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ISSN 2044-7884
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Pl
Victorian Cricket Alton’s quirky charity tournament returns to the Butts on 26th June
Plus . . .
Jane Austen Regency Week
Cultural events around the town inspired by a literary giant.
The Last Night of the Proms
Amazingly popular Free concert in the Public Gardens - 9th July
Staying in Alton this Summer?
We highlight some first class B&B and Guest House options for visitors
Gardening | Healthy Living | Event Guide | Onlooker and lots more...
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Issue #10 June - August 2011
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n o t l A this is
Issue #10 - June - August 2011 Keeping Fit in the Public Gardens - Page 6 An Initiative to Save Our Cinema - Page 9
ALFI Latest News Update - Page 10
e of Alton Ever Taken? Is This the BIGGEST Pictur
Alton this is
Event Guide June - August 2011
- Page 18
Three Month Event Guide - Starts on Page 18
‘Home From Home’ Pull-Out Guide. Where to Stay This Summer Around Alton - Page 15
Alton Victorian Cricket Prev iew - Page 19
Jane Austen Regency Week - Page 19
oms
Pr Last Night of the 21 e Prev iew - Pag
PLUS
Your Powerful Imagination- Page 25 10 Holiday Health Tips - Page 26 Summer in Your Garden - Page 28 Onlooker - Page 30 and more in the digital edition!
www.thisisalton.co.uk
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Welcome Welcome to This is Alton, June to August 2011 Edition! I hope this edition of the magazine finds you well and that you were not too disappointed not to have it print in April and May. It was still published in its online only format and was well read. A couple of months down the line though, and after a reader survey, it appears that a quarterly publication would be a good place to start and perhaps build from there. This quarter, we are previewing two of biggest events in town; The Victorian Cricket Tournament and the Last Night of the Proms. Turn to pages 19 and 21 respectively for more information. Both of these events attracts many, many people from around the area (and further afield) and are both worth taking a look at. Oh, and they are both FREE too!
In a change from the original organisation of This is Alton, rather than send an email monthly to let registered readers know when the magazine is online, instead, we will be sending an up-to-date event guide instead as an attachment. To join the free subscriber list, just visit the website at www.thisisalton.co.uk. I hope you enjoy this edition of the magazine. Please drop me a line and tell me what you think of it! Kind regards,
Martin Saban-Smith Editor
Are you a visitor to Alton looking to stay for a night or two? Well, as a pullout guide in the centre pages, we have a collection of some of the best local Bed and Breakfast properties in the area for you to choose from.
This month’s cover shot: Victorian Cricket 2009 by Martin Saban-Smith 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
this is
Alton
Arrowhead Printing Unit 1, Alton Business Centre Omega Park, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 2YU 01420 549960
‘This is Alton’ magazine is published quarterly in June, September, December and March. 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. Design and Layout, Copyright This is Publishing Ltd 2011
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www.thisisalton.co.uk
Get Fresh
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Trade and wholesale orders welcome. Delivered six days a week. *Please check for delivery areas, times and any minimum order requirements.
Keeping Fit . . . Free Fitness Classes in the Public Gardens A local woman, who exercises in Alton Public Gardens on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays mornings between 9:30am and 10:30am has extended an invitation to anyone who would like to join her for some free classes. Legal Recruitment business owner, Sue-Anne (Annie) opened the invitation in May and already has a small following. She says ‘Anyone of any standard is very welcome to come and join us. We just want to get fit in the open air, meet other people and enjoy ourselves!’. Always enjoying sports, Annie thinks these free classes are a fun and social way of getting fit without having to go to the expense of joining a gym. Annie hopes to run her classes through the summer to start with and then perhaps look for somewhere to go during the colder months. ‘If it does rain or gets too cold’ Annie says, ‘people could always come to my living room and exercise there!’. If you would like to join Annie and her group. the free classes are being held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Public Gardens between 9:30am and 10:30am. Just turn up, enjoy yourself and get fit!
