This is Alton Issue #9 May 2011

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Issue #9, May 2011 ISSN 2044-7884

PICTURE EXCLUSIVE! Huge Panoramic Photograph of Alton.

Plus:

Town Council Election Results Waitrose Gets Go-ahead

Gardening | Healthy Living | Business | Event Guide | Onlooker and lots more...

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Issue #9 - May 2011 Features Page 4

From the Editor

Page 6

Town Council Election Results

Page 12

News from ALFI

Page 14

PICTURE EXCLUSIVE

Page 20

Waitrose

Page 22

Cystic Fibrosis Trust

Page 23

May and June Event Listings

Page 30

Lifelock

Page 31

Charwell Chat

Page 32

Gardening Advice for May

Page 34

Meditation

Page 35

Healthy Living

Page 45

Photos from Alton’s Royal Wedding Celebrations

www.thisisalton.co.uk

Page 3

Welcome

In other news, I was privileged to go up to the top of the brewery roof last week and capture an enormous photograph of the town. Its rather large in its full size and I am previewing it on page 14.

Copies of this photo and crops are available to buy from the website. Just follow the link on the front page or visit www.thisisalton.co.uk/town.

We are selling them in aid of June’s Victorian Cricket Tournament. Please do consider buying one, all the profits are going to this great local cause.

As many of you know, I design this magazine together by myself each month. It is a lot of work for one person as I am sure you can imagine. So, I have decided that as of June’s issue of the magazine, I will only publish quarterly, but in print (as we did in March). I have chosen to do this to give me more time to concentrate on other work.

This is Alton is being read across the town and region by people of all ages, and many of them have requested it to be in print as they would like to read the magazine over breakfast or on the sofa. Should I be able to secure more regular advertising revenue, then I may be able to print bimonthly and then (fingers crossed) to monthly. Until then though, it will be printed quarterly in June, September and December.

We have put together a short, anonymous reader survey on the website which is collecting information about what you think of the magazine. Please do take five minutes to complete it. Your feedback is really important to the growth of This is Alton and future content.

Also, the advertisers who a times I have doggedly pursued for artwork! They have helped keep the magazine going, and with their continued support, we will be able to print the magazine for you each quarter.

Finally, the organisations whose events we freely plug every month and promote. Please keep sending us details of your events as the event guide will now be three months and therefore bigger! Thanks!

Have you got anything you would like to say about the magazine or the town? Would you like to tell your story? If so, drop me a line at editor@thisisalton.co.uk.

That’s all for now. Until June, Cheerio!

Martin Saban-Smith Editor

This month’s cover shot: St. Lawrence Church from Molson-Coors.

By Martin Saban-Smith

this is

We’re about a week late publishing this month as we wanted to hold off until after the town elections in order to bring you the results. Turn to page 6 for the news.

I would like to thank again all of This is Alton’s contributors for their efforts in always sending their articles (mostly on time!) for you to read.

Their articles are what helps this magazine popular. They provide local content, and they are of course, local people.

Edited & Designed by: Martin Saban-Smith Web: www.thisisalton.co.uk e-mail: editor@thisisalton.co.uk Phone: 01420 542020 Address: 17 Normandy Street, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1DD

Alton

Hello, everyone and welcome to issue #9 of This is Alton.

‘This is Alton’ magazine is usually published on the third Friday of the month. ISSN 2044-7884. Published by This is Publishing Ltd. a registered company in England & Wales. Company Number 7521783. Registered address: 17 Normandy Street, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1DD. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor, Publisher, Sponsors or Advertisers. This is Publishing Ltd cannot be held responsible for the content of third-party websites mentioned in the magazine. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the information contained in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher, editor 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 where appropriate. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction of any material is permitted without express permission of the respective owners. Copyright This is Publishing Ltd 2011

Page 4

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Page 5

T A E G N A H C ALL OWN HALL THE T

by Martin Saban-Smith

As you may know by now, the District Council elections, held on 5th May resulted in a near wipe-out of Liberal Democrat seats in Petersfield with the Conservatives winning 39 of the 44 seats available. But how did the election go for the long standing Councillors in the Town Council?

After the comprehensive victory for the Conservatives in the District Council elections, the councillors for Alton Town, who were all Liberals and one Conservative must have been holding their breath as the votes were counted on Monday.

As the results were finalised, it became apparent that it was all change at the Town Hall as the Conservatives convincingly removed the old guard from their positions and a completely new Town Council was introduced. They won a total of ten seats to the Liberal Democrats 2 and one seat to independent candidate and current Town Mayor David Willoughby.

She added, ‘I have had a wonderful time for nearly 40 years serving on the Town and District Councils. I hope the new council members will be able to enjoy their service as much as I have’.

However, it was a close run thing in Whitedown ward with former Liberal Town Mayor Allan Chick fighting it out with Conservative Terry Eccott through apparently three recounts! Mr Eccott won the day though by just 2 votes - 506 to 504.

The list of new town councillors and further comments can be found over the page.

Town Clerk Steve Parkinson said ‘We had expected perhaps half a dozen new councillors, but it is quite a shock to see such a massive swing!’

‘That’s the crumbles’

way

the

cookie

Alton had been a Liberal Democrat town for many years, but these results appear to show a town-wide opinion that reflects that of the nation. It seems a pity though that the town councillors, many of whom had given many years of service to the town should have been ousted so thoroughly. But, as former town and district councillor as well as Town Mayor Pam Bradford said to This is Alton on Monday ‘That’s the way the cookie crumbles’.

