The Dever October 2024

Dever The

The Journal of the Dever Valley

The Dever from Northbrook bridge

October 2024 90p

Photo - Tony Patston

First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk.

First-Sunday-in-the-Month Fund Raising Sunday Walk 6th October 2024 Please arrange your own car-share.

Walk sets off at 10:30am from

Cheriton Recreation Ground Car Park Grid Ref SU580283.

Drive through Alresford to Cheriton. At the end of the main street turn right up Brandy Mount. PASS The Pots on your left, at the speed derestriction sign turn right into the entrance of the Recreation Ground. SO24 0QQ

4 miles (5.5K) along footpaths & green lanes all of which are Rights of Way. Virtually NO roads. Maps will be given to those with LEGS who wish to go further and explore all of the Cheriton Battlefield Walk.

Was Cheriton Church really built on an Iron Age Mound?

Who was “The Lady in Black”?

Why do 4 Stained-glass Windows each depict a soldier?

What is the significance of “Gooden’s Gold”?

Dogs on leads welcome.

Info: suebell0906@gmail.com

The Pots has received a major make-over, but how sensitively! I can stroll down memory lane while appreciating all the modern facilities. Lunch served ‘til late but book. theflowerpots.co.uk

Dever The

The Journal of the Dever Valley

Contents First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Just Don’t Worry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 News from Woodmancote & Popham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Micheldever Community Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Micheldever Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Micheldever Village Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Dove Inn–Micheldever Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Half Moon and Spread Eagle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Pension Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Cercle Français de Winchester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Jackie’s County Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Church Services for The Dever Benefice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Dever Valley Church Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Holy Dusters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 EV Myths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Micheldever Music Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Letter from Westminster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Bazeley And The Beast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Cyber Fraud Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Pop-Up Cafe At The Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Winchester Churches Christmas Project – How It Works (2024) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Winchester Churches Christmas Project 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Reasons To Plant In Autumn And When To Apply Mulch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Volunteer Drivers in Micheldever Parish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 City Councillors’ News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Forthcoming Events 2024 ~ 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Hall Booking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Micheldever Village Shop - Opening Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 October Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Regular Dates and Times – Weekly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 The Dever - October 2024 3

Dever Valley Contacts

Rev’d Dr Robert Rees, Rector Benefice Co-ordinator Clare Fancourt

07590909811 (rest day Saturday) 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 Ruth 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 November issue to be received by the editor before 15th October 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:

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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 - October 2024

Just Don’t Worry Canon J John, one of the country’s great Christian communicators encourages us to pass on his words to others. He recently wrote, ‘’Did you know that most people’s anxiety is focussed on 40% of things that will never happen, 30% of past things that can’t be changed, 12% of things relating to other people’s criticism, which is generally untrue and 10% of things relating to health which only gets worse if you worry.

That leaves 8% of things that really turn out to be something, so there’s no point in worrying about all the rest!

J Arthur Rank, Lord Rank, a committed and active Christian philanthropist who spent many productive years at Sutton Manor after WW II (including running Sunday Schools for children up and down the Dever Valley) decided to do all his worrying on one day each week. He chose Wednesdays. When anything made him anxious he wrote it down and put it into his ‘worry box’ and forgot about it until Wednesday.

The interesting thing was that on the following Wednesday he found that most of the things were no longer issues of concern. Worrying about them would have been useless.

Yes, there are important things in our lives that we do need to take seriously, but worrying about things we can’t do anything about takes our energy away from things that matter.

As Christians, we have a great antidote to worry. Worry rarely achieves anything, but asking God to help by praying is often highly effective, even if answers don’t come immediately.

Paul, writing to new Christians about AD 60 said, ‘Don’t worry. Instead of worrying, let petitions and praises turn your worries into prayers. Tell God all your concerns and before you know it, a sense of God’s powerful care, everything coming together for good, will enter your mind and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the centre of your life.’ That’s from Paul’s letter to the new Christians in Philippi, chapter 4.

I’ve often found that if I ask God to help, he will do something far better than I’d imagined. Some of my longterm prayers haven’t been answered yet but I’ve seen so many answered in my life, I can relax, trust God and wait.

One woman slept really badly every night, terrified of burglars. One night, her husband heard a noise, went downstairs and found a burglar in the kitchen. ‘Come upstairs and meet my wife’, he said, ‘She’s been waiting for ten years to meet you!’

A burglar can steal from you once. Worrying can steal from you day by day, year after year.

Pray instead and watch the peace of Christ settle you down and bring calm and joy into your life.

Ruth Guy

The Dever - October 2024 5

News from Woodmancote & Popham In September Woodmancote was treated to an Open Garden Evening at Armsworth House kindly hosted

by Alex and Strone McPhearson.

