Hamble Valley Visitor Magazine 2012 - Issue 2

FREE 2012 Visitor Magazine issue 2

e?

What's in this issu

ons places to visit attracti events local food & drink free prize draw ... and much more!

t Discover Hampshire’s Coas

and Countryside

ail inside

NEW! pull out walking tr

IN W a short break holiday

see inside for details

Image Š with thanks to Manor Farm Country Park

Why is it called the Strawberry Coast?

Where is the Hamble Valley?

The Hamble Valley has a long association with the harvest of the highly esteemed soft fruit. In the early part of the 20th century the strawberry fields around the areas of Botley, Hedge End and Titchfield produced around 20,000 strawberries a day. Pickers would be up at 4am to ensure that the first consignments would catch the 8am ‘Strawberry Specials’ out of Botley train station for early delivery to London’s premier hotels. It is recorded that one 12 year old girl picked 30 shillings worth of strawberries in less than a week (an astonishing 900 lbs of strawberries) and 3000 lbs - 1000 baskets in one month.

Contents Page 2

Events

Page 4

Waterside Lifestyle

Page 6

Great Outdoors

Page 10

Hamble Valley Good Life

Page12

Contemporary Culture

Page 15

Local Heritage

Page 20

Walks pull out

Page 23

What can we do?

Page 24

Hidden Gems

Page 26

Fork and Cork

Page 30

Shopping

Page 32

Towns and Villages

Page 36

Leave the car at home

Page 37

Accommodation

Page 41

Competition

The Hamble Valley brand and Strawberry logo are trademarks owned and managed by The Marketing Collective Ltd. and their unauthorised use is an infringement of copyright law. All rights reserved. Hamble Valley Visitor Guide 2012 © Compiled and published by The Marketing Collective Ltd. Designed by Tina Scahill Design. Printed

by Halcyon Print Management. Photography by The Marketing Collective Ltd. and available for use subject to licensing. Information in the guide was correct at the time of going to press. The Marketing Collective Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions, and users are strongly advised to contact advertisers and events prior to making any arrangements.

Published by

Welcome to Hampshire’s

Be a WiNNER! enter one of our great competitions...

Go to page 9 for a chance to win a tree top adventure with Go Ape!

With over 1500 acres of unspoilt countryside, unique and interesting attractions, a rich heritage and delightfully quaint villages, the Hamble Valley is an ideal destination for a holiday, short break or day visit.

Known as the Strawberry Coast and tucked between the bustling cities of Southampton, Winchester and Portsmouth, the Hamble Valley is described as a beautiful and picturesque breathing space stretching along 25 miles of Hampshire’s coastline with the Solent and River Hamble.

Go to page 41 for a chance to win a family Day Pass to Marwell Wildlife.

From coast to countryside there is so much on offer. Fuel your passion for culture, stimulate your mind with heritage and enjoy fun-filled family days out. Visit charming towns and villages with beautiful waterside vistas, amble and ramble through woodland, marshes and meadows on one of the many walking trails and enjoy delicious homemade food and local produce at one of the many restaurants, pubs or cafes.

The Hamble Valley is a family and child friendly destination with plenty of free and low cost activities to keep the young and young at heart entertained.

Go to page 22 for a chance to enter our photographic competition and get your images published!

There is so much to see and do in the Hamble Valley that a day visit just isn’t enough!

With plenty of quality and outstanding hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering and campsites all offering a warm and friendly welcome there is more reason to stay for longer.

Go to page 41

Look out for the Hamble Valley Champions and see what they have to say about the Hamble Valley.

for a chance to win a short break in the Hamble Valley.

So, however long you are visiting, whatever your passion and even in you live in Hampshire, there is something waiting for you!

For more information and comprehensive events listings visit

Heritage

Bags of Famil

Coast and Countryside

y fun

Royal Victoria Country Park

EVENTS WHEN

WHATS ON?

where

Here is a snippet of the fun-filled events taking place across the Hamble Valley until the end 2012. For times, admission/ticket prices and further detail please contact the individual venues. Keep up to date with events at www.hamblevalley.com and follow us on twitter @HambleValley To pre order your next copy email info@hamblevalley.com

26th

The Gruffalo Walk

14th

14th

14th

15th

15th

15th

16th

18th

19th

19th

Hampshire Welcomes Royal Victoria Country Park the Torch www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp 023 8045 5157 Tower Tour: See the Royal Victoria Country Park Olympic Torch pass by www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp 023 8045 5157 My first sweepnet Itchen Valley Country Park

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

Day Out with the Victorians

Lee Lard

02380 613989 The Concorde Club

www.theconcordeclub.com

02380 613989 Story Trail – Bear Hunt Royal Victoria Country Park

20th

Marley (15) Film screening

21st July – 2nd Sept

Summer Holiday Fun

21st – 22nd

Bee & Honey Weekend

27th

01489 787055 The Concorde Club

4th

02380 613989 The Berry Theatre

5th

www.theconcordeclub.com www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

01489 799499 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

www.theconcordeclub.com

27th

28th

27th

28th29th 28th

28th

29th

www.marwell.org.uk

29th

Butterfly feeders

Itchen Valley Country Park

Shamballa Bracelets

02380 466091 BellaCrafts

Marvel Avengers Assemble (PG) Film screening Photography Exhibition

Eastleigh Town – Earth, Air, Fire and Water. The Four ancient elements provide Eastleigh with all its transports needs!

Gambit Jazzmen

01489 787055 Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides www.

hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

02380 6885157

The Concorde Club

www.theconcordeclub.com

24th July – 2nd Sept

The Great Animal Athetics Trail

24th

The Point Associate Artists present Eastleigh to Edinburgh.

Summer Holiday Trail

Manor Farm Country Park

www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm

29th july – 31st Oct

Exhibition: Tone, Texture, Time

30th July – 24th Aug

Go Wild In The Park: 2 days of craft activities, games, and Olympic activities. Mons & Tues Go Wild In The Woods 3 days of fun, crafts & games Plus more: Wed, Thur & Fri

30th July – 24th Aug 30th

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

WHEN

The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

1st

The Concorde Club

www.theconcordeclub.com

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

15th

15th

16th

16th

16th

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

19th

A Victorian ‘Whodunnit?’

1st

Little Foresters – Meadow Creature

2nd

Stereoironics Tribute to The Stereophonics Brilliant Bird Boxes

2nd

19th

From Bikes to Steam Trains

22nd

Athletic Adventure

Itchen Valley Country Park

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

22nd

Campfire Cooking

22nd

Cycle ride to Athletic Adventure Fun Day

02380 466091 The Concorde Club

22nd

22nd

Scott Hamilton with John Pearce trio with special guest Allison Neale Bats in the Belfry

Manor Farm Country Park

Clay Leaf Plaques

01489 787055 Itchen Valley Country Park

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

02380 466091 Itchen Valley Country Park

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

Manor Farm Country Park

www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm

01489 787055 The Concorde Club

www.theconcordeclub.com Manor Farm Country Park

www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm 01489 787055 Bursledon Brickworks

www.burseldonbrickworks.org. uk 01489 576248 Royal Victoria Country Park

023 8045 5157 Itchen Valley Country Park

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

Royal Victoria Country Park

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp 023 8045 5157 The Concorde Club

www.theconcordeclub.com 02380 613989

Manor Farm Country Park 01489 787055

23rd

Slithery snakes

Manor Farm Country Park

www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm

www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm 2nd

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm

www.theconcordeclub.com 02380 613989

Itchen Valley Country Park

02380 466091

023 8045 5157 Itchen Valley Country Park

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

023 8045 5157

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

A Pirate’s Life for me! Royal Victoria Country Park

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

02380 613989

02380 466091

where

Royal Victoria Country Park

countryside/manorfarm.htm

Concorde Comedy Club

02380 652333

Manor Farm Country Park

www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm

023 8045 5157 Cycle Ride to Big Bug Royal Victoria Country Park Hunt www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp 023 8045 5157 Little Foresters – Pond Itchen Valley Country Park Creatures www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp 02380 466091 Steely Scam.

The Concorde Club Tribute to Steely Dan www.theconcordeclub.com 02380 613989 Glove Puppet or Itchen Valley Country Park Personalised Bag www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp 02380 466091 Fab Crabs: Fish for Manor Farm Country Park crabs off the jetty! www3.hants.gov.uk/

17th

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

02380 652333

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm

02380 466091

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

01489 787055 Pet Shop Boys Tribute The Concorde Club Band www.theconcordeclub.com 02380 613989 Big Bug Hunt Fun Day Royal Victoria Country Park

Manor Farm Country Park 01489 787055 Itchen Valley Country Park

023 8045 5157 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

02380 466091

15th

www.marwell.org.uk

02380 466091

2

Mighty Mice Join in on a mouse hunt through the woodland

01489 799499 Marwell Wildlife

WHATS ON?

02380 613989 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

Mirror Mirror: The Untold Adventures of www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk Snow White (PG) Film 02380 652333 screening

9th

9th

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

Itchen Valley Country Park 02380 466091

Martin Wheatley’s Arcadians

Marvel Avengers Assemble (12A) Film screening

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

Paper Making

02380 517054 The Berry Theatre

AUGUST

023 8045 5157

02380 652333

9th

02380 6885157

01489 787055

Royal Victoria Country Park

8th

www.bellacrafts.co.uk www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

Royal Victoria Country Park

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

01489 787055

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

01962 777407 We bought a Zoo (PG) The Point Theatre,Eastleigh Film screening www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk 02380 652333 Commotion Dance The Berry Theatre presents Ready or www.theberrytheatre.co.uk Not…performance for 01489 799499 ages 3-7 years and their grown-ups.

Brian White’s French The Concorde Club Quarter Jazzmen www.theconcordeclub.com 02380 613989 Hamble at War Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides www.

Manor Farm Country Park

www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm

Saturday Playtime and Storytime. For children and their families.

The Last Straw!

A day of straw crafts!

Murder Mystery Fun Day What happened to Cyril the Squirrel?

Campfire Cooking

8th

02380 652333

The Concorde Club

Tower Tour – Cruise Liner Special

02380 613989

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

02380 613989

25th

A Thousand Crane present: Little Sunshine, Little Rainfall. For ages 3 up and their grown-ups.

Should it be magic with Martin Daniels

02380 613989 The Berry Theatre 01489 799499 Marwell Wildlife

3rd

hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

Summer Holiday Fun on the Farm

25th

27th

www.theconcordeclub.com

01962 777407

23rd July – 2nd Sept

24th July – 31st Aug

Albert Nobbs (15) Film screening

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp 023 8045 5157 The Concorde Club

Jimmy Jermain

26th

www.theconcordeclub.com

Tony Christie & His Band

22nd

26th

www.burseldonbrickworks. org.uk

01489 576248 Chris Pearce and The The Concorde Club Frenchmen Street Jazz www.theconcordeclub.com Band 02380 613989 The Point Youth The Point Theatre,Eastleigh Theatre present www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk Tommy Green Walk to 02380 652333 Victory Bel Ami (15) Film The Point Theatre,Eastleigh screening www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk 02380 652333 Benny Duke & Peggy The Concorde Club

20th

22nd

02380 466091 Bursledon Brickworks

Manor Farm Country Park

www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm

JULY

01489 787055

25th

Batty about Bats

Royal Victoria Country Park

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp 023 8045 5157

Information contained in this guide is produced in good faith and is correct at the time of publication. The publisher can accept no responsibility for inaccuracies or changes to published information. Visitors are strongly advised to contact the service providers direct before making any arrangements.

29th

Forest Activity Day

29th

Marine Explorer

Itchen Valley Country Park

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

27th

02380 466091

Royal Victoria Country Park

28th

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp 023 8045 5157

29th

30th

30th

Cycle ride to Marine Explorer Fun Day I Am Whitney Tribute to the late Whitney Houston Little Foresters – Forest Creatures

Royal Victoria Country Park

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

28th

www.theconcordeclub.com

30th

023 8045 5157 The Concorde Club

02380 613989 Itchen Valley Country Park

Busy Bees & Beautiful Manor Farm Country Park Butterflies www3.hants.gov.uk/

countryside/manorfarm.htm 01489 787055

WHEN

WHATS ON?

where

SEPTEMBER 2nd

Netley Village

Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides

www.hamblevalleyheritage. co.uk 02380 6885157 6th

6th

Gerry Across the Mersey with Gerry & The Pacemakers Heritage Open Day Free Admission

The Concorde Club

www.theconcordeclub.com

02380 613989 Bursledon Brickworks

www.burseldonbrickworks.org. uk 01489 576248

Concorde Classic Car The Concorde Club Show www.theconcordeclub.com 02380 613989 The Point Youth The Point Theatre,Eastleigh 9th Theatre present. Take- www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk Over Weekend.

02380 652333 Heritage Weekend: Hamble Valley & Eastleigh 9th No walk. See many Heritage Guides heritage sites that will www.hamblevalleyheritage. be open this weekend co.uk 02380 6885157 Writers Hub: A monthly The Berry Theatre 10th network for all writers www.theberrytheatre.co.uk and aspiring writers in 01489 799499 Hampshire.

Pre-School Forest Itchen Valley Country Park 11th School: for six weeks www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp 02380 466091 6 Week Jewellery BellaCrafts 12th making course. Starts www.bellacrafts.co.uk on 12th, then: 19th 02380 517054 Sept, 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th of October.

Big Wooden Horse The Berry Theatre 14th presents Stuck by www.theberrytheatre.co.uk Oliver Jeffers 01489 799499 Big Wooden Horse The Point Theatre,Eastleigh 15th presents Stuck by www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk Oliver Jeffers 02380 652333 15th & The Incredible Book The Point Theatre,Eastleigh Eating Boy www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk 16th 02380 652333 Hostelries of Hamble Hamble Valley & Eastleigh 16th Heritage Guides 9th

www.hamblevalleyheritage. co.uk 02380 6885157

19th

20th

20th

22nd

23rd

Little Foresters

Big American Wing Ding

WHATS ON?

1st

Ladies Let’s Lunch

2nd

3rd

4th & 5th 4th

4th

7th

Page to Stage An evening of rehearsed play readings Little Foresters

Mother Courage: Bertolt Brecht’s play is brought to life The Strange Names Collective presents Prologue Little Foresters

7th

4th

11th

11th

13th

13th

13th

14th

Opera Comique presents Iolanthe Beady Eye present: Cooking Ghosts and Children.A moving story Forest Forge Theatre Company presents Bloom Charlotte Vincent Dance Theatre

21st

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

where

The Concorde Club

St. Nicholas Church, North Stoneham

17th

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

18th

Little Foresters

01489 799499

19th

Pocket Henry V Shakespeare’s noble words

Bursledon Brickworks

www.burseldonbrickworks.org. uk 01489 576248 Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides

Halloween Festival 27th Oct – 4th Nov Botley Village Walk 28th

Marwell Wildlife

www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407

Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides

www.hamblevalleyheritage. co.uk 02380 6885157

29th

Play in a Day: with our The Berry Theatre professional theatre www.theberrytheatre.co.uk team.

