after June 21st.

We are going to have to brush up on our social skills again, learn how to make conversation and remember to avoid religion, sex or politics around the dinner table.

Hospitality is such an important part of our community life and we have all desperately missed it. Planned hospitality is always energising and of course the unexpected guest is a challenge.

Jesus spoke about this scenario when he was teaching his disciples to pray.

A man had unexpected guests and he had nothing to feed them with.

He knocks on his neighbour’s door at midnight and asks for bread to feed them. The neighbour doesn’t appreciate being woken and fears if the disturbance continues all the children will wake as well. The story ends well as Jesus relates that because of the ‘shameless audacity’ of the request, the neighbour will get up and give him as much bread as he needs.

A great learning moment that we should persist in prayer but also a lesson for us all when the unexpected guest knocks on our door.

The Upper Dever was formed in 2006 and from this summer it will be joined by an ‘unexpected guest’.

We have been asked to welcome South Wonston church as part of our group of churches. The details have not been decided yet but it will happen and South Wonston will become part of one benefice with the Upper Dever Churches.

Its an opportunity to welcome them and to draw on each others strengths and weaknesses. An opportunity to put ourselves out for them, the equivalent to that ‘midnight call for bread’ and to absorb them into the Dever community.

I’m not sure there will be any place for shameless audacity but it is a unique moment to not only welcome them but also to share with them all the advantages of living and worshipping in the Upper Dever valley.

This month we begin some delightful social events across the Dever valley. Having missed them last year I do hope you will take time to support them and to be generous.

We are all delighted to learn of the appointment of Tom Johnstone as the headteacher of the Micheldever school which is at the centre of our community.

Tom brings many leadership skills and his Christian faith to this new role and of course the appointment will be a key factor ensuring stability for the school in the years ahead.

John Rennie

The Dever–June 2021 5

News from Woodmancote & Popham It was a wet and cold day for the Rogation Walk this year, how different from our virtual Rogation last year, all filmed in glorious sunshine!

However, the intrepid walkers, around two dozen of us, turned up to brave the elements and we all had a lovely afternoon walking a beautiful route through the farm and woods at Woodmancott and Popham, some of which had been specially opened up for us. We visited the farm yard, paused by a boundary stone, prayed for a Christmas tree plantation, asked for blessings on crops of growing corn, visited the pond at Popham, looked across meadows and wild flower areas and enjoyed the beautiful flowers in Mary Wallis’s garden. The afternoon tea there, was delicious as usual and we were so lucky to be able to use the large outside covered area, which kept us dry. Linda Albin expertly guided us along the route, Rev’d John led the Service and James Gray gave a short talk. Many thanks to all those who did readings so beautifully along the way and how wonderful to be able to sing

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hymns as we were outside! We are so grateful to all those who provided refreshments, delicious cakes and sandwiches and to the Crosswell family for allowing us access to a walk through such lovely countryside. No rain showers were going to dampen our Rogation day!

Life is slowly returning to normal–I just wish the weather would do the same! As I write this in May, with it raining outside and the heating still on, it’s hard to believe Summer is just around the corner!

Hopefully, by the time you read this we will be back in our shorts and flip flops!

Our next service is Holy Communion at 10am on Sunday 6th June.

Jane

The Dever–June 2021

Rights of Way Volunteers: A Step In The Right Direction.

The Micheldever Parish Rights of Way volunteers (RoWVers) have been busy in the first phase of improvement works to an historic footpath, that runs between Weston and Borough Arches, probably formed, or recognised/mapped, when the railway embankment was dug, 180+ years ago. It connects Borough Farm with Weston Farm, and creates a shortcut following the railway line - from the popular road loop out of Micheldever village, to Weston, and back. The path is steep to access from both ends, has some fairly narrow stages and often involves a circumnavigation from curious cows or horses in a lovely lush paddock.

The RoWVers want to see the path improved, well used and enjoyed as part of the unique local history and railway geography of the area. Stage 1 is complete!

From the Weston Arch, a small flight of steps now takes you to the bottom of the path, where it begins its meander to Borough Arch. More work will follow, to improve the width of the path and it’s safety over tree roots, and to add further steps down to the lovely paddock which takes you to the Dever culvert, and then back up steeply to Borough Arch.

There are fingerposts at both ends of this path, and there are further

way-marker discs to keep you on track.

You can of course walk this linear path from both directions! The RoWVers are simply starting work at the Weston end.

You can find the path here the location dot shows where the new steps have gone in.

With HUGE thanks to our fantastic Rights of Way volunteers who got stuck in, on the day, and made these steps. We were ably guided by Adam from the HCC Countryside Access Service, too.