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www.thisisalton.co.uk
Lantern Food and Health
ccasions Oewellery 64 High Street, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1ET
Your local organic and wholefoods store.
01420 87678
Special diets particularly catered for with a wide range of free-from items. Environmentally-friendly household items and cleaning materials.
Special gifts for your special person.
Fabulous ranges from Kit Heath, Hot Diamonds, Tianguis Jackson, Valentia Marano glass jewellery at sensible prices!
23 Normandy Street, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1DD
01420 544522
Stockist of
www.lanternfoodandhealth.co.uk
JC Solicitors A refreshing change! We are a fresh-faced law firm situated at
26 Normandy Street, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1BX 01420 544273 | www.jcsolicitors.com Our services include: Wills, Probate, Family and relationship breakdown, personal injury, conveyancing, company and partnership law, employment and Landlord & Tenant law.
Free Home Visits* Professional, Friendly and Efficient Service Approachable Staff Low Cost Fixed Fees Reduced Fees* Free Advice*
20% OFF
OUR STANDARD WILL WRITING SERVICE!
£99.00 plus VAT
*Qualifying criteria may apply. 20% Will discount offer valid until 1st August 2011. Applies to ‘all Wills’. Mirror Wills (for couples) will cost £160.00+VAT. Further terms may apply. Contact us for details. www.thisisalton.co.uk
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Alton
www.altonhomehardware.co.uk
20% OFF VOUCHER Print off this voucher and present it in the Alton store on or before 4th July 2011 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 4th July 2011
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 8 www.thisisalton.co.uk
The Alton Cinema Group wants to ensure that independent cinema stays in Alton. Here Penney Hames talks about how the group came together. Over the last year I’ve talked with most of my friends about how we’d change the Palace Cinema if only it was ours, but it wasn’t until April of this year that I finally got around to sending out an email to ask everyone in my address book whether they felt the same. I wasn’t planning a Palace Coup, it’s just that Raj, who’s owned the Palace, man and boy, for the last fifteen years, has been saying that he wants to abdicate and retire for so long now that we’re in danger of a constitutional crises. Well, that short email didn’t quite go viral, but it certainly got a bit of a head cold. About a week later, the Alton Herald called. They’d had the email three times and wanted to run with the story, was that OK? So far it was just an idea, now it felt like something ought to actually happen. But what? I talked it over with Tom, the friend who’d started me thinking. ‘Get a few people to take a Palace tour and let them talk’ he said.
Photograph by Martin Saban-Smith
Like all the best cinema crowds our tour parties were an eclectic mix of enthusiasts. I counted a web-designer, a jet-setting commercial interior designer, the producer of the King’s Speech – yes , the King’s Speech - a local entrepreneur and gallery owner, a Sunday Times journalist, a restaurateur, a local councillor, a couple of campaigners for old Alton and two young people from the college who wanted to get their fellow students involved. Pretty good for a first date! In the pub afterwards everyone was excited. Yes, it’s a great opportunity – but the asking price is high – where do we go from here? Importantly though, the bottom line was that we all loved independent cinema and didn’t want to see it leave Alton. Since then Geraldine, film fanatic and experienced chair of an astounding array of voluntary organisations has become chair and Elliott has spent three days on the web-site and the database. In addition Maureen is our new database manager and Carolyn has kindly agreed to become our minute secretary. It feels as though we can make this happen.
www.thisisalton.co.uk
If you’d like to sign up and join in please visit our website at www.altoncinema.co.uk Page 9
Alton Local Food Initiative
Meanwhile the ALFI plots around town are springing into life again with more space under the spade this year at the Westbrooke Road plot and the station garden already showing signs of the same outrageous abundance as last year. As the Summer wears on look out for produce from the station plot available for a donation in the ticket hall at the station. The Alfi Community Farm is also bearing fruit – both in terms of burgeoning friendships and in terms of delicious produce. As I write at the end of May six beds have been cleared, dug, planted, watered and weeded with an amazing variety of crops a few weeks from harvest. The Greening Alton and Holybourne Campaign is busy helping local people to save energy through its Alton Local Energy Campaign (ALEC) and helping people to grow and eat more local food through the Alton Local Food Initiative (ALFI). Here Chris Chappell and Penney Hames share what’s going on.