01489 799499

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

WHEN

WHATS ON?

01489 799499

Itchen Valley Country Park

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp 02380 466091 The Berry Theatre

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

01489 799499 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

02380 652333 Itchen Valley Country Park

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

The Berry Theatre

2nd

2nd

8th

9th

10th

Tall Stories presents The Snail and the Whale AJTC Theatre Company present: Scarecrow The Paper Cinema’s Odyssey

02380 652333

Christmas at Marwell … Be Enchanted (various dates)

The Berry Theatre

25th

Winter Festival

30th

The Real Thing

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

01489 799499 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

WHEN

Groove Brothers

5th

Double Bill: Jane Mason & Theo Clinkard present Ordinary Courage Black Eyed Peaz as The Black Eyed Peas Frisky & Mannish

7th

7th

8th

02380 613989 The Berry Theatre

14th 24th

01489 799499 Itchen Valley Country Park

17th 23rd

02380 466091 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

20th

02380 652333

29th

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

WHATS ON?

1st

10th

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

01489 799499 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

02380 652333 The Concorde Club

www.theconcordeclub.com 02380 613989 Marwell Wildlife

www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407

Bursledon Brickworks

www.burseldonbrickworks.org. uk 01489 576248 The Concorde Club

www.theconcordeclub.com where

DECEMBER

02380 466091 The Concorde Club

www.theconcordeclub.com

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

02380 613989

02380 652333 Itchen Valley Country Park

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

02380 652333 The Berry Theatre

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

23rd Nov – 24th Dec

01489 799499 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

02380 652333 Lee Martin for Gag The Berry Theatre Reflex Management www.theberrytheatre.co.uk presents… The Boy 01489 799499 With Tape On His Face Barnstormers Comedy The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

Samtana Tribute to Santana

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

where

NOVEMBER

15th

Hiccup Theatre present www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk Rumpelstiltskin 02380 652333 Spellbinding tale for 3-7 year olds and their grown-ups.

Autumn Pumpkin Royal Victoria Country Park Festival and Scarecrow www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp Avenue 023 8045 5157 Barnstormers Comedy The Point Theatre,Eastleigh Assorted comedy www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk night / comedy club 02380 652333 Netley Military Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Cemetery Heritage Guides

Zoielogic presents Echo: Stunning all male dance piece.

Little Foresters

02380 652333

www.hamblevalleyheritage. co.uk 02380 6885157

02380 613989 The Berry Theatre

www.hamblevalleyheritage. co.uk 02380 6885157

17th

The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

www.theconcordeclub.com

02380 652333 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

Paul Zerdin presents Puppet Master

www.burseldonbrickworks.org. uk 01489 576248

Itchen Valley Country Park

www.hamblevalleyheritage. co.uk 02380 6885157

18th

Bursledon Brickworks

21st

02380 613989

02380 466091 Itchen Navigation and Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Stoke Park Wood Heritage Guides

I Am Beyonce Tribute to Beyonce

Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides

www.theconcordeclub.com

Mark Steel: Standup from the socialist columnist, author & comedian Steamy & Ghostly Goings On

OCTOBER

18th

www.hamblevalleyheritage. co.uk 02380 6885157

23rd

WHEN

20th

02380 652333 The Concorde Club

www.hamblevalleyheritage. co.uk 02380 6885157

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

02380 466091 The Berry Theatre

The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

02380 466091 Fair Oak: An autumnal Hamble Valley & Eastleigh country walk Heritage Guides

Itchen Valley Country Park

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

02380 466091 Moni Tivony as Lionel The Concorde Club Richie www.theconcordeclub.com Tribute to Soul Legend 02380 613989 Lionel Richie Little Foresters Itchen Valley Country Park

Hiccup Theatre present Rumpelstiltskin Spellbinding tale for 3-7 year olds and their grown-ups.

Tales of Old Bursledon

The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp 02380 466091

30th

Lîla Dance Premier Contemporary dance company Dinner with Frank Bruno Book early to avoid disappointment!

The Concorde Club

www.theconcordeclub.com

02380 613989 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk 02380 652333

The Concorde Club

www.theconcordeclub.com

02380 613989 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

02380 652333 Clive Conway Celebrity The Berry Theatre Productions presents: www.theberrytheatre.co.uk An audience with Tony 01489 799499 Benn Ladies Let’s Lunch – The Concorde Club Go Christmas Brunch www.theconcordeclub.com 02380 613989 The Elves and The The Berry Theatre Shoemakers www.theberrytheatre.co.uk 01489 799499 The Point Youth The Point Theatre,Eastleigh Theatre present The www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk Snow Queen 02380 652333 Stayin Alive as The The Concorde Club Bee Gees www.theconcordeclub.com 02380 613989 Winter Wonderland The Concorde Club

www.theconcordeclub.com 02380 613989

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

3

Waterside L ifestyle The Hamble River is renowned internationally as a Mecca for sailing. Whether you are on board your boat or sitting on the quay watching the craft go by, life on the waterside is always busy.

The double tides, deep water and ease of access to the Solent make the River Hamble ideal for sailing – from weekend excursions or as a departure point for destinations further afield.

Events and regattas take place throughout the year and attract yachtsmen and racing enthusiasts throughout the sailing world. These include Hamble Week, the Hamble Winter & Spring Series, Bursledon Regatta and national World Series competitions.

operates pontoon and pile visitors’ berthing. Short stay berths for the landing or embarking of crew, passengers and stores is available at Warsash and Hamble quays. Landing by dinghy is also permissible at the public hards at Bursledon, Swanwick and Hamble foreshore and Warsash. The popular and historic Jolly Sailor public house also has a jetty for the use of its customers arriving on smaller vessels.

It is impossible to miss the ‘pink ladies’ on the Hamble River.

Hamble is home of the Royal Operating all year round, and since Yachting Association (RYA), the the reign of King Henry VII (1485 – UK’s national body for all forms of 1509) the Hamble to Warsash ferry boating including sailing, motorboating, powerboat racing, personal provides access across the river and provides a taxi service. watercraft and windsurfing, and a range of courses, open days, clubs and schools. Information and One of the best ways to view and events can be found by visiting experience the River Hamble is www.rya.org.uk. to take to the water in a canoe or Berthing on the River is available kayak. The River Hamble Harbour at several marinas, boatyards and Authority advises canoes to stay out yacht clubs (contactable on VHF of the main channel.

CH.80) and advance booking is advisable. The Harbour Authority

Kayaking on the river

Getting going!

There is plenty of water closer to the banks at all states of tide below the M27 bridge, where the river carries the most boat traffic. The most popular area for canoeists is above the M27 bridge where there are very few boats, and the river is quiet and very natural with a few inlets to explore as well the Horse and Jockey pub at the end of the Curbridge arm of the river. Allegedly, a disorientated whale, made its way up river, and became stuck under the road bridge alongside the pub. Sadly it ceased to be and the carcass became a local tourist attraction for many a year.

There are various clubs along the River such as the Upper Hamble Canoe Club who offer family recreational paddling, help members sample all facets of the sport in a safe, coached environment, whilst having fun.

Visit www.upperhamblecc.co.uk for more information and details of membership.

The river from a new pe

rspective

Having a rest -enjoying the peace 4

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

As with any water-based activity please ensure the following: • Get an accurate and up-to-date weather forecast.

• Check tide tables and the accessibility of your recovery site.

• Find out about by-laws and local hazards.

• Tell someone where you are going and when you are expected back.

• Wear an appropriate, well-fitted buoyancy aid or life-jacket.

A catch on the river Line fishing can be enjoyed on the River Hamble, restricted only by the right of access. Please remember to be courteous and if fishing off jetties or pontooning, do get permission first and move for boats and yachts. Pick up a copy of the Bait Collectors Code, a voluntary code of conduct available from the Harbour Masters Office at Warsash (01489 576387)

• Have some means of calling for help.

• For more information on River Safety, visit www3.hants.gov. uk/hambleharbour

Nick Know les

Loca

Champ l ion

BBC presenter, Nick Knowles is a regular visitor to the Hamble Valley and enjoys sailing on the River Hamble. We asked him what the area means to him....

Nick, you regularly sail on the River Hamble, could you tell us why? What makes it a great place to sail? The waters around Hamble The jetty in Hamble

are beautiful; I love the views through the changing seasons. My favourite time of day is when the sun is setting across the water and there’s a yellowy, treacly light which is quite unique to the Hamble.

Tell is about the first time you sailed on the River Hamble? My

Directory of sailing clubs

friend Iain May took me trapezing on a fast sailing dingy and tried to drown me several times. Despite this I fell in love with the river. I feel at one with the Hamble, mostly because I’ve drunk gallons of it I suppose.

Hamble River Sailing Club

The Ferry Hard, Green Lane, Hamble, Southampton

023 8045 2070 or visit www.hambleriversc.org.uk

The Hamble Valley is described as a beautiful breathing space, what do you like about it?

Mercury Yacht Harbour

Satchell Lane, Hamble, Southampton

023 8045 2668 or visit www.hamble.co.uk

The bars, clubs, restaurants and friendly water gypsies.

Royal Southern Yacht Club

Rope Walk, Hamble, Southampton

023 8045 0300 or visit www.royal.southern.co.uk

Royal Air Force Yacht Club

Riverside House, Rope Walk, Hamble, Hamble-leRice

023 8045 2208 or visit www.rafyc.co.uk

Netley Sailing Club

Royal Victoria Pk, Netley Abbey, Southampton

023 8045 4272 or visit www.netleysc.co.uk

Warsash Sailing Club

Shore House, Shore Road, Warsash, Southampton

01489 583 575 or visit www.warsashsc.org.uk

Netley Cliff Sailing Club

Victoria Rd, Netley Abbey, Southampton

023 8045 5826 or visit www.ncsc.co.uk

And lastly, the Hamble Valley is known as the Strawberry Coast because of the strawberrygrowing heritage. So, thinking about strawberries, how do you eat yours? With balsamic vinegar.

Delicious!

Thanks Nick and we look forward to welcoming you back to the River Hamble soon!

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

5

The Great Outdoors

With more country parks than anywhere else in Hampshire, the Hamble Valley is a year-round haven for countryside lovers and a great place for children to explore and take part in regular activities.

From Moors Local Nature Reserve near Bishops Waltham where the River Hamble rises, to the mouth of the river on Southampton Water, the stretching coastline provides plenty of open space and walking trails to connect you with the flora and fauna throughout the year.

Take in the views of the Solent at Royal Victoria Country Park where the 200 acres of open spaces is perfect for picnicking and games. Explore the park and trails through woodland visiting the military cemetery, sensory garden and duck pond before taking a ride on the Royal Victoria Railway which runs rides throughout the school holidays.

Discover Manor Farm Country Park set in the heart of spectacular ancient woodland on the banks of the River Hamble. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the delightful Victorian working farm where children will enjoy taking part in a school lesson, meeting the animals and even milking a cow.

Itchen Valley Country Park Tree top adventures! the lakes before taking younger children on the Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway.

On the eastern side of the River Hamble visit Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve, Holly Hill Woodland Park and Bunney Meadows – a delightful walk along the east bank of the River Hamble with outstanding views of the marinas on the western side.

Follow trails and enjoy regular holiday activities such as pond dipping at Itchen Valley Country Park, discover a tree top adventure at the high wire, tree swinging Go Ape.

The Hamble Valley is an important area for nature conservation and provides a perfect spot to explore Hampshire’s wildlife. The mudflat and salt marsh habitats are important for wildfowl and wading birds, and the unique biodiversity provides breeding opportunities for threatened mammals like otter, water voles and rare species of beetles, moths and other invertebrates.

Meander through meadows at Lakeside Country Park and what the fishing and water-sports on

Swanwick Lakes is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve

6

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

With 440 acres of woodland and meadows to explore, the Park is an ideal place for a family day out. Waymarked trails will help you enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

Trails, picnic sites, visitor centre, cafe play areas, events.

For further details call 023 8046 6091

Find us at...

Allington Lane, Southampton, SO30 3HQ, M27 Junction 5 or 7.

Email: ivcp@eastleigh.gov.uk www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

The view of the solent from Royal Victoria Country Park

Short Break Competition winner 2011

Visitor Perspective family fun in the great

outdoors

and is a beautiful place to walk and explore particularly during the summer when butterflies and dragonflies are in abundance. To the west of Netley, lies Westwood Woodland Park with ancient woodland, streamside walks and rolling grassland perfect for walks and family games.

Fairies in the woods?

One of the best examples of a countryside and woodland walk beside the River Hamble is along the National Trust shoreline at Curbridge. Accessible by boat only at high tide, there is a small pontoon on the River Cur ( a small tributary of the Hamble) where you can moor up at the highest navigable point on the River. Access by road is from the B3051 Botley Road just south of Curbridge, and there is roadside parking Fairies? at Burridge Cricket Club. The nearby Horse and Jockey pub welcomes visitors to their car park and after the walk you invited to stay for a drink and fine food. This tranquil enclave of ancient woodland can be steep and muddy, but there are

constructed walkways and seating which afford spectacular views through the trees and across the water. There are lots of special seasonal flowers in the woods, which are home to many more unusual bird species including woodpeckers and warblers. The reserve is locally known as 'Wishing Tree Woods' and hidden among the woodland is the Children's Shrine to the Fairies - a celebration of the fairies, pixies and elves that inhabit the glades and ferns. For many years, children and families have been leaving gifts and offerings to the fairy folk, who occasionally respond with secret messages of thanks. Look carefully you might just catch a glimpse one day!

Royal Victoria Country Park

It was the 1980’s television series ‘Howard’s Way’ that inspired us to visit The Hamble Valley. Since then we have returned several times to holiday in this beautiful area.

2012 will bring yet another welcome visit – all thanks to winning the competition in the Hamble Valley Visitor Magazine. With the help of the current guide and website we are planning our forthcoming short break to include The Cobbett Trail at Botley, a stroll through Bursledon, a repeat visit to Swanwick lakes, where on previous visits we have seen the marbled white butterfly and common spotted Orchid, further sight-seeing at Itchen Valley Country Park where Little Egrets and Treecreepers previously kept us enthralled.

For us, this is the perfect holiday area – compact, easily accessible, all endorsed by excellent public transport (trains and ferries in particular). Be it seascapes or countryside, shopping or solitude, pubs, restaurants or peaceful picnic sites, The Hamble Valley really does have it all. We look forward to our summer return.

Mrs J Pace Short Break Winner 2011 023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

7

An

Adventure for the whole

Manor Farm A new discovery every day

Under 3s go FREE!

family!