In other areas of activity, please look out for the local Map Boards which have begun to appear - there are five in total, can you find them all? The new local villages website will certainly help you out! https:// www.micheldevervillages.org/local-groups/ micheldever-rights-of-way-volunteers RoWVers are also active clearing paths - up at the Station at the end of April, and across the parish, as reported.

Please, as ever, drop us a line if you see any Right of Way in need of some improvement, clearance or attention, anywhere in Micheldever Parish.

Thanks Lynsey Sweeney lynseysweeney17@gmail.com James Alpe james.alpe@gmail.com

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Clive Dixon Clive Dixon, who has died at the age of 96, was born in 1924 in Darlington, County Durham. At the time his father was a tenant farmer on a 350 acre mixed farm. His Father came to Northbrook Farm in Micheldever in 1927, when Clive was aged 3 years and his younger sister Audrey was 1.

The early years of life in Hampshire appeared pretty carefree. There are many photographs of him as a boy bombing round the farm on his motorbike – with his adored sister clinging on for dear life as the pillion passenger. Inevitably schooling had to feature and before long Clive was packed off as a young boarder to prep school in Dorset and then onto Canford public school. Despite being a natural sportsman and an accomplished wicket keeper and left-handed batsman in the first XI teams at all ages, he couldn’t wait to leave. The highlight of this period appeared to be the fact that his mother would, completely against the law, allow him to drive to and from Dorset from the age of 14 with her in the passenger seat!

He left school in 1942 and on reaching the age of 18 Clive signed up to join the army. A very rushed 6-month officer training course then followed at Sandhurst before he joined his regiment, The 24th Lancers, an armoured cavalry regiment, as a second lieutenant.

It wasn’t long before the regiment found itself boarding a ship in June 1944 as part of 8th Armoured Brigade of the Normandy invasion force. Arriving on a grey dawn at Gold Beach the chaos and congestion of the landings meant that a very unpleasant and anxious 12 hours was spent waiting offshore. It was at this time that the enormity of the task that lay 8

ahead, together with the responsibility that a 19 year-old inevitably felt towards the men under his command, combined to have a huge and lasting effect on him.

Landing on the beach was unopposed but this quickly all changed on day two when the enemy were encountered. It quickly became obvious to Clive that it was almost a case of boys against men and that they were up against a vastly superior and more experienced enemy.

A journal, later published as a book, was kept by the regimental Doctor. One revealing insight says so much and reads “… I looked around at the weary men who only a few days earlier had presented as fresh-faced youths. They all appeared to have aged by 20 years in this short space of time.” Clive’s luck ran out on the evening before his 20th birthday when he was seriously wounded whilst under enemy fire. Clive was repatriated after recovering sufficiently to travel and was invalided out of the army in July 1944.

He embraced farming and living in Hampshire as a young eligible bachelor for at least 10 years before acknowledging The Dever–June 2021

that it was perhaps time to settle down, a bit. He met Angela who was living in Compton and working in Winchester and they married in 1954.

Farming in the mid-forties was a time of change. Horses were slowly being replaced with basic tractors but mechanisation as we know it today was very rudimentary.

The first combine harvester arrived on the farm in a box and had to be assembled and towed by a tractor. Clive was always looking to find ways to improve techniques and remove some of the laborious drudgery of farming. He would become quite inventive as a consequence.

Outside of farming his passions included travelling, skiing, shooting, model railways, photography and videography.

He never let having only one hand stop him indulging fully in all his hobbies.

In 1990 a new challenge suddenly appeared over the horizon. The owner of all the farmland around Micheldever Station and other local villages came up with the proposal for a 5000 house new town. As a tenant farmer of the landlord promoting this development, it might have been understandable to adopt a low-profile opposition to the plan. Clive’s view was that there was a principle at stake, with the future of the whole area at risk and it should be fought

as much as possible. He would not be taking a low profile! The Dever Society was formed through the efforts of Clive, Nevil Wilson and Fergus Hughes-Onslow who was the first chairman. The success of the society in seeing off the early threat cannot be over emphasised and the battle is still ongoing 30 years later.

A Micheldever resident for 93 years, he served on the Parish Council, was a church warden, he was President of both the Hampshire Farmers Club and the Basingstoke and District Agricultural Society.

He was so proud of his grandchildren, loved giving them driving lessons around the farm, playing on his beloved train set with them or just simply sitting with them watching one of the many videos he had made.