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GE ATL N A H C L AL N HAL THE TOW

The New Alton Town Council: Amery Ward:

‘Everyone anticipated a degree of change at District level, but to have the Lib Dems virtually wiped out at town level as well has been a great shock.’ said current Town Mayor, David Willoughby. ‘One should recognise the hard work and dedication put in by the outgoing councillors and I hope the new ones show the same level of commitment.’

Despite losing her Ashdell seat, Beverley Carpenter, Conservative Association Agent feels positive about the change. ‘The town council is generally much younger now with fresh faces and new ideas and it is right that people should elect councillors that live within the town.’ she said ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a councillor and I pay tribute to all my council colleagues of the last four years.’

‘A Hiding to Nothing’ Beaten Councillor for Town and District, and former Mayor Allan Chick, said on his close defeat ‘We have to rebuild the Lib Dem organisation in Alton and it may take some time to achieve. We need to ask all our members if they wish to continue as members and whether they are willing to join the fight to rebuild.’ He continued ‘We [the outgoing Town Council] have done a lot of work over the years within the community and all the council members worked tirelessly to achieve all they have.’

Former local Liberal Democrat Leader Jerry Janes said of the defeat ‘I am clearly disappointed by the result but in hindsight we were on a hiding to nothing. Everyone who was unimpressed with the coalition which obviously included a large number of our supporters showed their disapproval by voting Labour and sadly, a vote for Labour in this area results in a Tory victory.’

Understandably, the Liberal Democrats are stunned at the defeat they faced at District and Town level.

Certainly at Alton Town Hall, the political situation has been turned on it’s head by the enormous swing from yellow to blue.

Page 8

Robert Saunders (Conservative) Jeffrey Smith (Liberal Democrat)

Ashdell Ward: Graham Hill (Conservative) Christopher Lawrence (Liberal Democrat)

Eastbrooke Ward: Peter Hicks (Conservative) Kevin Stevens (Conservative)

Holybourne Ward: David Willoughby

Westbrooke Ward: Matthew Bayliss (Conservative) Susan Hodder (Conservative)

Whitedown Ward: Terry Eccott (Conservative) James Nixon (Conservative)

Wooteys Ward: Derek Gardner (Conservative) Jacqueline Saunders (Conservative) Source: East Hampshire District Council

Susan Hodder and Matthew Bayliss, both newly elected for Westbrooke ward said ‘[We] are delighted to have been elected to represent Westbrooke on the Town Council. We, and our Conservative colleagues have a great deal of energy and enthusiasm for the role we have been entrusted with and we look forward to working with the other Town Councillors for the benefit of all residents and businesses in the Town.’ and, in recognition of the outgoing council, Mr Bayliss added ‘As a result of the election, several Councillors who have served with dedication over a number of years have left office, and they deserve our appreciation and thanks for all they have done for the town.’

www.thisisalton.co.uk

‘New team is a strong one. . .’

New Councillor for Whitedown Ward Terry Eccott said in his press release ‘The people of the town have spoken through the ballot box. Now it is up to us to listen and look after the town’s and people’s interests for the next four years.’ and Chairman of the Alton Conservatives, Andrew Dell added ‘It was a great day for the Conservatives with amazing results right across the board. The team of candidates and helpers were superb during the election which gives us a majority on the council, so now its four years hard work representing the town.’

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds wrote in a message from Parliament, ‘Obviously I am pleased that so many Conservative candidates were elected, but first and foremost these are people with a very strong commitment to the town - and I also pay tribute to councillors who have given service to Alton over many years, who either stood down or were not returned. The new team is a strong one, with a good diversity of skills and experience. I know they will be a great credit to Alton and bring fresh ideas for the town’s vibrancy and the service to the local community’.

Quite how the local Liberal Democrats will pick up and dust themselves down is not yet known. It is still very early days. However, having held the town for such a long time it would be a surprise for them to sit back until the next election before making moves. But, as Mr Chick said, they have to rebuild.

Not just locally, but it seems that the party may have to rebuild from the top down.

The overwhelming response from the Conservative councillors we’ve been able to speak to since the results has been one of enthusiasm to get on with the job as soon as possible.

With this raft of new councillors, save for a few with varying degrees of political experience, the officers of the council will have a lot to do over the coming weeks and months training them in their new role within the town. It is bound to be an interesting and challenging time for them. I am sure you will join This is Alton in wishing them every success for the future and remember those councillors who had looked after the interests of the town for so long who will not be returning to office this time.

The new council’s first formal meeting is on 17th May where a new Town Mayor will be elected.

www.thisisalton.co.uk

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Page 11

The Alfi Community Farm is growing. Here, Penney Hames, chair of the farm talks about what’s new.

At the end of April young adults from the e2e, entry to employment scheme took part at Alfi Community Farm for the first time. Dave How, tutor of the young people said ‘It’s great for us to have an opportunity to get some fresh air and to be part of the community as well.’

Em Hawkins, Josh Campbell and two other young people from the scheme, Kurt Bedford and Chris Parkes all enjoyed the change from classroom-based activities, with Em determined to bring some gardening gloves on her next visit. The young adults worked alongside regulars at Alfi Community Farm, lifting turfs, digging over the beds and watering in the crops.

The involvement of the young people had been under discussion for a long time with Alfi Community Farm anxious that the young people should feel that they were part of something that was already up and running and e2e staff excited by the prospect of connecting up with a community project but sensibly taking time to complete the necessary risk assessments.