Manor Farm

• meet our animals • feed our feathered friends • have a go at milking • take a lesson to remember in our Victorian schoolroom • run wild in our country park

www.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm

01489 787055

Just off M27 Jct 8 www.hants.gov.uk

Hamble Valley Wordsearch!

Try to find the 15 items listed below.

1. summer 2. Autumn 3. Milking 4. Animals 5. Adventure 6. treetop 7. Itchen 8. Valley 9. family 10. Victory 11. Theatre 12. Tudor 13. southampton 14. Winchester 15. Hamble 16. River

A

World of Discovery • explore the woodland • take a stroll along the waterfront

E

R

F

A

B

C

S

S

T

E

R

E

A

E

U W O O D

S

B

S

A

E M H K

E

Y

Z U

E

R

T

T

S M S M Y M

A

E O T M

L

K

I

N G E

R

D O H Y

L Q F

K U C

T

E

A

E

T

E

A

Z

Y C A G E

I

O G

I

E

H A M E

H W N

T

A

R

E

M W A

R

E

C A G E

E

I

A

P O A

A A U

H M

R

B

P

L

U

R

L

C Y

R

P

A

B

A

C A

H W N O E

T

L

H A

I

I

J

U

E

Y

B

F

R

J

S G E O Z

C

L

D U B

P

I

B

T W B

P

V

P

U

E

L O C

E

A

T

R O T

D

R W Y

I

T

A D

V

L

R G A C

E

R

B

L

A

I

T

L O R

K U

F

X N T

R

E W L

H

L

T

H A

Z

E

A H

R M T

F

X D D

E

H A

T

U D O R

B

I

P

E

R

B O R

E

E

C A

I

A

A S

S

E

T G O E

Y

K

L

Z O

A D

P

A

C A

R

T N E

L

C Y

F

H A

F

S

U M M W T

J

U

B

A

Z

Z

B D

E

R

T

U A H

E

U N R

E

T

B

I

N S

T

R

E

S

V

E

R O Y

S

E

S

R

D

R

T W B

I

I

O B M

I

A H C W

I

N C H

E

S

T

E

E O O

I

S O U

S

L

R O E

U

R

H

Y

A

Y M

C

T

F

X N T

R

E

L

A

P

C

E O O N T O Y

R

H R M T

F

X N D

E M

J

L

T

B

I

T

P

H A

E

B H A G U

E

D

R

U N R

E

R

D

R O

E

T N

E

I

J

G T

P

E

R

I L

V D A

X W V D

Z W J

P

R

L

T

R

D

K

B

E

I

F M P

Y

A

R

L

E

H D E

I

E W A C

T O O E

R H A

M U

T N

H Q W T T

E

I

R

B U M O T

A

L

R

D Y

T

T

R

I

C A

V

I

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

U M N E

A A

A

O U A D C V

8

T A

E

E O O

P G T

• get hands-on with our family events

www.hants.gov.uk

I

U

K U K

R

Z

F

E

C A G E

W E

www.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

I

M X N T

• discover a fascinating military history

Tel: 023 8045 5157

S

F M O E

O

I

S O T

Y

L

I

E

F

A

S

A D A N U B

E G B H

R W T G P R

Y U L

R

H A

A N

D W S

E

F

F

A M

I

L

Y

A

I

M A

L

S O T

E

F

P O W

L

B M N O N D X

R O W M

pssst! if you need help turn to page 39

Ma Farm

Cou P

Go ape advert to be supplied

BRITNRGIBE

YOUR

tree-top Go Ape is the UK’s number one t course for two adventure. Head to your neares on zip wires, to three hours in the trees, taking a variety of Tarzan swings, rope ladders and r Tribe. high-wire crossings and bring you

28 tree-top adventures all over

the country

MPTON CLOSEST ADVENTURE: ITCHEN VALLEY, SOUTHA

Book at goape.co.uk or call 0845 094 9643 Minimum age 10, Minimum height 1.4m

Competition time...

Win a family ticket to Go Ape at Itchen Valley Think you and your tribe can handle up to 3 hours of tree top adventure?

Are you wild enough to climb 30ft up a rope ladder, Tarzan Swing into a giant rope net then zip wire through trees, crawl through tunnels and tackle high wire rope bridges?

Go Ape is the UK’s Number One Tree Top Adventure. We take one lush, green forest and a healthy dollop of breathtaking scenery; blend with a smattering of tree-top high wires, tricky crossings and wind-in-yourface zip wires; finished off with a liberal dose of people in search of their inner Tarzan. The result is spectacular. The Go Ape experience gets the adrenalin pumping, gets people out of their comfort zones and above all (no pun intended), it’s just great fun.

COMPETITION ENTRY DETAILS: For your chance to win a family ticket to Go Ape and swing through the trees in style all you have to do is answer this question: Which giant ape climbed the Empire State Building in a blockbuster movie? a) King Song b) King Kong c) King Pong To enter, email info@hamblevalley.com quoting ‘Go Ape Competition’ with your name, contact details and answer!

Alternatively post your entry to: Hamble Valley, C/O The Marketing Collective, The Point, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 5DW Closing Date: 1st December 2012

Further Information:

Min Age: 10 years. Min height: 1.40m/4ft 7. Max weight 130kg/20.5 stones Baboons (under 18s) must be supervised by a participating adult.

Booking essential.

Opening Times: 9 Apr – 30 Oct daily.

Closed Thu & Fri (during termtime).

Weekends only throughout Nov Prices: Gorillas (18 yrs+) £30.00.

Baboons (10-17 yrs) £20.00 Contact details: Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton SO30 3HQ Take a look and book at www.goape.co.uk or call 0845 643 9215

Terms & Conditions: The prize is a family ticket to Go Ape. This consists of two adult vouchers and two children vouchers (aged 10 to 17) per prize only. The prize can be redeemed at any Go Ape Adventure UK wide (28 adventures). Under 18s must be supervised by a participating adult. An adult can supervise either two children (where one or both of them is under 16) or up to five 16-17 year olds. Pre-booking is essential and subject to availability. Prize is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. There are no cash or other alternatives to the stated prizes.

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

9

hamble Valley good life Pickwell Farm Shop

Pick your own Strawberries Raspberries & Vegetables We have seasonal Opening Times.

From 1st April - 30th September.

Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm Saturday & Sunday: 9am - 5pm From 1st October - 31st March.

Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm Sunday: 9am-3pm

call 023 8040 4616 to find out what’s in season

www.pickwellfarm.co.uk POrtSMOuth/GrAnGe rOAd, netley

The Hamble Valley encourages you to love your local lifestyle.

Whether visiting the area for the first time, exploring with family and friends or living locally, there are opportunities to help preserve the local area and take a little bit of the Hamble Valley Good Life home with you.

Home Grown to Pick Your Own Why not visit one of the many garden centres in the Hamble Valley to start your own veggie patch? Get children involved by allocating a small plot for their own produce -select fast growing crops such as radishes and sunflowers so impatient little green fingers will see fast results. Those mucky hands are part of the fun – and who knows what treasure or creepy crawlies will be found when digging. Visit garden centres such

as Garson’s in Titchfield, Haskins in West End, Arturis in West End and Fair Oak Nurseries for seeds and gardening equipment to get started.

If you don’t have the space for a veggie patch or own an allotment, you can still reap the benefits of local produce by visiting a pick your own farm such as Pickwell Farm in Netley or Hollam nursaries Tichfield. With over 1000 PYO farms in the UK, the farms and farm shops sell a variety of local produce supporting local farmers and suppliers.

Wartime Farm The cast of BBC’s Wartime Farm have made themselves right at home at Manor Farm. Long standing presenters Peter Ginn, Ruth Goodman and Alex Langlands have been on site for 9 months exploring how people in the Second World War lived, farmed and cooked food. They are due to finish filming in August.

The trio - assisted by a number of local farming experts and wartime enthusiasts - have been ploughing, sowing, growing and harvesting in

the fields. They have transformed the farm cottage into a 1940s kitchen to cook their produce.

Plenty of Manor Farm’s staff and volunteers have been taking part in the action, helping the cast with their work, and even appearing on camera.

The programme is set to be aired from early September on BBC2.

For more information on Manor Farm and surrounding country park visit www.hants.gov.uk

DIG for victory 10

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

Support local businesses when you explore the Hamble Valley.

Value

From where you stay to where you eat, if you chose a local business, your money will benefit local communities that need it the most. Look for local food shops where produce has been grown nearby. This will help to reduce food miles and carbon emissions.

If you are looking for great tasting local produce or perhaps some delicious gifts to take home to family and friends, visit a Hampshire Farmers’ Market which take place across the county every month.

Visit www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk for more details.

For a true taste of the Hamble Valley, try some of the region’s delicious locally grown strawberries or follow the 15-mile Strawberry Trail walking route for an insight into this important strawberry growing area. A copy of the Strawberry Trail route is featured on the centre pages of this magazine.

A Helping Hand Starting a veggie patch can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Even if you have a small space to have a go at growing your own, here are some hints and tips to get you started: Know your soil – before you decide what to grow pick up a soil testing kit from a local gardening centre.

This will tell you a more about your soil for example, vegetables grow best in slightly acidic soil.

Whether your plot is in a raised bed or in a container, it should be next to a sunny wall or fence, which will be perfect for climbing plants.

Just remember that soil in the 'rain shadow' of a wall can be dry, so add manure or compost to help retain moisture every time you replant.

If you are planting your vegetable patch with children, you will want some easy, fast-growing crops for those impatient little green fingers: • Sunflowers are easy and a must for a children’s garden – plant one or two as they do take up room.

• Cherry tomatoes and Strawberries are a fun crops.

Plant in full sun and use seedlings rather than planting from seed in the ground or either in a container or hanging basket – just remember to water well!

• Lettuces are quick and reliable and give fast results and an excellent was to interest children in salads.

• Radishes also give quick results and will germinate in 3-10 days, and have a very short growing season of 20-30 days.

• Snow peas are a quick-growing early crop, and fun for kids to eat right off the vine. Snow peas are popular because the pod is edible and since they are a dwarf plant they can be grown without a trellis.

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

11

Contemporary Whether it’s contemporary dance, traditional theatre, jazz, or classical music, Hamble Valley is bursting with cultural offerings…

The Point One of the south’s leading venues for contemporary performance and dance, a magnet for internationally-renowned artists and performers.

The Point Leigh Road Eastleigh SO50 9DE Box office 023 8065 2333

© Farrows Creative

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

The Berry Theatre A new theatre offering exemplary programming through a broad range of drama, children's theatre and comedy, plus a state of the art digital cinema.

The Berry Theatre Wildern Lane Hedge End SO30 4EJ Box office 01489 799 499

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

Make it part of your next visit!

12

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

Hamble Valley has the privilege of being home to two theatres, The Point in Eastleigh and The Berry Theatre in Hedge End. Housed in a beautifully-renovated late Victorian town hall and library and surrounded by landscaped parkland, The Point is located in the heart of Eastleigh.

Widely recognised as one of the south’s leading venues for contemporary performance and dance, the theatre offers a cutting edge programme for lovers of the arts. There is plenty for families too, with some of the leading children’s theatre companies touring to the venue – this coming season’s highlights will include the premiere of award-winning Oliver Jeffers new story Stuck presented by Big Wooden Horse; Julia Donaldson’s The Snail And the Whale, presented by Tall Stories; and an exciting new version of Rumpelstiltskin

by Olivier Award-winning dramatist Mike Kenny from Hiccup Theatre. A varied film programme offers the latest blockbusters as well as the chance to see some old movie classics on the big screen.

A contemporary art gallery, Watch This Space, exhibiting a changing collection of works in different media, plus a relaxed cafe bar, serving cakes and pastries and delicious home-made fare, add another dimension to this wonderful, all-embracing venue.

The Berry Theatre in Hedge End, officially opened last year by director and actor Samuel West, is a stunning state-of-theart venue, boasting the latest in digital projection for cinema. Its traditional drama programme offers something for everyone, although there is a strong emphasis on work for children and young people.

Comedy is a particular strength of The Berry Theatre, with some of the biggest names on the circuit such as Ross Noble, Shappi Khorsandi and Dr Phil appearing. Some of this season’s theatrical highlights include Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage presented

by Blackeyed Theatre; Gilbert & Sullivan’s Iolanthe from Opera Comique and Forest Forge Theatre’s Bloom.

For children, there is a vibrant programme, running throughout the year, including its popular Saturday Storyteller Sessions sessions, as well as its Writer's Squad sessions – a regular club where 13 -17 year olds can learn a range of writing skills from rap, playwriting and short stories to lyrics, poetry and flash fiction.

Lîla Dance>

Culture Some highlights for the Autumn and Winter…

Propeller:

Pocket Henry V The Point, October 19 Henry IV is dead, and England is in a mess.

Battered and bruised by war, the people are not happy. Henry V has a lot to prove.

He faces the mammoth task of bringing a dynasty back to greatness from the brink of destruction. There are plenty of people who don’t believe he’s up to the job… but has Henry found the solution to bring this crumbling kingdom back from the brink?

Described as Shakespeare’s most patriotic play, Henry V has been crafted into Pocket Henry V, a 60 minute reimagining of this legendary English story by all male Shakespeare company Propeller.

P remiere of Oliver Jeffers’ Stuck, The Point, September 15 Oliver Jeffers, award-winning author of How To Catch A Star, Lost And Found, and The Way Back Home, returns with a tale about a little boy in a terribly sticky situation.

The Point has the privilege of hosting the premiere of Stuck, an exciting tale suitable for young children and their families. The story begins when Floyd gets his kite stuck in a tree. He throws up his shoe to shift it, but that gets stuck, so he throws up his other shoe and that gets stuck too. Along with the cat, a ladder, a pot of paint, the kitchen sink, an orangutan and a whale, amongst other things! Will Floyd ever get his kite back? Presented by exciting children’s theatre company Big Wooden Horse Stuck features original music and oodles of audience participation.

P remiere of The Incredible Presence Of A Remarkable Absence The Point, September 27 Contemporary dance company Lîla Dance premieres its new work, The Incredible Presence Of A Remarkable Absence.

Inspired by Samuel Beckett’s Waiting For Godot the thrilling piece explores the nature of the human condition. With its distinct style of fearlessly imaginative and physically challenging performance, Lîla Dance explores the truth and vision of Beckett’s seminal play. The dancers draw on the mannerisms and traits of Godot’s two characters, using props and items of staging; a spectrum of emotion covered in this daring twist on Beckett’s masterpiece of existentialism. The Incredible Presence Of A Remarkable Absence promises to be a remarkable evening of contemporary dance.

A n Audience With Tony Benn, The Berry Theatre, December 8 Veteran Labour politician Tony Benn talks about his extraordinary life and career. Born in London and retired from the House of Commons in May 2001, after 50 years in Parliament, Benn is the longest serving Labour MP in the history of the party, which he joined in 1942. He was a Cabinet minister in the Wilson and Callaghan governments from 1964 - 79, as Minister of Technology, Secretary of State for both Industry and Energy and President of the Council of European Energy ministers in 1977. His published Diaries in seven volumes cover the period from 1942-1990, and the next volume Free At Last from 1990 - 2001. An erudite speaker, this promises to be an unforgettable evening.