We are given a chance to make a contribution to the world we are born into and it’s fair to say that Clive made a considerable contribution, in many different ways. He loved his life in farming, and always considered himself very fortunate to live in such lovely surroundings and to be a part of the wider agricultural community. He made many friends throughout his career in farming and valued those friendships.

Micheldever Lunch Club Announcement The committee has recently met to discuss when the lunch club might be able to restart in light of the Covid pandemic. We hope to be able to recommence in the autumn.

However, this is dependent on what happens over the next couple of months and the final phase of lifting of lockdown restrictions look out for further announcements.

The Dever–June 2021 9

The Questor The Wild Gospel..… …..To an Unknown God At the peak of the Roman Empire, the total distance that the roads covered was around 250,000 miles. With the help of this network, the Romans were able to transport reinforcements, supplies, and trade goods to even the most distant and secluded parts of their empire. These roads were crucial for the foundation and development of many cities. They were also a major means of spreading the Message of Jesus throughout the Roman Empire One such famous road that brought prosperity to a whole region, built in the second century BC, was called Via Egnatia. It connected Rome with the Eastern provinces of Illyricum, Macedonia, and Thrace. It was on this road that Paul and his companions travelled when they left Philippi. They went west, stopping off at Amphipolis and Apollonia and arrived in Thessalonica, one of the principal cities in Macedonia.

Here, the familiar pattern of events took place: Paul went to the synagogue and, starting from the old testament scriptures, explained how Jesus had fulfilled them; some of the Jews and a large number of God fearing Greeks believed him; the rest of the Jews became jealous and got some guys to make false accusations against Paul and Silas to the local authorities.

So that night the believers helped Paul, Silas and Timothy get out of the city safely and sent them west to Berea.

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The people of Berea were much more hospitable and eager to understand the truth of the Message of Jesus. They studied the scriptures diligently every day to see if what Paul said was true and many of them believed. Then guess what: some Jews from Thessalonica showed up and started causing trouble. So the believers sent Paul with an escort to the coast and Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea to help establish the new church.

The people who escorted Paul went with him all the way to Athens. So Paul had made it to Greece, the home of philosophical thinking. The favourite occupation of the Greeks was debate and they loved to go to the meeting houses and the marketplace and discuss whatever issue was raised. This was potentially fertile ground for Paul.

While he was waiting for Silas and Timothy to catch him up, Paul wandered around the city and was distressed to see so many idols, dedicated to the various gods that the Greeks worshipped. So, day after day, Paul went to the Synagogue and the marketplace and engaged in debate. He told them the good news of The Dever–June 2021

Jesus and how he was raised from death and this was of great philosophical interest to them. In fact it was of such interest that they invited him to speak at a meeting of the Areopagus. This was in effect the Supreme Court.

Paul took advantage of this prime opportunity and addressed the court. He said that as he walked around the city and saw all the statues to the various gods, he had formed the clear view that they were religious people. And he was interested that they had covered all their bases by erecting an altar to ‘AN UNKNOWN GOD’. He went on to tell them that this was the very God they should be worshipping. He is the God who made heaven and earth and doesn’t need anyone to build him a temple to live in.

He went on to say God’s desire is that we should reach out for him and find him – though he is not far from us. Paul made reference to the words of some

Greek poets: “We are his offspring” and said that we shouldn’t think of him in terms of a statue or altar made by human hands. God had excused that kind of thinking in the past but, now that Jesus has shown us the true nature of God, such ideas are unacceptable.

He has set a day of judgement when the man he has raised from the dead will judge all who do not repent.

The Message of Jesus wasn’t enthusiastically received by the Athenians. It seems they loved to debate and philosophise but weren’t great at reaching a conclusion. Maybe that’s true of our present society in which it seems every view is valid. In a situation where people are happy to discuss religious views but are unwilling to make a commitment, Paul’s message of a judgement day is a salutary one.

Next month: In the wicked city

Police comment to the Parish Council following the events on the A33 Many thanks for letting me attend your meeting.

I can understand the evident frustrations felt by some of your parishioners in the meeting last night (5th May) and their perceptions around the Police action but as stated, the actions taken were to ensure the safety of the community. The numbers that attended the A33 on Saturday 1st May far exceeded the number anticipated and the blocking of both carriageways by up to 500 individuals meant that putting intermittent closures on the A33, with the Police resources available, ensured

public safety whilst keeping disruption to those in the area to a minimum. The change in the subsequent information picture, not just the numbers and behaviour of those involved, but also the environmental damage and incidents at nearby hotels and licensed premises will impact on our Police response going forward. As stated in the meeting, please encourage parishioners to report any issues to the Police either online, through 101, via their Neighbourhood Team or 999 if it is an emergency.