The Community Farm pilot year is already a success in bringing people from all walks of life together to grow. ALFI is now looking for a permanent home for its one or two acre Community Farm. If you have an acre or two for rent please contact Penney Hames on 07811 21 77 44
Alton Local Energy Campaign
Alton Local Energy Campaign (ALEC) volunteers have just completed their 70th free home energy survey and are gearing up to meet MPs at the House of Commons in June. Top of the agenda is ‘What benefit does the Greening Campaign bring to local communities’? And judging by the comments of Alton & Holybourne residents, the answer is ‘Quite a lot, thank you’.
Hang your clothes ou tside to dry and save £50 a year running your tumble dryer!
Recipients of the free home energy surveys are enthusiastic. ‘A professional and friendly service’, ‘Showed me things I hadn’t thought of before’, ‘I’m telling all my friends how good it is.’ They appreciate finally understanding what their fuel bills mean and what is using most energy in their own home. That’s the starting point for looking at where to make savings. Do contact Chris Chappell if you want your own free home energy survey and or just to find out more details. Tel 01420 544422 or by emailing greening.alton@hotmail.co.uk
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www.thisisalton.co.uk
Nearly new designer and top quality High Street clothing and accessories at a fraction of the retail price.
Have peace of mind on your wedding day.
Call or drop in to Cobra Insurance Brokers to discuss your
Wedding 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
Alton’s own dress agency The Wardrobe. 3d Normandy Street, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1DD
01420 85021 | www.thewardrobe.biz
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Quality Art & Crafting Materials 01420 ~ 87801 dragons@thelittlegreendragon.co.uk
Artist and Student paints in oils, watercolour, acrylic and gouache. Paper, card, sketchbooks, brushes, pastels, pencils, & sundries Homebrew equipment and kits, wine making, preserving, soap and candle making supplies. Scrapbooking & Cardmaking Stockists of KURATAKE Buttons, ribbons, transfers, fat quarters Childrens art and craft range East of India, Orchard Toys Courses & Workshops Available Children’s Sewing & Embroidery- Saturdays 2-3 Soap Making, 2 week courses –Weds 5.30-6.30 Adult evening “stitch – it” sessions Candle making workshops Childrens Craft holiday Programs See in shop for details and to book sessions We are at : 3, Normandy Street Alton, Hants, GU34 1DD www.thelittlegreendragon.co.uk
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DRESS ME UP 7 Turk Street, Alton. Hampshire
01420 86287
Schoolwear for 2 to 16 Years Expert Advice Fair Prices
up to adult size 13
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www.thisisalton.co.uk
n o t l A this is
The Last Night of the Proms. Saturday 9th July.
Event Guide June - August 2011
Summer is on its way, and there is plenty going on around Alton to give everyone something to do when the sun shines! Sign up to our mailing list at www.thisisalton.co.uk to receive a free and updated event guide direct to your email inbox every month.
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!
Saturday 11th
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.
Saturday 11th
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 www.thisisalton.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 Mods & Rockers, Iconic Vehicles, Alternative Therapy (Hippy) Village, Fun & Craft Stalls, 60’s Memorabilia.
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.
Saturday 11th - Sunday 12th
Chawton Open Gardens
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.
Sunday 12th
Known Unto God (a play) (cancelled) Based on true life stories for WWI, this play is a memorial and testament to those who fought and fell during the war. Tickets £9.50 and £8.00 from Alton Assembly Rooms. Doors open 2:30pm
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Wednesday 15th
JULY EVENTS
Come dancing at The Royal British Legion between 2pm and 4:30pm! 50/50 dance, ballroom and Social Sequence. £3 payable on the door.
