n o t l A this is
ISSN 2044-7884
e-zine
Issue #6, December 2010
Your guide to Alton’s festive season
Plus:
Remembrance Day 2010, Round Table Fireworks, Celebrating Alton, Goal Setting and much, much more. . .
Humongous December/Christmas & January Event Guide | Gardening | Onlooker
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This is Alton, December 2010 Features Page 4
From the Editor
Page 6
Lest We Forget
Page 8
Sol Light
Page 10
Celebrating Alton
Page 12
Round Table Fireworks
CHRISTMAS GUIDE
Our bumper Christmas guide starts on Page 14 and is jam-packed with information on the festive events happening around the town this Christmas
Lifestyle Page 48
Green Fingers - ‘O’ Christmas Tree . . .’
Page 52
Make Do and Mend - Candle Making
Page 54
Book Launch - Walks from Alton
Page 56
Charwell Chat (NEW) - Little Bundles Toy Shop
Page 59
Thinking of Summer Exhibition
Page 61
Goal Setting for 2011
Page 62
Onlooker
Page 63
Advertising Rates
www.thisisalton.co.uk
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Merry Christmas! Hello!
Everything in Alton? The range of shops available to Altonians is so large that I believe you can get all of your Christmas shopping done without getting in the car.
So, Christmas has crept up on me again. It’s the same time every year and still it takes me by surprise! I’m not alone by any stretch of the imagination. Countless people up and down the country suffer the same feelings of rising panic the closer the big day gets! But all that stress is strangely rather enjoyable.
If you don’t think you can get what you want in town, why not ask the most obvious shop who may have access to it and they will probably be able to order it in for you. Also, don’t forget that the links in This is Alton work! You can visit an event or advertiser just by clicking their web address.
I notice, year on year that as the temperature drops, the sense of anticipation in the air rises. And, as each door on the Advent Calendar is opened, the enjoyment of the festive season increases.
By supporting local independent businesses, you are supporting your community.
Are we all the same? Do we all have an inner child just dying to get out and shout ‘I LOVE CHRISTMAS’? Wouldn’t it be great if we could all let that go without fear of being judged by someone?
On a more personal note, I’d like to thank all of you for reading and supporting the idea of This is Alton over the past 5 issues, the advertisers for believing in the concept and the regular contributors for their efforts month on month to write interesting and helpful articles for the magazine. It has been a tremendous experience so far and we are looking forward to growing even more in 2011.
Well, what have we got in store in this issue of This is Alton? Lots, that’s what! In a mammoth event guide, we are covering just about every large event going on this December. There is a huge amount going on, and everything is worth having a look at! The event guide starts on page 14.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year,
There are a large number of shops in Alton. Many of them are local people running independent businesses. Just look up Market Street and Normandy Street and you get a sense of the independent spirit in town. It is truly magnificent.
ALTON
This month’s cover shot: Yuletide Festival 2008 by Stephen Lewis
this is
2010 has been a difficult year for many people and for some, 2011 can’t come round quick enough.
Martin Saban-Smith Editor
Edited, Designed & Published by: Martin Saban-Smith Web: www.thisisalton.co.uk email: editor@thisisalton.co.uk Phone: 01420 542020 Address: 17 Normandy Street, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1DD
‘This is Alton’ Electronic Magazine is published on the third Friday of the month. ISSN 2044-7884. This e-zine is published by Martin Saban-Smith. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor, Publisher, Sponsors or Advertisers. Where Links take you to other sites, the Editor, Publisher and/or Webmaster cannot be held responsible for the content of those sites. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the information contained in this publication is accurate, neither Martin Saban-Smith nor any contributing writer cannot accept any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by any errors or omissions in relation to this publication. The publisher also does not endorse or recommend any of the products or services advertised. Images within this publication are used with the authorisation of the copyright holder and are credited as such. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction of any material is permitted without express permission of the respective owners.
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First of thee individually designed 4 bedroom detached homes offered for sale on behalf of P G W Building Projects. Finished to an exacting standard and benefiting from a full NHBC guarantee. Features include two generous reception rooms, downstairs cloakroom, kitchen with utility room, single garage, 4 double bedrooms, the master bedroom enjoys a luxurious en suite facility. The front garden is sheltered from the road by original high brick wall and supplying hardstanding and turning area for a motor vehicle.
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Set in a glorious plot of around one third of an acre a 3 bed detached house dating from circa 1920’s and later extended. The ground floor includes front and magnificent second receptions which lead via a small conservatory to the gardens. There is a downstairs cloakroom, utility area, a breakfast area and kitchen. There is en suite bathroom to the master bedroom. Gas centrally heated, the accommodation is mainly double glazed. A particular feature of the home is the garden which is largely unoverlooked and blissfully quiet.
A charming 4 bedroom detached house in the heart of this sought after Hampshire village. Offering some scope for further improvement, the property has includes a magnificent principal reception with French doors leading to the rear garden, a dining room, cloakroom and a Shaker style fitted kitchen with built-in range. There is a gas fired central heating system, double glazed windows and an oversized double garage with hardstanding for numerous motor vehicles. The entrance hall and main reception has stunning oak floor.
Remembrance Day 2010
A grey sky heralded the arrival of the 2010 Remembrance Day Parade in Alton, but that did not deter the people of our town coming out to remember those fallen in the service of our country. Representatives from the Army Cadets, Air Training Corps, Fire Service, Boy’s Brigade, and Scouting movement all proudly made their way up the High Street from the Market Square to join the assembled crowd and local dignitaries together with the Royal British Legion, members of Her Majesties Armed Forces as well as veterans of past conflicts. The main service was lead by Rev. Julian Richard and readings were given by Simon Corlett, Jane Walker and Rev. Peter Doores from St. Lawrence Church and hymns were sung by the thoughtful crowd, supported by the choir of St. Lawrence. The haunting sound of an air raid siren began the two minutes silence, and with heads bowed in thought, no-one present could have failed to have been touched by the memories of the enormous sacrifices the service men and women of our country went through to ensure our future freedom. At the same time, we must also remember those that suffered who were not in the services but were fighting their own war, here on the home front.
There were countless firefighters, ambulance drivers, air raid wardens to name but a few that regularly risked and lost their lives in the fight to keep our country functioning as best it could through the darkest hours it had ever faced. And then of course, there are the civilians whose pluck and courage kept themselves and their families going whilst their worlds crumbled uncontrollably around them. Finally though, we must remember those men and women wounded in conflict in the service of our country. Now home from Afghanistan and Iraq, their battle now becomes a personal one as they rebuild their lives with their families and this is where the Royal British Legion and other services based organisations regularly step up to the mark to help and support those servicemen and women with their battles. Two minutes silence does not seem enough to remember and give thanks for of all this. It is but a small token of gratitude we give each year. The silence ended with the ‘all clear’ signal from the air raid siren. The wreath laying was lead by Alton Town Mayor David Willoughby, followed by local authorities and other representatives of the armed forces as well as youth organisations and schools.
Youth organisations at the front of the parade.
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Army Cadets pay their respects
The parade comes up the High Street
Councillors Andrew Joy and Town Mayor David Willoughby are joined by East Hants MP Damian Hinds
Town Mayor David Willoughby bows at the Cairn.
Photographs by Martin Saban-Smith
In the evening, a concert given by the Alder Valley Brass Band and organised Terry Taggart was held at the Assembly Rooms in aid of the charity Help for Heroes. The concert raised over ÂŁ1,100. Altonians are not put off by the weather.
www.thisisalton.co.uk
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Glowing new business A new, Holybourne based company called Sol Light has developed amazing bespoke photoluminescent products suitable for all business sectors. Photoluminescent material stores light from conventional sources, whether daylight or electrical lighting, and glows in the dark for up to ten hours in total darkness following power failure. The material’s glow is emitted without human, mechanical or electrical intervention. Sol Light’s safety products can be used in any building to provide a safe, reliable source of light and guidance to people in the event of lighting failure. Research into the benefits and uses of this material has shown that it can be more effective
than conventional emergency lighting in guiding people out of buildings. Sol Light has developed amazing bespoke photolumonescent products for all business sectors. Sol Light supports Kestrel FM in its Be Safe Be Seen campaign to help children be seen with the ever decreasing short days. Their photoluminescent tabards will ensure that children are seen as they both reflect and glow in the dark. Robert Slater Managing Director of Sol Light says ‘We like to support the communities we live and work in. Our products are environmentally friendly and help to reduce the carbon footprint of companies. Our chosen Charity for this year is the Kestrel Kids Trust.’ Sol Light is the proud sponsor of the Kestrel FM Children’s Christmas Toy Appeal. Any products they sell during this period, they will also make a donation to the Kestrel Kids club. Benefits of Photoluminescent products: > Guaranteed bespoke Glow in the Dark ‘Be Safe Be Seen’ products > Provides illumination of exit routes during an emergency > Can be seen in smoke > Successfully used in housing blocks, aircraft Shipping, offices, factories, shops, schools, and hospitals. > Easy to apply > Guaranteed illumination in total darkness (Glow-in-the dark) > Requires no maintenance > It is Eco friendly and helps reduce the carbon footprint So when you want to be seen in the dark this winter don’t forget to visit our web site www.sol-light.co.uk or e-mail us at info@sollight.co.uk and raise awareness of safety and help support our local chosen charity.
