Hamble Valley Visitor Magazine 2013

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Visitor Magazine 2013 Issue 3

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t and Countryside Discover Hampshire’s Coas ails inside...

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‘A beautiful breathing space’

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Cover image © with thanks to Tina Scahill Design

Places to visit Events Attractions k Local food & drin FREE prize draw ... and much more!

Why is it called the Strawberry Coast?

The Hamble Valley has a long association with the harvest of the delectable 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

Where is the Hamble Valley?

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Contents Page 2

Great Outdoors

Page 4

Strawberry Trail Walk

Page 6

Hamble Rail Trail Walk

Page 8

Cobbett Trail Walk

Page 10

Local Heritage

Page 13

Hamble Valley Good Life

Page 15

Contemporary Culture

Page 16

What can we do?

Page 20

Events

Page 22

Fork and Cork

Page 25

Sport and Recreation

Page 26

Waterside Lifestyle

Page 28

Shopping

Page 30

Towns and Villages

Page 32

Leave the car at home

Page 33

Accommodation

Page 37

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 2013 © 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.

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Welcome to Hampshire’s Hamble Valley. From coast to countryside, the unspoilt beauty of the Hamble Valley offers the perfect destination for a holiday, short break or day visit.

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Encompassing 25 miles of Hampshire's Solent coastline and including the River Hamble and 1,500 acres of unspoilt countryside, it's easy to see why the area known as the Strawberry Coast is so popular with locals and visitors alike.

You can visit charming towns and villages with beautiful waterside locations, amble through woodland, marshes or meadows on one of the many walking trails and enjoy delicious homemade food made with local produce at one of the many restaurants, pubs or cafes.

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

With so much to see and do in the Hamble Valley, you may discover a day visit just isn't long enough. If you do decide to rest a while, there are plenty of hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering and campsites all offering a warm and friendly welcome.

Whatever the length of your visit – or if you already live Hampshire – we hope you will keep coming back to the Hamble Valley for many years to come.

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For more information events diary, news and ideas for days out visit Follow the Hamble Valley on Twitter www.twitter.com/HambleValley

Heritage

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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.

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 the Moors Local Nature Reserve 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

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Hamble. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the delightful Victorian working farm, which was the setting for the BBC’s Wartime Farm. Children will enjoy taking part in a school lesson, meeting the animals and even milking a cow.

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 with zip wires, rope ladders, tunnels and rope bridges.

Meander through meadows at Lakeside Country Park or enjoy fishing and water-sports on 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.

Shells

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.

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

Images above © 2013 Sarah McGinty

Main Image by Chris Fay WINNER of the Hamble Valley photo competition 2012

Walk this way There is only one way to experience the beautiful scenery of the Hamble Valley and that is to explore one of the many walks and trails.

Strawberry Trail The long- distance circular route (15 miles) 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.

Hamble Rail Trail A pleasant and relatively easy walk(4.5 miles) 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.

Where will the path lead?

Cobbett Trail Travel in the footsteps of Botley’s most famous and radical resident on the Cobbett Trail (4.5 miles). 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.

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 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.

Image above © 2013 Sarah McGinty

Itchen Valley Country Park 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

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 found at www.hamblevalley.com

Find us at...

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

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

Image © 2013 Sarah McGinty

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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

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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.

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Hamble Rail Trail This is a pleasant, relatively easy 7.2km (4.5m) walk linking Hamble Common with Royal Victoria Country Park and ties in with a section of the long distance Solent Way to provide a circular route.

The trail overlaps the long distance Strawberry Trail in places, and passes through open parkland and countryside, woodland, coastal heath and alongside pebble beach.

Allow two hours, plus time for any desired stops.

T

he Hamble Rail Trail runs adjacent to a disused railway track which was built towards the end of WWI to transport aircraft from Manchester to Hamble. A siding was also constructed to serve the famous flying boat factory in Hamble. The war ended before the line could be put into use, and it was purchased for the storage and transportation of oil. The line was last used in 1986 to bring crude oil from Wytch Farm in Dorset, and a 56 mile pipeline now does the job. BP still maintains the option for possible future use of the railway. Today the trail links Royal Victoria Country Park with Hamble Common then ties in with a section of the Solent Way to provide a circular trail.

A good place to start this walk is at Royal Victoria Country Park on the edge of Netley village. If you come by car, it is easy to park within the park – head for the nearest car park to the Empire Tea Room, also close to the Royal Victoria Miniature Railway which is located where the hospital station once stood. Do remember to buy a parking ticket. If you are travelling by public transport, Netley railway station, on the Southampton – Portsmouth line is only 10 minutes walk from Royal Victoria Country Park (there is a cut through, signed footpath), or catch the bus to Netley village. You can also take the foot passenger ferry from Warsash across Hamble River to Hamble, and begin your walk from Hamble Village.

Covering more than 200 acres of open parkland, coastline and mature woods, Royal Victoria Country Park holds the moving story of Britain’s first purpose built hospital, demolished after little more than 100 year’s service to wounded and sick soldiers. The walk starts and ends here, and it is worth spending some time within the park too, if you can, to enjoy the scenery and absorb the fascinating heritage of this site.

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tart your walk from The Cedar Tearooms within Royal Victoria Country Park. This building was presented to Royal Victoria Hospital by the British Timber Trades Federation which donated wood from 100 rare tree species from all over the British Empire, hence its name. Opened in 1940, it was used by the YMCA to provide entertainment for patients and staff. Take the road to the right of the Empire Room, and behind the toilet block, for 100yds.

Continue along a narrower grass path on the other side of the road when you reach the road junction. This was the cutting along which the railway line ran from Netley Station to the hospital.

Cross the road which enters the Hampshire Police Training College and enter the orchard. This orchard was established by the Itchen Hamble Countryside Project in 1995 and contains around 90 trees of mainly old English cider and eating apple varieties, plus some pear and plum varieties, and including delightful names such as Howgate Wonder, Bess Pool and Bloody Ploughman!

Follow the path through the orchard and turn right alongside the mainline Portsmouth – Southampton railway line.

Further on you can see where the old disused line could link into the main line if it were needed. A narrow path tapers off left which goes to Hamble railway station, approximately 200m away. However, continue along the main path, where you can see the overgrown disused railway line to your left. Cross a footbridge over the pond (which may well be dried up in summer). Over to your left, across the railway line, you should be able to see an old pillbox – a brick building about the size of a large shed – which was a defensive position during WWII. This has been converted to a bat roost to help ensure the survival of both bats and the pillbox!

Pond

Military Cemetery

Hamble Primary School

Bench Kissing Gate

Mount Pleasant Recreation Ground

Sailing Club

Hamblecliff House

Playing Field

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Netley Chapel Museum & Heritage Centre

Kissing Gate

Pelican Crossing

Hamble Court Business Park

Hamble Airfield (disused)

Bench

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Recreation Ground

Kissing Gate

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Victoria House Police Training College

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Barbecue Site

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Royal Victoria Country Park

Sports Ground

Hamble La

Cedar Tearooms & WC

Hamble Station

Orchard

Satchell Lane

Kissing Gate

Spitfire Way

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ross the road to from the mud. r nD the entrance of Along the right you ne rto a B Bench Victoria House, the pass reed beds and WW2 Gun Battery Hampshire Police Training Westfield Common.

High Str R College. This was originally the Take the narrow Bench ou eet t Ensign Way Westfield mental asylum for Royal Victoria Hamblegrass path alongside Business Park Quay Common Hospital, where it is believed that at the beach passing Ha Kissing Gate W Hamble-le-Rice m ay least 15,000 servicemen were treated blepillbox defensive a FP e -W La an ar for shell shock during WWI. In the 1960’s position on your left, n d sa e St Bench sh WORKS ra Fe to be called w it also became the main Navy psychiatric believed be rry rr y Hamble hospital and the training centre for RMN such because of their Tr Copse a il Pond and Bench psychiatric nurses from the Army, Navy and similarity in shape Totem Sculpture maritime RAF, before finally closing in 1978. Pass to medicinal pill village with Hamble Primary School on your right and boxes. Continue superb views Hamble you come out onto Hamble Lane. For your along here Bench over Hamble River Common own safety, as this can be a very busy road, before joining from the Quay at the please use the pelican crossing 200m south the tarmac bottom of the High Street. to access the trail route opposite this exit. path past Otherwise, turn left and find Rejoin the trail path. The disused railway Hamble Cliff WW2 anti-aircraft gun a safe place to cross Hamble line is now on your right. On your left is apartments on Hamble Point Lane to continue down Copse Marina Hamble Airfield, where during the 1920s your left, and Lane. Opposite Copse Lane and 30s Hamble Aeroplane Club flourished

the restored Surgery turn right onto the footpath into with members including RJ Mitchell, building, Hamble Copse, which passes through who designed the Spitfire, Amy Johnson, Hamble Cliff woodland. Here you will pass a Totem Pole one of the foremost female aviators and Stables, on your right. Walk past the sculpture, close to a pond. This was carved Bert Hinkler, the first pilot to fly solo to boat pound on your left. The path opens

by Russell Franklyn, of Winchester School Australia. Today it is home to abundant out to a panoramic view of Royal Victoria of Art. Continue along the path to Hamble wildlife, including barn owls, kestrels, Country Park with Netley Chapel ahead Common, following waymarks to Hamble goldfinches, stonechats and skylarks. and Royal Victoria Railway to your right.