The weather was just perfect and we wandered around the grounds in the warm late Summer sunshine to admire the beautiful landscape with all the different parts of the garden, from the formal to woodland and the diverse tree planting that Alex and Strone have put together over the years they have been living there. We then walked through the fields to the most beautiful old barn, which has been lovingly restored, where we had a raffle and wine with delicious canapés (made by the PCC).

It was such a lovely evening to share with friends and neighbours and learn more about

their garden. A great big thank you to Alex and Strone for such a wonderful evening.

The money raised will go towards the new Music Director we have in the Parish, who is such a great asset for our special services and local Schools.

In October Woodmancote has an Evensong Service at 6pm on the 20th and then the next Service is All Souls, which will be held on Friday 1st November at 7pm, so slightly different this year. Please do come and join us.

Mary.

Micheldever Community Library Northbrook Hall changes to the Community Library Assisted Support availability Starting from 3rd October 2024 From: Thursdays 2.00pm - 3.30pm To: Thursdays 2.00pm - 3.00pm The reduction in time availability for assisted support is as result of the limited utilisation of this provision and the cold entrance hall during the autumn and winter months.

Access to the Community Library is however available whenever the

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Northbrook Hall is open. Books can be borrowed and returned at any time; no booking in or out requirements. 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 - October 2024

MICHELDEVER LUNCH Wednesday

2nd October 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 2nd October East Stratton Village 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.micheldeverparish.org.uk Parish Council Matters–Planning Applications, Meetings–Agendas, Dates & Minutes, Newsletters, Parish Assembly and more.

The Dever - October 2024 7

Micheldever Village Store September marked the second anniversary of Rajeev and the Village Store. They have been a challenging two years for Rajeev as he has learned about a new market and coped with high overheads, not least the cost of electricity. Rajeev enters his third year with considerable help to overcome the impact of this latter issue.

Rajeev has an array of fridges and freezers that both consume energy and produce heat. Additionally, the huge shop window faces south and any sunshine adds to the heat within the shop causing the fridges and freezers to work harder.

This has often resulted in temperatures of close to 50C, spoiled stock and a wholly uncomfortable environment.

Winchester City Council recognises the importance of community shops and are supporting Rajeev in making the shop a better environment and to do so as eco‑friendly as possible. Through the UK Rural England Prosperity Fund 24/25, the Council has granted funds for air conditioning to be installed and this should be completed imminently. It is hoped that there will be a further grant from the Green

Business Fund for 50:50 matched funding to erect a canopy over the shop front to both reduce the impact of the sun through the window and to carry solar panels to reduce significantly the use of grid electricity. It is hoped that further grant funding will provide most, if not all, of the 50% match but there may be a need to generate some community funding if there is a shortfall. This will enable the work to be completed in the near future.

The result of this work will be a shop that is more economical to run, environmentally friendly through the use of renewable energy and a better retail environment. With regard to the better retail environment, Rajeev is preparing to make great improvements with his stock–good pastries, sandwiches, regular deliveries of fresh fruit and vegetables and much more.

We are so lucky to have a village store and Rajeev has persevered to deliver that. The future looks even more promising, the more so with your support.

Supported by

The Dove Inn–Micheldever Station At time of writing, the Dove Inn is due to close at the end of September. The community expresses huge thanks and gratitude to Charlie, Jo, and the entire team at the Dove for everything they have done during their tenancy at the pub, truly living up to its status as an Asset of Community Value.

There is an informal group of local residents exploring the multitude of 8

options that might result in the pub trading again. If you would like to contribute, share knowledge, or just learn more, we welcome anyone to get in touch.

Please do so, also if you are considering placing a bid, whether for leasehold or freehold–insight to such intentions can help us to best direct our efforts.

Paul Frost paulfrost86@gmail.com Sue Bell suebell0906@gmail.com The Dever - October 2024

The Half Moon and Spread Eagle As many of you have probably already heard, there is new management at the Half Moon And Spread Eagle. Me (Jake), Jess and Lois have teamed up to keep the pub open and running for you (the village). Since I moved to the village I have noticed how important the pub is to the village community, and that is why we are adamant on keeping it open. I've been at the Half Moon And Spread Eagle now for a few months running front of house, getting to know each and every one of you. Lois has been working at the pub now for a year both behind the bar and in the restaurant, and Jess has been in the kitchen since January increasing her skills with the determination to develop as a chef.

Nick and Phil (the owners), have shown us support since the beginning of the pub's new journey, as have many of you. Your support is greatly appreciated by every single member of staff here.

That is why it is important to us that the pub is a place the village wants to come to, whether that be for a quick drink with friends or a meal with your family. We want you to feel both welcome and comfortable here.

Any future plans we have, we will be keeping you up to date, whether this be by posting on our social media (facebook and instagram page), the pub website and the pub newsletter.

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I want to say a massive thank you to everyone from me and the rest of the team at the Half Moon.