Saturday 2nd
Afternoon Tea Dance
Friday 17th - Saturday 18th
Loungefest Charity Music Festival
Loungefest music festival held at The Departure Lounge Cafe, Basingstoke Road, Alton. Acts include ‘Killerz’, ‘AC/DC Hells Bells’ and ‘Take Fat’. For information visit www.loungefest.co.uk
Saturday 18th - Sunday 26th
Jane Austen Regency Week
A week of events to include talks, film, singing, music, drama, open house, Regency Day, craft market, horse-drawn carriage rides and Victorian Cricket. This now established event joins Alton and Chawton in celebrating the time that Jane Austen spent in our area. There will be printed programmes available and the website offers up to date information. www.janesaustenregencyweek.co.uk.
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.
Sunday 3rd
Alton & North East Hampshire Agricultural Show Huge country show at Froyle Park, Upper Froyle from 9:15am - 5:30pm. Masses of rural trades and shows for all the family to see including Tractors, dog agility, rural crafts, the Herald Motor Show, food stalls, Alpacas and more traditional farm animals. Also, there are trade stands as well as shows in arenas around the ground for horses, cattle as well as special guests. Entrance fee applies. See the website at www.altonshow.co.uk for more details.
Sunday 19th
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 9th
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.
Saturday 25th
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, MolsonCoors, Domino’s Pizza and This is Alton, this event has to be the pinnacle of sport in Alton! See page 24 for details.
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Saturday 9th
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 9th
The Last Night of the Proms
Now a firm favorite amongst Altonians, this evening of FREE entertainment is a must for a relaxed evening out with a picnic and a bottle of bubbly. Classical music provided by the Alton Concert Orchestra and various choirs in a huge marquee. Gates open 6:30pm. For more information, visit www.alton.gov. uk and www.lnotp.co.uk or page XX.
www.thisisalton.co.uk
! e m o H m o r f e Hom Your Pull Out Guide on Where to Stay in Alton This Summer
Photograph by Martin Saban-Smith
A collection of ‘Visit Britain’ accredited B&Bs
www.thisisalton.co.uk
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Where to stay in Alton this Summer?
Here are just some of the Alton area’s highlights
Our town is a perfect place to base yourself for wide touring of Hampshire and surrounding counties. Transport links are superb and our picturesque town is nestled comfortably in the Wey Valley.
- The Allen Gallery - The Curtis Museum - South Downs National Park - Jane Austen’s House Museum - Gilbert White Museum - Milestones Museum - The Mid Hants Railway - and many delightful villages
But where do you stay when you visit? Many visitors like to have a ‘home from home’ feeling, or those from overseas may prefer to have an English house experience rather than a hotel. Alton and the surrounding area has an abundance of Bed & Breakfast and Guest House accommodation available to all visitors whether it be on holiday, business or even a single night for wedding guests. Standards and star ratings may vary, but there is a group of local B&B owners who have joined forces to help promote each other. Each of them is accredited to ‘Visit Britain’ (see logo opposite) which is your mark of quality through regular inspections and rigourous membership criteria. Without passing the inspection, a property is not allowed to display the logo. To make things easier for visitors, the forward thinking group have created an ‘accommodation hotline’ where people looking for a place to stay can ring the number for the latest availability of rooms at the member’s properties.
ALTON ACCOMMODATION
HOTLINE 07816 662175
Find accredited accommodation for your stay in and around Alton.
Staffed by volunteers between 9:00am and 9:00pm daily.