Point. Much of Hamble Common is a site Along the way you will pass a wooden The Chapel contains a heritage exhibition of special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and seat designed by artist Alison Crowther as of the hospital’s history from Florence has a wealth of history with evidence of life part of the Millennium sculpture project.

Nightingale to today, and is worth a visit dating back to the Iron Age. In 1543 Henry The trail then opens out onto housing and if open. At the edge of the path is an VIII had St Andrews Castle built here, one roads, with Hamble Parish Pavilion and information board which highlights the of several sited along the Solent to defend Spitfire Way on your left. Head right and points of interest within the park, including, against possible French invasion. Today, all cross over the railway lines embedded off to the right, the peaceful military that remains are a few foundation stones at in the road to follow the pedestrian path cemetery which contains 3500 graves of low tide. Upon reaching the pebble beach below which a pipeline transports products military and also wives and staff of the to your left is Hamble Point Marina, and from the Esso refinery at Fawley (which is hospital. Royal Victoria Country Park also just before this is an anti aircraft Bofors located on the other side of Southampton hosts a host of seasonal events throughout gun, which was positioned to protect Water). Along the left of this path, meadow the year.

Southampton and the nearby oil terminals planting is a blaze of colour in summer, during WWII. attracting butterflies and insects. ollow the beach to the right, joining urn left onto Hamble Lane where the the Solent Way. At high tide, you disused railway terminates. This is can take the footpath raised on a good opportunity to stop and buy concrete which runs above the beach. At refreshments if you carry on down Hamble low tide, you may see wading birds such Lane (0.5km/0.3m) to Hamble village, as oystercatchers, turnstones and ringed which is packed with pubs, tea rooms and plovers, feeding on shellfish and worms restaurants. Hamble is a delightful old e

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The Cobbett Trail

William Cobbett (1763-1835) was a radical politician and one of the foremost political journalists of his age.

Today he is best remembered for such books as ‘Cottage Economy’, ‘Advice to Young Men’ and, his most famous work, ‘Rural Rides’.

William Cobbett

(Courtesy of the William Cobbett Society)

The Cobbett trail is designed to guide visitors around the village of Botley, in the footsteps of William Cobbett and to identify some of the places associated with him or which he would have known.

1.

The Market Hall (Formerly known as The Market House)

Botley received its first market charter in 1267 which was given to John de Botele, lord of the manor and relative of William of Wykeham, who obtained a charter from Henry III. In the early 19th century, a fortnightly corn market was started in 1829, and a cattle market the following year, which often included numerous cattle, horses, pigs and sheep.

The Market Hall with its four Tuscan Portland stone columns was built in 1848 with funding from the Warner family and the Hall was leased to trustees at a nominal rate of 1 shilling per annum for 1000 years to be used for the purposes of Botley Market.

It was the venue for Farmer’s Club dinners where one of the delicacies served was Botley Plum Pudding. Punch was served from large jugs covered in ships and pictures. Contemporary cartoons of Cobbett sometimes depict him with a glass of Botley Ale in his hand.

2. Botley Mills

There has been a mill here since at least Domesday. The mill was formerly owned by the Duke of Portland between 15361775 and the oldest part dates from 1770.

The mill came into

James Warner’s hands in 1833. In the early 19th century, the mill also included a coal wharf.

As Cobbett makes clear, milling was an important part of the local economy – along with farming and the timber and underwood trades – during the years he lived at Botley, with corn, and flour being brought to and from the mill by the navigable Hamble river. He notes that the men of the parish were almost all “farmers, farmers’ men, millers, millers’ men, millwrights, publicans who sell beer to the farmers’ men and the farmers; copse cutters, tree strippers, bark shavers, farmers’ wheelwrights, farmers’ blacksmiths…. and, in short, nothing but persons belonging to agriculture”. The mill is currently being restored by its present owners, the Appleby family.

Come out of the courtyard of the Mills to the pavement and then turn left. After a very short distance there will be found on the left:

3. Sherecroft

In Cobbett’s day, this house was called ‘Botley Hill’ and was rented by Cobbett along with 106 acres of farmland on his release from Newgate prison in 1812. He lived there until 1817.

Retrace your steps towards Botley Mills.

As you approach the river, look across to the lawns on the far side. On the grounds above the lawns was the site of Cobbett’s house – Botley House – where

Cobbett lived when he came to Botley. A contemporary of Cobbett described Botley House as being, “large, high, massive, red, and square, and perched on a considerable eminence”, and it would have been an imposing sight with a clock tower on top.

In his paper, The Political Register, Cobbett attacked land speculation in 1806 but from 1805 he arrived in Botley intent on investing in property – despite having no reserves of capital. He acquired Cock Street Farm at Droxford, Fairthorn Farm, the coppice on Curdridge Common, 87 acre Hounsden Estate, and the farms of Raglington and Lockhams. In total he spent £27,000 on over 500 acres.

He introduced new breeds and new farming equipment to his lands. As for his workforce, Cobbett was generally considered to be a fair employer, though even the champion of reform was accused by some of his people of expecting a month’s work to be completed in a week.

Cobbett enjoyed country life and sports, and thought that contests such as boxing, wrestling and bull-baiting were character building. In October 1805, he promoted a single-stick match in Botley. This consisted of two contestants fighting one another with cudgels, with the winner being the one who drew blood from his opponent’s head. As Harriet Lewin recorded in her reminiscences: “The celebrated Mr Cobbett, who presided on the platform and gave prizes… out of his own pocket” Proceed back up the Mill Lane to the top, taking great care, cross to the left to go along Church Lane.

4. Botley House Outbuildings

Botley House was demolished not long after Cobbett left Botley but some of the outbuildings survived. These are on the left hand side of Church Lane, and can be seen behind the property called Cobbett’s Cottage. Part of the garden wall still remains standing, as does the stable 8

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View of the main street Botley, from Mudie's Hampshire (1838) (Three years after Cobbett’s death)(Courtesy of Hampshire Records Office)

A view of Mr Cobbett’s House, Botley, Hampshire (Courtesy of the Hampshire Records Office Top37/2/2)

5. Steeple Court

(Now known as Steeple Court Manor) Retrace your steps and, on leaving Hamblewood, follow Church Lane down the hill, past the old Bark Store, which together with the stone quays that survive is a legacy of the river-port that existed during the years Cobbett was at Botley.

Continue along Church Lane and you pass Steeple Court Manor. This was owned by the Warner family, who were the lords of the manor in Cobbett’s time and related by marriage to him. Cobbett’s sister-in-law Eleanor Reid married James Warner a major local landowner and benefactor and whose portrait you might have seen in the Market Hall. Although a supporter of the old poor laws, Cobbett himself did not see it as his responsibility to give additional money to the poor, he felt that should be done by the State. “It is good that we should be daily exposed to accidents and infirmities …. every individual should rely upon himself only”.

Church Lane becomes a country lane; please proceed carefully as there are no pavements. Follow the road round to the entrance to Manor Farm and on the left you will see St Bartholomew’s Church.

6. St Bartholomew’s Church St Bartholomew’s Church, listed as Grade II originally called All Saints was rededicated in 1836 after the new church was built in the village.

The Rector of St Bartholomew’s in Cobbett’s day was Richard Baker, sarcastically referred to by Cobbett as ‘that delectable creature, the Botley Parson’.

Cobbett and Baker were full

of quarrels with one another and Cobbett delighted in recording practical jokes played on the parson. On a day in early July 1812, Baker must have felt a sense of satisfaction. Cobbett had been imprisoned for 2 years in 1810 for publishing a treasonable libel. Released on 9 July 1812 he made his way through Alton where he was received by the ringing of the church bells but at Botley there were no bells.

Baker pocketed the keys to the church and refused to hand them over to the villagers who wanted to ring the bells.

7.The Old Rectory

Go back to Church Lane and carry on walking, you will pass one of the last strawberry producers in Botley on the left.

Strawberries were developed in Botley after the 1860s. By 1897, 1013 tons of fruit had been despatched from Botley station to the markets and restaurants of London. On the right hand side you will find THE OLD RECTORY. It ceased to be the rectory when a new one was built in the village by the new church.