For any inquiries you can contact us on: Email: halfmoon.spreadeagle@gmail.com Phone: 01962 774150 Instagram: halfmoon_spreadeagle Facebook: Half Moon and Spread Eagle Freehouse Website: halfmoonandspreadeagle.co.uk

The Dever - October 2024

Messy Harvest!

A Harvest celebration for all the family Join us to give thanks for the harvest through… stories crafts games songs and lots of fun!

Saturday 5th October

11am, St Margaret’s South Wonston 2pm, St Mary’s Micheldever For more information please contact Claire: claire@ianbentham.org

Pension Credit Ally Chatterley, Operations Manager at Citizens Advice Winchester District gives advice on changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, and how to access it.

I’m a pensioner and am really worried about how I’m going to pay my energy bills this winter, especially now the Winter Fuel Payment is only going to people on certain benefits. I don’t currently receive any benefits, but my income is limited and I’m wondering if there’s anything I can do.

Previously the Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300, has been given to all pensioners regardless of income.

However, this winter you’ll now only get the payment if you or your partner get certain benefits, including Pension Credit.

Pension Credit is one of the most underclaimed benefits there is – in Hampshire alone an estimated £2.5million of Pension Credit goes unclaimed each year.

If you’re of pension age and on a low income, then it’s worth applying for Pension Credit

even if you don’t receive any other benefits.

If your application for Pension Credit is successful, then as well as receiving a monthly boost to your income, you’ll also be able to access other support including making a claim for the Winter Fuel Payment.

You have until the 21 December to apply for Pension Credit and still receive the Winter Fuel Payment if successful. To find out more about the eligibility for Pension Credit and how to apply you can go to the national Citizens Advice website. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/ help-if-on-a-low-income/pension-credit/ To speak to one of the advice team at Citizens Advice Winchester District, call us for free on 0808 278 7861, email us via our website (www.citizensadvicewinchester.org.uk) or visit us in Winchester or Wickham.

Citizens Advice Winchester District is a local, independent, registered charity and a member of the national Citizens Advice network of England and Wales.

Citizens Advice Winchester District is a highly regarded advice agency providing free, confidential and high-quality advice to local people on their rights and responsibilities.

Most of our advice is delivered by trained local volunteers In 2023/24 Citizens Advice Winchester District helped more than 5,000 people with over 17,000 advice issues and generated £1.9million in income gain for them.

For media enquiries only, please contact Liv Thomlinson, Communications and Development Officer – comms@cawinchesterdistrict.org.uk or 01962 848008

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The Dever - October 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 2024/25 Season 10 October La Vallee de la Loire. Une region vin sous - estimee et sous evaluee (accompanied by 3 wines) 14 November Les Cevennes 6 February Johnny Hallyday - un mythe francais 13 March L’heritage de Napoleon 10 April Une visite des gares de Paris 15 May 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

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 - October 2024 13

Jackie’s County Corner Is your cat microchipped? It is now compulsory for cats (including indooronly cats) to be chipped before they are 20 weeks old as of June 2024.

Microchipping costs between £10 and £30 and is usually done by a vet, but some charities offer this for a reduced cost. For more details go to www.pdsa.org.uk At this time of year, many paths become overgrown. If you own a hedge overhanging a path, please give it a good ‘haircut’ now.

The warm, wet weather will result in another growth spurt before the end of the year, and you must keep the footway clear.

If you encounter side growth as you walk along a public footpath, or a footway alongside a road, you can report these on www.hants.gov.uk using the ‘report it’ tab on the home page.

If you find this too difficult, take a photo and put it on www.fixmystreet.com instead.

Please–don’t just complain to your friends and family, but please do report these problems. The lists generated create the work sheets for the County council. You

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can report vegetation obscuring road signs in this way too.

Work to improve the Millennium Path at Alresford is going to plan, but the path to Bishops Sutton is still overgrown with no sign of county council works to improve it.

Gail Johnston has led a project to restore some of the old carriageways in her local area in Gundleton and Bighton.

She has researched their history and sought my County Councillor Grant funding to support some of the work. It was so good to hear compliments from walkers as she showed me the results of constructor and volunteer labour on the miles of path. Thanks Gail and team!

If you and your neighbours want to get involved with path projects, I can pass you on to an HCC officer to guide you along the way- or you may already have a volunteer group in your village. Why not get involved?

The County’s finances are getting worse not better, and the HCC subsidised buses are at risk again. We cannot allow the services to disappear completely.

Please let me know why you need a bus in your village.

Cllr. Jackie Porter 07973 696 085 Jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk

The Dever - October 2024

St Mar y the Virgin Autumn Churchyard Clear Up

9.30 » 12.30 Saturday 26t h Oc t ober Come and help, many hands make light work - Thank you

Has someone close to you died recently?