West End Farm B&B
West End, Upper Froyle, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 4JG Mrs Liz Butler Farmhouse in stunning rural setting overlooking lake and surrounded by well maintained gardens. Excellent rooms and breakfasts. FREE WiFi. www.hampshirebedandbreakfast.co.uk Tel: 01420 22130 Fax: 01420 525321 Email: westend@hampshirebedandbreakfast.co.uk
Stubbs Farm
(Self Catering) South Hay, Kingsley, Hampshire, GU35 9NR Mrs Jean Stephens 2 beautiful self catering cottages on a peaceful farm in the South Downs National Park. Wonderful views. Ideal for walkers. www.stubbsfarm.co.uk Tel: 01420 474906 E-Mail:info@stubbsfarm.co.uk
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www.thisisalton.co.uk
St. Mary’s Hall B&B
18 Albert Road, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1LP Mrs Joan Mossop Situated in converted church close to town centre and all transport links. All rooms with private bathrooms. www.stmaryshall.com Tel: 01420 88269 Fax: 01420 86245 E-Mail: joanmossop@stmaryshall.com
Ivanhoe B&B
Oakhanger, Selborne, Hampshire, GU35 9JG Mrs Di Britton Homely accommodation near Selborne. Lovely views across countryside. Non smoking throughout. www.ivanhoe-bnb.co.uk Tel: 01420 473464
Old Timbers Cottage B&B
Upper Farringdon, Nr Alton, Hampshire, GU34 3ED Mrs Kate Causton 17th Century cottage set in peaceful village. Pru Leith trained cook. 1 single and 1 double room. Non smoking and no pets. www.oldtimberscottage.co.uk Tel/Fax: 01420 588449 E-Mail: info@oldtimberscottage.co.uk
Upper Neatham Mill Farm Guest House
Upper Neatham Mill Lane, Holybourne, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 4EP Mr Glenn Morson Relaxing accommodation in 11 acres of grounds. Furnished to exceptional standard. Eco friendly heating. www.upperneatham.co.uk Tel: 01420 542908 E-Mail: upperneatham@btinternet.com
Butts Studio Apartment
(self catering) 64 The Butts, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1RD Mrs Sue Webborn Self contained 1st floor studio flat behind Butts House. Walking distance to town, steam train and Jane Austen’s House. FREE WiFi. www.buttshouse.com Tel: 01420 87507 E-Mail: bookings@buttshouse.com
Spring Cottage
Main Road, Kingsley, Bordon, Hampshire. GU35 9NA Mrs P D Ansell Homely 18th Century cottage in village. Shared guest bathroom. Within easy reach of Alton and Chawton. Large garden. www.springcottagekingsley.co.uk Tel: 01420 472703 E-Mail: paulineansell@aol.com
www.thisisalton.co.uk
Page 17
Possibly the BIGGEST Photograph of Alton Ever Taken? Taken from the roof of the Molson-Coors Brewery by This is Alton editor, Martin Saban-Smith, this huge panorama may be the largest picture of Alton ever captured. The full view includes the Sports Centre to the left, right round to the railway station on the right and has St. Lawrence Church just off centre. Pictured is Martin Saban-Smith and Market Street Gallery owner Andy Goodall who framed this print that measures a whopping 64 by 13 inches. Being sold in aid of the Alton Victorian Cricket Tournament, framed and unframed prints of the full size image are available as well as smaller versions and individual crops of each piece of the landscape.
With 100% of the profits of all sales going to the Victorian Cricket Tournament’s charity, Naomi House Childrens Hospice and jacksplace, it is hoped that a local business may come forward and buy one of three framed prints shown here for their office wall. It really is magnificent! For details on this print as well as ordering the smaller versions, visit the This is Alton website at
www.thisisalton.co.uk/town
Page 18
www.thisisalton.co.uk
Photographs by Martin Saban-Smith
The individual prints measure 8x6” or 10x8”
ALTON VICTORIAN CRICKET TOURNAMENT from 10am, Sunday 26th June 2011. The Butts, Alton
Perhaps Alton’s ‘premiere’ sporting event, the annual Victorian Cricket Tournament sees nine local teams compete for charity dressed in period costume. This event is a very fun, friendly day out for all the family with everyone catered for. There are side stalls, kids activities, including a fun fair. Food outlets as well as the customary beer tent. Jake the Juggler will have his own area this year and will be putting on circus skills workshops through the day. Cricket continues throughout the day and will reach a crescendo when the two finalists begin the final match late in the afternoon. A grand raffle will be held as well with the first prize being a whopping 500 guineas (£525.00) as well as a raft of other prizes including a glider flight, a tour of the Molson-Coors Brewery, a DVD player and many more besides.