This was the home of Richard Baker and Cobbett mentions in his ‘Rural Rides’ how on a return visit to Botley in 1826 he and his companion tried to provoke Baker into making an appearance by High Street riding close to his house and by “hallooing and by cracking of whips!”

Church Lane becomes Brook Lane; the lane will eventually bring you out Brook Lane to a junction with the main road, where you turn right to come back into Botley village. On the right hand side you will find ALL SAINTS CHURCH.

8.All Saints Church

When the old church was no longer large enough, and the village centre had moved to the north, a letter was sent to the Bishop of Winchester complaining that when there was a funeral the corpse had to be carried over fields and across four stiles or gates. In response James Warner provided land for the new Church to be built.

This church was built in the 1830s, after Cobbett had left Botley. The clock was originally part of Botley House and was given to the Church when All Saints was built. Two of Cobbett’s daughters were baptised in the old font which was moved here from the original parish church of St Bartholomew’s. Cobbett’s old adversary, Richard Baker is buried in the churchyard.

Sponsored by the Hedge End, West end and Botley Local Area Committee

Botley Bugle Memorial Dolphin Stone

Church Lane

Cobbett’s House

Hamblewood

Bark Store

Marks Farm

Manor Farm

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Information produced by The Marketing Collective © Botley Parish Council. All rights reserved

block, which is now called Cobbett’s House. Further along Church Lane is Hamblewood and a good vantage point is to proceed right down to the end of this road and look back at the buildings.

9

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.

The River

Aviation

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.

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dm Bursledon Win

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.

Landmark Birthdays Royal Victoria Country Park will be celebrating a very special birthday this year as 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the hospital admitting its very first patients. After the laying of the first foundation stone by Queen Victoria in 1856 the hospital was completed just over four years later on the 11th of March 1863. It was a hospital to serve the empire and went on to treat casualties from both the First

Centenary of

flight

and Second World War. Royal Victoria was the largest military hospital of its time and, despite being demolished after just a little over a century, its service to the British Empire was undeniably of great value. The site was purchased in the 1980’s by Hampshire County Council and now all that remains of the main hospital is the chapel set in over 200 acres of parkland.

To celebrate the park will be hosting a number of events over the summer aimed at bringing the fascinating history of the site back to life. Drop in any time between 12am and 4pm on Sunday the 9th of June and get involved in an action packed afternoon including military re-enactments, guided walks, war wound workshops and family fun activities. All activities are free but donations towards the upkeep of the site are very welcome.

Bring the children down to the park in the summer holidays to take part in the self guided trail “every day life in the military hospital”. Discover just how many jobs there were at the military hospital and win a small prize. Trails are available from the shop 10am to 4pm from Sat 24th of July to Sun 11th August at a cost of £1.50.

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l etailsR: iver Hamb D ct ta n Co s on Attracti the

0845 603 5635 w.hants.gov.uk/windmill | Bursledon Windmill ww useum | 0845 603 5635 w.hants.gov.uk/eastleigh-m Eastleigh Museum ww m | 01329 824895 ov.uk/westbury-manor-museu s.g ant w.h ww m seu Mu r Westbury Mano -abbey | 023 9237 8291 k/daysout/properties/netley rg.u e.o itag her ishngl w.e Netley Abbey ww 10

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

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AWARD- winning author Philip Hoare uncovered some remarkable facts about Netley in the course of writing his evocative book Spike Island: the Memory of a Military Hospital.

He shares his love for Netley and the Hamble Valley in this interview with Kate Thompson.

“NETLEY is tucked away in a funny little corner of Hampshire and yet it’s remarkable because so many famous names have visited over the years.

“Royalty and the likes of Lloyd George came, Noel Coward entertained the troops, and Lord Baden-Powell spent his honeymoon here.

“The military hospital was the first place where women served in the army, the poet Wilfred Owen was brought here for treatment during the First World War – and Britain’s greatest artist, J.M.W. Turner did a painting of a sluice gate and the woods and shore, still recognisable today,” said Philip Hoare, with an unreserved passion for the place where he grew up.

The Royal Victoria Military Hospital at Netley was the largest hospital ever built, stretching for a quarter of a mile along the banks of Southampton Water. A Victorian folly, its overblown scale led Florence Nightingale to criticise it and while impressive as a landmark, it simply didn’t function well as a place to care for the sick and wounded.

When he started to dig into the history of the hospital, Philip was initially amazed to discover so little information survived from the records of the time.

But rather than being discouraged, it only served to heighten his curiosity.

“Being a writer is a bit like being a detective – and ironically Netley appeared in the first Sherlock Holmes story, too.

“When I went to the public record office, I discovered there were only 11 documents indexed that referred to the hospital – so there was an element of mystery.

“My interest in the hospital really started from the stories my mother told me – she used to visit the grounds as a child with my greatgrandfather in the The author of Spike Island: Philip Hoare 1920s.

“She could remember looking through the railings and seeing men being wheeled about in what she described as prams - in fact, they were extended chairs for paraplegics. “ I have personal memories of attending mass in the chapel and having to check in with the sentry at the gate,” he said.

Philip is a frequent visitor to the grounds, which now form the Royal Victoria Country Park and it was during one such visit that he had the idea for the book.

“I’d just finished my book about Oscar Wilde and while I was looking at the chapel, which is all that remains of the hospital, it struck me that I didn’t have to write about a person – I could write the biography of a building.

“The hospital has an incredible history, full of stories and narratives – it’s amazing that nobody had written about it before,” he said.

Favourite Place...

“My favourite place to visit, that never fails to astonish me with its sheer beauty, is Hamble Country Park.

“If you walk down to the river, you really could imagine you were in Maine in New England or looking out over the Zambeze - rather than a couple of miles from the centre of Southampton.”

Philip Hoare was born and brought up in Southampton, where he still lives. His books include biographies of Stephen Tennant and Noel Coward, Wilde's Last Stand: Decadence, Consipiracy and the First World War; England's Lost Eden (about the New Forest Shakers) and Spike Island. Leviathan or, The Whale was published in September 2008 and won the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction. His new book, The Sea Inside, will be published in June.

l from the air

Netley hospita Convalescence at Netley

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

11

A fascinating insight into our industrial past.

Exciting themed activity days throughout the year Narrow gauge railway, steam engines, hands on activities Lots of fun for all the family.

FREE Car Park | Coffee Shop Gift Shop | Dogs welcome More details on our website: www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk

Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum Swanwick Lane, Southampton SO31 7GW

Tel 01489 576248

Email: admin@bursledonbrickworks.org.uk www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk

12

Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum

PHOEBE Langtry was a remarkable independent, strong-minded Hampshire woman whose legacy to the county still remains standing proud 200 years later.

In 1813, according to the history books, Phoebe decided something had to be done about replacing the original village windmill which had been milling local grain for almost half a century.

Today Bursledon Windmill remains a lasting memorial to Phoebe’s determined spirit, but there was a time when this unique structure could have been lost forever but for the efforts of a dedicated band of experts and enthusiasts who secured the building’s future.

Hampshire can now boast that Bursledon Windmill is one of the county’s historical treasures, giving today’s generations a fascinating insight into what village life was like in past centuries.

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

Local archives show the first windmill was built during 1766-7 by a William Fry on a “barren heath called Freehill’’, thought to be not far from the present site.

Fry built the mill “at his own expense for the benefit of the neighbourhood where such a convenience is much wanted”.

In the years that followed the windmill was well used and was operated by a series of millers until 1787 when William Langtry and his wife Phoebe took over the building.

By 1813, Phoebe had taken it upon herself to replace the ageing tower and sails with a brand new structure.

Today, visitors can have go at grinding the flower and buy a bag of high quality flour to take home.

industry & agriculture 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..

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.

Westbury Manor Museum 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.

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 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.

Can You Dig It? Yes You Can...

Hamble Valley Good Life

THERE'S never been a better time to be sharing in the bounty of the land by tending your own allotment, enjoying the fruits of your labour at a Pick-Your-Own site or supporting local food producers.

Growing your own fruit and veg has to be the ultimate win/win situation. Not only do you get to eat, nutritious produce – there's the exercise you get from digging, the benefits of being in the great outdoors and the kick you get from seeing your veg plot flourish.

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. With over 1000 PYO farms in the UK, the farms and farm shops sell a variety of local produce supporting local farmers and suppliers.

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 best time to visit pick your owns is later in the week or early on a weekend to avoid the rush and to get the best of the crop. It's a great family activity in the outdoors and a good form of exercise burning 200 calories in a half an hour session of picking your own - the delicious fruit and vegetables will taste better from your efforts and count as part of your five a day.

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.

•

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.