Would it help to talk?

Tel: 07450 649679 email: referrals@winchesterbereavementsupport.org.uk The Dever - October 2024 15

Church Services for The Dever Benefice October 6th

19th Sunday after Trinity

October 13th

20th Sunday after Trinity

10.00 am Benefice Service Patronal Festival for St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity

Rev’d Rob Rees, Rev’d Christine Smith and Ministry Team 10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

4.00 pm

6.00 pm

Harvest Festival with Holy Communion Rev’d Rob Rees Informal Service Iain Henderson Holy Communion Rev’d Theresa Parker Evening Prayer Rev’d Rob Rees Evensong Rev’d Rob Rees

October 20th 10.00 am

11.00 am

4.00 pm

6.00 pm

10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

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St James - Hunton Holy Trinity - Wonston St Margaret's - South Wonston St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever

21st Sunday after Trinity

Holy Communion Rev’d Jo Criscenti & Clare Bentham Harvest Festival with Holy Communion Rev’d Rob Rees Evensong Rev’d Rob Rees & Rev’d Jo Criscenti Evensong Rev’d Rob Rees, Clare Bentham

October 27th

St Margaret's - South Wonston St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever Holy Trinity - Wonston St James Woodmancote

22nd Sunday after Trinity

Café Church Clare Bentham Informal Service with children's activities Ruth and Roland Guy Holy Communion Rev’d Jo Criscenti & Rev'd Dave Mapes

All Saints - East Stratton

St Margaret's - South Wonston

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

The Dever - October 2024

November 1st

7.00 pm All Souls

Rev'd Rob Rees

November 3rd 10.00 am

4.00 pm

St James - Woodmancote

21st Sunday after Trinity

Benefice Service Patronal Festival for All Saints - East Stratton Rev’d Rob Rees, Canon Angi Nutt, Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Ministry Team Memorial Service St Margaret's - South Wonston Rev’d Jo Criscenti

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.dwistract.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

Holy Dusters St Mary the Virgin

Week beginning Monday 7th All following meeting 14th Maurelle and Andrea Flowers From Friday 4th October Sue Knight-Jones and Alison Vaissiere From Friday 25th October for Remembrance plus November Marian Jack and Jacqui Earl

St James

Flowers and Cleaning Churchyard

Liz Hawkesworth and Lorraine Wearing Steen Rosenflack

The Dever - October 2024 17

EV Myths Heavy EVs are causing potholes HGVs are the heaviest vehicles on UK roads

O E R VE E M N YT H S!

tankers, and trucks are all heavier than passenger cars and cause the greatest wear on our road surfaces. In 2022 the AA said that: “the extra weight and torque of an EV is negligible compared to a 44-tonne lorry.”

M

In March 2024 the Daily Mail ran the headline “Heavier electric cars are blamed for the £16 billion cost of Britain’s pothole plague as crumbling roads reach ‘breaking point.” The writer cited a 2024 report by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) that blamed heavier vehicles for road damage. But the AIA report didn’t mention EVs at all. The Daily Mail wrote that the report blamed EVs specifically when this wasn’t the case.

The Environment and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), and others, complained to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) about the article’s inaccuracy, the complaint was upheld, and the Daily Mail published a correction. Lorries, buses,

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 Music Night Due to circumstances beyond our control, it was necessary to postpone the Micheldever Music Night scheduled to take place in St Mary’s on 29th September. However, we are very pleased to announce that the evening will take place next Summer.

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If you did purchase a ticket and have yet to have a refund, please contact Charles Holden - 07748906434.”

More news to follow next year….

Micheldever PCC

The Dever - October 2024

Letter from Westminster September marked Parliament returning from its summer break, but I have been working hard since being elected as the Member of Parliament for Winchester in July.

Dominating the debate as Parliament returned was the government’s plans to cut the Winter Fuel Allowance for most pensioners. Since becoming an MP, this is the issue that has seen the highest number of people writing to me. People are incredibly worried.

Undoubtedly, there are many wealthier pensioners who do not rely on the winter fuel allowance to heat their homes, but far too many pensioners who live on or near the poverty line will be plunged into crisis this winter.

People are shocked when they hear that the government’s means testing is taking away the allowance from people receiving as little as £11,500 a year. Age UK has estimated that two million pensioners across England now risk fuel poverty this winter, including thousands here in Hampshire.

I have been campaigning against this change, and raised this to the Chancellor in Parliament. I hope the government will see sense and do more to protect pensioners this winter.

September also saw the NFU’s ‘Back British Farming’ Day. I was delighted to join the Parliamentary reception on the day, as well as enjoying a cracking breakfast with the NFU at the recent Alresford Show.