www.thisisalton.co.uk
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Celebrating Alton!
s Celebrate r o it is v d n a us Over a tho marking the n io it ib h x e Society n Alton at the o lt A e h t f rsary o 40th Annive Saturday 13th November saw the Alton Society mark it’s 40th Anniversary with a magnificent exhibition of more than 50 organisations from around the town gather for the event ‘Celebrating Alton’. Opened formally by our town’s busy Mayor, David Willoughby at 9:30am, it wasn’t long before visitors literally streamed through the doors to explore the organisations exhibiting at the unique expo. Entertainment was provided throughout the day by local musicians, singers, choirs and dancers for the enjoyment of the visitors. The entire event was a huge success. People of all ages had contributed to the event over the past few months by submitting photographs, pieces of art, stories, poetry and personal memories of the town to the event blog and all were proudly on display. Dr James Willis, Chairman of the Alton Society had been overwhelmed with the response from the public. The event was testament to the huge number of people in our community that organise and run recreational and educational groups for the benefit of others.
Photographs by Martin Saban-Smith
With over a thousand people, both young and old curiously venturing through the doors, there were several calls to organise a similar event next year, such was the success. Who knows? Maybe this may turn into an annual event! For more details about the Alton Society, visit their website at www.altonsociety.org.uk Page 10
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Round Table Fireworks
DJ Mark Chivers from Eagle Radio
Hanging Tree
Band
‘On Edge’
Photographs by Martin Saban-Smith Page 12
www.thisisalton.co.uk
The magnificent fireworks display organised by the Alton Round Table brought a glorious end to an otherwise wet week on 6th November. Well over a thousand people trudged up to Giggers Field at Anstey Park to watch this amazing spectacle which just gets bigger and better every year. The main event was preceded by two popular local bands, the ‘Hanging Tree Band’ and ‘On Edge’ whilst Eagle Radio DJ Mark Chivers provided and wonderful sound track for the fireworks which was a mix of classical and modern music. The money raised from the event will be put straight back into the event for next by the Round Table year as well as contributions to local charities and organisations. The Round Table was founded in 1927 to give young men an outlet to make friends and exchange ideas. It has grown into a very worthwhile group to join and Alton is one of 600 Round Table groups in the UK. Meeting on the first Tuesday of every month at the Crown Hotel, the Round Table is a highly pro-active organisation, and the members can regularly be seen supporting many local events as well as organising their own, all for the benefit of the community. Simon Weech, treasurer said that ‘This year’s fireworks have been fantastic and again we are really pleased to see so many Altonians supporting it, especially families and young people.’ Chairman Andrew Marsh added ‘Looking forward to December, we’d like to remind everyone to keep a look out for when Father Christmas comes to Alton to visit the streets around the town with the assistance of the Round Table.’ See page 34 for full details of Father Christmas’ visit to Alton in 2010.
www.thisisalton.co.uk
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here c
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comes
Your guide to Christmas in Alton 2010
www.thisisalton.co.uk
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A Personal Message from the Mayor His face has been in the local newspaper virtually every week since he became Mayor of Alton in May this year after being photographed at some of the many events and organisations he has supported with his wife Margaret. Here, David Willoughby writes a very personal message to the readers of This is Alton. I am asked to pen several messages around this time of year, so finding a different angle can be difficult. However the events of this past Remembrance week-end, so vividly reported in this issue, give me a splendid lead. I was extremely pleased and proud to be appointed mayor for a second time in May of this year and my ‘first half’ has kept me pretty busy, the more so since the museums campaign commenced! This great welling up of support for the continued public availability of our much loved gallery and museum facilities reflects the tremendous regard that so many Altonians have for all the institutions which support our social, cultural and historical heritage. The ‘caring community’ of Alton and district has also been so visibly exhibited in several Remembrance events which I have attended over the past few days, highlighted by the well attended service at the Cairn on Sunday. The great respect shown by the full range of the generations who bowed their heads in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country was indeed most moving. It is a sad reflection of these times that we continue to ask our young men and women to engage in warfare on our behalf, but even more important that we at home continue to honour the sacrifice that they make.
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A more pleasurable duty last Saturday was to open the ‘Celebrating Alton’ 40th birthday event organised by the Alton Society. This gave me the chance to pay a personal tribute and thanks to the myriad of clubs, societies etc that make up the fabric of our community. Each one is sustained by dedicated individuals who ensure that Alton is most certainly a wonderful town in which to live, work, study and play. The range of activity is phenomenal, as other reports in this issue convey, from the supportive caring organisations to the sportingly active, or perhaps more sedate pasttimes. We must also acknowledge our highly successful educational sector, all members of our religious communities and our business establishments which provide our economic heart beat. The celebratory events are however the ones I most enjoy, probably more as just an Altonian than as mayor. I love to see hundreds of people gathered together for ‘Proms in the Park’, or the forthcoming Yuletide Festival as these occasions make one so proud and pleased to be simply part of our community, having fun together and celebrating each other’s achievements. The epitome of the welcoming, friendly nature of Altonians, which so impresses many of our visitors. I have also appreciated the many invitations which I have been able to take up during the past six months as these allow me gain a better understanding of many facets of Alton society, although at the same time I frequently rue the fact that either I do not have the time to join in an activity, or have the capacity to do more to help. Which leads me conveniently on to the forthcoming Christmas season. www.thisisalton.co.uk
Christmas is the time when we try to remember others, as well as ourselves and our families, although we are unable to support all the good causes which send such heart-rending appeals for assistance. I am however, especially encouraged in this respect by our schools and young people, many of whom now have links with less privileged communities across the world. I do hope we can all find time to remember those less fortunate than ourselves, as it can be a most difficult and emotional time for many. A special thought also for families kept apart at this time, especially the Service families with loved ones in distant lands. My thoughts and prayers are with them all. I am not usually one who prepares well in advance of Christmas, but I have to be a bit more organised this year. I must pay tribute here, not only to my wife Margaret, but also all the Town Hall officials, especially Sam antha and Pat who help keep me up to the mark; well most of the time! We must all work as a team, like any work place, so I am pleased to convey my grateful appreciation for all the dedication shown by my fellow councillors and staff as we strive our best to serve the town of Alton. On behalf of them all may I wish you peace, good health and great happiness this Christmas and throughout 2011.
Councillor David Willoughby Alton Town Mayor Images: Opposite page Top Left, Official Portrait. Bottom Left, With Councillor Andrew Joy and MP for East Hampshire, Damian Hinds. This page From Top, Introducing the Last Night of the Proms in July 2010, Opening speech at the Round Table Fireworks, November 2010. Publicising Alton’s ‘Past and Present 2011 Calendar with (from left, Deputy Town Clerk Greg Burt, Councillor Pam Bradford and designer Martin Saban-Smith. At the Celebrating Alton! event with wife Margaret and Greg Burt. Left, the full 2010 Town Council www.thisisalton.co.uk
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Countdown to Christmas Alton’s Christmas festivities kick-off on Friday 26th November when the town’s glittering display of Christmas Lights will be switched-on at a ceremony starting just before 6pm in the Market Square. The event will include all the traditional elements such as carols, music, seasonal messages and costumed characters, and will again take place on a huge stage, brought in for the first time last year. Town Crier Stan Whitcher will introduce Alton’s favourite DJ Paul Le Feuvre who will ensure that the proceedings run smoothly, announcing a line-up to include children of Andrews’ Endowed School, various Alton choirs, Holybourne Youth Theatre, Salvation Army Band and the Town Mayor’s Chaplain.
Town Mayor Cllr David Willoughby will be flicking the big switch to set the town alight assisted by Santa himself, who is taking time– off from making and wrapping presents. Children’s rides will be situated in the adjacent Lady Place Car Park, adding to the festive atmosphere. The switch-on will see thousands of bulbs spring into life throughout the town centre. Provided by the Town Council and costing in the region of £16,000, local traders have all been sent their annual appeal letter inviting them to contribute a donation of at least £25 each to the display. None of the non-domestic rates paid by businesses go to the Town Council, so it is hoped that traders will support the lights voluntarily. P. J. Grace, Commercial & Domestic Garden Maintenance are once again sponsoring the main Christmas Tree in the Market Square with GWC Refurbishments sponsoring the tree outside the Assembly Rooms.
s a m t s i r h C n O h Switc Page 18
Photographs by Martin Saban-Smith
www.thisisalton.co.uk
This year new lights are being installed around the Assembly Rooms which are being designed to pick out some of the buildings’ finer details, and brighter lights are going on the nearby tree following comments that it has been a little “too tasteful” in recent years. It is hoped that this year’s lights fund will be boosted by profits from sales of the first ever Alton Past & Present Calendar, available from the Town Hall, Assembly Rooms and Market Street Gallery at £5 each. The lights will be lit from 3pm-midnight each evening, until the 6th January 2011 - twelfth night and the illuminated Nativity Scene will occupy an empty shop in Market Street throughout December.