•

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!

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

13

Digging for Victory – where it began

Hamble Valley Good Life Manor Farm

Country Park

Between 1940 and 1941 British agriculture was expected to supply a third of the nation’s food energy requirements, and by 1943 it was estimated that over one million tons of vegetables were being grown in gardens and allotments. Today many of the ideals around grow your own activities from the 2nd World War have come back, partly due to the economics of producing your own food but also as a great benefit to health and wellbeing.

Manor Farm and Country Park, home of Wartime Farm.

During 2012, Manor Farm was transported back to the time of the Second World War as the BBC filmed their next instalment of the Victorian Farm and Edwardian Farm series, Wartime Farm.

The programme focused on all aspects of domestic life of the period, using the beautiful farmhouse, farmyard and fields at Manor Farm and Country Park as their setting. Presenters

Peter Ginn, Ruth Goodman and Alex Langlands were on site exploring how people lived, farmed and cooked food to help the war effort.

On visiting Manor Farm and Country Park, you will be able to visit the cottage living room which was transformed into a 1940’s style kitchen / diner area for the series. In the cottage there will also be a historical talk about farm life during the war.

Outside the cottage you will also be free to roam the farmyard which is the location for the tractors and some of the other agricultural machines used in the series.

For more information about Wartime Farm at Manor Farm and Country Park please visit: www.hants.gov.uk/wartime-farm “It has been a privilege to hear some of the amazing stories from visitors who had come specifically to see where Wartime Farm was filmed. It has also been great for Educational groups studying Wartime Life to visit the set and experience what it was like working on a 1940’s farm.”

Katherine Gardiner, Heritage & Community Engagement Officer down at Manor Farm and Country Park.

WARTIME

FARM at Manor Farm and Country Park

... n the set

Stars of BBC TV's W

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artime Farm

Carrot Fudge Ingredients: Carrots, Gelatine, Orange essence

Ministry of Food 1940 - 1941

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www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

Method: Finely grate carrots and cook four tablespoons full in just enough water to cover for 10 minutes. Add flavouring with orange essence, grated orange rind or orange squash/ cordial. Melt a leaf of gelatine. Add gelatine to mixture. Cook quickly for a few minutes stirring all the time. Spoon into a flat dish and leave to set. Finally, cut into cubes.

contemporary culture Whether it’s contemporary dance, traditional theatre, or family entertainment, Hamble Valley is bursting with cultural offerings…

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. This coming season sees acclaimed choreographer Ben Wright and his company bgroup bringing their eagerly-anticipated new piece Just As We Are, as well as the UK debut of Normandy-based Groupe Entorse, with their remarkable Accidens.

There is plenty for families too, with some super children’s theatre touring to the venue – this coming season’s highlights include the enchanting Girl With The Iron Claws, presented by The Wrong Crowd. 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 delicious homemade fare, add another dimension to this wonderful, all-embracing venue.

The Berry Theatre in Hedge End is a stunning state-of-the-art 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 having already appeared at the young venue. Some of this season’s theatrical highlights include The Trench presented by Les Enfants Terribles and Blackeyed Theatre’s staging of John Godber’s hilarious Teechers.

For children, there is a vibrant programme, running throughout the year as well as its Writers Squad sessions – a regular club where 13 to 18 year olds can learn a range of writing skills from rap, playwriting and short stories to lyrics, poetry and flash fiction.

Some upcoming highlights...

Just As We Are | The Point: March 7 Acclaimed choreographer Ben Wright presents his eagerly-awaited new piece Just As We Are. Performed by his company bgroup, one of the UK’s most exciting contemporary dance companies, the piece is a tribute to an act of uncertainty. As part of an exploration of how involved an audience can be in performance, the piece features solos, duets and a spectacular group finale.

Expect an exquisite evening of dance.

Oliver Jeffers’ The Incredible Book Eating Boy | The Berry Theatre: March 16 This unique adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’ award-winning book The Incredible Book Eating Boy presented by Bootworks Theatre is set to thrill children and their families.

Staged in the intimate little Black Box Theatre - a miniature venue that accommodates just two people at a time - The Incredible Book Eating Boy invites its wee audience to enter the colourful world of Henry, a little boy who EATS books. As part of the exciting

adventure the audience of two is taken into the mini theatre box where the story of Henry is brought to life through puppetry, projection and quirky animation.

Fay Hield and The Hurricane Party The Point: March 26 Folk songstress Fay Hield is celebrated for her rich and textured sound. Along with her band The Hurricane Party, Hield presents an evening of musical nuance and verve. Hield is regarded as one of the UK’s most skillfull folk artists while her band features a stellar line up of performers including Andy Cutting, Rob Harbron, Sam Sweeney and Martin Simpson.

The Trench | The Berry Theatre: April 19 Inspired by the true story of a miner who became entombed in a tunnel during WWl, The Trench is a powerful production that blends puppetry, live music and striking physical performance. When Bert gets trapped beneath the earth it appears to spell the end for him. As the horror threatens to engulf him something mysterious begins to happen. Using clever sets, skilful puppetry and a haunting live soundtrack Les Enfants Terribles create a phantasmal world that will leave audiences spellbound.

The Girl With The Iron Claws The Point: May 3 Growing up isn’t easy especially if you’re in love with a bear! The Girl With The Iron Claws presented by award-nominated The Wrong Crowd, features intricate puppetry, enchanting music and clever comedy to tell the story of a wayward girl who dares to follow her dreams. Suitable for children aged eight plus.

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

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

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

artists and performers.

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

Make it part of your next visit!

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

programming through a broad range of drama, children's theatre and comedy, plus a state of the art digital cinema.

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

© Farrows Creative

The Berry Theatre A new theatre offering exemplary

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What can we do?

For those who seek adventure in the Hamble Valley, Geocaching is a treasure hunt with a difference and promises a fun challenge for children and adults of all ages and is great for encouraging children to get our in the fresh air and provides exercise while exploring new environments and testing mental agility. Using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, participants use navigational techniques to hide and seek Here are some suggested ways to small items or ‘caches’ at outdoor locations. This may sound easy, spend your time – and best of all but once you have been guided to the chosen spot, you have to find most of these activities are FREE! the treasure box, which will be discreetly hidden, you can then sign the log book and take and replace one of the small treasures. There are plenty of caches in the Hamble Valley waiting to be discovered – You can find everything you need to know about geocaching at the official geocaching website www.geocaching.com You can register There is plenty to see and do in the Hamble Valley for all the family, from days out discovering to blowing away the cobwebs at one of the many country parks.

A Quest for Heritage

Fly kites in the fresh

16

Begin at Eastleigh Museum on a Saturday morning and learn about the Railway town. Stop for refreshments and browse the gift shop. air

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

Fully refreshed visit West End Museum Food for Thought and discover more local history with For sticky finger treats visit Pickwell interesting displays on genealogy, Farm for delicious Pick Your Own property and some famous names strawberries, raspberries and including the links with the Titanic and gooseberries… Don’t forget the wet the story of Captain Rostron and the wipes for sticky fingers …

Carpathia.

Visit the great Chapel Hall at Royal Victoria Country Park and learn about life as a soldier at Netley, discover Royal Victoria’s influence on modern Crabbing medicine, and find out what Florence Nightingale thought of Take the children Britain’s largest military crabbing on hospital.

Hamble Quay for Take a Sunday to visit a great afternoon Bursledon Windmill and see how many and then on to one of crabs you can Bursledon Brickworks catch compared family Open Days for to everyone else. a day of heritage fun Bring some bait, before heading to the crabbing lines and Visit the windmill Jolly Sailor on the River a bucket.

Hamble for a bite to eat.

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

Running wild With so much open space there is plenty of room for fun and games.

On a blustery spring day, head to Royal Victoria Country Park and fly a kite off Southampton Water.

Play Hide and Seek around the ruins of Netley Abbey – remember to pack that picnic!

Visit Swanwick Lakes or Itchen Valley Country Park during the Easter and halfterm holidays and join in the hunts and trails around the country park.

During those April showers, 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!

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.

Collect memoirs from days out in the Hamble Valley and create a scrapbook – Visit Bella Crafts in Fair Oak for all your scrap-booking 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…

Action and Activity Packed While 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.

A visit to Marwell Zoo is a chance to get up close to the natural world......Marwell Activity Centre offers indoor and outdoor fun with a range of adventure activities for children from archery, paint-balling 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.