John Stribley | Inspector 2701 / T1085

The Dever–June 2021 11

Barton Stacey Village Garden Walk Sunday 27th June 2021 After a gap of several years, we have decided to hold another of our popular Garden Walks around the Village on Sunday 27th June, between 1.30 to 5.30pm, I am delighted to give you further details of how to begin the adventure! There will be about 18 gardens of all descriptions on show… ranging from new tiny front of house treasures to quite large well established gardens awaiting admiration.

Maps of the Walk will be on sale in front of the Village Hall, in the centre of the village opposite the pub. No one will be allowed to enter any garden without a map, which will cost £15 for a Family, £7.50 per adult and £5

for Seniors. All profits will be going to Village Projects after the disastrous and expensive catastrophes suffered in the last year in Barton Stacey…the Pavilion being struck by lightning and the lead being ripped off the Church roof.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to get ideas and tips from the gardeners themselves - or even give advice yourselves! Please no dogs.

Parking in the car park just down the hill behind the church.

Looking forward to seeing you and do tell your friends…in a couple of the gardens, tea will also be on offer to boost the funds.’

Your Tea Tent Needs You! The Micheldever fête will be taking place on Saturday 17th July at 1pm. The tea tent will need lots of volunteers to help with serving tea, washing up and clearing tables. If you think you can help for half

an hour or more on the day, or bake a cake, please do get in touch with me by email janiskinnell@hotmail.com or text 07745458822 or telephone 774814.

Thank you. Janis Kinnell

Chocolate Brownies This is an easy recipe & never fails! An indulgent treat, a sliver of a piece is sufficient!

Ingredients 375g sugar 275g butter - softened 75g cocoa powder 100g SR flour 100g chocolate chips (optional) 4 eggs - beaten 12

Method Mix all ingredients together Bake for 35 mins @ 180 fan in 9in x 12in foil-lined tin including sides ( 2 x 7in x 7in} They are supposed to be a little “squidgy” inside so don’t overcook The Dever–June 2021

www.LymeDiseaseAction.org.uk

Watch out!

Ticks about!

Lyme disease

risk zones     

Long grass Undergrowth Woods Moors and heaths Urban parks & gardens

Some ticks carry Lyme disease and they can inject the bacteria into you when they take a meal of blood.

Symptoms may appear between 2 and 30 days after the bite and may include: ...across the UK

Walkers, campers, gardeners - beware!

Ticks are larger after feeding.

Before that they can be as small as a full stop on this page.

Tick removal  Do it as soon as possible  DO NOT squash the tick or apply any

   

Feeling unwell with ‘flu-like symptoms Extreme fatigue Muscle or joint pain Muscle weakness Viral-like meningitis Headache Facial palsy Disturbances of sight, hearing, digestive system or sleep  A slowly spreading rash which may look like a “bull’s eye”, called an erythema migrans. If you get a rash, photograph it for your record        

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics: the sooner the better.

creams, oils or heat to the tick (if you put a tick under pressure, you may pump its saliva and stomach contents into you!)

Use a tick removal tool to ensure you remove all the tick Dispose of the tick down the sink, avoiding getting any tick fluids on bare skin Clean the bite site with soap & water or antiseptic If you develop a rash or symptoms, see your doctor and tell them you were bitten

Stay safe  Try not to brush against vegetation  Keep your legs and arms covered  Brush clothing & pets off before going

inside

 Check areas not easily seen: back of leg,

back, hairline. Don’t rely on sight: tick bites are painless and can go unnoticed  Buy a tick remover from LDA, vet or pet shop

Lyme Disease Action www.LymeDiseaseAction.org.uk

Registered in England Charity Number 1100448, Company Number 4839410

Last reviewed April 2017 Next review April 2020 ldaP2.2

June Services – Upper Dever Valley June 6th 10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

Second Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Communion Rev’d Neil Britton Morning Prayer Campbell Dye Family Service Ruth Guy

June 13th 10.00 am

11.00 am

6.00 pm

10.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

Holy Trinity–Wonston

St Mary & St Michael –Stoke Charity Holy Trinity – Wonston St Mary the Virgin – Micheldever

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Family Service Ruth Guy Morning Prayer Rob Rees Family Service Campbell Dye Holy Communion Rev’d John Rennie

June 27th

St Mary & St Michael – Stoke Charity

Third Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Communion Rev’d Neil Britton Morning Prayer Peter Russell Holy Communion Neil McSparron / Rev’d John Rennie