Hanging Tree Band at the Table Firewo Round rks on Nove mber 6th
Friday night will definitely be music night in Alton Market Square, following the teatime switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights. Following a near-impromptu performance from Dr Dawson’s Boogie Band after last years event, it was suggested that the live music should go on for longer, making good use of the stage brought in for the night. Kicking off at 7pm, last years debut act will be joined by Hanging Tree Band, to provide non-stop music until approximately 8.45pm. The Hanging Tree are well known to Altonians, having entertained the huge crowds at the town’s annual Firework display just a few weeks ago in Anstey Park. Cllr Atul Patel, said that making more use of the stage made good sense, adding “We have to bring the stage in anyway, and there is no additional charge for keeping it there another couple of hours. We are really grateful to Gill Cooper and David Tigg, who organise Live on the Lawn in the Public Gardens each summer, for arranging the bands. With the lights switch-on aimed at families, followed by some really good music afterwards for the adults, it should be a really good night for the town”
s t h g i L th ! v o N n 26 www.thisisalton.co.uk
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s e i d a L Ultimate Night Alton�Assembly�Rooms Alton’s Assembly Rooms are getting HOT this winter! The weather is getting colder and the nights are drawing in, but the Assembly Rooms are heating up for an evening to remember. Back by popular demand on Saturday 11th December, the FULL MONTY NIGHTS – ULTIMATE LADIES NIGHT, which will be sure to get the ladies of Alton and surrounding areas into the festive spirit! Following their near sell out show in July, the troupe return to the town with their unique dance and performance show, but this time with a few festive twists. The evening will kick off with the comic talents on JOLENE DOVER (female impersonator) and ‘her’ outrageous outlook on life and current news. Things will then really hot up as HEART THROB and BLACK PANTHER take to the stage with a performance that will leave those attending wanting more and making last minute changes to their Christmas wish list!!
Proteus Theatre Presents
Alton Past & Present Calendar 2011
Available soon from: Town Hall, Market Square, Assembly Rooms, High Street Market Street Gallery, Market Street Page 20
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Countdown to Christmas
v i t s e F e Yuletid th December 5 y Sunda
Improvements to this year’s Alton Yuletide Festival will ensure that it remains the premier town centre Christmas event for far and wide, claim the event organisers. With new locations for the Reindeer, Miniature Donkeys and Funfair, a French Market for the first time in many years and even more entertainment than ever before, it is hoped that the changes will keep the bumper crowd-pulling occasion at the top of Christmas Shoppers’ places to go this season. As an extra enticement, East Hampshire District Council’s car parks will all be free that day. Being held on Sunday 5th December and one of the largest events held in Alton each year, this year’s activities will once again stretch well into Normandy Street where Miniature Donkeys will be grazing at the end of the rideon railway. Reindeers will be making their second visit to the event, this time on the Assembly Rooms lawn where they have heard that the grass is extra tasty! Whilst Santa’s sleigh-pullers will be posing for photographs under the Christmas tree, the big man himself will be busy in his magical Grotto deep inside The Assembly Rooms. There is no reason why it shouldn’t be possible to do all your Christmas Shopping on the day, with over 100 stalls set to line the High Street from outside M&S right up into Normandy Street as well as indoors at the Assembly Rooms, featuring craft and gift ideas that will suit all tastes and budgets. These will be interspersed with food stalls brought in to help keep the army of shoppers fed and watered and add to the overall Christmas spirit.
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Funfair rides will occupy the High Street outside the former Post Office, whilst a programme of street entertainers, bands, dancers and carol singers will provide non-stop entertainment at two dedicated arenas, on Crown Hill and outside Iceland. A traditional fairground organ filling the air with real old-fashioned festive atmosphere and tunes will take pride of place at the foot of Normandy Street.
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val
Town centre retailers are being encouraged to have stalls in front of their shops to take advantage of the many thousands of visitors who are set to descend on the town, many coming from far and wide thanks to extensive promotion outside the Alton area and evergrowing popularity of the event.
Organised by Alton Town Council with some financial support from EHDC, the event is designed to ensure that Alton remains high on Christmas Shopping destination lists at an all important time of year for town centre businesses.
Photographs by Stephen Lewis
Town Mayor of Alton Councillor David Willoughby, said “The Yuletide Festival, from such humble beginnings, has grown rapidly to become one of our biggest crowd-pullers. The programme for the day is looking excellent and the day will be perhaps the pinnacle of what has been another first class calendar of events for the town this year.�
For more in formation, please contact: Town Hall, Market Square, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1HD Telephone: 01420 83986 Fax: 01420 542490 Email: info@alton.gov.uk Web: www.alton.gov.uk www.thisisalton.co.uk
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l a v i t s e F e d i t e Yul e id Entertainment Gu
Throughout the day and across two arenas, local entertainers will perform for the visitors’ pleasure. Here is a full guide as to the planned timetable of performances. The Kings Pond Shantymen will be wandering the High Street between noon and 3pm entertaining as they go and the Salvation Army Band will be at the bottom of Turk Street between noon and 1.30pm
10.00am 11.00am 11.30am 12.00pm 12.30pm 1.00pm 1.30pm 2.00pm 2.30pm 3.00pm 3.30pm
- Mindon Rose - Alton Morris - Fiery Jack - Alton Morris - Fiery Jack - Bee Varga - Amery Hill School - Strictly Showtime with Chawton Primary School - Bee Varga - Strictly Showtime - Bee Varga and Stiltwalker
Crown Hill Stage 10.30am 11.30am 12.00pm 1.00pm 1.30pm 2.00pm 2.30pm 3.00pm 3.30pm Page 24
- Fiery Jack - Minden Rose - Farnham Voices Choir - Cactus Brass - Alton Convent - Fiery Jack - Cactus Brass - Kings Pond Shantymen - Cactus Brass
All performances and times subject to change without prior notice.
Cross and Pillory Lane Stage
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Come Dancing! While in town for the Yuletide Festival, why not pop in to Alton Community Centre between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 5th December for our annual Christmas Cracker? There will be around 35 Indoor Stalls including:
50/50 Dances Ballroom and Social Sequence In the Newton Davis hall, Treloar School, Froyle GU34 4JX
- Santa’s Post Box - FREE MULLED WINE AND MINCE PIES FOR EVERY BROWSER - Hamper Raffle - Victorian Tombola - Face Painting - Bran Tub - Coffee Shop - Public Toilets - SNOW! The Coffee Shop will be open & there are also public toilets. St. Lawrence School Choir will be opening the event with song and we will have snow throughout the day!
Please bring along your own refreshments
better maths Helping children succeed in maths. Our weekly tuition classes are held at Al t o n Co mmu ni t y Ce nt re on Thursdays after-school. Visit our stall at the
ALTON YULETIDE FESTIVAL on Sunday 5 December to find out how we can help your child become more confident & able in maths
01420 89405 for information. www .bettermaths.co.uk
Call Page 26
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Wonder of Christmas Concert Saturday 11 December, Alton th
Raise the roof this Christmas whilst raising money for great local causes at Alton’s Annual Wonder of Christmas Concert On Saturday, 11th December, at 7.30pm, Alton’s musicians join forces for the sixth consecutive year to perform in the “Wonder of Christmas” Concert at Alton Maltings Centre. This hugely successful concert has become a much loved event for everyone from every generation to come together in the run-up to the festive season. Alton Concert Orchestra, Alton Choral Society and the ladies choir “Ancora” will astound with an evening of seasonal music, songs and carols. And, in addition to the musical forces of Alton, the audience will be called upon to raise their voices too in a selection of the best loved Christmas Carols. The orchestra, conducted by David Budd, will be getting everyone in the festive mood with music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, the Sandman’s Song, Evening Prayer and Dream Pantomime from Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel. Alton Choral Society’s new conductor, Steven Moore will be making his Wonder of Christmas debut with excerpts from William Lloyd Webber’s popular canata,
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Maltings Centre
Born of a King and Howard Darke’s beautiful In the Bleak Mid Winter. Ancora, conducted by Mac Newton, are offering pieces ranging from Michael Head’s Star Candles to renditions by classic composers such as Edward Elgar and Benjamin Britten. Mulled wine and mince pies will be on offer at the interval complementing what promises to be a wonderful evening of family entertainment. It is a non-ticket event with a retiring collection. All the money raised from the concert will go directly to support the work of Home-Start, Wey Water and the Harvest Church Youth Groups. Home Start is a local charity providing support for young families in Alton and the surrounding area. The Harvest Church runs a wide range of free activities in a safe environment for children and young people in Alton. The concert starts at 7.30pm and doors are open at 7pm. As this is expected to be a very popular event it is advisable to come early to avoid disappointment. More information can be found at www. altonconcertorchestra.org.uk and www. altonchoral.org.uk or from Elinor Cowan, 01730 893748.