At the end of the same week members of Alfi Community Farm took delivery of a whole range of essential growing equipment from watering cans to wheelbarrows with forks and bamboo canes, trowels and crop protection scheduled for a later delivery. The items were made possible by two generous grants from HCC Cllr Andrew Joy under the County Councillor Grants scheme and Ysanne and Peter Legg of the Beer Festival.

Alfi Community Farm is the latest venture from the Greening Alton and Holybourne Campaign to get people involved in growing vegetables alongside other locals on an acre of land just outside town. ‘Around 1/3 of all adults in the country will be growing their own vegetables this year’ said Jenny Lewis, who organises the growers’ rota at the Community Farm, ‘It’s an amazing indication of how popular the idea of local food is. But not everyone knows how to get started or has the time for an allotment, which is why Alfi Community Farm is such a great idea – you can grow alongside other people and learn as you do.’

Page 12

www.thisisalton.co.uk

‘Also, there’s no time commitment at Alfi Community Farm; nothing will die if you can’t come for a couple of weeks, because other people will be there looking after the plot.’

So far members have cleared four large beds and are working on a fifth. In the last month they have planted 600 potatoes, 600 onion sets, over 100 broad beans and rows of beetroot and perpetual spinach with many more crops ready to go in within the next few weeks.

It’s a project that is increasingly involving different part of the community with 50kg of potatoes having been chitted in the Treloars College greenhouse and broad beans, leeks and onion sets being raised in back garden greenhouses around Alton. A group of vocational studies students at Alton College are also set to sow seeds in their new greenhouse and bring them up to the farm to plant later in the year.

What I love about the Community Farm is the fact that everyone I’ve met there has something to offer - time or expertise, a greenhouse or an idea – it all goes into the mix and things happen and while they happen we get to know each other better. Where before, there was just a vague idea, now there is a small but growing and active community putting www.thisisalton.co.uk

down roots and who knows, maybe this really will be the beginning of a vibrant local food revolution for Alton.

Every week there are regular work days on Wednesday and Saturday so members of the Farm are always guaranteed someone to chat to as they plant. And it’s not just crops that are springing up on the land.

Last week a tree bog – a sort of bio-degradable ecofriendly loo, made entirely from wood and willow – was under construction, providing an answer to one of the very real dilemmas of working long hours at the farm. And members do like to work long hours, with some staying four or five hours at a time, chatting to other members who just pop in for half an hour or so between other appointments.

Of course, an additional incentive is the knowledge that the more hours spent companionable digging and hoeing the greater the discount on the vegetables once they are ready for harvest. It’s not all hard labour though, as there’s always time for a break and a flask of coffee and a chance to watch the amazing bird life that accompanies us on site – red kites, buzzards and sky larks to name just three.

Please contact Penney on 01420 87395 to get involved.

Page 13

Altodnin:a Green and Pleasant Land Nestle

This is Alton editor, Martin Saban-Smith, with kind permission and cooperation from Molson-Coors has captured a monumental view of Alton from the top of the brewery roof.

The full image encompasses the Sports Centre to the left of the image round to the station on right. This picture spread over the next five pages shows just the central part of the image with a beautiful view of St. Lawrence Church. Certainly a view very few people have had the pleasure of seeing!

This is Alton and Molson-Coors are co-sponsors of this year’s Alton Victorian Cricket tournament together with Warren Powell-Richards estate agents and Dominos Pizza and copies of this picture are available to buy. See over the page for details.

Page 14

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Page 15

Copies of this amazing image and smaller versions are available to buy from the This is Alton website. Visit:

www.thisisalton.co.uk/town to see the high resolution version and a collection of smaller prints cropped from the original.

We are pleased to be selling these pictures in aid of the Alton Victorian Cricket Tournament and all of the profits from sales will go straight to them.

Prints start from just £10.00 for an 8x6” crop. You can also buy copies of the full size image which is a mammoth 64x13” or a smaller version of 32x7½” either framed or as a print only.

With such a unique and rarely seen image, your own copy of it would be a handsome addition to your photo album or wall. Or, if you are a business, why not buy one of the larger images for your office wall?

This is Alton’s we bsite with an ‘ex plorable’ high resolution version of the panoramic image.

If you do not wish to buy online, call us on 01420 542020 and we will be pleased to help you.

Page 16

www.thisisalton.co.uk

Alton Victorian Cricket tournament is being held on the Butts green on Sunday 26th June in aid of Naomi House Childrens Hospice and jacksplace.

ALTON VICTORIA N CRICKET TOURNA MEN

T

In aid of

Sunday 26th June 20 11 The Butts, Alton

Nine local teams will play against each other from ten o’clock in the morning to become the 2011 champions.

There is plenty to see and do at the event with a plethora of side stalls, entertainment from Juggling Jake and the East Hants School’s band. A very popular beer tent provides refreshments as well as collection of food vendors, not to mention the French Horn public house.

For more information about the tournament, visit the website at www.altonvictoriancricket.org.

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Page 17

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Waitrose Gets Green Light for Alton.

Plans to bring a new Waitrose food store to Alton have cleared their final hurdle with agreement between the developers and East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) and Hampshire County Council over the last outstanding planning matters.

An agreement, which will see contributions totalling approximately ÂŁ500,000 to be used by the Local Authority and the County Council for various highway and environmental improvements in the town, has been finalised.

This effectively gives the green light to Discovery Properties to crack on with developing the Station Road site.