Both as a vet and while running for Parliament, I was able to meet many of our area’s farmers and hear their stories. I have fond memories of growing up on my family’s farm, but there are real challenges facing our farmers. Too often, I hear stories of poor mental health, financial strain and worry about the undercutting of our food standards to bad trade deals. As our MP, I will always be a champion for British farmers.

I know many people reading this use Micheldever train station as their regular commute. I am dismayed that season tickets look set to rise by hundreds of pounds once again, yet the service continues to be substandard. I have called for train fares to be frozen next year.

On a lighter note, I really enjoyed attending Fêtes across our area this summer: including the Wonston Fête in July and the Littleton & Harestock Show in September. Thank you to everyone who has played their part in organising them.

If there is anything I can help with, please contact me at: danny@dannychambers.org.uk

The Dever - October 2024 19

Bazeley And The Beast The Rights of Way Volunteers were out again as summer gave way to Autumn, up at Bazeley Copse, near Borough Farm in Micheldever. With a little help from our friends–thank you, Phil and Lorraine–the wheeled strimmer, aka The Beast, was back in action for some much-needed path clearance. We also used the trusty petrol strimmer with the brush cutter and some good old-fashioned grit with the hand tools to clear a 250m stretch of path that had become overgrown and unpleasant to walk.

The map extract shows the path we worked on in red, and the red dot at the base marks the location of the silo that you can see in the picture. As it leaves the farm track, the path into the copse has moved by a few metres over the last ten years as a hazel row established itself. But the natural path into the base of the copse is a lovely spot. You'll

a butterfly, maybe even a bunny!

We hope you take the time to enjoy Bazeley Copse; the path is now much clearer to lead you into the base of the copse from the track, up to the top to enjoy the beautiful views of the downland,

find pyramid orchids and wildflowers at the right time of year, and if you pause in the open meadowland before the copse entrance, you'll nearly always spot something: a bird,

then back towards the silo, or on to the Drove, as you see fit.

Thanks as always to our volunteers!

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The Dever - October 2024

Cyber Fraud Session East Stratton Village Hall. Monday 25th November 7.30pm.

(This is a free event)

We use our computers, laptops, tablets and phones every day to keep in contact with loved ones and conduct our day to day business. Unfortunately, criminals all too often exploit us or work cleverly to hack and steal our online accounts.

This type of crime is called Cyber and Cyber-related crime, but this may be better described as scams!

This crime type makes up a significant number of reported crimes each month and costs the public and UK economy substantial sums of money each day, week and year.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary (part of South East Police Cyber Crime Team) have prepared a session which will cover a number of different aspects of both online and offline scams, including protecting and securing your email accounts, social media and talking through methods the criminals can use to target us all, even without using our devices.

This awareness session aims to help keep you and your online information safer and recognise when we could be being conned, otherwise known as social engineered by criminals.

Inevitably some of these offences spill over in the wider fraud arena therefore our guest speaker will touch on some of these more in-person fraud types affecting our communities.

Basic online security need not cost anything and a few simple tips can help keep you safer and help you to spot these offences before they develop.

If you are interested in attending this worthwhile session, please let me know. Thank you. Olly. 01962 774516, orb@bramleys.org

Pop-Up Cafe At The Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney The cafe runs from 9.30-12 noon. There is a lovely variety of sweet and savoury homemade refreshments - everything from scones with jam & cream to hot sausage rolls! We now have a card reader, we do takeaways, there’s plenty of parking and there’s always a warm welcome!

The dates are October 2nd for Countess of Brecknock Hospice, November 6th for the RBL Poppy appeal with Raffle December 4th for Brendoncare

The Dever - October 2024 21

Winchester Churches Christmas Project – How It Works (2024) Winchester Churches Christmas Project was started in 1993 by the United Church and now involves many other churches in the Winchester area. It is an attempt to help those in Winchester for whom Christmas is a really tough time. Money for the Project is raised each year through the churches – congregations and individuals.

We work closely with a range of local agencies including (but not limited to) Home Start, Hampshire Children’s Services, Health Visitors, Winchester Young Carers Project and The Women’s Refuge. We only accept families and individuals referred by such agencies. It is not always possible for us to know why people have been referred so we have to trust the judgement of the agencies. Information on the families is provided on a “need to know” basis and confidentiality is absolutely vital. We aim to help all those referred to us but this is always subject to the funds and numbers of volunteers available. At Christmas 2023, we were able to help 102 people.

Volunteers come from many Winchester churches. (In 2023 there were 54 volunteers from 15 different churches). Before Christmas each pair of volunteers visits a family to discover their needs and then subsequently to shop with, or on behalf of, the family. New volunteers are always paired with an experienced partner. Each family has a set amount of money allocated

22

– depending on the size of the family. This is funded upfront to one of the volunteers.

The people we help have a range of needs and situations to deal with, so each visit is different. The need might not be financial; they may have other reasons for being referred to us. Those visited are in charge as much as possible. They choose what will make Christmas special for them.