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Alton
www.altonhomehardware.co.uk
15% OFF VOUCHER Print off this voucher and present it in the Alton store on or before 24th December 2010 and receive a 15% discount on your purchase. Discount not applicable for use against other promotions. One voucher per household. Only valid at Alton Home Hardware. Offer expires 24th December 2010
Alton
13 High Street, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1FG Tel: 01420 85115 Fax: 01420 85116
www.altonhomehardware.co.uk
Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 8:30am - 5:30pm Sunday 10am - 4pm Page 28 www.thisisalton.co.uk
Sanya Ward of Crystals Jewellers is leading this event on behalf of Alton Chamber of Commerce and Industry after it was decided at a retailers meeting to hold a Late Night Shopping the event on Thursday 16th December between 5 - 8pm. This was an established event in the past and was restarted in a small way last year, so it is hoped that it can be build it up in coming years to be yet another successful Alton event. Alton already has two very successful Christmas events - the Christmas Lights switch-on and the Yuletide Festival, but many retailers find them hard to capitalise on. Retailers agreed that they want an event where the emphasis is focussed on getting people to visit Alton’s shops to buy their Christmas presents.
Retailers and the Chamber of Commerce believe that a late night shopping event will sit well with the other events and add more to Alton’s Christmas offering for residents and visitors alike. There will be street entertainment and food, including a lamb roast at the Little Green Dragon and hot chestnuts. The Chamber will be inviting the public to take part in a treasure hunt quiz, finding answers to a quiz by visiting the participating retailers' shops. Further details of this event will be in the press, posters, banners and leaflets.
Andy and Hazel from the Market Street Gallery enjoy Mulled wine and mince pies at the 2009 event. www.thisisalton.co.uk
Page 29
Christmas
Wine
Tasting at Chawton House Library
Experience 6 of the best 2010 festive wines hand picked by Saturday 27th November 2010 Chawton House Library from 7.30pm Tickets £20.00 per person. Over 18’s only.
No wine is being sold on the night, but there will be the opportunity to place an order if you wish to.
Purchase your tickets from Martin on 01420 542020 or online:
www.andrewsendowedfundraising.co.uk All profits go to towards the new classrooms being built at the school.
g r o . a t n a s d a r No I just have to tell you about this superb website we were shown a few years ago. Available from 1st December, Noradsanta.org is a site that allows families across the world to follow the delivery route of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. It is so exciting! Our kids love it! From the North Pole, over many hours, you can watch as the sleigh moves swiftly from country to country, across the oceans, mountains, cities and towns. The Norad organisation also film Santa as he passes some of the world’s most famous places and posts them onto the website for you to watch, complete with commentary! You can also explore Santa’s home, workshops and a load of other things. It really is great fun and may even help to get the kids in bed and asleep as they see Santa getting closer every hour of the day! Click the image to see the site now! This is Alton is not responsible for the content of third party websites.
Page 32
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Alton Ready for National Tree Week Six trees of Ash, Hawthorn and Field Maple were planted at Northanger Close last weekend by the Town Council, to coincide with a morning Estate Clean and Repairs Event being held by Home Housing Group on Saturday. The Town Mayor performed the planting ceremony, and was joined by the Head Groundsman John Sadler, Housing Officers and local residents. From the Town Council’s Recreation Committee, Cllr Pam Bradford said “The planting of the new trees really does signify the completion of improvements to the play facilities in this area. Not only do we have some super equipment for children of different ages to play on, but the area is now far more attractive.’ The same afternoon, members of the Alton Trampoline Club planted 30 saplings in gaps in a hedge bordering the new allotment site off Hawthorns. Club members had been busy collecting Sainsburys’ Active Kids Vouchers to help provide much-needed new sports equipment, and were given the selection of hedgerow mix, comprising Hazel, Crab Apple, Dog Rose, Blackthorn, Cherry and Elder to plant as well. Sylvia Comber, Head Coach at Alton Trampoline Club which meets at Alton Sports Centre said the club were delighted that the saplings would be put to good use adding “Club members enjoyed planting them as well, albeit we wish we had been better dressed for the very muddy conditions!” National Tree Week officially takes place from the 27th November to 5 December. www.thisisalton.co.uk
Page 33
At the Cardiac Rehab Centre, Chawton Park Road, Alton GU34 1RQ (behind Alton Sports Centre – Tel 01420 544794) Tickets £10 to include Wine & Refreshments
ccasions Oewellery
64 High Street, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1ET
01420 87678
Special gifts for your special person.
Fabulous ranges from Kit Heath, Hot Diamonds, Tianguis Jackson, Valentia Marano glass jewellery at sensible prices!
Stockist of
Page 34
www.thisisalton.co.uk
G GC
Alton Lane, Four Marks, GU34 5AJ
01962 773225
SANTA CLAUS IS . . . N W O T O T G IN COM
Each year, the Round Table play host to Father Christmas and escort him round the streets of Alton and Holybourne on a specially prepared float. Here is the schedule for Santa lovers to see when he will be visiting your street in 2010! 3rd December - from 6:30pm.
Morlands Close, Gauvain Road, Ascot Close, Salisbury Close, Wincanton Close, Haydock Close, Epsom Down, Cowdray Park andFontwell Drive
4th December - from 4:30pm
Goodwood Close, Kempton Close, Lingfield Close, Calendar Close, Borovere Lane, Archery Rise, Vicarage Road, Tower Street, Old Acre Road, Mount Pleasant Road, New Barn Lane and Stillions.
5th December - from 4:30pm
Princess Drive and Cul-de-Sacs, Highridge, Kings Road, Queens Road, Kingsland Road, Langham Road, Ackender Road, Westbrooke Road, Lenten Road
6th December - from 6:30pm
Holybourne
7th December - from 6:30pm
Chawton Park Road, Beechwood Road, and Cul-de-Sacs, Whitedown Lane, Bolle Road, Butts Road, Albert Road, Whitedown, Borovere Gardens, Lincoln Green
8th December - from 6:30pm
Ashdell Road, Crowley Drive, Huntsmead, Curtis Road, Spicers, Vaughans, Treloar Heights
9th December - from 6:30pm
Church Street, St. Lawrence Road, Spitalfields Road, Chauntsingers Road, Victoria Road, Littlefield Road, Orchard Lane and Cul-de-Sacs, Adams Way, Eggars Close, Shipley Close
10th December - from 6:30pm
Southview Rise and Cul-de-Sacs, Cherry Way
11th December - from 4:30pm
Greenfields Avenue and Cul-de-Sacs
12th December - from 4:30pm
Manor Estate, Anstey Lane, Geales Close, Allen Close, Spencer Road
13th December - from 6:30pm
Wootey’s Way and Cul-de-Sacs, Gilbert White Way and Cul-de-Sacs
14th December - from 6:30pm
Linnets Way, Lipscombe Rise, Pound Gate, Plovers Way, Dowden Green, Edward Road, Lansdown Road, Park Close Road, Alexandra Road, Nursery Road, Normandy Street
Times correct at publication and may be changed without notice.
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n o t l A this is
e-zine
December 2010 and January 2011
Event Guide
Christmas looms ever closer and Alton’s festive events are plentiful again in 2010. First though, there is a collection of interesting and creepy Hallowe’en events for both children and adults. Take your pick from this bumper guide. Friday 26th
Saturday 27th
Town Christmas Lights ‘Switch On’
From 5:30pm, come to the Market Square and get into the Christmas spirit with live music, Carols, fun fair, the grand switching on of Alton’s Christmas lights! For more details, see page 18 of this edition of This is Alton.
St Lawrence Playgroup Christmas Fair
Cakes, crafts, stalls and refreshments at St. Lawrence Church Hall between 10am and midday.
Saturday 27th
Food and Produce Market
Andrews’ Endowed School Christmas Fayre
Saturday 27th
Saturday 27th
Christmas Bazaar
Festive Wine Tasting
Saturday 27
th
Between 8am and 4pm the High Street will be home to a Food and Produce Market on this busy November Saturday!
From 10am until 3pm, come along and see the Town Women’s Guild Traditional Christmas Bazaar at the Alton Assembly Rooms. Featuring stalls, raffles, tombolas, crafts and gifts. For more information contact Lesley on 01420 84464.
Saturday 27th
Christmas Art Activities
Free drop-in art activities at the Allen Gallery. 10am - 4pm
Saturday 27 November (and 10 th
Dancing for Treloars
th
December)
Ballroom and social sequence dancing between 7 and 10pm in the Newton Davis Hall. Help raise funds for a Treloar student. Call Ysanne on 01420 89418 for more details. Entry £5 per person. Page 38
Andrews’ Endowed School Christmas Fayre. Local stalls, BBQ, Raffle and refreshments. Andrews’ Endowed School, Holybourne, 10am onwards.