T he Elves And The Shoemakers The Berry Theatre, December 14 to 24 This year’s Christmas show at The Berry Theatre promises to be a magical tale of mischief and merriment for children aged three plus and their families. This new version of The Elves And The Shoemaker is by Olivier Award-winning dramatist Mike Kenny, famed for his retelling of The Railway Children, originally staged at London’s Waterloo station. It’s Christmas Eve and two old shoemakers have no wood for their fire and only one scrap of leather to make a final pair of shoes. But on the stroke of Midnight as snow begins to fall, two little Elves drop in to spread some magical, festive cheer. This new version of this classic tale is directed by Sarah Brigham and features original music from Ivan Stott as well as puppetry, physical storytelling - and a sprinkling of Elf magic.

T he Snow Queen The Point, December 19 to 24 Annually, The Point’s Christmas show is presented by The Point Youth Theatre and always proves a resounding success.

This year the trend is set to continue as the youth company presents The Snow Queen, a powerful and enchanting tale of good versus evil. With original songs by award-winning composer Ivan Stott, directed by Daniel Hill and with stunning designs by Carl Davies this show reunites the creative team from last year’s sell-out production of Peter Pan. The Snow Queen is adapted by Neil Duffield from Hans Christian Andersen's traditional story. Duffield is the dramatist of the Youth Theatre’s previous hits A Christmas Carol and The Jungle Book, and will be brought vividly to life by a cast of more than 70.

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

13

Celebrating The Home Of British Jazz Lemar

Globally recognised as a leader in its field, The Concorde Club is a stylish entertainment and event venue based in Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh.

Established in 1957 by jazz aficionado and former drummer Cole Mathieson, and still under the same family management, the club is set in a beautiful old school house and gardens and includes an excellent restaurant, wine bar and three star hotel.

Originally set up as a jazz club it now offers a diverse entertainment programme including tribute bands, with live music up to seven nights a week. It’s standing in the jazz world was recently recognized with the inaugural Blue Plaque, an award voted for nationally by both enthusiasts and musicians as the venue considered to have done most for the development of jazz in the UK. Ronnie Scott’s came third.

Anyone who is anyone in the jazz world has almost certainly graced the stage of

the legendary venue. Its list of performing artists reads like a ‘who’s who’ of jazz icons Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth, Barney Kessel, Clare Teal, Georgie Fame, Charlie Mingus and Stacey Kent to name but a few.

Over the years it has also encouraged many of the worlds finest young artists such as Manfred Mann, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Elton John and more recently Jamie Cullum.

Today The Concorde Club boasts a fine dining restaurant, a culinary acclaimed wine bar The Moldy Fig which also regularly hosts live music and with its delightful riverside terrace is open daily to nonmembers, a concert venue and the three star Ellington Lodge Hotel.

While respectful of its history the Club is constantly looking to the future with ever more exciting events. This coming season will include household names such as Soul

II Soul, Shakatak, Gwen Dickey of Rose Royce, Stylistics, Richard Street from The Temptations, and Ginger Baker from the world of music, while Frank Bruno and Paul Gascoigne visit for sporting dinners. The wonderful gardens meanwhile are readying themselves for The Concorde Classic Car Show 9 September and the increasingly popular and elegant marquee weddings following July’s annual Jazz & Beer Festival.

In the words of the great Humphrey Lyttelton “Class & character - that’s The Concorde Club”. Which is why, for anyone looking for leisure with that extra touch, a trip to The Concorde Club should be on the agenda.

The Concorde Club, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, SO50 9HQ Tel: 023 8061 3989 www.theconcordeclub.com

This popular community theatre company now have two venues in Titchfield. Both venues seat 200, have a bar/cafe and a relaxed atmosphere.

St Margarets Lane in Titchfield is where the company are based and this is their permanent all year round home where an eclectic programme of diverse drama is produced. If you want to see quality shows from comedy to drama and the odd musical then we look forward to seeing you.

In the summer months between May and October Titchfield Festival Theatre proudly present The Titchfield Shakespeare Festival. The evidence of William Shakespeare living. working and loving in and around Titchfield is fast gaining ground and now you can watch Shakespeare plays in the beautiful setting of The Great Barn. The Great Barn built in 1411 (as a store house for Henry V’s Agincourt campaign) is the ideal atmospheric setting to watch the bards greatest plays.

Tickets range from £9.00 to £11.00 with the usual concessions and group bookings.

Book on line at www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com or call our friendly BOX OFFICE on 01329 556156 Address: St Margarets Lane, Titchfield, PO14 4BG

14

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

The Hamble Valley has a wealth of fascinating local heritage connections and attractions which tell of years gone by and the role that the area has had in the history of southern Hampshire.

Aviation Famous NAMES Visit the Heritage Centre within the Chapel at Royal Victoria Country Park and discover the history of Britain’s largest military hospital.

Opened by Florence Nightingale in 1863, the Royal Victoria Hospital was over a quarter mile long and contained 138 wards and around 1000 beds. Netley was also the home of the Army Medical School - one of the most famous practitioners from here is Conan Doyle’s ‘Dr Watson’, whose connections with Netley are related in first Sherlock Holmes novel, ‘A Study in Scarlet’, published in 1888.

Historians will also enjoy an exploration of North Stoneham Park in Eastleigh and a visit to the remarkable WW1 War Shrine, which is currently being returned to its original condition. Part of the Restoration of Stoneham War Shrine project is the conservation of the historic parkland. Discover the story of the park and the connection of the Fleming family and learn more about St Nicholas Church and the famous One-Handed Clock which dates from the 17th century online at www.northstoneham.org.uk and request a leaflet detailing a circular walk.

Royal Victoria Country Park Chapel

the River Ha mble

The River The River Hamble plays a large part in history of the Hamble Valley Archaeological evidence indicates that people have been living and working on the river for over two thousand years. Until the 14th century Hamble was a more important trading centre than Portsmouth.

Some of the great ships built on the river include Nelson’s flagship for the Battle of Copenhagen, HMS Elephant (on which he put his telescope to his blind eye and “saw no signal”). Some years later she was captained by Jane Austen’s brother Frank and features in her popular novel Mansfield Park. Another brother, Charles, was captain of The Phoenix in 1815. In all around fifty naval vessels were built on the Hamble between 1692 and 1815 Henry V’s flagship Grace Dieu was brought to the Hamble at Bursledon for safe keeping during the 100 Years War with France. She was destroyed by fire in 1439 after a lightning strike, and her wreck (one of many in the Hamble) can be seen at low tide from Manor Farm Country Park.

The Hamble Valley has also played an important part in the history of aviation. Back in 1910, at a time when aircraft were in their infancy, a local man named Edwin Rowland Moon triumphantly flew his homemade Moonbeam II aircraft from the fields of North Stoneham Farm. This is now the site of Southampton Airport. Situated on the outskirts of Eastleigh town, this is also the site where the Spitfire took its maiden flight in 1936. Designer RJ Mitchell is buried at South Stoneham Cemetery adjacent to the Airport and a near life-size sculpture of the prototype Spitfire was installed at the entrance to the Airport in 2003.

light ry of f

a Centen

Solent Sky Museum

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

15

There are plenty of attractions across the Hamble Valley were the past comes to life! Discover Eastleigh’s past at Eastleigh Museum where a locomotive engine driver and his wife will show you what life was like in the 1930’s. With a changing programme of exhibitions, and events including family friendly activities during school holidays, there is always something new to learn.

See a fine example of the county’s agricultural heritage at the beautifully restored Bursledon Windmill. Built by Phoebe Langtry in 1813 -14, the windmill is still in full working order. Have a go at grinding the flour and buy a bag of high quality flour to take home.

Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum at Swanwick was founded

in 1897 and produced 20 million bricks a year in its heyday. Now open on Sundays, visitors can explore the brickworkings and museum and see demonstrations of steam and pugmill engines. A dedicated team of volunteers host regular open days and events providing exhibitions from historic cars to traditional crafts, a wildlife garden and coffee shop.

in Fareham tells the history of the town’s past and the famous ‘Fareham Reds’ - the locally produced bricks that built much of Victorian England, including The Royal Albert Hall in London. There are local displays and events and activities for children along with a Victorian public garden.

Westbury Manor Museum

Gothic Tales For over two thousand years the curious have visited Netley Abbey and today the ruins are in the care of English Heritage for everyone to enjoy. It’s also full of literary heritage and makes a great site for a picnic with the kids.

As expected, Netley Abbey has its legends, ghosts and of course a 16

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

curse which is said to date from the time of the dissolution of the monasteries. One of the Abbey Monks, ‘Blind Peter’ became the guardian of Abbey’s treasure against Henry VIII. In an attempt to find the treasure, a gentleman named Mr Slown arrived at the Abbey and began to dig a hole.

Moments later he ran away screaming, and collapsed within minutes from a heart attack uttering his dying words, ‘For God’s sake, block it up’.

Another victim was local builder Walter Taylor. In 1700, when Taylor was intent on removing stones from the site to use in a town house, he had a terrible nightmare.

In the dream, he was visited by a monk who warned him of great mischief if he was to continue with his plans. He saw a large stone falling on him, which fractured his skull. Taylor discussed his dreams with Dr Isaac Watts who suggested that he should keep out of the way during the demolition.

However, contrary to this advice, Taylor took part in the demolition and in the course of tearing down a board, he loosened a stone that fell and fractured his head.

The wound was not considered mortal but, during the operation to remove the splinter, the surgeons instrument slipped, entered into Taylors brain and caused instant death.

Attractions Contact Details: Bursledon Windmill www.hants.gov.uk/windmill 0845 603 5635 Eastleigh Museum www.hants.gov.uk/eastleigh-museum 0845 603 5635 Westbury Manor Museum www.hants.gov.uk/westbury-manormuseum 01329 824895 Netley Abbey www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/ properties/netley-abbey 023 9237 8291

A fascinating insight into our industrial past.

Special activity days featuring live steam and hands on activities, exhibitions and displays.

Steam & narrow gauge railway for all the family.

Free Car Park Coffee Shop Gift Shop Interest for all ages - come see for yourself!

Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum Swanwick Lane, Southampton SO31 7GW Tel 01489 576248 or visit www.bursledonbrickworks.co.uk

Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum

industry and agriculture

Hamble Valley Heritage Guides Discover more about the Hamble Valley on a guided walk through the parishes and villages of the area.

Learn about the history, famous associations and quirky facts and tales including strawberries, shipbuilding, railways, aviation and pubs.

Visit the website for details of walks or contact for a FREE guided walk programme.

Please call 023 8068 8233 or 023 8061 7182 (out of hours only)

www.hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk Email: hamblevalley@aol.com

Captain Rostron & crew of Carpathia - credit The National Archives, Kew

Hamble Valley’s Hidden Histories Titanic April 2012 was the 100th anniversary of the fateful sailing of the RMS Titanic.

The disaster made headlines across the world and had a devastating effect on the people of Southampton and Hamble Valley.

Most of the crew lived across the town and over 500 families were affected.

The Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides commemorated the anniversary by launching a new heritage leaflet and Titanic Trail, which highlights the many places and people who were associated with the Titanic including: Captain Rostron who was in command of the Carpathia when she picked up the new SOS distress signal on the 14th April 1912. He ordered his ship to sail through

threatening ice at speeds up to 17 knots per hour, in a race against time to save the passengers and crew of the Titanic as she foundered on her maiden voyage. His story is told in the West End Museum sited in the old village fire station and his grave is in West End cemetery.

Charles Lightoller, the Second Officer on RMS Titanic and highest ranking of the surviving officers. He lived at Nikko Lodge, Hound in Netley close to the railway station.

He was one of the key witnesses in the inquiry into the sinking and when he wrote his memoirs, including the events of that fateful night, he included the comment...

‘I don’t like jazz music as a rule but I think it helped us all that night’.

George Frederick Turner signed on Titanic as the ship’s stenographer, under Titanic Eastleigh’s Hidden Histories the name of Taylor. This was his first ship although he was aged thirty-two and married. His wages were rated at £4.10 shillings per month and, as was usual, stopped immediately the ship sank. Like all those who were lost without their bodies being found or identified, he has no known grave.

FREE - plEaSE takE onE

A Titanic Trail of the places and people across the Hamble Valley associated with RMS Titanic.

For a copy of the Hamble Valley Titanic Trail email info@hamblevalley.com or call 023 80617182

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

17

Michaelmas Fair 29th & 30th September All sorts of revelry will be afoot in Southampton on Michaelmas weekend when the Tudor Revels will be hosting a free event in St Michaels Square and surrounding historic buildings. Historic re-enactors, workshops in singing and lute playing, muster drills and mummers, costume workshops, storytellers & minstrels, talks, walks and all sorts of stalls.

Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund the programme is all Free and designed to raise the profile of Southampton. Back in Tudor times of course the mayor of Southampton as Admiral of the Port had jurisdiction over outlying districts including much of the Hamble Valley. So the Hamble Valley Tourist Guides have been commanded to join the revels and organise some suitable FREE walks:

12 September 7pm Guided walk 6 October 2pm Guided walk around St Andrews Church, around Netley Abbey: When the Tudors first came to Hamble-le-Rice: The priory church, known for oysters and beer brewing, used to support Winchester College; originally founded by a cell of Benedictine monks who arrived from Thiron in France in 1109 it was known as an ‘Alien Church’!

For hundreds of years the monks served the churches of Hound and Bursledon, find out what happened to them in the company of our guide.

the throne the Abbot of Netley was an important person in the local economy providing wood to build the quays for the port of Southampton. By the reign of Henry VIII the Abbey was in ruins and a mansion was being built for the Paulet family, soon to be created Marquises of Winchester. To hear this Reformation tale of ghostly monks, buried treasure and the new Elizabethans why not join our guide for a walk around the atmospheric ruins.

21 October 2pm Guided walk around St Nicolas Church, North Stoneham:

Italians sailors, floating Flemings & Father Christmas are all part of St Nicolas’s Tudor story, not to mention the parishioners buried under the floor for the price of a cow. Join our guide to have a peek around this gem of a church sat in beautiful parkland.

For further details on the Tudor Revels events and workshops across Southampton and the Hamble Valley visit www.tudorrevels.co.uk 18

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

Walk this way Experience the beautiful scenery of the Hamble Valley on one of its many walks and trails. Below are some of the walks on offer and to start you on your rambles the Hamble Valley Strawberry Trail is detailed overleaf printed on the centre-fold for you to pull out and use.