These improvements include a major upgrade to the station car park and setting and a new overflow commuter car park which, it is hoped with the development of the store, will lead to a wider regeneration of the surrounding area. Other areas of investment include major junction improvements, funding of additional cycle infrastructure and pedestrian measures including footway upgrades.

Page 20

Waitrose has control of the site and it is anticipated that work will start in late summer and it is expected that the new store will be open by late spring 2012 giving shoppers in Alton and the surrounding area a much needed alternative to the current supermarket offering.

Once complete, the new store, selling primarily food, will comprise 31,000 sq ft with a net sales area of 18,000 sq ft and will be similar in size to the existing Waitrose store in Petersfield.

EHDC resolved to grant consent for the Waitrose scheme in December 2010 and the area’s development will result in a package of measures that will not only help with the highways and regeneration of the station area but also include an overspill car park for commuters using the train station.

Built on the site of the existing Mirion Technologies production facility the new store will provide up to 120 jobs.

www.thisisalton.co.uk

The plan to bring Waitrose to Alton has been headed

by Hugo Hawkings, chief executive of Discovery Properties who has worked closely with the authorities, local residents and businesses.

Commenting on the latest developments Mr Hawkings said: “Negotiations have been lengthy because we are determined to get the right solution for the town. It has been vital to get a robust decision that maximises the benefits of the scheme for the surrounding community while addressing the shortfall of food retail within Alton.�

Waitrose Director of Development, Nigel Keen, said: "We are delighted to have taken another major step forward in realising a long-standing ambition to open a Waitrose in Alton. From the outset we have been committed to delivering a store that will not only provide more choice, but bring real, longterm benefits to the town. It has taken time, but we were always encouraged by the strong support we received during our exhibitions and it was important we achieved the right outcome for Alton."

www.thisisalton.co.uk

But what about Tesco? They are clearly not going to give up without a fight.

Having purchased the land on which they wish to build some time ago, and having had several planning applications thrown out, there is to be a public inquiry on 10th May at the Swan Hotel on Alton High Street.

So, the battle seems to be rumbling on with competitors Morrisons apparently being left by the wayside leaving Tescos rabidly trying to get consent to build on their land whilst Waitrose can get going with their development (see illustration below).

Many people will love the idea, others will not.

And by keeping this new supermarket within the town itself will hopefully keep our High Street with customers.

We would welcome your thoughts and comments on this news and any other stories you wish to comment on. Please send them to editor@thisisalton.co.uk.

Page 21

s e n e G s, New

e o h S d l O

Do shoe racks dominate your wardrobe space?

Are you the Imelda Marcus of Hampshire? Well, don’t fret, apparently you are in good company.

A recent survey by Co-operative Insurance estimates that the average British female owns 20 pairs of shoes, 11 pairs of those shoes - with an estimated value of around £400 - will never even be worn.

They will simply languish in a wardrobe waiting for the right occasion that never comes. According to the survey, most women wear a pair of shoes for three years before throwing them away. However a fifth can't bear to part with them and 21 per cent never throw shoes away.

If you are one of those 21 per cent then you must have built up a considerable collection by now.

Time for some drastic action ladies!

The CF Trust would like you to consider culling your shoe collection during National Cystic Fibrosis Week (8th – 14th May) and depositing the rejects in their clothes and shoe recycling banks at Hartley Park Farm in Selborne and Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Horndean

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is one of the UK’s most common, life-threatening inherited diseases. CF clogs the internal organs, especially the lungs and the digestive system, with thick sticky mucus, making it difficult to breathe and digest food. There is still no cure for Cystic Fibrosis and over 90% of people with CF will die of chronic lung damage. The current median predicted survival age for sufferers is 38 years.

Through gene therapy research, adding a healthy copy of the CF gene to the lung to replace the faulty gene that causes CF, the CF Trust and scientists believe that the goal of an effective life-saving treatment is within sight.

Hartley Park Farm is located on the B3006 Alton to Selborne road - the textile recycling bank is situated opposite the popular Lavender Shop on the site.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is on the A3 London to Portsmouth road, 4 miles south of Petersfield. The park has cycle routes, walks, children’s activities, a café and a shop.

Think of the benefits. These banks offer the perfect way to rehome those bright metallic blue sandals, the fuchsia hand-dyed satin bridesmaid shoes and the orange ‘killer heels’. You won’t mourn your footwear misfits, but you will create some much needed closet space for this season’s new crop of summer fashions. You can also offload your more sensible but outdated shoes - trainers and boots are welcome too. All footwear should be placed in bags to avoid pairs being separated. Any type of clothing can also be recycled – everything from baby sizes to adult clothing – even ladies bras!

Your wardrobe purge will also ease any feelings of guilt you may harbour about your spendthrift ways. The money raised from your donations will go towards funding a multi-dose clinical trial for CF gene therapy due to start in January 2012. The CF Trust need to raise a further £6 million to ensure the trial can take place.

Page 22

The CF Trust are always looking for new locations for their recycling banks. If you would like to offer a site and would like to know more, please contact Sue on 07775 908968. www.thisisalton.co.uk

n o t l A this is

Event Guide May & June 2011

Alton Victorian Cricket Tournament. 26th June.

Here comes the sun! This month, your event guide has a host of events throughout May and June. Truly something for everyone to Enjoy! From dancing to Victorian Cricket, railways to markets. So much to see and do!

Saturday 14th

Friday 20th

Tea Dance

Organ Music and Entertainment

Come dancing at the Royal British Legion building in Alton from 2pm and enjoy 50/50, ballroom and social sequence dancing. £3.00 per person on the door.

Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th

Nigel Ogden, of BBC Radio 2’ programme ‘The Organist Entertains’ will be performing at the organ of Alton Methodist Church from 7:30pm. Playing a wide variety of light classical, popular, serious (and not so serious) melodies and show tunes. Tickets from £10.00 (families £25.00) available from the church office or by phone on 01420 82695.

Dog Show

Anstey Park is playing host to a dog show this weekend. Check local press and the This is Alton May edition for further details.

Saturday 14th

Local History Day

Join local historians at Alton Assembly Rooms between 10am and 3pm to learn about the Alton area. See page 24 for more details.

Saturday 21st

-

Sunday

Four Marks Model Railway Exhibition 2011

22nd

Model railways galore at this fun exhibition at the Village Hall (on Lymington Bottom) in Four Marks. Between 10am and 4pm on both days there will be a vintage bus service running from Four Marks station for the Watercress Line.

Saturday 21 Thursday 19

th

History of the Flower Pot

Join Alton Horticultural Society for an insightful talk to be given by Jonathan Garrett at the Church Hall at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Normandy Street from 7:30pm. Visitors and new members welcome.

Free Parking. www.altonhorticulturalsociety.org.uk.

www.thisisalton.co.uk

Ballroom Dancing

Enjoy 50/50 dancing together with ballroom and Social Sequence dancing in the Newton Davis Hall at Treloar School in Froyle between 7 and 10pm. £5.00 on the door. Please bring own refreshments.

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Local History Day Saturday 14th May 2011

Alton�Assembly�Rooms High Street, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1BATel: 01420 82203 Email: assemblyrooms@alton.gov.uk

In May last year, the ‘Alton and Villages’ Local History Forum’ held their first Local History Day at Alton Assembly Rooms. There were interesting displays of pictures, maps, books and other sources with some villages having information on computer to help visitors with their queries.

The event was a great success with over 250 people attending to find out about the local area and in some cases, their family history.

This year, the free event, supported by Molson-Coors will be held on Saturday 14th May, again at the Assembly Rooms between 10am and 3pm. Everyone is welcome.

For more information, please contact the Assembly Rooms on 01420 82203.

Image used with permission from Hampshire County Council Page 24

www.thisisalton.co.uk

JUNE EVENTS Saturday 4th

St Lawrence Church Furniture Sale

Plenty of second hand furniture on sale today from 9am at the Parish Centre on Vicarage Hill.

There will also be opportunities to buy bric-a-brac, books, crockery, glassware, books, videos, and CDs. Refreshments available. All proceeds to youth work in Alton. For donations and general enquiries, please contact Clare Allen on 01420 88951.

Saturday 4th

Alton Summer Beer Festival

Very popular event indeed! See over the page for more details. Get your tickets early!

Hampshire Farmers’ Market

The High Street and Cross & Pillory Lane will be closed for the finest produce from Hampshire Farmers between 10am and 2pm. www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk. T

Alton Craft Market

Cross & Pillory Lane and the Market Square will be closed for this popular market of hand made arts and crafts from 10am. www.altoncraftmarket.co.uk

Saturday 11th

‘SWINGING SIXTIES’

The Alton Lions’ summer event always draws large family crowds to the Public Gardens. Join them from 10am for the nostalgic trip down memory lane. See over the page for full details.

Saturday 11th - Sunday 12th

Mid Hants Railway - War on the Line

Experience the sights and sounds of WWII life on a Hampshire railway. Civilian and military re-enactors, vehicles, air displays and much more.

Visit www.watercressline.co.uk for tickets and information.

Alton

Walk in the footsteps of Jane Austen and help celebrate the bicentenary of her arrival in the village. Explore 15 of the village’s most charming gardens including Chawton House Library. Horse and Carriage rides, Morris Dancing, Cream Teas, plants and stalls. £5.00 per adult, accompanied children Free.

Friday 17th - Saturday 18th

Loungefest Charity Music Festival

Loungefest music festival held at The Departure Lounge Cafe, Basingstoke Road, Alton. The two chosen charities are Treloars and Macmillan. Acts include ‘Killerz’, ‘AC/DC Hells Bells’ and ‘Take Fat’.

For information visit www.loungefest.co.uk

Mid Hants Railway Father’s Day

Treat your Dad to a day out on the historic Mid Hants Railway. Booking is a must for the lunch train and cream teas. See www.watercressline.co.uk for more details.

Saturday 25th

Saturday 11th

this is

Chawton Open Gardens

Sunday 19th

Saturday 11th

this is

Saturday 11th - Sunday 12th

Alton Horticultural Society Summer Show

A Summer Show open to everyone including special classes for children. Open to the public from 12.30 mid day - free entry. Schedules available 01420 588278 and 85138 This event coincides with the annual Scarecrow Competition.

Please visit www.altonhorticulturalsociety.org.uk

Sunday 26th

Alton Victorian Cricket Tournament

Sponsored by Warren Powell-Richards, Molson-Coors, Domino’s Pizza and This is Alton, this event has to be the pinnacle of sport in Alton! This fun tournament, raising money this year for Naomi House Childrens Hospice and jackplace starts at 10am on the Butts Green. Nine local teams play ‘Victorian’ rules cricket in period dress. Loads for the family including kids rides, side stalls, entertainment and circus skills workshop with Juggling Jake. There’s a beer tent too! See www.altonvictoriancricket.org for further details.

Promoting local events. Free.