Time To Get Crafty At BellaCrafts you can let your creativity flow and try “We run workshops on weekends, week days your hand at everything from felting and jewellery and evenings for adults and children and popular making to card making and seasonal crafts. school holiday sessions! There really is no excuse not to get involved and we'd love you to,” said The brainchild of Belinda Poore, BellaCrafts was Belinda, who is a keen crafter herself. All the staff established in 2007. More than just a shopping experience, the centre runs workshops and courses at BellaCrafts love crafting and always go that extra mindDecember to help with your weideas. want you to all year round for adults and children toFrom enjoy. now until “ We keep Valley our website updated with information on “ I’m really passionate about crafting and I wanted capture The Hamble in all its glory!

We all the latest classes and for ease you can book and BellaCrafts to create a space where likeminded wantthings. to see your images from your visit to paybest through our online shop – we’d be delighted to people could share their love of making welcome visitorsittobe theduring Hamble winter Valley and The Hamble Valley, whether orwould “ We started off in smaller premises but the classes love you to give us a call to book a place.” have proved so popular we movedsummer, to Fair Oakflowers or animals. There is so much to Garden Centre about four years ago to allow more find out morewill call: 8051 7054 winning photos be023 featured space for crafting,” said Belinda. photograph! TheTo The Barn, Fair Oak Garden Centre, BellaCrafts prides itself on being a showcase for the 2013 Hamble Valley Magazine throughout local crafters with displays of handmade work WinchesterJust Road, Fair Oak SO50 7HD or and the website! simply made from recycled materials, wooden products, email: info@bellcrafts.co.uk jewellery, glass and much more. email: Info@hamblevalley.com quoting

Calling all enthusiastic photographers!

www.bellacrafts.co.uk

“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!

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

17

A new

discovery every

Manor Farm A new discovery every day

day

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 • home of Wartime Farm

www.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm

01489 787055

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

Test your skills in our Amazing Maze!!!

A

World of Discovery • explore the woodland • take a stroll along the waterfront • discover a fascinating military history • get hands-on with our family events Tel: 023 8045 5157 www.hants.gov.uk/rvcp www.hants.gov.uk

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www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

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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: What famous book did King Louie star in? a. Jungle Book b. Safari Book c. Wildlife Book 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 2013

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) £24.00 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 9253

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

19

WHEN

WHATS ON?

where

February 16th 24th 16th 24th 16th 24th

Welcome to the wonderful world of scales!

Enchanted Forest Trail, 10am – 3.30pm

01962 777407

Royal Victoria Country Park 023 8045 5157

18th

22nd

22nd

23rd

24th

25th

28th

28th

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

01489 799499 Juggling Jake Circus Royal Victoria Country Park

9th

Bark in the Park, 10-2pm

Manor Farm Country Park

30th14th April

Royal Victoria Country Park Bernie Bunny’s Easter Trail, 10-4pm www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

30th

Filskit Theatre Company presents Snow White, 11.30am & 2.30pm

9th

9th

10th

12th

13th

Children’s Theatre My BIG Little Sister, 2pm Film - Great Expectations, 7.30pm Sea Legs Puppet Theatre present: ‘Peter and the Wolf’, 2pm Comedy - The Best of Chortle Comedy Tour, 7.30pm Wedding Fayre Film - The Hobbit, 7.30pm Film – Life of Pi, 7.30pm

023 8045 5157 The Berry Theatre

14th

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk 01489 799499

The Berry Theatre

14th

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk 01489 799499

Royal Victoria Country Park

14th

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

The Berry Theatre

16th

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk 01489 799499

16th

Marwell Zoo

www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407 The Berry Theatre

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk 01489 799499 The Berry Theatre

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

21st

22nd

01489 799499 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

Two Destination Language presents www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk Fallen Fruit now here, 02380 652333 now gone, 7.30pm

March

24th

1st 30th June

Exhibition: A chance Manor Farm Country Park to shine, 10-5pm www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm daily

25th

2nd

A Thousand Cranes presents Little Sunshine, Little Rainful, 11am Robin Ince: The Importance of Being Interested, 8pm Bgroup presents – Just as we are, 7.30pm Woodland Craft Weekend, 11-3pm

26th

2nd

7th

9th & 10th

01489 787055 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk 02380 652333

The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

26th

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk 02380 652333

The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk 02380 652333

Manor Farm Country Park

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

29th - 1st April 29th14th April 29th14th April

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

01489 787055 Hedge End Festival, The Berry Theatre

10-5pm

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

Workshop 19th

WHATS ON?

Manor Farm Country Park

01489 787055 Film screening - Rise The Berry Theatre

Of The Guardians

WHEN

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

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

18th

where

www.marwell.org.uk

Half Term Fun on the Manor Farm Country Park Farm, 10am – 4pm www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm Winter Bird Walk

WHATS ON?

Marwell Zoo

01489 787055

17th

WHEN

Roam around the Rail Trail, 11am Contact Improvisation Workshop, 1-5pm Theatre – Page to Stage, 7.30pm 2Faced Dance Company presents – Out Of His Skin, 7.30pm Pitch and Mix, 106pm

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

01489 799499 Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides www.

Children’s Theatre – The Incredible Book Eating Boy, 121.30pm & 2.30-4pm Film – Les Miserables, 7.30pm Jane Mackinnon School of Dance – The Story of Matilda, 7pm or 2pm The Manor Farm Fairy Folk, 10.30am or 2.30pm Beginners Ghost Hunting, 6.309.30pm Fay Hield and The Hurricane Party plus local support, 7.30pm Children’s Theatre – The Nightingale, 4.30pm Easter Egg Hunt, 10.30am-4pm Easter Holidays – Join us for all things feathery!

Easter Holiday Fun, 10-5pm

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

4th - 6th Sue Merrett School

02380 6885157 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

Easter, 10-3pm

02380 652333

The Berry Theatre

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

01489 799499 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

4th

02380 652333

7th

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

of Dance – Follow The Yellow Brick Road, 7pm or 2pm Sock Bunnies, 10.30am & 12.30am Explore Hamble Village, 2pm

The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk 02380 652333

01489 787055 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk 02380 652333 The Berry Theatre

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

8th-11th Crafty ideas for

Easter, 10-3pm

01489 787055

01489 787055 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

10th

10th

11th

14th

14th

16th

18th

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk 01489 799499

Itchen Valley Country Park 02380 466091

19th

Marwell Zoo

www.marwell.org.uk 01962 777407

Manor Farm Country Park

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

02380 652333

Itchen Valley Country Park

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

02380 466091 Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides www.

hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

02380 6885157 Royal Victoria Country Park

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

01489 799499 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

02380 652333 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk 02380 652333

The Berry Theatre

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk 01489 799499

Itchen Valley Country Park

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp 02380 466091

The Point Theatre,Eastleigh Josh Widdicombe www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk – The Further Adventures of..., 8pm 02380 652333 Big Spring Steam Up Bursledon Brickworks www.burseldonbrickworks. org.uk

William Cobbett’s Botley, 2pm

01489 576248 Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides www.

hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

02380 6885157

The Berry Theatre

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

Film screening of Hotel Transylvania, 10am & 2pm Children’s Theatre – My Brother The Robot, 1pm Spring Crowns, 10.30am & 12.30pm

The birds of Manor Farm, 6pm

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk 02380 652333

023 8045 5157 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

10th

Manor Farm Country Park

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

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

Film screening of Quartet, 7.30pm

Manor Farm Country Park

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

Royal Victoria Country Park

8th

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk 02380 652333

02380 652333

The Berry Theatre Film – The Impossible, 7.30pm www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

01489 799499 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

8th

01489 799499

The Berry Theatre

The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

APRIL 1st - 4th Crafty ideas for

01489 787055

20

023 8045 5157

hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

Fine Chisel presents The Point Theatre,Eastleigh www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk Midnight at The Boar’s Head, 7.30pm 02380 652333 Wartime Farm: Manor Farm Country Park Beginners Rag-rug www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm making, 3-5pm The Point presents HeadStart, 7.30pm

where

20th

Samuel Lefeurve / Raphaelle Latini / Nicolas Oliver presents Group Entorse – ACCIDENS, 7.30pm Theatre – The Trench, 7.30pm Dog’s Days Out, 2-4pm

Manor Farm Country Park

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

01489 787055 The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk 02380 652333

The Berry Theatre

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

01489 799499 Royal Victoria Country Park

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

Here is a snippet of the fun-filled events taking place across the Hamble Valley until the end of June 2013, to pre-order your copy of Issue 4 with events from July – December email info@hamblevalley.com For times, admission/ticket prices and further detail please contact the individual venues. Follow us on twitter at @HambleValley for more news and events

Follow the

y Park

play trail!

Enjoy a heritage guided walk

Amazing things to discover WHEN

WHATS ON?

20th28th

Farmhouse breakfast Manor Farm Country Park week in the Café, www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm 10-12pm

where

01489 787055

20th21st 21st

21st

25th

26th

26th 28th

26th

28th

Titchfield Art & Craft Titchfield Community Centre www.titchfieldartandcraftshow. show co.uk Dawn Chorus Manor Farm Country Park & Farmhouse www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm Breakfast, 5am Old Bishopstoke and its Titanic connections, 2pm

01489 787055 Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides www.