Help given might be Christmas presents, Christmas food shopping, a morale-boosting treat, payment of a worrying council tax or utility bill, a vital car repair bill or even a carpet or secondhand furniture. We do not provide cash but gift cards may be appropriate in certain cases. This will be indicated on the referral form. Volunteers have been very resourceful in making the most of the funds available and their efforts have been much appreciated by all concerned. Often it isn’t even about the money–just knowing that someone is prepared to spend time and take the trouble can make a great deal of difference.

We show our Christian faith and witness in caring for and helping those we visit. We do not seek to proselytise in any way and there are absolutely no strings attached to our help.

Those who have taken part previously have found it a very rewarding experience to be able to help a family in difficulties at such a significant time.

The Dever - October 2024

Winchester Churches Christmas Project 2024 It may be only early autumn but Winchester Churches Christmas Project needs to start early! As I wrote in our report to CTW in June, each year we launch the Project with three big unknowns – the number of people referred to us, how many volunteers will come forward and how much money will be available. It really is a big leap of faith and your prayers for the Project would be very welcome.

The Project has a remarkable history of over 30 years helping people in the Winchester area at Christmas. We cannot emphasise enough that this help is different.

This is no ‘standard’ offering–it is ‘tailor made’ in each case. Families can choose for themselves what would help them most.

This can be amazingly diverse. It might well be exciting stuff like Christmas food and presents or a special treat. However, it could be something much more prosaic such as the payment of a worrying bill or a top up of the gas or electricity. We demonstrate our Christian faith and witness in our help and care for those we visit.

Last Christmas we were pleased to help a total of 102 people. Some families couldn’t quite believe that anyone would take the time and trouble–that they really mattered.

A flavour of the feedback from volunteers“Overall, both [my Christmas Project partner] and I would say, it was an enjoyable if somewhat humbling occasion” “She [mum] was delighted and very appreciative” “Our “mum” was in tears (of joy)” “It was difficult to persuade the couple to buy something for themselves” “She was absolutely thrilled.”

“She was very grateful to everyone involved in the project”

“A couple of days later she rang up to thank us and said she had been offered a new home and she just wanted to share her excitement with us.”

Our amazing volunteers come from many churches throughout Winchester – in 2023 it was 54 from 15 different churches. A truly ecumenical mix. They are absolutely key to the Project.

As usual, we will be contacting volunteers from previous years directly to ask if they are able to help again this year. However, we always welcome new volunteers (who would be paired with someone experienced). For more information, please contact me via email deanacre@talktalk.net. We do need to know volunteer numbers by 5th November, please.

Our funding relies on support from congregations and individuals. We know that life is getting even more challenging each year and we would be extremely grateful for donations. We fund our volunteers upfront so early donations are particularly welcome.

If you would like to give by bank transfer, our bank account is “Winchester Churches Christmas Project”. Sort code: 30-98-97.

Account number: 80782363. Alternatively, cheques may be sent to the Christmas Project Treasurer, c/o The United Church, Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8RZ. These should be made payable to “Winchester Churches Christmas Project”. Individuals who would like to Gift Aid their donation should provide their name and address and specify that it is to be Gift Aided, please.

Thank you to everyone for your prayerful and practical support in these difficult times.

Helen McTiffin (Joint Co-ordinator of the Project with Janet Stewart)

The Dever - October 2024 23

Reasons To Plant In Autumn And When To Apply Mulch Plants can benefit enormously from being planted in late summer or early autumn as the soil is still warm and for all soils, the cultivation window is still open. This avoids the difficulty of trying to remember which plant is which in spring, when most herbaceous perennials have died down to a root-ball.

There is likely to be a healthy level of moisture in the soil and the worms and other beneficial micro-fauna that keep your soil moving are still active. This all means that plants will be quick to root down and establish before the colder weather sets it. This, in turn means your plants have a head start in the spring over those that have just been planted into cold soil that can slow the plants ability to root down and get established.

A really good practice is taking pictures of your beds now, which will highlight those gaps that appear after the early summer plants have faded. This will show you what you can add for late summer and autumn colour. You can then use the continuing good weather to fill those gaps with plants that look good right now, thus bridging the lull between the seasons.

Mulching has long been seen as the very best thing you can do to improve and maintain the health of your soil and therefore your plants. How and when you do this will be driven by your type of soil and the winter conditions it is exposed to.

Autumn mulching can be great for heavier clay soil as the worms are likely to take plenty of it down, thus improving the drainage potential and air porosity. Also, the seeds of weeds can be somewhat supressed 24

by the lack of light and this could stop some out-competing your plants in the spring.

Laying mulch onto your soil can also help to give protection to beneficial insects that can over-winter safely, and then emerge earlier to start feeding on the aphids which cause such devastation to young growth in the spring.