Alton Summer Beer Festival 2011 Saturday 4th June

Lunchtime 11 to 3pm and at the

Evening 7 to 11pm

Alton Maltings Centre

• Over 50 real ales • Ciders • Local Wine • • Live Music • Good Food • Ticket only £6

(but you MUST bring your own glass this year – none provided) (Entrance by Ticket only) Tickets on Sale by post please use form on our website.

Or from the Alton Maltings, Queens in Holybourne or the Railway Arms Or Call 0142089418

All profits to local charities www.altonbeerfestival.co.uk

Page 26

www.thisisalton.co.uk

This year’s Alton Lions Summer Event on 11 June in the Public Gardens will be the ‘Swinging Sixties’ evoking the music, fashion and icons of a decade when Britain learned to have fun.

This event follows the Lions successful previous summer events including the Wild West Show and The Good Old Days and will be raising funds for the Children of Treloar’s School and College. This year’s event will include Live Bands, Pirate Radio, Dance & Hula Hoop demonstrations, Mods & Rockers, Iconic Vehicles, Alternative Therapy (Hippy) Village, Fun & Craft Stalls, 60’s Memorabilia, It’s a Knock Out, Punch & Judy and Lots of Refreshments.

The event will begin from 10am with a celebrity opening at 11am and will run on till 5pm. Programmes will be on sale at the Herald Offices in Market Square.

Further details available 07969164544 / 0845 833 2701 or

on

www.altonlions.org.uk

www.thisisalton.co.uk

Page 27

ALTON VICTORIAN CRICKET TOURNAMENT In aid of

Sunday 26th June 2011 The Butts, Alton

Sponsored by

Alton this is

e-zine

Page 28

www.thisisalton.co.uk

Warren Powell-Richards are proud sponsors of Alton’s premier sporting event

Alton Office 78 High Street,Alton, GU34 1EN

Tel 01420 87379

Farnham Office 28b Downing Street,Farnham, GU9 7PD

Tel 01252 715031

www.wprhomes.co.uk

LIFELOCK AIDS VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE In celebration of the recent International Women’s Month, a small family-run company in Hampshire is promoting its market-leading personal security products to victims of domestic violence.

The company’s pocket-sized portable LifeLock enables owners to protect themselves at any time of day or night, anywhere in the world, for less than the cost of a cheap mobile phone.

The LifeLock is a handy little gadget that can be fitted to the inside of a door in seconds, preventing intruders from entering a room and enabling its occupants to remain safe and secure while seeking or awaiting help. No keys or codes are required and it is instantly removable at the appropriate time.

The British Crime Survey estimates that up to 1.2 million adults per year experience domestic abuse in the UK, and that one in five adults has suffered such abuse at some time in their lives*. Women overwhelmingly suffer more – and more severe – reported attacks (1 in 5 women, 1 in 10 men) up to and including murder.

World Health Organisation statistics show that in some countries abuse by an intimate partner is a common experience for women and is widely justified as a “normal” response. “Domestic violence is an appalling indictment of our so-called civilised society,” said the inventor of the award-winning LifeLock, security expert Joe Silver.

“If prevention truly is better than cure, my products could help make a fantastic difference to the lives of those poor people who fear any kind of abuse – and could even save somebody’s life.”

One difficulty for victims of domestic violence in the UK is that the law does not allow them to change their door locks to prevent access to the property by their abusive partners if they are joint homeowners.

A LifeLock overcomes this anomaly in a quick, cheap and simple way.

The LifeLock company is redesigning its website to make it more attractive to women and other users, and sells its devices to individual customers and organisations around the world, including homeowners, police forces, tourists, the armed forces, students and business travellers.

www.LifeLock.co.uk Page 30

Advertorial

www.thisisalton.co.uk

Charwell Chat

Cathy Hogg from Charwell House Business Centre this month introduces us to Sam Battersby who couldn’t bear to see her favorite High Street shop close down.

Sam Battersby’s entrepreneurial spirit was put to the test when a few months ago she discovered that Occasions Jewellers on the Alton High Street was closing down.

Talking to the owner Robert, she discovered his desire to retire. This had been Sam’s favourite shop for years and so with her knowledge of the industry Sam offered to buy it.

Instinctively, Sam knew she could make a real positive effect in the town, even in these times of economic hardship.

Sam’s ideas for marketing and gift presentation are generating great interest within the local area. She is hoping that word will spread throughout Hampshire.

Although Sam will continue to stock predominantly silver and semi precious gems, the emphasis will continue to be modern and fairly priced. She is also generating a great deal of interest in helping people who would like to design their own pieces and is happy to suggest bespoke local craftspeople for the role.

www.thisisalton.co.uk

Sam’s previous career has always been reliant on excellent customer relations and very good communication skills along with her natural caring nature these skills are ones she wants to apply to her new and very exciting new venture.

Good luck Sam! For more information about Occasions Jewellers, visit the shop on the High Street Monday to Saturday.

For more information about the business services of Charwell House, visit www.charwellhouse.com.

Page 31

April was such a beautiful month both weather and plant wise. I was really pleased to get my outdoor wooden furniture and terrace treated with Patio Magic and its all ready for the summer now. The only down side of all that early heat was the spring flowers seem to have gone over in a flash.

by Chris Feldon, Garthowen Garden Centre

We must be really careful with bedding plants and non hardy plants still, as it can still go cold on us and frost is still a possibility.

Lawns

The lawn really needs mowing every week now as it is growing quickly. Cutting the lawn less often can lead to a Brown lawn with bare patches. Clippings can be spread on the border to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.

Roses

Be prepared to spray for aphid and fungus attacks.