Strawberry Trail

The long- distance circular route is a popular trail which leads you through some of the highlights of the Hamble Valley including the historic villages of Botley, Bursledon, Hamble and Netley, through country parks and along much of the River Hamble shoreline. Starting in Botley, the distance to Netley is approximately 8 miles with the total circular trail being around 15 miles taking a suggested 8 hours to complete. There are plenty of refreshment stops along the way and the trail can be picked up at any point – just look for the strawberry way-markers!

Hamble Rail Trail

A pleasant and relatively easy walk linking Hamble Common with Royal Victoria Country Park using part of the Solent Way and overlapping with the Strawberry Trail. The trail which runs adjacent to a disused railway track that was once used to transport aircraft from Manchester to Hamble provides a circular route which passes through woodland, open parkland and countryside. The walk is approximately 4.5 miles and should take around 2 hours with the starting point in Royal Victoria Country Park by the Cedar Team Rooms.

Cobbett Trail

Travel in the footsteps of Botley’s most famous and radical resident on the Cobbett Trail. Starting at the Market Hall in the centre of Botley, the heritage-based trail provides fascinating insight to the lives and times of Botley residents as well as the historic buildings. Explore the village and surrounding countryside on this delightful 4.5 mile trail which starts at the Market Hall

Solent Way

The 60 mile long-distance coastal walking route from the seaside town of Milford-onSea to Emsworth Harbour, passes through the Hamble Valley. The walk is divided into sections and makes Hamble Village the perfect place to stay and rest for a night before heading on. Details of the full walk

or sections including Hythe to Hamble and Hamble to Hill Head can be found online at www.hamblevalley.com

Official Map

To get the best out of a walk in the Hamble Valley, pick up a copy of the Hamble Valley Official Map which identifies the five different walks as well as highlight the other main paths with other useful information en-route. See www.hamblevalley.com for a list of outlets and how to order.

Audio Tours

Hampshire & Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology volunteer, Richard Wyatt has produced an excellent series of short audio guides/podcasts to be enjoyed as you walk along the River Hamble. The files can be freely downloaded and listened to on an MP3 player. Richard's commentary, with occasional snippets from HWTMA staff, provides fascinating insights into the history of the area and tells the story behind some of the vessels that have been abandoned on the River Hamble's foreshore.

For more information on this walk and others and to download, visit www.hwtma.org.uk/bursledon

Virtual Tour

Guided Walks

Why not combine a walk with some fascinating history and join a Hamble Valley Heritage Guide on a seasonal guided walk through the parishes and villages of the Hamble Valley. The popular walks provide an insight into the history of the area with famous associations, the impact of local industry and local peculiarities, stories and legends. A full programme of walks can be requested – see advert on page 16.

See more of the Hamble Valley use your smart phone to scan in the QR code for a virtual tour.

To purchase your copy of the Hamble Valley Official Map go to www.mapstop.co.uk

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

19

Strawberry Trail A long distance circular walking trail through the countryside and villages of the Hamble Valley. The distance to Netley from Botley is approximately 8 miles, and the total circular route is approx. 15 miles.

It includes several stiles and should take about 8 hours to complete.

The trail is waymarked by circular red markers depicting a strawberry.

To download a full description of the trail with points of interest visit www.hamblevalley.com

Sponsored by CooperVision: CooperVision believes in promoting wellness to our employees and their families. Our vision is Healthy employees, healthy families, Healthy business…H3.

20

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

tarting from Botley, leave the S village square to south along Church Lane until you reach the entrance to Manor Farm Country Park. Turn left and enter the park, passing the old workshops. Continue straight ahead through the gate along the main footpath by the hedge. At the corner of the field, do not take the first right hand path, but go through the gate and turn right to follow the parallel field edge path alongside a hedge. ollow the waymarkers along F through the woods to the river until a left turn is reached at a creek. Cross the creek over a stile and follow the path waymarkers across the field, cross over two more stiles and follow the tarmac roads alongside the river until arriving at A27 Bridge Road.

Take care crossing this busy road into Church Lane, then turn left into Station Road and left again into the Station car park. Turn right taking the steep footpath up the hill, and then round to the left following the High Street through Old Bursledon.

Pass Salterns Lane junction then turn left down a narrow path alongside the cottage. Follow markers down the hill and up through the woods at Mallards Moor until eventually reaching Satchell Lane, Hamble. alk along twisting Satchell Lane W (taking great care) until after a sharp bend take a path to the right leading along the edge of old Hamble airfield. Continue along the footpath passing a children’s play area until reaching High Street opposite St. Andrew’s Church.

urn left and follow High T Street downhill to Hamble Quay. From the Quay by the public toilets go up the short steep hill (Green Lane) turning left at the top across a graveled area. Follow the path through the woods, across the salt marsh flats and meadows of Hamble Common to the foreshore.

Cross the road and walk through the beach car park, past the gun battery and along the path over heath land.Follow the waymarkers on this section of what is also part of The Solent Way, continue along past the BP Terminal and Westfield Common to reach Royal Victoria Country Park. hilst in the Country Park, take W time to visit the Heritage Centre, Royal Victoria Railway or continue along the shorefront, following The Solent Way to visit the ruins of Netley Abbey. o continue on The Strawberry T Trail, follow the path to the Cedar Tearooms and toilets then follow The Hamble Rail Trail, taking the left hand path when you reach the railway boundary fence out to Hound Road. Turn right and follow Hound Road to the T-junction at the end. Cross the main road near the bus stop and pick up the trail path which goes to the right through the kissing gates. ontinue along the straight path C turning right into the recreation ground at the end of the fields. Walk straight across and along a short stretch of road to the traffic lights on Hamble Lane. ross Hamble Lane into C Chamberlayne Road, turning right turn toward the church, take the tarmac path down the hill past the shops. Follow Woodlands

Way then turn left into The Acorns.

Go downhill to the end and, straight ahead following footpath to where it crosses the Hungerford Lane. Continue across the lane up the footpath to top of hill.

For the Strawberry Trail route map and more walks in the Hamble Valley visit www.mapstop.co.uk and search ‘Hamble Valley'

urn right along Kew Lane a short T distance, then left into a path leading to Church Lane. Turn left at end of path, walk along the lane continuing until the junction with School Road. Cross over School Road and follow the path to end turning right down the bank to Church Lane. Walk down Church Lane to the church, following the markers around the back of the churchyard. t the bottom of the steps follow A the path to the right, then at the fork take the left side path down to Station Hill. Turn left and continue straight ahead along Station Road and Church Lane to the A27. Cross over A27, retracing your steps following the waymarkers back to Manor Farm Country Park.

After crossing the bridge over the creek, take the left path leading to a tarmac small road. Turn left along it for about 50 yards and then right along a path. Follow this until a crossroads of footpaths, turning right along a broad bridleway, which eventually returns you to Manor Farm roadway. Cross the roadway and turn left back to Manor Farm museum buildings, past the farm and out onto Church Lane.

Turn left and follow the lane, taking the path on the right hand side across fields. Go through a couple of kissing gates, across a bridge before taking the right hand fork in the path which brings you back to Botley village.

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

21

Space for your imagination!

summer holidays and check BellaCrafts is renowned for creating www.bellacrafts.co.uk for seasonal events as well as regular workshops a fun crafting environment for and activities including: adults and children of all ages.

Located in The Barn at Fair Oak Garden • Craft Club - Every Monday 12pm - 4pm, Wednesday 10.30am Centre, BellaCrafts provides a relaxed, - 4pm and Thursdays 12- 5pm. friendly centre full of beautiful beads and creative crafts, offering space that • Card Making and Scrapbook can be used by adults and children to Club! Every Monday 7-9pm allow their imaginations to flow! Not • Take Part Tuesdays & only a lovely shopping experience but Thursdays! From 1pm take part also a chance to take a seat and craft in a different workshop every week or leave the children whilst you grab a covering all craft! Please ring for break! details and cost. Book a time for There are many workshops, you and friends! demonstration days and events taking • BellaCrafts Bead Club! place at BellaCrafts. Including glass Every Wednesday 7-9pm fusing, jewellery making, paper craft, lace making, card making, seasonal • Scrapbook Club! crafts and much more!

Every Friday 9.30am – 12noon See the events page (pg2) for • Beading afternoon workshops and events throughout the Every Friday 1 - 4pm

Competition!

22

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

BellaCrafts vouchers Perfect for a birthday gift or to let someone have a go!

Vouchers sold in £5, £10 & £20.

To book or for further details call: 023 8051 7054 The Barn, Fair Oak Garden Centre, Winchester Road, Fair Oak SO50 7HD or email info@bellcrafts.co.uk

www.bellacrafts.co.uk

Calling all enthusiastic photographers!

From now until December we want you to capture The Hamble Valley in all its glory! We want to see your best images from your visit to The Hamble Valley, whether it be during winter or summer, flowers or animals. There is so much to photograph!

The winning photos will be featured throughout the 2013 Hamble Valley Magazine and the website! Just simply email: Info@hamblevalley. com quoting “Hamble Valley Photo Competition” with your photo(s) with a contact name, telephone and any comments you would like to add with your photo. Go get snapping .. good luck!

? o d e w n a c t Wha

for all the family, y lle Va le b am H see and do in the ne of There is plenty to the cobwebs at o ay aw g in w lo b to covering from days out dis parks. the many country Visit the windmill

A Quest for Heritage ! egin at Eastleigh Museum on a B Saturday morning and learn about the Railway town. Stop for refreshments and browse the gift shop. ully refreshed visit West End Museum F and discover more local history with interesting displays on genealogy, property and some famous names including the links with the Titanic and the story of Captain Rostron and the Carpathia. isit the great Chapel Hall at Royal V Victoria Country Park and learn about life as a soldier at Netley, discover Royal Victoria’s influence on modern medicine, and find out what Florence Nightingale thought of Britain’s largest military hospital. ake a Sunday to visit Bursledon T Windmill and then on to one of Bursledon Brickworks family Open Days for a day of heritage fun before heading to the Jolly Sailor on the River Hamble for a bite to eat.

Running wild With so much open space there is plenty of room for fun and games. n a blustery autumn day, head to O Royal Victoria Country Park and fly a kite at with the wind off Southampton Water. lay Hide and Seek around the ruins of P Netley Abbey – remember to pack that picnic! isit Swanwick Lakes or Itchen Valley V Country Park during the summer holidays and half-term holidays and join in the hunts and trails around the country park.

I n the rain there is still fun to be had. Put on your wellies and waterproofs and head to Manor Farm Country Park for puddle jumping – Remember to check the depth of the puddle with a stick first! njoy a walk through the Hamble Valley E on one of the many walks (see page19)

Accept a mission or embark on a treasure hunt with Treasure Trails Hampshire who offer fun family treasure trails around the villages of Hamble and Eastleigh. Visit www.treasuretrails.co.uk/ hampshire for details.

Creative fun Snappy Happy! Get the children into photography by arranging flowers, twigs, leaves or visit the same location throughout the year to capture the seasons, spotting the changes.

Fly kites in the fresh air

Collect memoirs from days out in the Hamble Valley and create a scrapbook – Visit Bella Crafts in Fair Oak for all your scrapbooking material.

Take pen, paper and some paints to Hamble Quay to paint the yachts on the River, stopping in at the Blue Star kiosk for refreshments. Don’t forget to tidy up once the little artists have finished!

Food for thought For sticky finger treats Visit Pickwell Farm or Hollam Nurseries for delicious Pick Your Own strawberries, raspberries and gooseberries… remember the wet wipes for sticky fingers!

Take the children crabbing on Hamble Quay for a great afternoon and see how many crabs you can catch compared to everyone else! Bring some bait, crabbing lines and a bucket

Action & activity

Whilst not free, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activity centres and attractions that provide hours of fun for young (and old) providing great value for money.

Marwell Activity Centre offers indoor and outdoor fun with a range of adventure activities for children from archery, paintballing to climbing and clay pigeon shooting.

Go Ape Itchen Valley is a thrilling high wire, tree top adventure for anyone over the age of 10 years old.

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

23

Hidden Gems How the Olympic Jubilee year is unlocking a treasure-trove of heritage

The mid way point of the year has been passed and as the evenings start to draw in, thoughts turn to the mellow fruitfulness of late summer, autumn’s vibrant colours and the stark beauty of the winter months. These are wonderful times for getting out and about in Hampshire for walks and visits and explorations of a county steeped in history.

Many well-known historical figures are associated with or commemorated within churches across the county. For instance the Alice who features in the Alice in Wonderland books is based on a real person: Alice Liddell, the fourth child of Henry Liddell, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford. When she grew up, Alice married and took the name Hargreaves. Her burial place is in the churchyard behind the church at Lyndhurst, St Michael & All Angels.

Another well know literary figure is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the celebrated sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, who is buried in the churchyard at Minstead in the New Forest. Doyle’s grave can be found on the far side of the All Saints’ churchyard, recognisable by a briar pipe lying on it.

Staying with famous authors Jane Austen lived at Chawton, just Chawton Church outside Alton, from 1809 until 1817, the year of her death. She worshiped at the local church of Chawton St Nicholas but her last weeks were spent in 8 College Street in 24

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

Winchester and so she was buried in Winchester Cathedral. See if you can find the stone marking her grave in the floor, as well as a well-photographed brass plaque on the wall and a memorial window.

The Hampshire coastline has produced some celebrated naval captains. One such, Admiral George Brydges Rodney saw action against both the French and Spanish fleets in a naval career that lasted from 1732 to 1782 and was quite a controversial figure at the time accused of an obsession with prize

St Swithun's day if thou dost rain For forty days it will remain St Swithun's day if thou be fair For forty days 'twill rain nae mare money and nepotism.

His grave is to be found in the nave of St Mary’s Church, Old Alresford alongside a magnificent memorial to his family.

At North Stoneham, St Nicholas church on the edge of Southampton houses the memorial to Sir Thomas Fleming who was one of the judges at the trial of Guy Fawkes and also a memorial to Lord Hawke another famous sailor who joined

the Navy in 1720 and saw active service until 1765 becoming First Sea Lord.

Florence Nightingale is Wellow Chu rch remembered for her work among the military during the Crimean War, as well as for the foundation of the hospital in Winchester.

She came to be fondly known as “The lady with the lamp”. Her story is told at the heritage centre at Royal Victoria Country Park, once Britain's largest Military Hospital. Her family lived outside Romsey at East Wellow where she was buried in 1910 aged 90 and where there is a memorial to her in the church.

Winchester Cathedral has been a centre Romsey Abbey for pilgrimage for centuries and is dedicated to St Swithun, whose shrine can be found at the east end of the Cathedral, behind the high altar. Swithun was a Saxon Bishop of Winchester who died in 862 and who asked to be buried outside the Cathedral walls. But soon the Saint gained a reputation for healings said to have taken place at his tomb and so the remains were transferred inside the Cathedral, during which it was said to have poured with rain.

activities such as “Messy Church“ where children and their families can enjoy getting involved in art or craft work, eat together and meet other families, Mother & Toddler groups, youth groups, lunch clubs, bible study groups and many more. Which ever way you choose to join in you can be sure to find yourself very welcome and I am sure you will enjoy yourself and make new friends along the way.