June 20th

St James – Woodmancote

St Mary the Virgin – Micheldever All Saints – East Stratton

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

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

10.00 am Online Service (Zoom & speaker) (the link will be available nearer the time) For details of how to access online services, please contact the Parish Co-ordinator, email: coordinator.upperdever@hotmail.com

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The Dever–June 2021

Sidesmen & Readers ~ St Mary the Virgin June 13th 10.00 am

Sides-duty David Findley Readers Maurelle D’Agostino

Gail Bates

2 Corinthians 5 v 6 - 10, 14 - 17 1 Samuel 15 v 34 - 16 v 13

June 20th 10.00 am

Sides-duty Louise Keys Readers Young Family

2 Corinthians 6 v 1- 13 1 Samuel 17 v 1, v 4 - 11

Holy Dusters St Mary the Virgin Mowing & Path Sweeping Russell Smart / James Maclay / Henry Watson / Rupert Greatrix

St James’ Flowers and Cleaning

Emily Bray and Sophie Martin

Upper Dever 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.dwistract.improve St James Woodmancote SO21 3BL ____________ scatters.helper.rating St Mary the Virgin Micheldever SO21 3DA _____ sprays.serenade.gripes St Mary and St Michael Stoke Charity SO21 3PG ___evaded.avoid.lyricist The Dever–June 2021 15

From Our MP, Steve Brine First of all this month, I want to touch on the subject of illegal traveller racing on the A33.

I deliberately put it in those terms because that’s what it is. And, yes, Steve Brine with British Transport Police April 2021 I appreciate it’s difficult for the police – and we should try to respect other cultures – but from Hampshire Hospitals Foundation not when they break the law of the land.

Trust – and local commissioners – As I promised at the time, I have been about future services at the Royal speaking (pretty frankly) to the police Hampshire County Hospital in and the robust new Police Commissioner, Winchester and plans for a new build Donna Jones, since the events of May’s hospital near (possibly) Junction 7 of early Bank Holiday weekend, and the M3. You can see find all the details supporting their efforts to escalate the at www.stevebrine.com/prioritynhs response for any future races. This is On a different subject altogether, I extremely pressing given adverts for a race recently joined officers from the British at “Mitchell Diva” have been circulating Transport Police at Winchester station on social media and I am pleased to say, as they carried out an important “county as a result of what happened last month lines” operation. I was taken through and the numbers involved, the weekend in the work of the team in combating the June has been escalated to a Public Order practice which brings drugs into our Public Safety event. A silver commander area from big cities including London. officer has been identified who will After ten years in public life, I am not write up a tactical and strategic plan. easily shocked by things but it never And I will be leading the calls from ceases to amaze me what I hear. Drug constituents – coordinating your elected running into places like Winchester representatives at all levels – to meet is a menace which prays on the most these plans with a show of strength vulnerable and the BTP team are doing that makes it very clear the A33 is not a superb work to try and disrupt it. It is so race track and we do not want this here. important that the police are tough and Clearly it’s a fast-moving situation but I out showing a strong, but supportive, face. will endeavour to post updates via the Finally, many congratulations to Cllr Parish Council and on my Facebook page.

Stephen Godfrey for his re‑election to Secondly, it was a welcome return at Winchester City Council representing the end of May for my ASKtheNHS the Wonston & Micheldever Ward series of public meetings. This one heard and to Cllr Porter for her re‑election 16

The Dever–June 2021

as County Councillor. I will, as always, work with them both for the benefit of my constituents in this lovely part of my patch.

Much more, and daily updates from me, please ‘follow’ www.fb.com/SteveBrineMP Steve Brine MP for Winchester & Dever Valley

Micheldever & Stratton Pre School A summer term of fun We have had such a lovely month and with the weather being rather nice we have been able to spend more time outdoors and enjoying listening to the sounds of the new baby birds nesting in the top of the preschool roof, we can’t wait to see how many baby birds will start emerging from their nest in a few weeks time. We have also extended our learning to the Forest School too, where we have learnt so much about this wonderful time of year and how nature is changing day by day. We are so lucky and privileged to have the opportunity to learn in the

forest with all the nature around us and we do have some availability if you would all like to come and learn with us too.

Our dance lessons and Rugby Tot sessions are so much fun and we really are so lucky to be able to learn new skills and improve our existing ones too. This term we are looking at things that grow, we are planting some lovely vegetables and flowers, we have even got some baby caterpillars so we will be looking more in depth at the life cycles too of different animals. We will also be thinking about our next journey in our lives as some of us will move up to primary school in September. We are also hoping that we can welcome back parents to come and see us inside once restrictions have lifted, we have missed our parents not being able to come and look at what we have been doing. It is so important to us and our preschool teachers that our parents are a part of our journey, so every moment we can share again, we are going to cherish.