Andrews’ Endowed School Development trust invite you to their festive wine tasting hosted by The Naked Grape at the Great Hall at Chawton House Library. Tickets are available from the trust website www.andrewsendowedfundraising.co.uk or from Martin Saban-Smith on 01420 542020
Tuesday 30th November - 30th December
Winter Looks Back to Summer
Photography exhibition presented by photographer Chris Hutchinson at the Allen Gallery. Read more about this exhibition on page 59 of this month’s This is Alton. this is
Alton
this is
Promoting www.thisisalton.co.uk
December Events Wednesday 1st
The South Pole Granny
Listen to Tess Burrows read from her book about her joining the South Pole Race (as seen on BBC) at Gilbert White’s House. Tickets £15 per person to include wine or soft drink and nibbles. For more details visit www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk or call 01420 511275. BOOKING ESSENTIAL.
Wednesday 1st - Saturday 4th
Alton Fringe Theatre, ‘Medea’
First performed in 431 BC, and now by the Alton Fringe Theatre Group, ‘Medea’ is a play filled with betrayal and tragedy. Tickets from The Little Green Dragon, or by post. More information can be found online at www.altonfringe.com
Friday 3rd December
Christmas is Selborne
Start Christmas shopping in Selborne between 6 and 9pm tonight as the High Street will be packed with local traders providing festive food and presents to inspire you. Car Parking available at either end of the village.
Saturday 4th
St. Lawrence Furniture Sale
Between 9am and 12:30pm. at the Parish Centre on Vicarage Hill, come and peruse the furniture, brica-brac and and other items for sale. 01420 83234
Saturday 4th
Christmas Art Activities
Free drop-in seasonal art activities at the Allen Gallery between 10am - 4pm.
Saturday 4th
Christmas Book Fair
Hundreds of collectable and contemporary books of all genres will be on sale at Chawton House Library between 10.30am and 4pm. Free entry and refreshments will be available. For more information call 01420 541010 or email library@chawton.net
g local events. Free. www.thisisalton.co.uk
Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th
Mid Hants Railway Santa Special
Join the beloved Watercress Line Christmas Santa Specials on this and other weekends in December. Father Christmas will visit every child at their seat and present them with a gift whilst the adults enjoy wine and mine pies. Advance booking only from the website at www.watercressline.co.uk or by calling Alresford station on 01962 733810.
Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th
Methodist Church Christmas Fair
Come and see the newly re-opened Methodist Church between 10am and 12 noon and shop at a wide range of stalls. Tea, coffee and mince pies are will be available as refreshment.
Sunday 5th
Alton’s Yuletide Festival
This spectacular Town Centre event attracts stall holders and visitors from across the region. The High Street and Assembly Rooms will be packed with people between 10am and 4pm. There will be fun and games for all the family including street performers and children’s attractions. For more information, visit www.alton.gov.uk or call the Town Hall on 01420 83986.
Sunday 5th
Christmas Cracker
Alton Community Centre will host stalls galore, Santa’s Post Box together with free mulled wine and mince pies. Admission is free.
Sunday 5th
Mulled Wine Day
Gilbert White’s House in Selborne hosts the annual celebration of Christmas with free mulled wine. The house will be presented with traditional Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian decorations and staff will be in authentic period costume. Visit their website at www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk for more details.
Tuesday 7th
Alton Organ Society Concert
A concert to be given by Guildford Catherdral organist Paul Provost at St. Lawrence Church at 8pm. For entry fees and details, visit the society website at www.altonorgansociety.co.uk. Page 39
Event Guide. . . Saturday 11th
Christmas Art Activities
Free drop-in art activities at the Allen Gallery. 10am - 4pm
Saturday 11th
The Wonder of Christmas Concert
Alton Concert Orchestra, Alton Choral Society and Ancora perform seasonal music at the Maltings Centre from 7:30pm this evening. Contact 01420 81950 or see page 27 and www.altonmaltingscentre. com for details.
Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th
Mid Hants Railway Santa Special
Join the beloved Watercress Line Christmas Santa Specials on this and other weekends in December. Father Christmas will visit every child whilst the adults enjoy wine and mine pies. Advance booking only from the website at www.watercressline.co.uk or by calling Alresford station on 01962 733810.
Saturday 17th December
Christmas Market
Home made produce, preserves, honeys and other seasonal offerings available at the Community Centre between 9am and 11am today.
until - 18th December Saturday 11th
Farmers’ and Craft Markets
The High Street and Cross & Pillory Lane will be closed for the finest produce from Hampshire Farmers and Craft workers between 10am and 2pm. www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk and www. altoncraftmarket.co.uk
The Forgotten Emperor
Last chance to visit this exciting exhibition at the Allen Gallery about Roman Britain. See page 19 of October’s This is Alton magazine for more details or visit: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/museum/allengallery.htm
Thursday 23rd Saturday 11th
“Pleasure in a Good Novel”
Chawton House Library hosts a lecture by Prof. Barbara Benedict from Trinity College, Connecticut and asks whether a reader’s gender shapes the reception of novels. Lecture starts at 7pm following wine & canape reception. Tickets on 01420 541010.
Saturday 11th December
Cabaret with Ken Dee
Enjoy a hilarious evening of sketches and impersonations from this extremely funny man. 8pm onwards. Bar open all night. Contact 01420 85057 or 07540 250176 for more information.
Saturday 11th
Ultimate Ladies Night
See the return of the ‘Ultimate Ladies Night’ from 7pm at Alton Assembly Rooms. Strictly over 18’s only. For details contact the Assembly Rooms on 01420 82203. Not all of these events are free of charge. Please contact the organisers directly for information of costs. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any changes to events, cancellations or disappointment caused by incorrect information.
Page 40
Carols Around the Tree
Join the community at an open air carol concert around Alton’s Christmas Tree this evening and look forward to the coming day’s festivities. See local press for more details.
Sunday 26th and Monday 27th
Mid Hants Leave’
Railway
‘Christmas
Spend Boxing Day and 27th December with WWII reenactors on the Mid Hants Railway and experience the joy felt at troops return home from war. For more details visit www.watercressline.co.uk or call 01962 733810.
January Events Tuesday 18th
Alton Organ Society Concert
A concert to be given by Simon Bell from Winchester Catherdral at St. Lawrence Church at 8pm. For entry fees and details, visit the society website at www. altonorgansociety.co.uk. www.thisisalton.co.uk
Outdoor Scene
Kids All In One Suits
Hats, gloves, coats, wellies, thermals, waterproofs.
Sl
Fleeces
ed
ge
s
CAMPING AND LEISURE
16 High Street, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1BN 01420 82990 | www.outdoorsceneonline.co.uk The Little Green Dragon Art Supplies & Books
3c Normandy Street, Alton GU34 1DD. Tel: 01420 87801 www.thelittlegreendragon.co.uk Stocking Lots of card making equipment Great range of charity Christmas cards Lots of art sets for children and adults Ideal book and art stocking fillers Fantastic range of childrens books and toys Quality local work by local artists
www.thisisalton.co.uk
Page 41
Mary-Anne’s humourous and enlightening alphabet shows how we all can become almost as green as our Christmas trees. With a little thought and consideration, we can all help the environment, local business and the world at large.
Make your own! An old wire coat hanger serves as the frame, decorated with greenery from the garden or, sympathetically, from the countryside (be aware of any local regulations). Alternatively work a garland on a plaited length of garden twine.
If you really can’t do without, purchase rechargeables. All non-rechargeable batteries should be re-cycled at the Household Waste Recycling Centre. Lantern Food and Health accept ‘dead’ batteries and take them for you.
Re-use these next year to make gift tags or your own more personalised cards. If buying cards, search out those made from re-cycled. Be sure to re-cycle any you are unable to use.
Essential to create atmosphere! Use plant material, unwanted fabric and ribbon to make these. Give your garlands and streamers a festive aroma with clever use of seasonally scented essential oils.
Christmas is bad for the environment! All that energy used for lights, synthetic trees, unwanted gifts and wasted food. Let’s do something this year to redress the balance! No, I’m not ‘Scrooge’ – I love a traditional Christmas as much as the next person, I just care about the world I live in! Page 42
www.thisisalton.co.uk
Buy local! Support your local butcher and other independent stores, farm shop and farmers’ market. Fair trade choices are also available.
For the person with everything, make a gift donation to help those less fortunate? Fed up with the commercial hype? Return to the days of less expensive but more meaningful gifts. Something homemade? Chutney or sloe gin? Dress it up and make someone happy! It’s the thought that counts!
Consider the true cost of cheap goods. Around 80% of world’s toys are made in China, often by children . . .
Costing nothing but sensitivity to the environment, ivy is great to weave round picture frames and mirrors.
Corny jokes in Christmas crackers are part of the festivities but homemade crackers present an opportunity to avoid waste and select more appropriate gifts and ‘howlers’.
No, not baby goats! Christmas is a magical time for children. Plan for them to be involved in preparations and take time to investigate all those gifts with them on the big day.