Locally the Hamble Valley churches offer a wide range of services and events some of which might surprise you for example Hamble, St Andrew church has held Pet Services and has even had Teddy Bears parachuting from the tower.

Weekly it has a “Cherubs” group for pre-school children (from babes in arms to children preparing for school) and their Mums and Dads where they listen to stories, play games and sing songs, enjoy some refreshments and colour pictures in the Priory Centre. The “Beacons Group” aged from 3 to 11 meet just before the 10am church service on Sundays and enjoy bible stories, making things and singing songs before joining their families near the end of the service. “The Place 2 B” is an informal café held in the Priory Centre on the last Saturday of the month from 10 -12 which raises funds for the Christmas Day lunch for those who can’t be with family on the day.

Many other social and church events are happening all over the area and your local vicar and church team will be very happy to meet you, help with questions and welcome you into the life of the worshipping community which is the church of today. The web site for the Diocese of Winchester which covers the Hamble Valley churches and many more across Hampshire can be found at www.cofewinchester.org.uk

Winchester Cathedral

From this sprang the tradition that the weather on his feast day of July 15 would determine the weather for the next 40 days, (as in the verse on the centre left) – or as a variation puts it: If on St Swithun's day it pours, You're better off to stay indoors!

Please see Winchester Cathedral web site for more details on the cathedral www. winchestercathedral.org.uk Boldre Church Many people would set off from Winchester Cathedral on pilgrimage to Canterbury along a route which became known as the Pilgrims’ Way and it is still possible to walk much of the route on the original tracks. Details may be found at www3.hants.gov.uk/ longdistance/st-swithuns-way The history of the Cathedral, the churches and the people connected to them through the ages is fascinating and they continue to be at the centre of the lives of people today.

If you would like to find Teddy bear fun a church close to where you live you can put your postcode in to the website “a church near you” www.achurchnearyou.com and access the address, contact details, times of services and where available a web site.

There are many ways to become involved you may like to visit when the local church is holding its church fete or flower festival or join a working party looking after the churchyard, perhaps go to the Harvest Festival Service Pet service and supper, one of the larger services where a lot of the community attend others being Remembrance Day, Carol Services and Christmas. Many churches offer crèche, children’s

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

25

Fork & Cork Good food and drink is always on the menu in the Hamble Valley, and you will never be far from a pub, tea room or restaurant.

Local produce features prominently in the Hamble Valley with a rich heritage from strawberries in Botley, to cherries in Chandlers Ford and oysters from the River Hamble.

It is no wonder that the area is one of the best for sampling gastronomic delights from local producers.

The Hamble Valley has a wealth of public houses and restaurants across the towns and villages.

In Botley there were once 14 public houses due to the tidal river preventing travellers to cross and thus having to wait until the right conditions for them to be on their way. Today there are only 3 remaining which include The Bugle Inn on the High Street, set in a Grade II listed building serving delicious homemade food. Hamble has a selection of traditional pubs off the cobbled High Street and waterside establishments at the three marinas. Enjoy the very best in traditional cuisine whilst watching the yachts go by at Banana Wharf at Port Hamble Marina or sample quality food and drink in the historic waterside pub, The Bugle which has been awarded a Hampshire Hospitality Award, for its alfresco dining and superb views of the river and village. The Olde Whtye Hart is the oldest pub in Hamble (circa 1563) and offers a traditional bar menu with daily specials including fresh fish and speciality steaks and for modern European cuisine visit 26

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

the River Rat Cellar and Kitchen who host a number of events and special menus throughout the year.

In Hamble the Water’s Edge is set on the River Hamble with attractive views to enjoy a meal and drink, the large bar and conservatory, plus an outside terrace and large patio area there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view and soak up the atmosphere.

The Boathouse at Swanwick Marina is situated right on the waterfront with great views of the marina and is open all day serving breakfast, lunch and dinner including sandwiches, panini's, pizza, salads and grills.

Situated right on the waterfront with great views of the marina and river.

Eastleigh offers a gastronomic explosion of flavours. Unwind in the relaxing atmosphere of Artisan Coffee and Wine Bar, offering authentic Turkish cuisine.

La Fenice offers the finest Italian cuisine with freshly caught fish being their speciality. The Swan Centre complex offers a number of restaurants with a variety of tastes and flavours, from Italian Prezzo to New York Italian Frankie and Benny’s, the legendary Portuguese Nando’s, The Harvester and The Break Bar which offers serves mouth-watering traditional British food.

For a relaxing meal in a unique and elegant setting, discover The Point’s Cafe Bar and restaurant; whether it’s simply a glass of wine

after work or a delicious fine dining experience or hearty lunch, there is a wide variety of superb seasonal dishes made from locally-sourced produce.

Housed in a beautifully renovated Victorian school house, The Concorde Club boasts a finedining restaurant, The Moldy Fig wine bar serves mouth-watering menus and is also home to regular supper and dinner clubs, plus a distinguished wine society.

Locally sourced

There are plenty of farm shops and delicatessens where local produce will whet your appetite such as Bonne Bouche in Hamble who as a member of Hampshire Fare stock a wide variety of local produce.

Garson’s Farm Shop in Titchfield has a selection of over 80 cheeses amongst other award winning produce with free samples available most weekends. The Hampshire Delicatessen in Wickham is renowned for its range of fine Hampshire produce and rest of Britain.

Children will love getting their hands dirty at Pickwell Farm where pick your own is available for fruit and vegetables – including strawberries!

Or visit Bursledon Windmill, Hampshire’s only working windmill where traditional stone ground flour is milled from locally sourced wheat. See the mill in action before purchasing a bag of flour.

Tea for Two

You are never far from a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake; whether out on a family walk, a spot of boutique shopping or simply to indulge in something sweet, there are plenty of tea-rooms, coffee shops and cafes across the Hamble Valley.

The Woodland Cafe in Itchen Valley Country Park, The Cedar Tearooms in Royal Victoria Country Park and The Pantry in Manor Farm Country Park all serve delicious local refreshments. In Wickham, enjoy a cream tea at Chesapeake Mill with the soothing sound of running water or delicious lunches and high teas at Lilly’s Tea and Coffee House situated in the Square.

French themed cafe Delicieux in Botley Square offers specialist teas and coffee as well as traditional English and French meals.

Francey & Karen

The grape escape

It isn’t all about food in the Hamble Valley, there are plenty of producers of fine wines and ales.

Award winning Wickham Vineyard is a unique attraction where you can discover the pleasures of fine English wine. Take the highly acclaimed audio tour around the vineyard, explore the beautiful nature reserve and enjoy a free tasting before visiting the shop to purchase fine wines and other local produce. Northbrook Springs Vineyard near Bishops Waltham is also an award winning English vineyard with shop and wine tasting open at weekends.

Loca

Champ l ion

Name: Frances Carroll and Karin Wood

Occupation Restaurant Partners at the River Rat Cellar & Kitchen, High St, Hamble, Established August 2009

What do you love about the Hamble Valley? The water and the beautiful River Hamble itself.

Ambling up river on a boat, and stopping where you fancy is a fantastic way to while away a day.

Where is your favourite place to visit? There are too many lovely places to mention just one; taking the bikes to Royal Victoria Country Park on a crisp winter morning, a visit to one of our theatres, a trip to Marwell Zoo with the kids or just a walk on Hamble Common and out to the beach with dogs.

The list could be endless.

We are very lucky!

Hamble’s Finest Restaurant & Bar Our food is primarily locally sourced and always freshly prepared, to create a frequently changing menu.

If you enjoy our extensive wine list, why not buy a bottle - or a case or two! - from our retail wine store.

Have a quiet meal or bring a party and enjoy our relaxing interior or our south-facing, private terraced garden.

Open 7 days. Please see website for exact opening times:

www.riverrathamble.co.uk Call or email us for a reservation, or simply walk in and try our modern European cuisine.

We look forward to welcoming you! call 023 8045 7801 or email: info@riverrathamble.co.uk High Street, Hamble, SO31 4HA

www.riverrathamble.co.uk

And lastly, the Hamble Valley is known as the Strawberry Coast because of the strawberry-growing heritage. So, thinking about strawberries, how do you eat yours? Strawberries: English Strawberries with Pink Peppercorn Meringue & Strawberry Sorbet.....a firm favourite on this year's River Rat summer menu!!!

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

27

dr ink , eat... r elax & mee t

The Waters Edge Bar & Restaurant

Open ALL day EVERY day!

real ales •fine dining •fresh coffee •riverside gardens •free wi-fi •just off J5 M27 •free parking

STONEHAM LANE, EASTLEIGH, SO50 9HQ 023 8061 3989 www.theconcordeclub.com

concorde club

We offer: Restaurant Menu Lite Bite Bar Menu Lunch Time £5 Meal (out) Lunch Time Menu (in) Sunday Lunch/Dinner Also: Breakfast Menu.

Afternoon Teas Wedding/Party & Conferences

Check our website for more details: www.watersedge.co.uk

Tel: 02380 457220 Email: Info@watersedge.co.uk

Mercury Yacht Harbour, Satchell Lane, Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire SO31 4HQ

dr ink , eat, r elax & mee t

real ales • fine dining • fresh coffee • riverside gardens complimentary wi-fi •just off J5 M27 •free parking

concorde club Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, SO50 9HQ 023 8061 3989 www.theconcord eclub.com 28

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

PC Advert 0612:Layout 1 15/06/2012 16:27 Page 1

ipe ... rec

Yumm y

M27

Open all day, ever yday from 11.00am

Celebrate with us

•••

birthdays/engagements/ christenings – whatever the occasion

Thwaites award-winning cask ales

Monthly quiz night

Delicious seasonal menus

Family-friendly and dog-friendly

Watch all major sporting events with us on Sky Sports

Enjoy al fresco dining in our extensive beer garden

Regular live music evenings

Free WIFI now available

••• ••• •••

••• ••• ••• •••

Rooker y Avenue, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7AJ Telephone: 01489 880035

Southampton Docks has been synonymous with the banana trade since the 1880’s, when the famous Fyffe Company started to import bananas into the UK from the West Indies.

The large, decorative murals that can be seen in Banana Wharf depict the industry in full flow

Banana Wharf Banoffee Pie Make your own or buy Shortcrust pasty for the base, cook without the other ingedients. You can either place the cooked pastry on a plate or cut into individual portions. Put this to one side while you make... the toffee filling... To make the toffee, boil one unopened tin of condensed milk in a pan of water for 3 hours (take care not to let the pan boil dry). Allow to cool, and carefully spoon the toffee into the pastry base.

Award winning cheeses, pates, cooked meats, olives, breads, home-made ready meals and lots more...

Freshly filled baguettes and sandwiches, salads, home-made soups for lunch, coffee...

Catering for race crews, corporate sailing days, private parties and office entertaining...

For the topping...

1/2 pint double cream - whipped 1oz icing sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla essence A shot of creme de bananes Beat all these ingedients together with a whisk until the mixture is stiff, then pile on top of the toffee and pastry.

Finish by adding a dusting of cocoa powder through a seive.

Supplied by Chef at Banana Wharf

High Street, Hamble SO31 4HA Tel: 023 8045 5771

www.bonne-bouche.co.uk

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

29

Shopping There are plenty of opportunities to indulge in some shopping within the Hamble Valley.

Hamble village and marinas offer plenty of opportunity to browse chandleries and marine-based shops including the Maritime Art Gallery on Hamble Quay.

Bishop’s Waltham has a range of individual shops and boutiques in a traditional High Street - from home and giftware to art, crafts and florists, fashion and the Bishops Waltham Country Market.

In Botley there’s a similar wide range of boutique and individual shops ranging from fashion (including couture wedding gowns), traditional toys, country pursuits and health and beauty salons. The old Flour Mills host a variety of shops and outlets.

In Wickham, the market square offers an olde worlde experience with traditional shops such as ironmongers, award-winning butchers, homeware and gift boutiques as well as a range

of eateries and quaint tea rooms.

Eastleigh Town Centre offers High Street shopping and a relaxed shopping experience in the recently extended Swan Centre which boasts a variety more than 40 papular brand retailers.

The flagship Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s at Hedge End offer a first-class superstore experience, and the retail park nearby is home to big names in furniture, fast food, DIY and home entertainment.

Fareham town centre retains its traditional market town and historic architectural appeal in a modern shopping

environment. In West Street, you'll find probably the best traditional open-air market in the region (up to 50 stalls every Monday throughout the year) and a Farmers’ Markets (on the first and last Saturday of the month) where up to 40 local farmers sell their freshly grown produce.

For that special individual purchase, just wander along to the West Street Speciality Shopping area where you’ll find a whole range of local independent shops.

The bright and airy undercover Fareham Shopping Centre offers more than 90 high street names seven days a week The Market Quay Shopping Centre and offers mixed retail and leisure across 17 units, including a 5-screen cinema.

Market Days Eastleigh: Thursday & Saturday Fareham: Monday Hamble: Every Friday morning 10am – 11am in the Memorial Hall.

30

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

Superstore Shopping at Hedge End

&

A visit to the largest Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s combined store is a must.

The recently extended stores now offer a unique shopping experience.

Here you can shop until your heart’s content, where the range of goods rivals the London stores.

It’s so easy to get to, situated in Hedge End at Junction 7 of the M27.

There is plenty of free parking as well as free regular bus routes and a taxi rank on our doorstep.

The children will love the play area at the rear, and the restaurant and cafés offer a good choice of refreshments.

Late opening every day allows you to shop when it suits you.

Tollbar Way • Hedge End • Southampton 023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

31

Discover the delightful maritime village of Hamble-le-Rice which is renowned as the south coast's yachting Mecca.

Visitors can take in superb views of the river and its marinas from the Quay at the bottom of the quaint cobbled High Street and enjoy traditional and boutique shopping.

There are numerous pubs and restaurants in the village and in each of the three marinas. From traditional homemade dishes, modern European cuisine to morning coffee with riverside views, Hamble provides a taste and flavour for all its visitors.

Outside the village, Hamble Point is a great place for a young family with something of interest for kids of all ages.

The anti-aircraft Bofors gun is a real feature too - it was positioned there to protect Southampton and the nearby oil terminals during the Second World War. Hamble Common provides a great opportunity to enjoy local wildlife. Visitors can walk through and enjoy its 55 acres of heathland, woodland and salt marshes, and see the remains of Iron Age settlements.

Commemorative plaques record Hamble's contribution to the D-Day landings during the Second World War, which saw the river as busy as it had been in 1346 during the Hundred Years War.

www.hamble.net www.hambleweek.co.uk

32

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

Hamble

BOTLEY

A delightful place

There is plenty to keep the family busy in this popular village with its charming local shops and self-guided walks, including the celebrated Cobbett Trail which follows in the footsteps of Botley’s most famous resident.