We do have some availability at the moment so if you would like or know someone who is looking for a small family feel run community preschool, please do get in touch. We pride ourselves on our motto that ‘Every Child Matters & Every Child Counts’. Please contact our pre-school leader Mrs. Nicola Rae at leader.micheldeverpreschool@gmail.com

The Dever–June 2021 17

WeCAN Winchester Action on Climate Change (WinACC) sees new hubs of action on the climate popping up across the Winchester District, so we feel the time is right for introducing Winchester Climate Action Network–WeCAN! WeCAN started in February 2021 with a virtual meeting for anyone who was active on the climate, or who wanted to be active in their community across Winchester District. Almost 60 people shared news about their activities and plans, and set out the support they needed.

WeCAN is for communities across the district taking action on the climate to develop: • opportunities to learn from each other • resources for local groups • mentoring/guidance on how to engage local people and the community • information advice and support One fantastic opportunity through WeCAN this year is a project with the Centre for Sustainable Energy (a charity based in Bristol), commissioned

by Winchester City Council.

Over 60% of parish councils have responded to the surveys from the project to give a baseline showing where there is already climate emergency-related activity

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(and where there isn’t), and what support communities need to make changes and respond to the climate emergency.

The Centre for Sustainable Energy will produce a carbon footprint report for each parish showing where the parish’s carbon emissions come from. They also offer webinars to discuss the detail and implications of these reports. These will draw on the new Impact community carbon calculator https://impact-tool.org.uk/ Webinar dates are June 23rd in the evening, June 25th and 30th in the daytime. For more details, please email WeCAN@winacc.org.uk We will run climate emergency action days in the autumn to support the parish councils and their communities in developing climate action plans.

2021 is a crucial year–decisions are being taken nationally and internationally to shape the future.

And locally WeCAN be involved!

Jo Crocker, Coordinator, Winchester Action on Climate Change

The Dever–June 2021

Citizens Advice Winchester District My energy bill really shot up last month. I don’t feel like I’ve been using any more heating or electricity than usual, so I’m worried I’m being overcharged. I’ve tried to contact my energy supplier for support, but no one ever answers the phone. I’ve waited on hold for nearly an hour several times before giving up. What should I do?

It’s normal for your energy bills to change depending on the time of year and how much gas and electricity you’re using.

But if your bills seem strangely high, then it’s important to investigate why.

Firstly, check your meter is working properly and your usage has definitely not gone up, even accidentally. Also check what heaters you have and whether you’re using them correctly.

Night storage radiators and immersion heaters in particular can cause very high bills if used incorrectly.

Secondly, check to see if your bill is an estimate. If it is, you need to give your supplier a new meter reading. If it’s not an estimate, check your last meter reading to see if it matches the one on your bill. If you still don’t have an answer, then check to see if your supplier has raised their prices.

Customer service varies between suppliers and unfortunately we hear of many bad experiences similar to yours.

We also know the problem has worsened during the pandemic. If you’re struggling to get through to them, you could make a formal complaint. There is advice on how to do this on the Citizens Advice website.

Citizens Advice also publish a comparison table every three months which rates suppliers’ customer service,

based on things like telephone wait time, email response time and the accuracy of their bills. Have a look for Lesley Rose, Advice yours to see Services Manager how they for Citizens Advice fare against Winchester District others. If gives advice on how they’re low best to deal with your on the list, energy supply issues. consider switching to a different one.

For more information about an energy related issues visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ consumer/energy/energy-supply Alternatively to speak to an adviser at Citizens Advice Winchester District, call our free phone number on 0808 278 7861 or email advice@cawinchesterdistrict.org.uk

The Dever–June 2021 19

Jackie’s County Corner I’m back and very grateful to all of you who took them time to vote by post or in person at the elections on the 6th May. I was elected to be your County Councillor for the Itchen Valley Division.

Although we could not meet you earlier, we were allowed to meet you at your door after the 8th March and I had hundreds of conversations- both happy and sad.

I saw a distinct difference in those conversations in comparison to those in previous years.

• A greatly increased interest in our green environment • A greater awareness of recycling, and how we can reduce our own Carbon footprint • A far greater number of electric cars plugged into homes • The health and wellbeing of you, and of those around us • And of course- getting out more!

Electric cars have burgeoned in the last few years. ‘Range anxiety’ is often less with an electric car when you plug it in at home , rather than find a fuel station. But conscious that this is not possible for residents without off street parking, WCC has provided fast and rapid charging spots at car parks in Winchester and Alresford, with more planned.