Finally, you will still be able to see where all your herbaceous perennials are and avoid the danger of covering them over, while holding some of the heat in your soil that little bit longer. Lay thickly to a depth of at least 7 centimetres (3 inches) - and if you don’t have enough to do all areas, do part of your bed really well rather than spreading it out too thinly.

Mulching clay soil in spring always runs the risk of causing compaction due to gardener’s boots pressing on the soil as you try to get the mulch in place. Clay soils hold moisture really well so walking on the soil in spring can have a long‑term detrimental effect to your garden’s ability to thrive. Autumn mulching on a clay‑based soil that is not too exposed to high winds can also help to prevent the loss of your best organic layer of top soil to erosion from rain and poor weather.

All of this can also be put into practice on lighter soils, but you do not need to improve drainage by mulching in autumn. It may be easier to see where each plant is, thus ensuring you don’t mulch over the top of them but around them leaving a gap of a couple of centimetres around each plant.

The Dever - October 2024

Plants in warmer, drier soils usually emerge a little earlier than those on cold wet soils, so seeing enough of them to mulch around in spring may be more beneficial. Lighter soils lose moisture and nutrients quickly so mulching in the spring can help prevent loss of moisture through evaporation, add much needed nutrients and also help prevent lighter soil being eroded by the wind. Finally, the addition of mulch in spring can also help suppress the weeds that love to spring up before your own planting has bulked up.

Clare Mitchell is The Garden Editor and she works with us every Tuesday during the summer here at the Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants.

You can listen to her podcasts on Basingstoke Community Radio by following this link www.gardeneditor.co.uk radio Follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com /the_garden_editor Check out her website www.gardeneditor.co.uk and follow her on Facebook www.facebook.com/GardenEditor

David Hurrion

On 29th October a guest speaker, David Hurrion, who is a presenter on Gardeners’ World and journalist and lecturer in horticulture is here in Freefolk to talk about planting for hotter drier summers and wetter winters. Anyone who has heard him speak in the past will know how fantastic he is at sharing his extensive knowledge. Please book via our website https://www.hardysplants.co.uk or contact us at hardysplants@gmail.com

Volunteer Drivers in Micheldever Parish

T

here is a list of helpful individuals that can be found in our sister publication, The Advertiser. Perhaps you didn’t know there is such a group, but the Volunteer Drivers have over the years taken many people to various appointments. It is an informal arrangement for anyone needing occasional transport, which in our rural location, can be a difficult or costly problem to solve. Our volunteers will help anyone without

the means, or for those incapacitated either temporarily or not.

It is a very simple process to become involved, the task is not too demanding and new people are always welcome. If you are able then please offer to be a volunteer driver please. Contact Amanda at deveradvertising@hotmail.com to be included in the next issue of The Advertiser.

The Dever - October 2024 25

City Councillors’ News The City Council continues to consult on the latest version of its Local Plan. Many residents have contacted us about these proposals, particularly about the allocations next to Sutton Scotney, South Wonston and Littleton. We have attended many meetings with Parish Councils and residents to discuss what is proposed and raised concerns with officers and at Council meetings.

The allocation at Brightlands, Sutton Scotney is for 50-60 new homes but the developer wants to build at least 120 homes.

Residents think development there would be inappropriate and on the wrong side of the A30 trunk road. An alternative site – to the South of Wonston Road – may also be liable to flooding, but maybe better integrated with the existing village. In South Wonston, there has been little response to the numerous objections about possible developments at the end of Chaucer Close and West Hill Road North. Comments on Winchester’s Local Plan can be submitted

until 13th October 2024. All submissions will then be considered at a Public Inquiry by the Planning Inspectorate next year.

The Government has completed its consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which sets down planning laws for England. We are expecting the significant changes proposed to be implemented before the end of the year. This is likely to be a mandatory requirement for Winchester City Council to allocate land for at least another 4,900 homes over the next 15 years. Work on this will start early next year, with another call for sites. We think that this threatens the land around Micheldever Station and Popham Airfield.

The City Council have started retrofitting insulation and other energy saving features into some of the older council properties in Southbrook Cottages in Micheldever. This work will take at least four months and will greatly reduce the energy that tenants use, saving them a considerable amount of money.

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 2nd October

East Stratton Village Hall.

Wonston PC

Wednesday 9th October

Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney.

South Wonston PC

Monday 14th October

South Wonston Pavilion.

All meetings start at 7.30pm.