02380 6885157 Hannah Jane Walker The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk and Chris Thorpe presents The oh f**k 02380 652333 moment, 7pm & 9pm The Point Theatre,Eastleigh Snuff Box Theatre www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk in collaboration with Richard Jordan 02380 652333 Productions present Bitch Boxer, 7.30pm National Association The Point Theatre,Eastleigh www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk of Youth Theatre presents Raising The 02380 652333 Game Theatre - Teechers, The Berry Theatre www.theberrytheatre.co.uk 4pm & 8pm 01489 799499 Old Bursledon, 2pm Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides www.

02380 6885157 Film screening of Les The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

Miserables, 2pm

WHATS ON?

where

12th

Marwell 10K & Fun Run, 10am

Marwell Zoo

12th

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk 02380 652333

5th

House presents The Wrong Crowd with The Girl with the Iron Claws, 7pm All around Allbrook, 2pm

14th

19th

02380 652333

Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides www.

hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

19th

23rd

25th May - 2nd June

May Day Celebration, Manor Farm Country Park 10-5pm www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm

6th-7th Theatre – Reduced

Shakespeare Company, 7.30pm 7th-11th Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society, 7.30 or 2.30pm 12th Solent Boat Jumble, 10am

01489 787055 The Berry Theatre

JUNE

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

9th

Living History – 150 Years of a Military hospital, 12-4pm Manor Farm Country Park at War, 11am

hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

9th

01489 787055 Royal Victoria Country Park

2nd

02380 6885157

01489 576248 Bear Hunt Story Trail, Royal Victoria Country Park

from 11am – 12pm or www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp 023 8045 5157 1.30pm – 2.30pm Summer Half Term Marwell Zoo www.marwell.org.uk – calling all little 01962 777407 explorers

Solent Austin 7 Club Manor Farm Country Park Rally, 11am www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm

01489 787055 Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides www.

21st

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.

hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

02380 6885157 Royal Victoria Country Park

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

02380 6885157 Royal Victoria Country Park

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

Manor Farm Country Park

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

Royal Victoria Country Park

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

023 8045 5157 Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides www.

23rd

Country Fair

02380 6885157 Bursledon Brickworks

29th30th

40 vehicles from the Manor Farm Country Park 40s, 11-3pm www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm

30th

Byegone Bishopstoke, 2pm

hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

www.burseldonbrickworks. org.uk 01489 576248

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

01489 787055 Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides www.

Famous Hamble Connections, 2pm

01489 787055

Royal Victoria Country Park

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

Owl Babies Story Trail, from 11am – 12pm or 1.30pm – 2.30pm Summer Special – Guided Farm Tours – Wartime Farm, 5-7pm A Summer Parade, 6pm

Manor Farm Country Park

02380 652333

Manor Farm Country Park

20th

023 8045 5157

The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

023 8045 5157

01489 787055

23rd

01489 799499

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Churches of Eastleigh Town, 2pm Heritage Guides www. hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

www.theberrytheatre.co.uk

01962 777407 Royal Victoria Country Park

16th

22nd

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

www.marwell.org.uk

The Home Front at Manor Farm Country Park Manor Farm, 10-5pm www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm

hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

02380 6885157 Royal Victoria Country Park

hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

15th 16th

Manor Farm Country Park

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

Swawick Nature Reserve – Orchid Walk, 2pm

15th & Southampton Dog 16th Show, 8am

01489 787055

‘Time Trouble’ Story Trail, from 10am – 11am or 2pm – 3pm The Manor Farm Fairy Folk, 10.30 & 2.30pm

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

9th

Big Wheels & Small Bursledon Brickworks www.burseldonbrickworks.

Tracks org.uk

Fair Oak & Horton Heath, 2pm

Manor Farm Country Park

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

26th

30th

Woodland Day, 113pm

Party In The Park

Half Term Fun – Wooly Week

29th

2nd

where

7th & 21st

Manor Farm Country Park

25th May - 2nd June

26th

WHATS ON?

02380 6885157 Marwell Zoo

023 8045 5157 Hamble Valley & Eastleigh North Stoneham – Woods & Meadows, Heritage Guides www.

2pm

02380 6885157 6th

Southampton 10k Run, 10.30am

WHEN

01489 787055 Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides www.

01489 787055

19th

friends with the cats!

Oldie Otterbourne, 2pm

Summer Special – Manor Farm Country Park Guided Farm Tours, www3.hants.gov.uk/ countryside/manorfarm.htm 5pm-7pm

18th & Sheep Shearing 19th Weekend, 10-5pm

The Point Theatre,Eastleigh

www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk

01962 777407

02380 6885157

MAY 3rd

www.marwell.org.uk

Stoke Park Woods & Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides www.

Bluebells, 2pm hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

29th

WHEN

Grab an Ice cream at Royal Vic Countr

Marwell Zoo - make

01489 787055 Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage Guides www.

hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk

02380 6885157

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

21

Good food and great company are what eating out is all about.Hamble Valley has more than its fair share of great pubs and restaurants to ensure you have a memorable meal whether it’s pub grub you’re after or a dining experience.

In Hamble there’s a selection of traditional pubs off the cobbled High Street and waterside eateries at the three marinas. Enjoy the very best in traditional cuisine while watching the yachts go by at Banana Wharf at Port Hamble Marina or enjoy quality food and drink in the historic waterside pub, The Bugle which has been awarded a Hampshire Hospitality Award, for its outside dining and superb views of the river and village.

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

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 means there are plenty of places to enjoy the view and soak up the atmosphere.

Nearby 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.

Eastleigh has a more cosmopolitan offering. You can unwind in the relaxing atmosphere of Artisan Coffee and Wine Bar and enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine. La Fenice has the finest Italian cuisine with freshly caught fish being their speciality.

While in the Swan Centre complex there are a number of restaurants

22

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

with a variety of tastes and flavours, from Italian Prezzo to New York Italian Frankie and Benny’s, and 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.

In Botley, the Bugle Inn on the High Street is set in a Grade ll listed building serving delicious homemade food.

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

Locally Sourced Locally sourced is a real buzz phrase at the moment. More and more chefs are opting to put the Hamble Valley on a plate and in the process support the local economy and do their bit for the planet by cutting down food miles.

Many local producers are part of Hampshire Fare and sell their produce at local Farmers Markets and events such as the Hampshire Food Festival.

For more information go to www. hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk There are plenty of farm shops and delicatessens where local produce can be bought 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 more than 80 cheeses among 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.

Exciting menu Tropical & oriental dishes with great seafood, pizza & pasta Full breakfast menu Great selection of beers & wines Large heated and covered terrace area Unobstructed views of the marina and the river Hamble

Banana Wharf Hamble Port Hamble Marina, Hamble, Southampton S031 4QA T: 023 8045 6622 E: hamble@bananawharf.co.uk

SCAN HERE TO JOIN DELICIOUS DINING FOR FREE !

www.bananawharf.co.uk

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

Tea for Two The reviving qualities of a good strong brew and a slice of delicious cake are well known – and whether you are on holiday or enjoying a day out with the family, a cuppa and a slice of cake can be the perfect treat.

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.

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.

http://www.deliciousdining.co.uk/mobile/join-us?src=qr

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 023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

23

Recipe

Slow Roasted Hampshire free range pork belly, champ potato cake, local cider gravy Ingredients: PORK BELLY One large onion, 2 x large carrots, a leek, Some garlic, Good pinch of Cornish sea salt, glug of Pratt’s extra virgin rapeseed oil.

CIDER GRAVY Two bottles of a good strong local cider. (Mr Whitehead’s heart of Hampshire).

THIS GREAT BRITISH PUB CLASSIC IS AVAILABLE AT THE WHITE STAR, THE WHITE HORSE AND NO.5 BRIDGE STREET.

Try it yourself and see how it compares!

Source: LOCAL FREE RANGE PORK BELLY 2KG (FROM UPTON’S OF BASSET, ASK FOR IT SCORED AND SOME EXTRA BONES FOR GRAVY) 24

www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

CHAMP POTATO CAKE 1kg dry mash potato, two shredded leek tops, big dessert spoon of preferred mustard. (Candover Valley Farms honey mustard) Method: PORK BELLY Pre heat oven to max. Arrange bones and veg in a roasting tray and sit the pork belly on top. Roast for 15 mins, this gets it cooking and dries out the skin. Remove from the oven and rub in sea salt & Pratt’s oil. Turn oven down to 150c. Slow roast for 4 hours.