HCC is trialling slow charge on-street overnight charging from lamp posts.

NewLeaf Alresford is joining a group of sites that are working with WCC and HCC trialling new forms of verge management to increase the number of wildflowers we see on the roadsides.

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The cost of maintaining a verge in this way is actually more complicated than it sounds so these trials will be really useful to see the implications. If you fancy trying verge gardening, please contact www.NewLeafAlresforford.org for more details Many of you will have had a tidy out as part of the Covid19 re think in our lives, and want to recycle children’s toys and clothes. Go to www.winchestervineyard.org (see ‘storehouse’ on their menu) to support families with young children- toys, money, they even have an Amazon wishlist!

I’m still a Trustee of The Watercress Way. Our progress has been hampered through the last year but we are volunteering from June, with walks, and conservation activities. Go to www.thewatercressway.org.uk for details.

Volunteering is an opportunity to make a real difference for others; and taking part is fun particularly if you want to walk and talk and meet others along the way.

Proposals for new incinerator sites in Hampshire fill me with horror. If this county is taking recycling seriously, we must do that: recycle what we can The Dever–June 2021

and not build more capacity to burn.

So, it is disappointing that even though pubs and shops are open again, the recycling centres are still appointment only - and still only for cars. I’ll talk more about recycling in the context of the new Hampshire Minerals and Waste plan in July’s county corner.

As you read this, the Hampshire Together consultation on the difficult decision on the new hospital will be underway. Go to

www.HampshireTogether.nhs.uk to give your views- and I’d be pleased to hear them too! If you don’t have the internet, please give me a call, so I can talk you through how you can be involved too.

Councillor Jackie Porter Itchen Valley Division tel 01962 791054 text 07973 696 085 email Jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk website www.jackieporter.co.uk Follow me on twitter @JackieLibDem

Thank You To everyone who supported Christian Aid Week.

Those who donated, collected, & organised, together we accumulated about £700 with a donation from St Mary’s Church Micheldever.

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City Councillors’ News Patrick Cunningham’s year as Mayor of Winchester drew to a close at an online ceremony. Stephen proposed a vote of thanks for Patrick’s service to Winchester in what has been a most unusual year. Patrick paid tribute on our behalf to 120 local heroes for their invaluable work during the pandemic lockdowns. As Mayor, Patrick gave hundreds of speeches online as well as representing Winchester in person when rules permitted. His highlight was a Passing Out parade at Sir John Moore Barracks on a very hot day, where some soldiers passed out more than once!

Winchester City Council is distributing the latest round of Government pandemic recovery funding. Grants are being made for up to £5,000 for adaptations and up to £20,000 for transformation and diversification in response to bids submitted. We worked with Parish Councils to contact as many businesses and organisations as possible before the closing date.

Find out about other financial support schemes from the City Council – email ecodev@winchester.gov.uk or contact one us for details.

Stephen

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

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Caroline

The Council’s new Sport and Leisure Park at Bar End is due to open on 28th May 2021. We hope that you will be able to benefit from the new sports swimming, fitness and well-being facilities. Details of opening times, prices and membership schemes can be obtained from the operator at www.everyoneactive.com.

Elections for one third of the seats on the City Council were contested in May. Stephen Godfrey (1,954 votes, majority 975, turnout 53%) was re-elected. The LibDem group retains control of the City Council. Elections for County Councillors for the next 4 years resulted in the re-election of Jan Warwick (4,217 votes, majority 1,483) for Winchester Downlands and Jackie Porter (3,673 votes, majority 837) for Itchen Valley, both with 53% turnout. The Conservatives retain control of Hampshire County Council.

Following the Government decision not to extend the period allowing councils to meet online, Parish Councils will start meeting face-to-face again, although this may not be until after 21st June 2021. Please look at their websites for details. All City Councillors are available for you to contact at any time.

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–June 2021

The Dever–June 2021 23

In the Garden – June What a difference a day of heavy rain makes; trees bursting into leaf, the lawn needing a mow and the fruit trees and bushes looking promising. Even the never-ending frosts seem to have gone at last.

Our garden is full of colour – yellow dandelions and white daisies which have been visited every day by several goldfinches, carefully extracting dandelion seeds from the heads. (I have decided to let most of the garden revert to meadow to encourage birds, bees and butterflies and already have a young hare visiting regularly).