This and other points of local interest are described in the new Botley visitor leaflet and information boards located at car parks and Botley Mills.

Manor Farm Country Park is easily accessible from Botley along the peaceful country lanes.

Children will enjoy a visit to the Victorian working farm or discovering the 400 acres of countryside which reaches down to the banks of the river.

Botley Mills

Botley is also the start of the popular long distance walk, The Strawberry Trail which ends at the Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley.

More information can be found in the Botley leaflet, available from the Parish Offices, Botley Centre in the High Street, or call 01489 787181 parishclerk@botley.com to request a copy.

Botley

Village

Many of the buildings in the old market square are much older than their frontages suggest.

The distinctive Market Hall, which features

in Botley’s logo, has been home to a market from the 18th century until recently. Imagine the square filled with up to 14 public houses and ale houses open in Botley in the 18th Century!

There was probably a hard or quay at Botley in the medieval period and it was a significant river port during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Botley Mills are mentioned in the Domesday Book. Although milling has not taken place in these handsome buildings for several years, the site is now home to a number of unique shops.

The Durley, Curdridge and Botley History Society have published a book, “Botley and Curdridge, a History of Two Hampshire Villages”. Also, “Botley’s Past and Present, a DVD History of Botley”, are both available from The Penny Farthing Gallery in the Square.

Please visit our Botley website

www.botley.com for latest information on forthcoming events.

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

33

A charming town called

Wickham

The unusual medieval square, Georgian houses, intriguing shops and good eateries are surrounded by the attractive countryside of the Meon Valley. Here you can stroll through the water meadows to visit the nearby Bere Forest and the Old Meon Railway.

There has been a mill on the site of a Roman ford across the River Meon in Wickham since the 16th century. The historical significance of this fine building arises from the source of the timbers used in its construction. These came from the US frigate Chesapeake, captured by the Royal Navy during the war of 1812.

The mill ceased commercial operation in 1976 and today the building offers a unique shopping experience. Be sure to stop for tea and cake in the tea room and learn more about the history from the mini exhibition.

Wickham dates back to at least Roman times and has a rich history. It was home to the great Bishop William of Wykeham, the founder of Winchester College and New College, Oxford.

Wickham square has intriguing shops and attractive Georgian houses. The nearby meadows offer endless walking opportunities with picnic and barbecue facilities. Wickham Vineyard at Shedfield is close by with vineyard tours and tastings, and has an excellent restaurant.

Netley lies in the parish of Hound, the name of which derives from a plant called 'Hoarhound' which grew profusely in the area.

An attractive small village, Netley edges Southampton Water and neighbours one of Hamble Valley's most popular attractions, Royal Victoria Country Park. Covering 200 acres the park is divided into woodland, parkland and foreshore with views across the water.

Discover the history of the site in the Heritage Centre and make your way to the top of the chapel tower with one of the expert Tower Guides.

(See advert on page 8 for more information) The Royal Victoria Railway is situated within the park and is a steam railway offering rides for children throughout the school holidays.

The imposing ruins of the 13th centre Netley Abbey lie at the other end of the village and make a perfect picnic spot. See page 18 for more about the history and tales associated with Netley Abbey.

34

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

Wickham Festival, 2nd - 5th August 2012 A family-friendly Music & Arts Festival in a stunningly beautiful rural setting on the outskirts of Wickham village. Lots of entertainment for all ages.

Box Office 023 8071 1818. www.wickhamfestival.co.uk

Netley

...where history meets the sea Games Area

Netley Station (1/2 mile)

Recreation Ground

Royal Victoria Country Park

St Edward the Confessor

Parish Office

Netley Abbey

(English Heritage)

Victoria Club Abbey Hall

Liby

Scout Hut The Prince Consort

Sailing Club

Recreation Ground

Southampton Water

Bursledon ...a rich and varied history the windmill

Steeped in heritage, Bursledon was for centuries the centre in southern England for shipbuilding.

Henry V's flagship The Grace Dieu was brought to the River Hamble at Bursledon for safe keeping during the Hundred Years War with France, but caught fire after being hit by lightning. Her wreck (one of many in the River Hamble) can be seen at low tide from the jetty in Manor Farm Country Park.

The centre of this historic village is a Conservation Area packed with quaint cottages and fascinating traditional grand houses.

The Hamble Valley's heritage comes to life in Bursledon with two attractions providing interesting and fun family days out. See how Bursledon Windmill, Hampshire's only working windmill makes stone-ground flour and learn about the machinery. At Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum explore the brickworkings and museum and see demonstrations.

Hackett’s Marsh

Bursledon Station

The Jolly Sailor pub is one of the most spectacular pub-restaurants and located right on the water, overlooking the Hamble Estuary.

With its own jetty it is here that the views and fun of the annual Swanwick, Bursledon and Warsash Regatta can be enjoyed. Taking place at the end of August and with a different theme each year, the regatta is a great family event.

www.bursledonregatta.co.uk www.bursledon.org

Bishop's Waltham

...the source of the River Hamble

Set in glorious Hampshire countryside, Bishop's Waltham is attractive, historic and has much to offer the visitor. The town lies in the north of the Hamble Valley, and it is here that the river itself rises from various sources.

good pub food and excellent restaurants, Bishop’s Waltham is perfect for a day out, or as a touring base for a longer stay.

A palace was founded here in 1136

by Bishop Henri de Blois, grandson of William the Conqueror, and for centuries, Bishop’s Waltham Palace was an important residence of the powerful Winchester bishops. Here Henry V prepared for the Battle of Agincourt and Queen Mary I waited for King Philip to arrive from Spain for their wedding.

Under Cromwell’s orders, the palace was destroyed in 1644, but the extensive remains can still be explored. It is now managed by English Heritage and is open all year.

The perfect antidote to out of town shopping, Bishop’s Waltham boasts traditional and specialist shops. Here you will find craft shops and galleries, gifts and china, interior design, furnishings, ladies’ fashions, shoes and lingerie, books, wine, a renowned fishmonger, a butcher, a baker and a candle maker!

With town and country walks, including a section of the medieval Pilgrims’ Trail,

Bishop’s Waltham is located on the scenic country route between Winchester and Portsmouth and is close to Marwell Wildlife.

The town also boasts a Norman church, and many 17th and 18th century buildings which host a range of traditional and specialist shops. The recent restoration of Waltham Chase Mill featured in a popular BBC television.

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

35

Leaving the car at home

le Valley and coastline that makes the Hahmb It is the unique mix of countryside s or coastal pat strolls. ble am e lan y ntr cou for n tio tina des ul utif such a bea

by bike

Take in the beautiful scenery from your bicycle and make the most of the many cycle routes throughout the area. Whatever your pace or style of cycling, there is a track to suit you and your family.

Visit All Aboard Bikes at the rear of Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley Abbey for bike hire and the opportunity to try their unique and specialist bikes in the safe park environment or explore the coastline and parks between Hamble and Southampton utilising the National Cycle Route 2 www.allaboardbikes.co.uk for more information.

For local cycle information visit www.eastleigh.gov.uk/cycling or www.hants.gov.uk/cycling or to view the national cycle network visit www.sustrans.org.uk

For cycle journey planning information for Eastleigh and Southampton visit www.transportdirect.info. The online journey planning service offers advice on the quickest, quietest or most recreational route and information can be downloaded to a GPS tracking device allowing you to follow your route whilst out on the bike.

To request a paper copy of the Eastleigh Borough cycle map contact 023 8068 8280.

by bus or train

The Hamble Valley is accessible to all.

Road The M3 provides easy access from London and the North. The Hamble Valley lies to the east, between Junctions 5 and 8 of the M27.

Air Southampton International Airport offers excellent UK domestic and international flights.

Southampton International Airport www.southamptonairport.com Rail Southampton (Airport) Parkway is on the mainline to London Waterloo. Hamble, Bursledon and Swanwick are on the line from Portsmouth to Southampton. Botley, Hedge End and Fareham have regular services to Gatwick airport and London Victoria.

36

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

From the rail stations why not make use of the bus services offered by First and Stagecoach between Fareham, Gosport and Southampton that provide vital links to Hamble, Botley, Wickham and Bishop’s Waltham, for bus timetable information visit www.firstgroup.com/hampshire www.stagecoachbus.com/south

waste

Easy access to the Hamble Valley is guaranteed through the excellent bus and train networks. Hamble, Bursledon and Netley rail stations are located on routes between the Southampton and Portsmouth line.

Wickham is located a short bus journey from Fareham station which

Hamble Valley travel information

is on the London to Portsmouth line. For train timetable information visit www.southwesttrains.co.uk.

not want not

Help keep the Hamble green by recycling your waste and litter.

You’ll reduce your impact on the ecosystem and on your pocket.

Look for recycling facilities near you. Good hotels and holiday parks offer recycling facilities.

Local bus & rail partnership www. threeriversrail.com National Rail enquiries 08457 48 49 50 www.national rail.co.uk Public Transport Enquiry Service To help plan your journey using public transport 0870 608 2608 www.traveline.org.uk Bus Services Blue Star 023 8061 8233 | www.bluestarbus.co.uk First 023 8022 4854 | www.firstgroup.com www.velvetbus.info For a FREE cycle map 023 8068 8233 www.eastleigh.gov.uk/cycling

Accommodation

7 , 4

Best Western Chilworth Manor

All the national assessing bodies (Visit Britain, Visit Scotland, Visit Wales and the AA) now assess hotels and guest accommodation to the same criteria and award one to five stars which reflect the overall quality of the experience.

When choosing your accommodation look for the Quality Rose, the official mark of the Enjoy England national tourist board rating scheme. A quality score is awarded for every aspect of the experience including the comfort, quality and cleanliness.

and one for guest accommodation. Hotels have to be licensed, offer dinner at least five nights a week and all have rooms en suite or with private bathrooms. Hotels also have to provide certain additional facilities and services at higher star level.

Places that ‘go the extra mile’ to make your stay a special one, will be awarded a high star rating and hotels and guest accommodation may achieve a Gold or Silver award.

To make a booking - Please contact the establishment direct to confirm availability and price (prices printed here are for guidance only). If you would like assistance on where to stay, contact Southampton Tourist Information Centre on 023 8083 3333.

Higher star-rated accommodation tends to have more spacious bedrooms and bathrooms and in hotels a high staff to guest ratio, so service should be very attentive.

The map at the front of this guide shows clearly that all accommodation is within a short distance of major routes, attractions For serviced accommodation, there are two and places of interest. separate schemes – one for hotels

Please tick:

Key to symbols: (AGE) Children Welcome Dogs accepted by arrangement Licensed for sale of alcoholic drinks Residents’ Lounge Major credit cards accepted Tea/Coffee making facilities TV in all bedrooms Ground floor bedrooms Parking spaces on site Non smoking establishment Restaurant/dinner provided on request Welcome Host ‘Certificate holders’ Garden for residents Four poster bed Linen provided



Showers Electric shaver points Open all year Public toilets

Types of room: Enjoy England ratings made easy: Simple, practical, no frills Well presented and well run Good level of quality and comfort Excellent standard throughout Exceptional with a degree of luxury

S Single Room; D Double Room; T Twin Room; E En-suite bath/shower room; PB Private Bathroom not en-suite; F Family Room.

Laundry facilities

Outside Water supply Microwave DVD player Local produce Internet facilities



Wireless Internet access Short stay

Facilities for the visually impared Facilities for deaf or hard of hearing 023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com Disabled room facilities

37

Accommodation

SunnyDale Farm Camping and Caravan park

OpEn aLL YEar

Best Western Chilworth Manor

Situated 3 miles from Southampton City Centre.

Open all year for tents, motorhomes and caravans.

40 level fully serviced pitches (12 hardstanding).

Close to bus routes and Royal Victoria Country Park.

Modern toilets, showers & laundry room with indoor dishwashing facilities.

Telephone: 023 8045 7462 or 0788 305 8823 Sunnydale Farm, grange road, netley abbey, Southampton, SO31 8gd Email: sunnydalefarm@tiscali.co.uk Web: www.sunnydalefarm.co.uk

Set in 12 acres of landscaped grounds the Edwardian Manor House is steeped in history. There are 26 bedrooms in the Manor House and a further 69 in the Garden Wing. 11 meeting rooms.

Restaurant, Bar, Gardens and terraces.

The hotel also has a state of the art Health Club and Spa with ozone cleansed pool, sauna/steam room, well equipped gym and [comfort zone] beauty suite. Free car parking.

Easy location.

★★★ Chilworth, Southampton, SO16 7PT t: 023 8076 7333 f: 023 8070 1743 e: reservations@chilworth-manor.co.uk

For more information visit www.bw-chilworthmanor.co.uk No. of rooms: 95 See website for best available rate

Types of room: S Single Room; D Double Room; T Twin Room; E En-suite bath/shower room; PB Private Bathroom not en-suite; F Family Room.

The Spinnaker Inn

Southampton M27, Jct 7

Hotel - Bar - Restaurant On the South Coast of Hampshire near the River Hamble, we offer accommodation, On the mainbars A27, with restaurant, and a M27 J8 + J9 just minutes we are ideally situated venue for allaway, special asoccasions. a centre for visits to main attractions.

On Hamble the main A27, M27 J8 + J9 just The River,with Southampton Water minutes away, we are ideally situated as and The Solent are close, with a Marina a centre for visits to main attractions. The opposite.

Hamble River, Southampton Water and The Solent are close, with a Marina opposite.

With 23 en-suite rooms, a large car park, With 23 en-suite rooms, a large car park, restaurant, bars and function facilities restaurant, bars and function facilities you you can confident that visitors may be be confident that visitors can becan beaccommodated accommodated in large or small in large or small numbers.

Comprehensive English or Continental numbers.

Comprehensive English £6.25 available. orBreakfast Continental Breakfast available £4.95.

286 Bridge Road, Swanwick Southampton, SO31 7EB t: 01489 572 123 f: 01489 577 394 e: mail@thespinnakerinn.co.uk

www.thespinnakerinn.co.uk

Bedrooms: 3S, 12D/T, 4D/TE+zbed, 4D Prices (prpn): S £35.90 Std £45.90 Dlx £50.90 Prem £54.90

38

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

• Modern new interior designed hotel in landscaped grounds.

• Vibrant comfortable rooms with flat screen TV’s with wide selection of Freeview channels, Wi-Fi internet access, tea/coffee facilities and hairdryer.

• High speed Wi-Fi throughout hotel.

• Complimentary on site car parking.

• Comfortable Lounge Bar & Conservatory Restaurant serving freshly prepared evening meals from 18.00 – 22.00 daily.

• Use of adjacent Virgin Active leisure facilities at a nominal rate.