Use LED lights rather than filament lamp lights, they have a longer life and consume less energy while in use. Leftovers – there are many recipes available to use the remains of the turkey. You can also use them with the leftover veg to make stock or soup. Turkey carcasses make great stock!
Ensure plenty of berries to claim the traditional kiss! www.thisisalton.co.uk
Page 43
Inextricably linked to our festivities, the school Nativity play, depicting the birth of Christ, is often the first occasion we feel the parental pride that goes with a child performing in front of an audience.
Make great pomanders rolled in cinnamon or orris root (expensive!) and stuck with cloves.
Use the minimum necessary - the ideal is none but alternatively ensure it can be re-cycled. Do try to avoid any that would need to go to landfill or incineration!
Are you are making good choices for the environment or for human rights in this season of giving?
And when it comes to those all important New Year resolutions, usually broken within the first few weeks, why not make a family decision to cut down on energy consumption or . . .
Shopping can be stressful at Christmas, bur remember to help the environment by taking those reusable bags whenever you need some retail therapy!
Buy a real tree, preferably rooted that you can keep for another year. These are carbon neutral – no raw materials and energy intensive manufacture! Make sure it has FSC accreditation and, if not rooted, re-cycle it.
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www.thisisalton.co.uk
We have all received strange or unusual Christmas gifts and some are appreciated more than others. Remember it is the thought that counts, you could always allow a favourite charity to benefit later!
Time to relax with family and friends after the long interlude since the last Bank Holiday in August.
Candles are an eternal favourite at Christmas fitting well with this festival of light. Avoid petroleum wax; opt instead for beeswax, soy or vegetable wax candles – all better for the environment.
The X in Xmas is from the Greek letter chi, the first character in the Greek word translated as Christ. So now you know!
The chocolate log, Bûche de Noël, originating in the French-speaking world, may be the first thing to come to mind but, traditionally, it was a large wooden log burned on the fire for the entire twelve days of Christmas! Ideally the fire was kept going all year in order to light the next Yule log.
Instead of falling asleep in front of the TV after your dinner, go for a walk with the family or generate laughter by playing games – better for the environment and for family relationships. Let’s get talking again! Perhaps you could have a sing-song? This doesn’t need to be carols but could be traditional, popular or even pop songs.
www.thisisalton.co.uk
Page 45
s e c i v r e S Church s a m t s i r h C s Thi
The season of Advent, which heralds the arrival of Christmas, will begin in St Lawrence Church on Sunday November 28th at 6.30pm with a service of carols and readings. This beautiful celebration has become a regular tradition at St. Lawrence and sets a more contemplative tone to the start of the Christmas Festivities. Advent is all about preparing for Christmas but for many will involve over-catering, over spending and over indulging, which isn’t really what Christmas should be about. So with that in mind why don’t you treat yourself to an hour of calm. The Church choir will be singing a variety of carols along with well loved hymns for the congregation to join in. All are welcome to this lovely start to the Festive Season.
St Lawrence Church, Alton
All Saints’ Church, Alton
Sunday
19th December 10.30am Advent Family Service. A Christmas Tree with a difference.
Sunday
Sunday
19th December 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight. The Christmas story in readings and carols 4.30pm Crib Service. See all the figures put into the Christmas Crib
Sunday 19th December 6.30pm Traditional Carol Service
Friday 24th December 11.15pm Midnight Eucharist. The first Eucharist of Christmas Saturday 24th December 8.00am Holy Communion for Christmas Day. A quiet said service
12th December 4.00pm A joint Christingle Service at the Methodist Church
Friday 24th December 4.30pm Crib Service 11.30pm Midnight Mass Saturday 25th December 8.00am Holy Eucharist Saturday 25th December 10.30am Sung Eucharist
Saturday 25th December 10.30am A Family Service for Christmas Day. A short informal Eucharist of Christmas for all ages.
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The Methodist Church, Alton Sunday 12th December at 4.00pm A joint Christingle Service with All Saint’s Church Friday 24th December 4.00pmChildren’s Service 5.30pm to 6.30pm ‘Drop-in’ Communion Service 11.30pm Midnight Communion Saturday 25th December 10.30am Christmas Celebration
Harvest Church, Alton Sunday
19th December 10.30am Morning Service “The Coming King” 6.30pm The Carol Service
Saturday 25th December 10.00am Christmas Service
St Peter’s Church, Alton Friday 24th December at 4.00pm Crib Service Saturday 25th December at 9.15am Family Eucharist
Holy Rood, Holybourne Sunday
5th December at 10.30am Funday Service Decorating the Christmas Tree
Sunday 12th December at 4.30pm Traditional Carol Service Friday 24th December at 4.30pm Crib Service Friday 24th December at 11.30pm Midnight Mass Saturday 25th December at 9.15am Family Eucharist
St. Nicholas Church, Chawton Sunday 12th December 3.00pm Carol Service Friday 24th December 3.00pm Christingle Service 11.30p.m Midnight Holy Communion Saturday 25th December 10.30a.m Holy Communion
St. Mary’s Church, Selborne Sunday 12th December 4.00p.m Carols on the Village Green
All Saints Church, Kingsley Sunday 5th December 4.00pm Carol Service in All Saints Kingsley. Friday 24th December 11.30pm Midnight Holy Communion
www.thisisalton.co.uk
Sunday 19th December 6.00pm Carol Service Friday 24th December 4.00pm Christingle Service 11.30pm Midnight Holy Communion Saturday 25th December 10.00a.m Holy Communion Page 47
Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Marks Wednesday 15th December 6.30pm Carols at the Windmill pub Sunday
19th December 8.00am Communion Service 10am All age Nativity 11.00am Carols at Oak Green Parade 4pm and 7pm Carols by Candlelight
St. Mary Magdalene, Oakhanger Sunday 19th December 4.00pm Christingle Service Saturday 25th December 10.30am Holy Communion Monday 27th December 10.00am Benefice Holy Communion
Friday 24th December 11.30pm Communion Service
St. James’ Church, East Tisted
Saturday 25th December 9.30am All age Communion
Saturday 25th December 10.30am Family Service
Sunday 26th December 10.00am All age Communion
All Saints Church, Farringdon Sunday 19th December 4.00pm Christingle Service 6.00pm Carol Service Friday 24th December 11.30pm Midnight Holy Communion Saturday 25th December 10.00am Holy Communion
St. Mary’s Church, East Worldham Sunday 19th December 9.30am Christingle Service 6.00pm Carol Service Friday 24th December 11.30pm Midnight Holy Communion Page 48
St. Peter ad Vincula, Colemore Sunday 19th December 6.00pm Carol Service
St. Nicholas Church, West Worldham Sunday 12th December 6.00pm Carol Service Saturday 25th December 10.30am Holy Communion
St. Mary’s Church, Newton Valence Sunday 19th December 6.30pm Carol Service Saturday 25th December 9.45am Holy Communion www.thisisalton.co.uk
St Lawrence Church, Alton
C h ristm as Tre e Fest i va l munit y To geth er om C nd a ch ur h C Bringing
Are you a local business or organisation? Decorate a tree which will be on display in the Church and help celebrate Christmas in your community.
Supported by
G GC
For more information, contact Elaine Cook on 01420 83495 or email potr@btinternet.com
Green Fingers Christmas trees will soon be on the agenda, and Garthowen’s Chris Feldon gives us a guide to what’s what when it comes to the most important of Christmas decorations - the tree! Firstly though, we must finished off the year with a whistle round the garden. PROTECT FROM FROST!
If weather permits then get out there and dig the veg plot as long as it is not frozen, tidy up borders and add protection to fragile plants. Move tender patio planters in to a sheltered position or a cold green house. The first frost has already hit the gardens, so make sure you do these sooner rather than later! Make sure netting is over any brassicas and fold leaves over cauliflowers to protect the heads. Cover compost bins so they don’t get too wet over winter.
WATER!
Take pumps out of ponds and water features in case they freeze. Take in water computers and hose fittings. Drain water features and prevent them from filling up with rain again. If we are (un)lucky enough to have early snow make sure you have a supply of rock salt for paths.
Leaves, Leaves, Leaves
They are everywhere at the moment, so try to keep the lawn clear of them. They are ideal for composting and the easiest way is to stuff them in Hessian sacks or take them to the tip if you don’t have room for them.
FEED THE BIRDS
Make sure you leave plenty of food out for the birds and make sure they have clean unfrozen water for drinking and bathing. If you have children, this is an interesting and caring activity for them to do with you. Page 50
CHOOSING A CHRISTMAS TREE. . . Norway Spruce
Norway Spruces are the traditional prickly tree with a nice scent but is most likely to drop needles.
Nordmann Fir
Nords vary from deep green to blue green, with soft foliage and is needle-fast so it should only drop a few needles. They can stay indoors for weeks at a time.
Picea
Picea is a short blue needle tree like a blue Norway Spruce.