Until nearly falling apart (Don’t let the water dry out. Rest belly on cooling rack. While you get on with the gravy and potato cake.

... from Executive Chef jim Hayward CIDER GRAVY Pour contents of tray into a pan.

Reduce by half and add the cider to the pan.

Cook whilst topping up the water if necessary (bones should be just covered).

CHAMP POTATO CAKE Flash fry leeks in butter. Add leeks to cold mash. Mix in mustard. Shape in four cakes, lightly oiled. Roast in oven until golden, approximately 20 minutes.

TO FINISH Place the champ cakes in the middle of the plate, pour gravy around and place the pork belly on top. Crack open the second bottle to share!

Dani King

Dani King takes the lead! LONDON2012

Sport and Recreation Whether it be sailing on the Solent, watersports fishing, golf, cricket, cycling, horse riding or taking a breath of fresh air on a walk in the countryside, Hamble Valley has so much to offer.

If you fancy canoeing, windsurfing and dinghy sailing, Lakeside Country Park, with 60 acres of meadow and lakes and young woodland, is an ideal for beginners. The onsite pavilion provides groups with showers and changing rooms, kitchen and a small lecture room. The lakes also offer good coarse angling for which a day permit is required.

Aegis Rose Bowl, home to Hampshire Cricket, is a first class international status cricket oval, dedicated to sport but also a premier entertainment and leisure venue.

There are a number of leisure centres and facilities offering a vast range of activities, Fleming Park Leisure Centre in Eastleigh provides indoor and outdoor tennis, football, badminton, squash, indoor swimming, exercise classes and a fully refurbished Kinetika gym. Hamble Sports Complex offers a newly refurbished 20 metre swimming pool along with a range of fitness classes and courses and an astro turf pitch suitable for hockey and football. The Hub in Bishopstoke is a sports hall and pavilion for local sports groups including Eastleigh Rugby Football Club.

Hambl Valley

e

Hero Olympic Gold Medallist in the Team Pursuit, twice World Champion and World Record Holder, cyclist Dani King is a sporting hero. She grew up in the Hamble Valley – we ask her what the area means to her...

Can you tell us about your experience of growing up in the Hamble Valley?

Some of my best memories of Hamble are crabbing on the quay with my sister or walking long the stream in the wooded area of Victoria Country Park.

Where would you recommend a visitor to the region should go?

Royal Victoria Country park has something for all ages, including a 'ride on' railway for children or the military hospital museum for the grown-ups.

Manor farm is also great to introduce children to all of the animals and has lots of space for walking or bike rides.

Are there any cafes, bars, restaurants you would recommend?

For a small village Hamble has lots of varied places to eat and drink including Thai, Indian or Italian restaurants as well as lots of traditional pubs. My dad's local is the Whyte Hart pub but we've had some lovely meals in the King & Queen as well.

Following your success in the Olympics, what lies ahead in 2013 for you?

I have the track cycling World Championships in Minsk, Belarus in February before I start a season of road racing for my new team from the spring onwards.

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

25

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.

Hamble is home of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the UK’s national body for all forms of boating including sailing, motor-boating, powerboat racing, personal watercraft and windsurfing, and a range of courses, open days, clubs and schools. Information and events can be found by visiting www.rya.org.uk Berthing on the River is available at several marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs (contactable on VHF CH.80) and advance booking is advisable. The Harbour Authority 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.

Operating all year round, and since the reign of King Henry VII (1485 – 1509) the Hamble to Warsash ferry provides access across the river and provides a taxi service.

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)

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

Howards Way – a trip down memory lane...

FOR anyone growing up in the late 80’s BBC 1’s sailing soap Howards’ Way was obligatory viewing on a Sunday night.

Set on the Hamble, the saga of the Howard family, the Mermaid boatyard and Jack Rolfe’s gruff delivery kept us all glued to the TV watching the beeb’s answer to the flashier antics of Dallas and Dynasty.

While those American offerings were all big hair and shoulder pads, Howards Way was more sensible waterproofs and wellies but there was a touch of glamour too.

Jan Harvey, who played Jan Howard, ran her own clothing line and swishy boutique and was best known for

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her on-screen affair with the original medallion man Ken Masters (Stephen Yardley).

While towards the end of the series’ five-year run, smouldering Kate O’Mara brought a new steamy dimension to the show.

To some Howards’ Way is now seen as a dramatic illustration of the excesses of the 1980s with its storylines mirroring the boom and bust years and the worst excesses of conspicuous consumption.

And the dastardly Ken Masters was the epitome of a ‘loads-a-money‘ culture gone bad.

Undoubtedly cheesy by today’s standards, the real star of the show was the setting of the Hamble River.

Jolly Sailor pub Devotees can still follow in the footsteps of the Howards’ Way cast by taking a trip on the river or supping a beer in the pub that is synonymous with the series, the Jolly Sailor at Bursledon.

Jan Harvey says she has never tired of being reminded of her six years in Howard's Way: "Everyone loved it and as an actor its great to be in a success like that. It was one of those series where everyone got on - it was just lovely." Source: BBC website.

Most of the location filming for the series was carried out: Burlesdon, Hamble, Swanwick, Warsash,Hill Head, Lee-on-the-Solent, Southampton and Fareham.

Harbourmaster request 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.

• Have some means of calling for help.

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

The jetty in Hamble

under the bridge

INSPIRATIONAL sailor Geoff Holt was the first quadraplegic to sail across the Atlantic and complete a solo voyage around Great Britiain in a 15-foot dinghy.

He has a deep affection for the River Hamble – and here he shares his feelings for the Hamble Valley.

What makes the River Hamble such a great place to sail?

I grew up by the river in a house opposite Moody's boatyard and even lived on it for a few years as a young boy on my fathers yacht. I know almost every inch of it from the busy mouth of the river at Hamble Point, to the quietest tributary at the top of the river to the rear of YMCA Fairthorne Manor. I have fished it, swam in it, rowed on it, sailed on it, nearly drowned in it and even committed a loved one's ashes to it. Perhaps the best times are at dawn in the autumn, those totally still, cold and damp mornings when there is a light mist hanging on the water and the only sound is the gulls and the oyster catchers. It has changed much in the 40 years I have known it.

What do you like best about the Hamble Valley?

When you have lived her for a long time, you get to realise just how diverse the Hamble Valley is. With its quaint country pubs to its 14th century villages, we are very lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world. But it is best seen on foot, by bicycle or from the water.

Geoff Holt Do you know any hidden gems in the Hamble Valley you are happy to share with visitors?

Hambl Valley

Hero

e

One favourite spot was where I would take my girlfriend when we were 15 years old. We would walk from Bursledon station, along Blundell Lane, continuing straight along the footpath, past Aladdin's Cave barge, under the newly built M27 where it crosses the Hamble, past the farm with their field of cows and along the river footpath, through the woods to where you suddenly emerge into a field, right on the edge of the river, overlooking the water, in total peace and quiet. We would lie on the grass, looking skyward, listening to the skylarks, sun shining and eating our picnic. I couldn't get there these days in my wheelchair but I saw the spot from my boat a couple of years ago which brought back fond memories.

Alternatively, If you want somewhere to just sit and think on your own, then the car park at Swanwick Shore Road is the place to be.

What have you got coming up in 2013?

2013 is going to be a busy year for me and Wetwheels, my disabled accessible powerboat. We took 700 disabled people boating last year, my goal for 2013 is to take 1,000 disabled people plus I want to try and raise enough money to buy another Wetwheels to be placed further along the south coast. For further information go to www.wetwheels. co.uk or www.geoffholt.com

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

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THere Are PLeNtY OF OPPOrtUNItIeS tO INDULGe IN SOme SHOPPING WItHIN tHe HAmbLe VALLeY.

Shopping

TAKING the time to enjoy a little retail therapy could be the perfect way to spend an hour or two in the Hamble Valley.

From high street favourites to independent shops, the area has an abundance of shops, stores and boutiques to suit every pocket.

At Hedge End, there is the dual delight of Marks and Spencer and Sainsburys – both stores are a showcase for food, fashion and so much more.

Swan Centre in Eastleigh has a host of big high street names under one roof and a convenient car park too.

If you like to support independent retailers Wickham, Botley and Hamble should be on your shortlist to visit.

The traditional setting of Wickham makes it the perfect place for a mooch around the shops followed by afternoon tea. The medieval market square is the second largest of its kind in England with pretty 15th century cottages and grand Georgian residences.

Bay Tree Walk, the newly opened Warwick Lane and Chesapeake Mill in Wickham are are real delight with plenty of unusual gift ideas presented in a really attractive setting.

There's a real feeling of nostalgia as you wander around these shops with everything from vintage prams, jewellery and clothing on sale.

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There are some lovely cafes and tea rooms to stop for a cuppa and a slice of cake too.