• 5 state of art air conditioned meeting rooms for 2 – 52 delegates, with all modern facilities from just £125 including tea/coffee & conference equipment.

• Conference luncheons available from £7.95pp.

• Adjacent to The Rose Bowl.

• Within close proximity to Southampton Airport (5 mins), City Centre and Docks (10mins).

Prices from £49.00 p/r p/n B&B Botley Road, West End, Southampton SO30 3XA

T: 023 8060 6060 F: 023 8060 6050 reservations@expressbyholidayinn.uk.net | www.meridianleisurehotels.com

Loca

Champ l ion

Stephen M arriott

Beautiful views over the Marina and River Hamble Excellent sailing, walking, fishing and horse riding nearby Serviced touring pitches Pine lodges and static caravans available to hire all year.

Name: Stephen Marriott Occupation General Manager, BEST WESTERN Chilworth Manor

What do you love about the Hamble Valley? Being recently married and a father I find the whole area a great place to visit with my family; long walks in a selection of Country Parks, the Berry Theatre and some great places to dine out.

Where is your favourite place to visit? It's always a joy to explore the region and my 3 year old loves riding on the Royal Victoria Steam Railway so that's a regular stop for us. When having some child free time Go Ape in the Itchen Valley Country Park is a great adventure to experience with friends.

Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, SO50 9HQ t: 023 8065 1478 f: 023 8065 1479 e: reservations@theconcordeclub.com

And lastly, the Hamble Valley is known as the Strawberry Coast because of the strawberry-growing heritage. So, thinking about strawberries, how do you eat yours? A large portion with New

www.theconcordeclub.com

Forest Ice Cream. I've been told to

35 en suite air-conditioned bedrooms in a lodge style country setting, adjacent to Lakeside Country Park.

try them with cracked black pepper;

Ellington Lodge Hotel at the Concorde Club

something I will do this summer!!

Hamble Valley Wordsearch! Answers from p8

An acclaimed Restaurant and Moldy Fig Wine Bar. Entertainment, dancing and international jazz nights.

Ample FREE parking and complimentary WiFi. Conveniently situated two minutes from Southampton Airport and Southampton Parkway Railway station, M27 and M3.

Bedrooms: From

29 Double & 6 Twin £65 B&B Standard Room - subject to availability.

E

R

F

A

B

C

S

S

T

E

R

A

E

U W O O D

S

A

E M H K

E

Y

Z U

E

R

T

T

S M S M Y M

M X N T

S

B

S

R

E

E O T M

L

K

I

N G E

R

D O H Y

T

E

A

E

T

Y C A G E

I

O G

M W A

I

R

E

C A G E

E

H M

I

A

P O A

R

B

P

L

A A U

U

R

L

C Y

R

P

A

B

A

C A

Z

F

E

A

I

E

H A M E

H W N

T

E

Y

B

F

A

R

J

A

T

L

I

S G E O Z

C

L

D U B

P

J

A

I

L O C

B

U

V

T W B

P

V

P

U

E

E

A

T

R O T

D

R W Y

I

T

I

I

L

R G A C

H A

E

F M P

F

X N T

R

E W L

H

L

A H R M T

F

X D D

E

H A

L O R

K U

H A

Z

E

T

U D O R

E

L

R

B O R

T

I

A

B

T

K

L

Z O

A D

P

A

C A

I

J

L

G T

R

P

F

I

J

S

U M M W T

V D A

P

R

T

U A H

E

U N R

E

T

B

I

N S

B D

T

R

E

S

V

E

R O Y

S

E

S

R

D

R

T W B

I

I

O B M

I

A H C W

I

N C H

E

S

T

E

E O O

I

S O U

C

T

F

X N T

R

E O O N T O Y

R

H R M T

F

P

H A

E

B H A G U

O

I

E

I

F M O E

S O T

E

F

E G B H

R W T G P

Y

L

I

A

S

A D A N U B

R

Y U L

R

E

E

L

R O E

R

H

Y

A

Y M A

P

X N D

E M

J

L

T

B

I

T

D

R

U N R

E

R

D

R O

E

F

F

A M

I

L

Y

A

T N

I

M A

L

S O T

E

F

P O W

L

B M N O N D X

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

L

S U

E

H A

A N

D W S

R

T N E

Z

E

C

U

A

E

O U A D C V

R

B

X W V S

A

A

H A R

J

I

F

D

Z W

Y

L

T O O E

L

C A

Z

T N

R

I

K

E

T G O E

E

L

Y

E

R

E W A C

T

H D E

M U

E

H Q W T A

R

S

B U M O T R

L

E

D Y

T

D

C A

A

T

C Y

Z

P G T P

R

A A

I

L Q F

H W N O E

T

B

E O O

U M N E H A

E

U

T I

K U C

E

B

V

I

I

R

K U K

A D

R

E

E

C A G E

W E

★★★

A

R O W M

39

The Bunney

Four Winds

Heather Gables

11 Old School Close, Netley Abbey, Nr Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 5QJ t: 023 8045 7034 w: www.thebunney.co.uk e: sue_david@thebunney.co.uk

17 Station Road Park Gate, Southampton SO31 7GJ t: 01489 584433 e: ruthrose1@btinternet.com www.fourwindsguesthouse.com

Dodwell Lane, Bursledon, Southampton, SO31 1DJ t: 023 80404925

Set in the idyllic location of Butlocks Heath village, near Netley Abbey.

This family friendly property offers warm, comfortable, well-furnished accommodation with plenty of space to relax and unwind. Within easy access to three cities, shopping centres, family attractions and it’s a beautiful area for walking, cycling and exploring. self catering. VB & EE



Bedrooms 1 Double, 1 Twin, 1 Cot Prices from £300 - £525 per week

Montana Guest House 90 Lower Northam Road Hedge End Southampton, SO30 4FT t: 01489 782797

Enjoy a homely Hampshire welcome at our family-run guest house. Close to Junction 9 of the M27 - just off main A27 Porstmouth - Southampton road. Walking distance to Park Gate Village amenities and Swanwick Railway Station.

Bedrooms 1S, 1D, 2DE, 2TE Prices from (S)£40 (D)£65

Otters’ Green

e: Heather.Gables@talktalk.net www.heathergables.co.uk

‘Heather Gables’ is now affiliated to the prestige’s AA Hotel and Guest House division and has achieved a 4 Star ‘Highly Commended’ rating. In addition we have also received an accolade for our breakfast.

We offer two double en-suit rooms with private balconies overlooking a mature garden. Off road parking is available and there is easy access to the M27 Jnc. 8

Beautiful v illages

Bedrooms 2DE Prices from (S)£49 (D/T)£69

Primrose Cottage

Botley Hill, Botley SO30 2DL

Allington Lane West End SO30 3HQ

t: 01489 797181 f: 01489 783314 e: judy@ottersgreen.co.uk www.ottersgreen.co.uk

t: 023 8046 6348 e: primrosecottagebnb@gmail.com www.primrosecottagebandb.com

e!

Lots to se

www.montanabedandbreakfast.co.uk

Friendly run guest house offering excellent standards of service, food & cleanliness. Comfortable, well equipped bedrooms. Choice of breakfast. 2 minutes from M27 (J7).

For more accommodation see our website www.hamblevalley.com

Otters’ Green is a motel style B&B with private parking and patio for relaxation, situated in a quiet conservation area and within a short walking distance of several pubs and restaurants. Internet facility available.

‘A home from home’ Excellent B&B accommodation, 3 bedrooms in self-contained annexe with own TV, lounge and bathroom.

Large garden backing onto Country Park. Easy access for Airport & M27.

(5) Bedrooms 2S, 1SE, 1DE, 3T, 1TE Prices from (S)£38 (D/T)£58 (F) £73

Bedrooms 1S, 1D, 1T & 1SC barn conversion, sleeps 4 Prices from (S)£50 (D/T)£70

Strawberry Cottage

Twin Oaks

Woodend

Old Shamblehurst Lane, Hedge End, SO30 2RX t: 01489 795289 m: 07889 630649 e: bookings@strawberrycottage.co.uk www.strawberrycottage.co.uk

43 Upper Northam Road Hedge End, SO30 4EA

Kew House, Kew Lane, Old Bursledon, SO31 8DG

t: 01489 690054

t: 023 8040 2804 e: info@woodhousecottages.co.uk www.woodhousecottages.co.uk

Kanes Hill, West End, Soton,SO19 6AJ t: 02380 464 546 e: eversleyguesthouse@yahoo.co.uk www.eversleyguesthouse.org.uk

Weekly lettings and B&B available.

Simple comfortable spacious accommodation within a quiet peaceful setting, close to solent, IOW, New Forest, Winchester, Southampton & Portsmouth.

Convenient access for Southampton Airport, national rail links, M27 and M3. Large front lawn, Patio, Shared hard tennis court and log/coal burner.

A friendly and comfortable guest house in a location convenient for M27, Southampton airport and ferry terminals, and the Rose Bowl cricket ground.

A designated off-road parking space for each room. Within easy reach of Southampton, Winchester, Portsmouth and the New Forest. All rooms have flatscreen TV, en-suite shower room and free WI-FI. English or continental breakfast included in the room price.

Charming character cottage in a quiet location in the garden of a Tudor farmhouse. Large rooms, furnished in country cottage style, all ensuite.

Pub/restaurant nearby.

Free WIFI. Credit cards accepted.

A great bed and breakfast in the heart of Hedge End. A warm welcome awaits in this family run guest house.

Comfortable modern en suite rooms come as standard. TV in every room, tea/coffee making facilities. Close to Rose Bowl Cricket Ground, M27, Botley Park and Botleigh Grange hotels.

(12)



Bedrooms 2TE, 1DE Prices from (S)£45 (D)£65

40

And relaxing to do....

Bedrooms 2T...1TE Prices from (S) £43 (D) £58

Bedrooms 1SE, 1S, 1DE, 3TW/DE, 1TWE, 1TW Prices from (S)£35 (D)£65 (F)£75

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

Eversley Guest House

 Bedrooms 2D...1TW with shared bathroom Prices from £60 B&B or £300 wkly lettings

Bedrooms 1 SE, 3 TE, 1 K/FE Prices from (S)£45 (T)£65 (K)£75 (F) £80

Types of room: S Single Room; D Double Room; T Twin Room; E En-suite bath/shower room; PB Private Bathroom not en-suite; F Family Room.

Free Prize Draw Complete and return the questionnaire below to win: A two night short break at Ellington Lodge, at The Concorde Club OR a Family Day pass to Marwell Wildlife To enter the draw to win simply complete the questionnaire below and return it to: Freepost RSLC-TUYB-RHCB The Marketing Collective, 169 Campbell Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 5AB 1. Have you visited the Hamble Valley area in the last 12 months?

Yes No 2. When you last visited, how long did you stay?

Day trip only

Overnight stay Short stay

Please state number of nights 3. What was the motivation for your stay?

Family day out

Visiting Friends/Relatives Short Break

Holiday Special occasion Business/conference Other Please state

4. When you last visited, where did you stay?

Own home With Friends/Relatives B&B/ Guest House

Hotel/Inn/Lodge Self catering

Campsite 5. If you stayed in local accommodation, please state the name of the establishment:

6. How did you find a place to stay?

Visitor Guide

Internet search engine Establishment own website Personal recommendation

7. D uring your last visit to the Hamble Valley, what activities did you participate in?

Dining out

Shopping Sightseeing Walking Leisure cruising/sailing

Visiting local villages and towns please state

Attending local / special event please state

8. D uring your stay in the Hamble Valley, what attractions did you visit?

Bursledon Windmill Itchen Valley Country Park Manor Farm & Country Park Royal Victoria Country Park Lakeside Country Park Fleming Park Leisure Centre The Point Theatre The Berry Theatre Wickham Vineyard Eastleigh Museum Bursledon Brickworks Hedge End Retail Park Pickwell Farm Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Marwell Wildlife Westbury Manor Museum The Swan Centre The Concorde Club Other Please state

9. W here did you pick up your copy of the Visitor Guide?

10. W hich elements of this guide have been the most interesting or useful to you?

11. H ow do you think this guide could be improved in future publications?

I am happy to receive news and offers from The Concorde Club: Yes No Name Address

Postcode Telephone email Would you like to be added to your mailing list to receive FREE information on the Hamble Valley?

Yes No I am particularly interested in the following: Walking trails Local Heritage Events.

Thank you for your time and good luck!

COMPETITION DETAILS: The prize includes one night's dinner (excluding all beverages) and bed and breakfast for two people sharing a standard double or twin room at Ellington Lodge Hotel.

The offer would be a 2 night stay for two either Friday & Saturday, or Saturday & Sunday in a standard room, with dinner on the first night. The prize is subject to availability (not available during certain events). By entering you accept that your name, region and publicity photos may be required. Your details will be added to our database and not passed on to any organisation outside The Marketing Collective Ltd in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998).

The winner will be drawn after the 15th December 2012 and notified

by January 31st 2013. Marwell Wildlife: Family Day ticket prize is valid for 12 months from date of issue. Prize allows entry to Marwell Wildlife for one day for 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3-16).

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

41

Follow the Hamble Valley on Twitter www.twitter.com/HambleValley

Twyford

Hursley

M3

Marwell Wildlife

Owslebury

J12

CHANDLERS FORD

Bishopstoke Lakeside Country Park

EASTLEIGH

Itchen Valley Country Park

Bishop’s Waltham

Horton Heath Rive r

>

Fair Oak

Southampton International Airport

M27 J5

WEST END Retail Park

>

The Rose Bowl

J7

SOUTHAMPTON Bursledon Windmill

Bursledon

Wickham Vineyard

Manor Farm

Botley Wickham

J8

Bursledon Brickworks

Swanwick J9

Holly Hill

Hythe Netley Abbey

Hamble Hamble Common

Countryside Site Place of Interest Station Hamble Valley Accommodation

Palace

HEDGE END

Netley Royal Victoria Country Park

H

ble am

M27

Locks Heath Titchfield

Warsash

Hook with Warsash Nature Reserve

The Hamble Valley has so much on offer that we couldn’t fit it all into one magazine!

FAREHAM Westbury Manor

Stubbington

Visit www.hamblevalley.com for more ideas on places to visit and ways to enjoy the Hamble Valley • Find out what events are on when with an extensive events database to help plan your day • Read news from local attractions and interesting articles • Take part in competitions and make the most of special offers exclusive to the website

• Learn more about the Hamble Valley Good Life with interesting articles on making, mending and growing!

• Discover a range of mouth-watering recipes using Hamble Valley produce • Meet local business owners and growers through interviews...

...and so much more!

Wish you were

here?

Explore the Hamble Valley ‘from coast to countryside’

Hamble Valley is more than a destination – it is a way of life!

The Marketing Collective Ltd publication © 2012 | visit us for our range of other products at www.themarketing-collective.com | or call 023 8000 1655