Rooted and potted trees
These can be trees with roots on that have been pulled straight from the ground. Potted trees are the same but are then put in a pot. Pot grown trees have been grown in a pot all their lives and stand the best chance of living after Christmas if you want to plant them in the garden. There is huge difference between these 3 trees and their sustainability. All Christmas trees benefit from having ½ inch cut off the bottom before being stood in a stand that will hold a little water. Top the water up daily while the tree is indoors. The cooler the space the tree is in the better, but in any case keep it away from any heat source to help it last out the Christmas period. After you have bought your tree leave it out in the cold until you want to dress it. www.thisisalton.co.uk
Foliage of a Nordmann tree
Foliage of a Picea tree
Foliage of a Norway Spruce tree
www.thisisalton.co.uk
Page 51
Making your own Tea Cup Candles with
MAKE DO AND MEND Making candles couldn’t be easier. Tea cup candles are fun to make and are very special Christmas presents that you can individualise for friends and family. WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Soy Wax, Wicks (ready waxed wicks are easiest to use) Colouring (optional) Fragrance (optional) China cups and saucers. Charity shops usually have a good selection. Consider using egg cups or other glass or chinaware. Use an old saucepan and wear old clothes. You’ll also need pipe cleaners to keep the wicks in place and a spoon to stir the wax and mix any additions. GETTING STARTED: Wash and dry the cups and saucers, making sure there are no cracks in the china. Using the cups work out how much wax you will need and put into the saucepan on a low heat, heat very slowly until the wax is all liquid. Do not let any moisture drop into the wax as it will cause it to spit. Once it is liquid be careful not to let it get too hot. Add any colouring and fragrance oil slowly (be careful not to overdo!) and stir well. Dip the wicks into the wax and set into the bottom of the cups, use the pipe cleaners to hold the wicks in place and carefully pour the wax into the cups. Leave somewhere safe to cool. FINISHING OFF: Once the candles are totally cool, trim the wicks to about 1cm. Then you can make homemade tags and use ribbon to tie them, or decorate in any other way you like!
Ingredients Available From MAKE DO AND MEND 22A Market Square, Alton 07947592669
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Why use Soy Wax? Soy candles have to following advantages compared to paraffin wax candles SOY CANDLES ARE CHEAP- Beeswax is a great natural alternative to paraffin, but to get the same results as a soy-based candle, it is very expensive. Soy wax is a new alternative to paraffin wax that is cost effective. Soy wax is also made from a renewable source. SOY WAX IS TOTALLY NATURAL- Soy wax is a favorite of environmentally conscious people because it is not made from petroleum, like paraffin candles. Burning of soy candles does not increase the CO2 level in the atmosphere. SOY CANDLES BURN FOR LONGER - They can last up to 50% longer than paraffin candles. WAX SPILLS ARE EASY TO CLEAN - It's very difficult to remove paraffin wax from furniture or textiles. Soy wax spills can easily be cleaned up with hot soapy water. SOY CANDLE PRODUCE LESS SOOT - Soot should be avoided because it is very unhealthy and can eventually coat furniture and walls. Soy candles produce about 90% less soot that paraffin candles. SOY CANDLES THROW MORE SCENT- The incorporation of soybean oil lowers the melting point of the candle, which translates into cooler burning candles and faster scent dispersion. The lower melting point of soy wax results in a larger size of the liquid wax pool around the candle wick. It is from this liquid wax pool that the essential oils evaporate into the atmosphere.
CANDLE MAKING WORKSHOPS Make your own Teacup Candle Call for details of dates or to arrange your own party or workshop.
07947592669
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Rambler’s Book
The popular and very informative “Walks from Alton” has been painstakingly revised and updated by the members of the Ramblers Association.
Ra
rs
A new walking book by the Alton Ramblers has just been published after 18 long months in the making.
A lt o n
Ramblers’ Tread for Miles Revising Walking Book! m bl
e
The launch of the book was held at the Allen Gallery, Thursday, 11th November and was attended by the Mayor and a number of other dignitaries along with members of the local ramblers group, which is affiliated to Ramblers, the national walking charity. The book contains extremely well researched and walked routes, all starting and finishing in the town. The instructions are particularly easy to follow and are succinct and accurate. The ten routes are complimented by Ordnance Survey map abstracts with the standard 1:25,000 scale as used in the O.S. Explorer range. The book is unique, in that it has a beautifully hand painted fold-out section, produced by Helen Caddick, one of their members. This frieze identifies many of the flora in the East Hampshire area and is a great compendium of visual descriptions for those wanting to become more absorbed in the local countryside. There are two other rather special features, one is an historic summary of the Town of Alton by Jane Hurst, author and historian, and the other is a very personal foreword by Alan Titchmarsh, who lives locally in the area. Page 54
The booklet is produced using the very latest digital techniques to the highest of printing standards with full colour in A5 format with the A3 fold-out section. Available from 14 suppliers in Alton or by post from The Little Green Dragon Bookshop, Normandy Street, Alton, tel: 01420 87801 and dragons@ thelittlegreendragon.co.uk. At just £5.00, it is a snip! www.thisisalton.co.uk
Alton this is
e-zine
, s r e d a e r r u o f o l l Wishing a s r e t r o p p u s d n a s r advertise d n a s a m t is r h C y r r a Very Me ear! a Happy New Y T H E
U N I V E R S E C a l e n d a r
2 0 1 1
Scheduled NASA Rocket Launches Start, Peak and End of Major Meteor Showers Full & New Moon Phases Planetary conjunctions Planetary oppositions Occultations Lunar and Solar Eclipses Comets Midsummer, midwinter and equinoxes
-
All this detail and you still have room to write your own appointments and dates in!
Order your copy NOW in time for Christmas:
w w w. a s t r o n o m y c a l e n d a r. c o . u k www.thisisalton.co.uk
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Charwell Chat Stephen Wincott from Little Bundles, Market Street, Alton would not call himself an entrepreneur but his vision and strength of personality made his decision to leave a well paid city job to start a traditional toy shop something to be admired.
Child’s Play Foreign Influence The idea and the realisation of the need for quality toys within the local area came from accompanying a friend to the Nuremburg World Toy Fair. Stephen’s eyes and brain soon started hula hooping with the prospect of the opportunities available to him coupled with some spare time in which he could go back to his childhood and play with his children with the toys that he had enjoyed as a child.
Stephen’s toys will continue to be highly sought after and definitely will be handed down from generation to generation as was normal in the past. If you would like to buy a present this Christmas for a child you love, pop into the shop on Market Street or have a look at the website www.littlebundles.co.uk – you will be amazed at the choice. Local businesses such as Stephen’s work hard to support our community – it is well worth buying from our local shops.
Education Through Play With more traditional toys the educational aspect comes as part of the package and quickly children’s minds and their imaginations are stimulated. Stephen started the awareness of his company by working from home and selling at schools, fairs and markets. Each of these events repeatedly reinforced in him, that a shop would be the right way to go and although Stephen lives near Basingstoke, Alton proved to be the ideal location as it is such an up and coming town with fantastic people who care about their children and their educational development.
Passion Stephen is as passionate today about his business as the when he started. He is totally convinced that the need for traditional, nostalgic toys are the future, coupled with the educational benefits. Page 56
In this new column, Cathy Hogg, MD of Charwell House Business Centre will be writing a column about local independent businesses and would welcome your input. If you would like to nominate a local business for her column, please email cathy@charwellhouse.com with the business name and your reasons for putting them forward. www.thisisalton.co.uk
Lantern Food and Health Bringing ethical food to Alton
23 Normandy Street, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1DD
01420 544522 www.lanternfoodandhealth.co.uk
Don’t get caught out this winter. Ensure your home and contents are covered.
Call or drop in to Cobra Insurance Brokers to discuss your
Household Insurance
COBRA Insurance Brokers Ltd 9 - 11 High Street Alton Hampshire GU34 1AW Telephone: 01420 81494 Facsimile: 01420 541 336
www.cobraib.co.uk COBRA Insurance Brokers insure all types of properties, including non-standard construction. We also offer many other insurances including motor, travel and all types of commercial insurance requirements.
www.thisisalton.co.uk
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Travelling on business is tough enough… When you need to travel, juggle meetings, clients and issues back home… remove the uncertainty of where you are staying and keep in budget.
St Mary’s Hall Bed & Breakfast in Alton, Hampshire When choosing a place to stay or recommend, seeing is believing, so please be assured by our prestigious Silver Award and over 40 TripAdvisor ratings. We have welcomed guests from over 50 countries, who after a peaceful night’s rest,
“
enjoy the finest, home-cooked breakfast and are ready for the business day.
High comfort levels,Good breakfasts from local ingredients. Relaxed and hospitable hosts. … Tom Gatti, The Times
Facilities
”
Testimonials
4 Star, Silver Award accommodation
I have no hesitation in recommending St Mary’s Hall to our
Quiet location with off-road parking
clients. The service, care and comfort is second to none and
Guest lounge with satellite TV
the friendliness /willingness to exceed expectations is
Free wifi internet access
obvious. First class in every way. … Cathy Hogg, Managing Director
Hospitality trays Choice of breakfast
We cannot recommend enough the standard of quality
Room rates from:
accommodation and care given at St Mary’s Hall.