Stephen

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

26

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 - October 2024

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO

Tea for a Cause IN AID OF

MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT & THE WINCHESTER HOSPICE DONATIONS OF CAKES AND RAFFLE PRIZES GRATEFULLY RECEIVED

SATURDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER 2024 TIME

2 PM - 5 PM

LOCATION:

NORTHBROOK HALL MICHELDEVER

ORGANISED BY LOUISE KEYS AND OLLIE BRAMLEY LOUISEKEYS7@GMAIL.COM /07779 304121

Just Giving: Louise's “Tea for a Cause” for Macmillan Cancer Support Just Giving: Louise’s “Tea for a Cause” for The Winchester Hospice

Forthcoming Events 2024 ~ 2025 November 3rd 10.00am 6th 9.30am 6th 12.30pm 6th 7.30pm 6th 8.00pm 8th 7.30pm 20th 9.30am

First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Pop-up Cafe for RBL Poppy Appeal - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall D-Day troops in the Dever Valley - venue tba Quiz Night - Northbrook Hall Sutton Scotney Community Cafe, Victoria Hall - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney 23rd 2.00pm Afternoon Tea in aid of The Winchester Hospice and MacMillan Cancer Support - Northbrook Hall December 1st 10.00am First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre 4th 9.30am Pop-up Cafe for Brendoncare - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney 4th 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall 6th 8.00pm Micheldever Wine Circle, Christmas Party - Northbrook Hall 11th 9.30am Sutton Scotney Community Cafe, GoLD - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney 11th 12.30pm Micheldever Village Christmas Lunch - Northbrook Hall January 8th 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - venue tba 23rd-26th 7.15pm MVG, Rapunzel a Pantomime - Northbrook Hall February 5th 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - venue tba March 5th 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - venue tba April 17th 7.30pm Parish Assembly, Micheldever Parish Council - venue tba

28

The Dever - October 2024

Hall Booking East Stratton Hall Northbrook Hall The Warren Centre

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

Micheldever Village Shop - Opening Times Monday - Saturday Sunday

9.00am - 6.30pm, 10.00am - 3.00pm

Mobile Post Office

Wednesday morning 9.30 – 10.30 Lord Rank Car Park 6

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All rights reserved.

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(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd (c) 2024.

AllSudoku rights reserved.

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Daily Sudoku: Sun 15-Sep-2024

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

The Dever - October 2024 29

October Diary 2nd

9.30am Pop-up Cafe for Countess of Brecknock Hospice - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney 2nd 12.30pm Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall 2nd 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall 5th 11.00am Messy Harvest! - St Margaret's, South Wonston 5th 2.00pm Messy Harvest! - St Mary the Virgin 5th 7.00pm Safari Supper - Around the Parish 6th 10.00am First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre 11th 8.00pm Micheldever Wine Circle - Northbrook Hall 14th 6.30pm Bible Book Club - Southbrook Farmhouse 16th 9.30am Sutton Scotney Community Cafe, Blood Cancer UK - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney 25th 7.30pm Cyber Fraud Session - East Stratton Village Hall 26th 9.30am Churchyard Clear-Up - St Mary the Virgin church 26th 2.00pm Afternoon Tea in aid of Breast Care Now and Prostate Cancer UK - Northbrook Hall

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 - 3.30pm Community Library, Northbrook Hall, Micheldever 8.00 - 10.00pm Dever Singers Rehearsal–Micheldever or South Wonston churches. contact, ruthironton@gmail.com FRIDAYS 4.00pm Petanque at the Warren Centre.

30

The Dever - October 2024

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO

Tea for a Cause IN AID OF

BREAST CANCER NOW & PROSTATE UK DONATIONS OF CAKES AND RAFFLE PRIZES GRATEFULLY RECEIVED

SATURDAY, 26TH OCTOBER 2024 TIME

2 PM - 5 PM

LOCATION:

NORTHBROOK HALL MICHELDEVER

ORGANISED BY LOUISE KEYS AND OLLIE BRAMLEY LOUISEKEYS7@GMAIL.COM / 07779 304121 Just Giving: Louise's "Tea for a Cause" for Breast Cancer Now Just Giving: Louise’s “Tea for a Cause” for Prostate UK

Micheldever Wine Circle The Solent Cellar Returns!

11th October – The Solent Cellar Pop The Champagne Corks!

Who we are:

We are delighted to hear that Solent Cellar have recently been crowned the Muddy Stiletto National Wine and Beer Specialist for 2024.

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!

Solent Cellar - Muddy Stiletto National Wine and Beer Specialist for 2024!

This prestigious award recognises the very best in local businesses. We are delighted for them that they have been chosen as the "Best of the Best" amidst stiff competition from other fantastic independents and delighted for us that we already had them booked for October!

Simon is returning to present another evening of hand curated wine selections from their shop in Lymington. Since last time, Simon and the shop have gone from strength to strength and are now officially AWARD WINNING.

Most of our events are held in the Northbrook Village Hall where an independent wine merchant brings 6 wines for us to taste . Cheese and crackers with other nibbles is 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?