Leaves that are rolled up may contain the caterpillar of the tortrix moth or sawfly, pick off leaves and destroy. The combined Rose Clear product has been withdrawn from the market and has been replaced by two separate products.

Bedding Plants

Most bedding plants will be available as the month progresses. Why not try some less formal planting ideas, such as Bizzy Lizzies in an old pair of boots, or popping in some really bright colours under your shrubs. Fuchsia and begonias are great north side or shade plants, Geraniums and Bizzy Lizzies are great for very sunny spots. Get on with sowing annuals as the later you sow them the later they flower. If you are planting in the mixed border then make bulbs with a cane as they die down so you will not disturb them later when planting in autumn.

Weeds

Well the weather has got everything growing unfortunately that includes the weeds, so it is hoe time again, regular hoeing will stop the weeds becoming a mammoth task. Hoe in bright sunshine as the weeds wilt quickly and die. If your happy to use chemicals then now is the time to do it! Deep rooting weeds such as dock leaves and dandelion can only be killed with chemical sprays. Just remember most weed killers kill whatever they touch, so take care not to spray in windy conditions or in bright sunshine as it can evaporate before the weed has absorbed it, and last of all don't spray if rain is expected within 6 hours.

Page 32

Patio Plants and Pots

Soil in patio pots that has been used for early spring should be completely replaced. Existing plants in tubs should be given a sachet od sequestered tonic to replace lost trace elements in the compost.

www.thisisalton.co.uk

Hanging Baskets

Prepare to plant your hanging baskets, but beware of any late frosts. Always use good quality compost and incorporate water gel and slow release fertilizer as you are putting a lot if plants in a small container.

Conical baskets give good results as they have a greater compost capacity and a smaller surface area. Don't forget to make a hole in a plastic liner to provide drainage in all baskets.

Bring yo the ga ur hanging rden c entre! baskets to them a We wil nd gro l w t h e Herbs m on f plant o r you.

Herb gardens can be started now, but not basil.

Plant a selection for using on the BBQ such as, Thyme, Oregano and Rosemary.

Potatoes

Plant out into well prepared ground. If you still manage to buy any seed potatoes these can be planted directly. Do not lime the soil when planting potatoes or plant in soil used for potatoes the previous year.

Leeks

Plant young plants close together in trays or modules before planing out later into their cropping sites.

Quick Crops

Sow radish, lettuce, carrot, rocket, (use wild rocket as it does not seem to get those holes in the leaves and pick often ) spring onion, spinach, pak choi and chard for a quick feed.

Peas

Another sowing can go in this month

Runner Beans

Greenhouse

Water the path on sunny days to increase humidity.

Have shading material ready, or shade the outside with coolglass spray. Open the vents as soon as you can in the morning. You need to check your greenhouse plants for watering every morning but take care not too over water, - check the soil with your thumb and see if it is necessary to water.

Evening watering can lead to moulds and rots forming. All greenhouse crops need to be planted early this month to maximise cropping potential.

Perennials and bulbs

Provide support for tall plants early as it is easier than when they are falling over. Feed your bulbs with Sulphate of potash for great displays next year, but don’t cut the foliage down or tie the leaves in knots until the leaves have turned yellow. For more bushy plants, when the plant has grown a quarter of its expected height and at least a month before it’s expected flowering time, pinch out the leading shoots. This may delay flowering by ten days but will result in more flowers and bushier plants.

www.thisisalton.co.uk

Prepare the growing site first and put up the wigwam - its much more difficult to do once the plants are growing. Start in pots under cover towards the end of the month. Or, sow three inches deep in growing position at the end of the month. Keep a keen watch for slugs and snails. Runners need plant of water and spray down the foliage to increase humidity and aid setting. If space is a problem its amazing the crop you can get off 6 plants well tended in a large patio planter, and they look really architectural

BBQ

After you have slaved in the garden all day, why not relax with some friends over a Bar be que and gaze upon your hard work?

For more information about what to do in your garden in May or for personal gardening advice and for all your gardening requirements, visit

Garthowen Garden Centre Alton Lane Four Marks GU34 5AJ Tel: 01962 773225

Page 33

Melanie Cowpland of Kariba Consulting this month explains the benefits and peace that can be found through meditation.

A lot has been made of meditation, and in recent years we are hearing more about it. However, What is meditation and why is it so important?

Meditation in effect is the quieting of the mind.

Thoughts are constantly passing through our minds, some deliberate, but most are not deliberate.

What is true is that we are constantly thinking about something.

It is important to meditate because in switching off of thought, we are at our full potential for healing both emotionally and thus physically.

Where thoughts anchor us in the material world, nonthought connects us to the spiritual world. It is for this reason that meditation stands at the core of all religious practises, either as prayer, chanting, or simply in quiet.

In that moment you will experience a pause and in that pause is your pure meditative state. When you first start, this pause will only be a few seconds, enough to feel a wave of energy and well being, however, with only very little practise this pause will become wider and more satisfying. This is an art of allowing your mind to find its own space.

For those of you who like to go on long walks or jogging, you will find that you enter a meditative state naturally, however, you enhance this by simply looking at the space between things rather than things themselves (in NLP this could be termed peripheral vision and is used to enhance performance of athletes).

It is advised that at least 10 consecutive minutes a day of meditation is enough to reduce daily stress significantly.

For more information about meditation and how Melanie may be able to help you, visit her website at www.karibaconsulting.com.

Unfortunately many have been lead to believe that meditation is as difficult as spiritual enlightenment and therefore unobtainable and I am pleased let you know that it isn’t.