£50 single, £80 twin/double
… Jane Haisman, Dentrix Ltd
Special Offer Need a business meeting room?
Quality, cleanliness, warmth of welcome - all 1st class.
5% discount for staying guests at
…. TripAvisor review
www.charwellhouse.co.uk
Read our reviews on-line: bit.ly/TripAdvisorStMarysHall www.youtube.com/stmaryshall stmaryshallbb.wordpress.com www.linkedin.com/in/stmaryshall
Please watch our Corporate video on www.stmaryshall.com and call Joan Mossop on 01420 88269 to reserve a room
© Copyright November 2010 St Mary’s Hall B&B. All rights reserved.
Thinking of
…
.
There is something bright and cheerful to look forward to at Alton’s Allen gallery between 30 November and 23 December when Chris Hutchinson displays a selection of colourful photographs. Chris attended an art school as a teenager but his career took him into the transport and holiday industries. He kept photography as a hobby and when his full time career ended he decided to exhibit some of his photographs. Chris enjoys taking humorous photographs and one of his specialisms is figure and portrait photography underwater but in this exhibition he focuses on people and landscapes in summer and winter. This exhibition is takes place in December - a month that we don’t really look forward to and in particular we dread the coming of snow. Chris is therefore displaying some pictures of winter mountain landscapes that have been transformed by snow, but he has also included some summer landscapes, so that we have something to look forward to. We do not think of winter as a time of enjoyment but it is the season of the Venice Carnival - and the Venetians really know how to enjoy themselves.
Chris has included pictures of the Carnival alongside pictures of people in Britain who have not simply dressed up to celebrate something in the summer, but have transformed themselves too. Chris lives in North East Hampshire and has exhibited his work in libraries, schools, theatres, cafes and galleries throughout the south of England. At present he has a small permanent exhibition in Fleet Library. The Allen Gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm and admission is free. Don’t forget the ‘Save the Alton Museums Campaign! Keep up to date by visiting the website. www.savealtonmseums.org
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Photograph of the Month
Alton Public Gardens, 18th December 2009 Had you forgotten that it didn’t just snow heavily in early January this year? Mother nature dealt us an early warning on 18th December too. This shot of the Public Gardens was taken from the mount towards the back of the gardens, opposite the bowling club. It is part of a wider panorama. Page 60
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Goal Setting As the end of the year approaches, we are coming up with goals for the coming year. This month, Melanie from Kariba Consulting will scratch the surface on the art of setting goals. A goal is something that we want to happen in our life. A strong goal pops out of you without thought and feels good, therefore it is also completely aligned with who you are and you values and expectations. So if you reflect that you have had a bad financial year, then you will want to have a good financial year next year and in that moment you know exactly what that means. The goal has been set, just in that simple thought process a ‘want’ has popped out and it felt really good. Unfortunately we then become aware of a goal we start to question it in negative ways, for example, in the current economic environment, ‘is it really feasible to think that I will do better business next year?’. This thought has now put a barrier between you and your goal. This doesn’t mean that you won’t achieve your goal, it does mean that you will need to work harder to achieve it. So don’t think about it, know that it will be done just as you did in the moment it popped out.
From that point on all you need to do focus on the steps that will take you there. A friend once told me about how she wanted her house to be, she had a very clear picture of that goal, but when she walked into her house every day all she saw was clutter which depressed her and slowed her down from achieving the goal. I advised her to stop looking at the goal, to write it down and put it in a drawer and leave it there, not to think about it. I then suggested that when she went home that evening and she start seeing the house as it was now, and simply focus on what she wanted do right now that would make her feel better about the house. Having procrastinated on her goal for two years, I am pleased to say that three months after our conversation she had achieved her goal. Setting goals is a huge subject, and their success and failure can have such a huge impact on how we view ourselves, to not have any goals at all however, is to not live. If you would like to discover more about setting goals, Melanie is holding a goal setting webinar on 11th December at 7.30pm where she will help you set three goals for 2011. If
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you didn’t achieve 100% success in your goals for 2010, then this event is a must. For more details and booking, visit www. karibaconsulting.com
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! ! ! g u b m u H , h Ba Onlooker
Readers of this column will recall that I have ranted previously about all things associated with eating out, back in the summer when we were making good use of the fine weather. Then it centred on table manners in particular. It saddens me to report that having recently been on holiday, and as we have now started another eating-out season, AKA Christmas, little there is little to report in the way of improvement. You know how sometimes something is really unpleasant, but you still can’t take you eyes off it? Well that was exactly the problem I had in an Italian Restaurant in one town. If it wasn’t the fact that we had already ordered, and that the first bottle of wine had been opened, I may have suggested to my dinner date that we leave. However, whilst I wanted to look away, I became mesmerised by the Dew Drop dangling precariously from the Waiter’s large Italian nose. I watched him like a hawk as he to-and fro-ed between the kitchen and dining area, but then, in the blink of an eye, it had gone!!! Where did it land I asked myself? Perhaps it was best that I never knew. That all said, it was one of the best meals of the staycation. I just keep telling myself that it wasn’t down to the hidden ingredients or je ne sais quois! Food aside, we do enjoy pretending to be Alex Polizzi or Ruth Watson, those infamous scourges of the hotel world, on our travels. We never cease to be amazed that such poor standards or offerings still persist in these hard, survivalof-the-fittest, times. The landlady at the B&B was pleasant, the breakfast without fault. The bedroom, well that was a challenge for any Hotel Inspector. Because having to queue to use a toilet on a landing is no longer the done thing, hotels and guest houses have made all rooms en suite, even though sometimes there Page 62
really just isn’t enough room to fit a bathroom in. Suffice to say that the throne was so close to the wall, that one could only sit side-saddle. I am quite slim, so I hate to think how any one a tad larger could have managed. Being quite tall also, an annoying facet of many hotel wash basins is that they are all quite low, which does make having a shave back-breaking work. This one was the lowest of the low, and in the end I decided to go for the rugged look for the remainder of the stay, not just because the basin was so low it could have been used as a bidet, but the whole ablutions suite was lit by just one vanity-type light over the mirror. I know you ladies like a decent light to do your lip-line, but we guys also like decent illumination when scraping a blade across our profiles. All this, combined with no bedside tables or lights, means that we may just give this establishment a miss next time. You must all think me a real life Victor Meldrew, what with all this continual moaning about all and sundry. As I type this late on a Sunday evening, following numerous texts, e-mails and phone calls from the Editor chasing copy, I have had one ear to the finals of Strictly Come Dancing and the other to the X Factor. Have you noticed that the presenters and judges all start speaking even though the audience are still clapping, so that the first twenty words are lost, but that the audience continue with their clapping and heckling? Is this just dam rude or what? That said, I guess this is the standard you expect from audiences when they don’t have to pay for their tickets. However, even audiences who do pay leave a lot to be desired, what with their noisy sweet wrappers, mobile phones going off, or their constant chatting. Perhaps when you are all out enjoying yourselves in the coming weeks, I’ll stay home, where no one can upset my enjoyment of the blockbuster movies on Freeview, and should I get caught short, I can sit in my non- en suite bathroom in perfect comfort. www.thisisalton.co.uk
Advertising with us Advertising within our pages is limited to about 30% of the magazine’s total content, ensuring that the majority of the pages are dedicated to local interest editorial. With this in mind, as the magazine grows, advertising space will be in demand so if you would like to place an advert, please let us know so we can book your space! As the New Year beckons, there will be an array of special offers and a new, bigger, better, more comprehensive website coming for 2011. Stay tuned! After placing an advert with us, your advert will still be readable in the archive section of the website and permanently available. The rates below are for single months. There are discounts available for three or more consecutive months advertising. Please ask for details.
Ad Type
Width
Height
Cost per Month
Quarter Page
68 mm
99 mm
£25.00
Half Page
138 mm
99 mm
£50.00
Full Page
148 mm
210 mm
£85.00
Inside Front/Back Page
148 mm
210 mm
£95.00
Double Page Spread
297 mm
210 mm
£140.00
‘Out Now’ Email Banner*Δ
600 px
250 px
£30.00
‘Out Now’ Email Voucher*Δ
148 mm
210 mm
£50.00
Artwork must be supplied by the advertiser at the chosen advert size detailed above in jpeg, tiff or pdf (preferred) file formats at 300dpi only. Incorrect artwork will be returned. Please ask if you would like your ad designed for you. There may be an additional charge. Your Invoice will be issued for the full amount when the issue is released. Payment must be received within 30 days. * = One banner or voucher per message. Δ = Not currently available www.thisisalton.co.uk
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Professional photography 360째 Tours Graphic Design Video / AV Presentations Web Design Roadside Advertising
www.workingimage.co.uk 01420 542020 Page 64
17 Normandy Street, Alton
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