Botley has a number of specialist shops located in the Square and at Botley Mills offering everything from children's toys, furniture and clothing.

Fashion shops include specialists in evening and bridal wear, lingerie and shoes as well as beauty salons.

Hamble maybe relatively bijou in size but what it lacks in scale it makes up for in quality. The independent shops are well worth seeking out – take a walk down the cobbled high street and take in the views down by the riverside.

Top Tips: uy things because you B love them not because you think you should e adventurous, B experiment with textures, colours and finishes emember preR loved often means better quality and craftsmanship id-century furniture M and objects are becoming really collectable njoy the fact you are E up-cycling and saving.

SuperSTore SHopping at Hedge end

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

• The recently refurbished 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.

• Situated in Hedge End at Junction 7 of the M27 - it’s so easy to get to.

There is plenty of parking as well as 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

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Town and Villages of the Hamble Valley

Hamble

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

Netley

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.

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.

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Botley

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 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.

Bishop's Waltham

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.

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.

With town and country walks, including a section of the medieval Pilgrims’ Trail, good pub food and excellent restaurants, Bishop’s Waltham is perfect for a day out, or as a touring base for a longer stay.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 Festival 1st - 4th August 2013 go to, www.wickhamfestival.co.uk for more details!

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

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It is the unique mix of countryside and coastline that makes the Hamble Valley such a beautiful destination for country lane ambles or coastal path strolls.

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.

Some highlights include taking a traffic-free spin around Royal Victoria Country Park (only a short distance from Netley station) or exploring the coastline and parks between Hamble and Southampton utilising the National Cycle Route 2 for more information.

For local cycle information and maps 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.cyclestreets.net. 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 it's FREE!

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by bus or train 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 is on the London to Portsmouth line.

For train timetable information visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.

The area is well connected by buses, with various services connecting to Southampton, Eastleigh, Winchester and Fareham as well as providing local services in and around the Valley area. Some bus services also link with rail stations.

waste 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.

Hamble Valley travel information The Hamble Valley is accessible to all.

By 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.

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

Southampton International Airport www.southamptonairport.com

By Rail Botley and Hedge End have regular services to Portsmouth, Eastleigh, Winchester and London, whilst trains from Fareham serve these destinations and also Southampton, Chichester, Brighton, and Gatwick Airport.

By Bus Bluestar No.3 | Southampton-Hedge End-Botley Brijan No.8 | Eastleigh-Hedge End-BotleyBishops Waltham First 4/4A/X4 | Southampton-BursledonFareham/Gosport/Portsmouth First No.6 | Southampton-Netley-Hamble Stagecoach No.69 | Winchester-Bishops Waltham-Wickham-Fareham 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

Accommodation

Southampton M27, Jct 7

All the national assessing bodies (Visit England, 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.

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

• Modern new interior designed hotel adjacent to Ageas Bowl.

• Spacious comfortable rooms with flat screen TV’s.

• Complimentary parking.

When choosing your accommodation look for the Quality Rose, the official mark of the Enjoy England national 7 , 4 tourist board rating scheme. A quality score is awarded for every aspect of the Key to accommodation symbols: Please tick: experience including the comfort, quality (AGE) Children Welcome and cleanliness.

Dogs accepted by arrangement Places that ‘go the extra mile’ to make Licensed for sale of alcoholic drinks your stay a special one, will be awarded Residents’ Lounge a high star rating and hotels and guest Major credit cards accepted accommodation may achieve a Gold or Tea/Coffee making facilities Silver award.

TV in all bedrooms Higher star-rated accommodation tends Ground floor bedrooms to have more spacious bedrooms and Parking spaces on site bathrooms and in hotels a high staff Non smoking establishment to guest ratio, so service should be very Restaurant/dinner provided on request attentive.

Welcome Host ‘Certificate holders’ For serviced accommodation, there are Garden for residents two separate schemes – one for hotels Four poster bed and one for guest accommodation. Hotels Linen provided have to be licensed, offer dinner at least  Laundry facilities five nights a week and all have rooms en Showers suite or with private bathrooms. Hotels Electric shaver points also have to provide certain additional Open all year facilities and services at higher star level.

Public toilets To make a booking - Please contact Outside Water supply the establishment direct to confirm Microwave availability and price (prices printed here DVD player are for guidance only). If you would like Local produce assistance on where to stay, contact Internet facilities Southampton Tourist Information Centre Wireless Internet access on 023 8083 3333.

Short stay  The map at the front of this guide Facilities for the visually impared shows clearly that all accommodation is TypesFacilities of room and Guest House: forB&B deaf or hard of hearing within a short distance of major routes, S Single Room; Disabled room facilities attractions and places of interest.

D Double Room; Disabled parking

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

• Use of adjacent Virgin Active leisure facilities.

• 5 state of art air conditioned meeting rooms from £125 including tea/coffee & conference equipment.

• Comfortable Lounge Bar & Conservatory Restaurant • Within close proximity to Southampton Airport serving freshly prepared (5 mins), City Centre and evening meals from Docks (10mins). One mile 18.00 – 22.00 daily. from M27.

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

SunnyDale Farm Camping and Caravan park

OpEn aLL YEar

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

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

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Accommodation

BEST WESTERn Chilworth Manor

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.

Virtual Tour

★★★ 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

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.

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

hamblevalley.com

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www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

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 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 m: 07891147154 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. VE & EE

£

Bedrooms 1 Double, 1 Twin, 1 Cot Prices from £300 - £600 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, 1T, 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.

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

Allington Lane West End SO30 3HQ

t: 01489 797181 m: 07812740955 e: jean@ottersgreen.co.uk www.ottersgreen.co.uk

Beautiful vi llages

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

Primrose Cottage

Botley Hill, Botley SO30 2DL

Accommodation

e!

Lots to se

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

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).

Otters’ Green is a relaxed and friendly B&B with a charming patio & veranda area to relax and enjoy.

Private parking, situated in a quiet conservation area and within a short walking distance of several pubs and restaurants in the charming village of Botley. An ideal base for enjoying the areas many attractions and activities.

(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)£55 (D/T)£70 Barn: price upon request.

Strawberry Cottage

Twin Oaks

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

‘A home from home’. Excellent B&B accommodation, 3 bedrooms in self-contained annexe with own TV, lounge and bathroom. Also 2 double and a twin available in the main house. Large garden backing onto Country Park. Easy access for Airport & M27.

Bedrooms 3T, 1TE, 2D Prices from (S) £43 (D) £65

And relaxing to do....

For more accommodation see our website www.hamblevalley.com

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

t: 01489 690054

Places to e xplore

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.

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

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 Ageas Bowl Cricket Ground, M27, Botley Park and Botleigh Grange hotels.

A friendly and comfortable B&B 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.



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

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

mewhere Finding so

new

023 8000 1655 | www.hamblevalley.com

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Co m W pe in ti ne tio r! n The winner of the 2012 Hamble Valley Photo Competition was Chris Fay who took this stunning shot of Southampton Water from Royal Victoria Country Park at sunset.

Competition!

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

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www.hamblevalley.com | 023 8000 1655

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 2014 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!

Free Prize Draw

Best Wes

tern Chilw

orth Manor

Hotel

Complete and return the questionnaire below to win: A two night short break at Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel 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, The Point, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 9DE 1. Have you visited the Hamble Valley area Yes No in the last 12 months?

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. During 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?

Go Ape Itchen Valley Country Park

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 Best Western Chilworth Manor: 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 two nights accommodation with dinner, bed and breakfast (excludes drinks) for two adults at the Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel, Chilworth, Southampton. The prize will be valid until December 2014 and is subject to availability (excluding the Southampton Boatshow). By entering the competition you accept that your name, region and publicity photos may be required. Your details will be added to our confidential database and not passed to any organisation outside The Marketing Collective Ltd in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998).

The prize will be drawn after 13th December 2013 and notified by January 31st 2014. 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

37

time

competition

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

he Spot t e? enc r e f f i D

and WIN!

Can you find the 10 differences between the two pictures?

If you can then complete the form below and post your entry to us to *

win £15 off

a Kids party at Bella crafts.

Name:

Age:

if under 16

Signature of Parent/Guardian if under 16yrs:

Email:

Contact Tel:

PLEASE CIRCLE THE DIFFERENCE BOTTOM IMAGE THERE ARE 10 DIFFERENCES IN TOTAL. Winner will be drawn at random from those entries received. Competition winner must have permission from a Parent or Guardian (if under 16) to enter competition as we would like to print the details of the winner in our next issue of Hamble Valley. Winner will be drawn on July 19th 2013. * £15 off a kids party at Bella Crafts | Terms and conditions apply (in line with the party information on the website www.bellacrafts.co.uk)

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