The most commonly heard method is to sit or lay comfortably focus on your breathing and clear your mind. This is indeed hard for many people to do as breathing is not necessarily an interesting subject to occupy you mind, or indeed focusing on a candle which might otherwise be suggested.

The most interesting and effective method I have discovered is instead of trying to stop thought all together, is to focus on thoughts themselves.

The simple act of becoming aware of every thought as is emerges is already putting you into a meditative state because they slow down significantly so you can begin to start looking for their beginning, point where they emerge, then you simply have to ask yourself: What will be the next thought?

Page 34

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Healthy Living

Mary-Anne Barber of Lantern Food and Health explains all about the misunderstood problem of ‘The Kissing Disease’ or Glandular Fever.

No respecter of person or fitness level, glandular fever often strikes at the most inopportune time.

In fact, every year approximately 1 in 200 people will contract it, usually young people between 15 and 25 years of age. Interestingly, studies show that every decade up to 70% of the world’s top 10 track athletes will succumb, usually just before a key event! And, as sufferers will vouch, regaining health and fitness is not straightforward as the disease may linger for months, or even years, rather as a pernicious garden weed reappears each time you think you have eradicated it.

Symptoms Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, glandular fever, or infectious mononucleosis, affects the lymph nodes (glands), the principal ones lying in the neck, armpits and groin.

The Kissing Disease PLEASE NOTE: This information is given in good faith. It does not replace advice given by a doctor or other health professional. Remember that if you are on medication you need to check whether any other remedy you consider is appropriate.

www.thisisalton.co.uk

Main symptoms: * High fever * Swollen glands * Sore throat * Extreme exhaustion Other symptoms may include: * Headache * Sore joints and/or muscles * Disturbed sleep pattern * Skin blemishes (spots) * Mood swings * Weight loss * Enlarged spleen Diagnosis It has often been asked why fit, active, young people are prone to this infection and it is generally thought to be stress-related. It often occurs around exam time or when in training for an important sporting event. Diagnosis is by means of a blood test and samples are examined for an unusual white blood cell proliferation (consistent with the infection) and for specific antibodies so it is necessary to consult your doctor for confirmation.

Treatment Because it is viral in origin, the disease is selflimiting and there is little in the way of treatment for glandular fever so conventional advice is to use pain and fever relief such as ibuprofen and paracetamol.

Other ways to alleviate symptoms include: Page 35

* Increasing rest periods, particularly in the early stages * Drinking plenty of fluids; warm drinks may soothe * Eating a balanced diet * Including plenty of foods that boost intake of vitamins B6, B5, C, E, A and folic acid as they support the body’s immune response. These include meat, fish, egg, wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables banana, avocado and brightly coloured varieties are particularly good, pure orange juice, seeds and nuts * Minerals that support this anti-infection role are zinc, iron and the trace minerals. These are found in most of the foods listed above but also useful are legumes, cocoa, cane molasses, shellfish, parsley and ginger-root * Taking fatty acid supplements, e.g. evening primrose oil and/or fish oil * Gargling with salt water, sage tea or grapefruit seed extract (diluted) * Avoiding alcohol, tea and coffee, fatty and fried foods Other remedies and supplements that may help to boost immunity and thereby relieve symptoms include: * Garlic, ginger and liquorice root for their anti-viral potential * Vitamin C * Echinacea * Olive leaf extract * Aloe vera * Curcumin (turmeric) * Ginkgo biloba There are also some homeopathic remedies that may help but it would be advisable to consult a registered homeopath (British Homeopathic Association) to obtain the most accurate treatment for your symptoms. A registered medical herbalist (National Institute of Medical Herbalists) could also provide you with a more complete remedy than may be bought over the counter.

Recovery Recovery is often quite a personal journey and dependent on the number of relapses that occur. It is imperative to note the following: * Avoid the temptation to return to a full working or training schedule the moment you feel better * Generally at least eight weeks should elapse from the onset of symptoms before contemplating a return to normal life and work schedules * Ensure that your glands are no longer swollen, any fever has abated and, where re-testing is advisable (e.g. in a sports environment), the laboratory test is negative * Some sources believe that magnesium is important in rehabilitation * Avoid vigorous exercise or undue stress Page 36

* Take probiotics to aid the restoration of the gut flora as this will have become compromised by the effects of the virus and any ensuing loss of appetite How to avoid spreading glandular fever * Avoid kissing or any close contact with people if you are currently, or have recently been, infected as the virus is spread via the saliva * Do not share crockery, or anything that may transmit infected saliva, with other people.

The last word Because of its long incubation period and the fact that many of the population are exposed to the virus at some time in their lives, it is very difficult to limit the spread of the disease. People who have been infected may carry the virus intermittently throughout their lives.

Also, although extremely rare, in a minority of cases more severe complications are experienced. For this reason, it is important to consult your medical practitioner and to follow the advice given.

Remember, when a sensible course of action is taken, the majority of people recover from glandular fever in a few weeks and suffer no long-term ill effects.

Lantern Food and Health Your local organic and wholefoods store.

Special diets particularly catered for with a wide range of free-from items.

Environmentally-friendly household items and cleaning materials.

23 Normandy Street, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1DD

01420 544522

www.lanternfoodandhealth.co.uk www.thisisalton.co.uk

Hundreds Celebrate the Royal Wedding. Alton, 29th April 2011 Photographs by Martin Saban-Smith and Henry Buxton

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 38

17 Normandy Street, Alton

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