I was thrilled to spot a mistle thrush nest low down in the fork of a tree near the greenhouse. She laid 4 pretty blue speckled eggs, which on 9th May hatched into 4 rather ugly looking babies with just a fluffy feather on their heads. By 12th May they had grown larger and sported more feathers, but early on 13th they were predated, probably by magpies or jackdaws. I just hope the hen builds a new nest in a less obvious place. Ή Now is a good time to shade the greenhouse, you can use greenhouse paint which is a lot cheaper than buying mesh screen. Ή Stake plants that will grow taller during the summer, you can use bamboo canes tied together with twine, or even some long twigs.

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Ή Check your garden tools, giving them a good clean and oil; you may find some old ones in the shed which you don’t use any more and which can be re‑cycled to first‑time gardeners. Ή Plant out courgettes, sweetcorn, aubergines etc if all risk of frost has gone. Ή Regularly pinch out side shoots on cordon tomatoes and make sure the main stem is well supported. Ή Start summer pruning of gooseberries, shortening the current season’s growth back to five leaves; prune out and dispose of any shoots affected by gooseberry mildew.

By the time you read this, we will have had our annual plant and cake sale; I would like to thank David Findley for offering to transport my heavy containers of plants to the churchyard, a very welcome gesture.

CK

The Dever–June 2021

Forthcoming Events 2021-2022 July

3rd 1–6.00pm Nick Eliot Art Exhibition–Warren Hall, Micheldever Station 3rd

4.30pm Unveiling of the The Red Wheel, Commemorating the Original Journey made by Sir Evelyn Ellis–Micheldever Station Car Park

4th

8.30am Pre 1906 Vehicles depart Micheldever Station for the Ellis Journey 2021. Breakfast served at The Dove Inn.

4th

10.30am First Sunday In The Month Walk–The Warren Centre Car Park

7th

7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council–tbc

17th

1.00pm Micheldever Fête–Lord Rank Playing Field.

September 1st

7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council–tbc

11th

7.30pm Safari Supper–tbc.

October 6th

7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council–tbc

November 3rd

7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council–tbc

27th

1.00pm Table Top Sale–Northbrook Hall

December 1st

7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council–tbc

January 5th

7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - tbc

February 2nd

7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - tbc

March 2nd

7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - tbc

April 6th

7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - tbc

tbc

7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council, Parish Assembly - tbc

May 4th 8th

7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council, AGM - tbc (subject to election)tbc 11.30 am Celebrating Micheldever Station 2020+1, The Warren Centre - tbc

The Dever–June 2021 25

June Diary 2nd

7.30 pm Micheldever Parish Council - tbc

6th 10.30 am First Sunday in the Month Walk–The Warren Centre see advert inside front cover for details 17th-20th

Peter Pan Returns (MVG summer Panto) - Lord Rank Playing Field, see advert on back cover for details

Hall Booking East Stratton Village Hall Northbrook Hall The Warren Centre

01962 774517, 07731 952705, info@thewarrencentre.co.uk

Please Remember to Check That Events Are Taking Place Before Venturing Out Mobile Post Office Wednesday morning 9.30 – 10.30 Lord Rank Car Park (please note: times may vary slightly)

www.micheldeverparish.org.uk Parish Council Matters–Planning Applications, Meetings–Agendas, Dates & Minutes, Newsletters, Parish Assembly and more.

Parish Council Meetings The legislation allowing Parish Councils to conduct virtual meetings has now expired and future meetings will once more be held in person. However, whilst restrictions remain in place during June it is intended to hold only a very short meeting later in June in order to approve the Annual Return.

This will be the only item of business on the agenda and whilst legally the public could still attend the meeting we would like to keep numbers as low as possible. The Annual Return will be posted on the website prior to the meeting and questions can be raised with Jocelyn, the Clerk, via email micheldeverpc@hotmail.co.uk or by calling 01794 368951.

The first full face to face meeting of the Parish Council will be on Wednesday 7th July (venue to be confirmed).

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The Dever–June 2021

Art Exhibition Sat 3rd July 2021 1pm - 6pm. The Warren Hall, Micheldever Station. SO21 3AR

Local Artist Nick Eliot

Free entry Free parking Disabled access Café

Signed original paintings will be for sale.

10% donated to

The Countess Of Brecknock Hospice Further info contact: nickeliotart@gmail.com

n a P r e t

Micheldever Variety Group presents

s n e r u P et ra P

th n i anto

! k r a eP

Written by Chris Egan Tickets on sale Now email: MVG.boxoffice@gmail.com £10 each concessions £7 call: 07731 651092

Lord Rank Playing Field, Micheldever

JUNE

17 th@7 pm , 18 th@7 pm , 19 th@2 pm &7 pm , 20 th@2 pm