Photographs
In aid of
Sponsored by
ban-Smith
by Martin Sa
Some 28 years after it’s conception, this tournament has raised tens of thousands of pounds for local charities. Last year, St. Michael’s Hospice in Basingstoke received a very handsome £5,000. This year, Naomi House Childrens’ Hospice and jackplace will receive all the money raised from the event.
www.altonvictoriancricket.org
Alton this is
e-zine
www.thisisalton.co.uk
Page 19
18th - 26th June
When you enter Hampshire, the sign reads, "Welcome Jane Austen Country". Over 30,000 people visit Jane Austen's former house in Chawton, and an increasing number to her brother's former home, Chawton House. Yet despite Chawton being so well known, Alton is often bypassed by the
coaches and people visiting places related to Jane Austen. It is also surprising to note that until recently, Alton has been rather slow to make anything of our connection with Jane Austen. In 2005, Alton Chamber of Commerce & Industry decided to rectify the situation; firstly by teaming up with AIM to hold a theatrical performance of Persuasion, put on by the Phoenix Theatre. This lead to further events in the following years, but in 2008 ACCI launched Jane Austen Regency Week. The week is now promoted by the Chamber's trading arm, Alton Chamber Enterprises Ltd., a 'not-forprofit' company limited by guarantee. The festival has been a great success and it continues to grow each year. Page 20
This year the theme of the week is Jane's "Sense and Sensibility" work because 2011 is the 200th anniversary of its authorship. At the time the book was sold to a publisher who did nothing with it, so we have to thank Jane's brother for buying it back and for getting it published after Jane's passing. There are 13 events this year, covering singing, drama, music, film, talks, open house and garden days, Unusual Plants Fair, Regency Day and Victorian Cricket. The week of events is run by a group of volunteers, largely drawn from the organisations that run the individual events. This year, there are events in Chawton, Alton and Selborne. Although Gilbert White (in Selborne) pre-dated Jane's time in Chawton, they were contemporaries in Jane's earlier life. We invite you to enjoy and experience the events on offer, to perhaps learn more about Jane Austen and her works, and to sample the range of interesting things associated with the period. If we have got you interested, you can read more about the week's events on the dedicated website www. JaneAustenRegencyWeek.co.uk or, if you are local to the area, you can pick up printed programmes in various shops, public buildings and attractions.
Tickets are available from Alton Community Centre or from the individual event organisers - details are on the website and in the programme. Most events charge a moderate entrance fee, but some are free such as the Regency Day and the Choral Evensong. Above all, we want people locally, and those from further afield, to make the most of the literary heritage this area has to offer and to celebrate the time Jane Austen spent in Chawton and Alton. www.thisisalton.co.uk
Photographs by Stephen Lewis
Most people in the area will know that Jane Austen, widely accepted as the most famous female novelist in the world, lived in Chawton. She is so well known that many people in the locality tend not to think about her legacy to the area as well as her contribution to writing. You can travel the world and find people who know all about Jane Austen where she lived, what she wrote, the music of the age and what people ate. In fact, there is a whole industry catering for the many people who revere and celebrate Jane Austen's work.
The Last Night of The Proms
Saturday 9th July 2011 Alton Public Gardens Gates open 6:00pm Show starts 7:30pm
Summertime would not be complete without a free open air concert playing the ‘best of British’ to an excited crowd on a warm Saturday evening. Alton is no different, and on the evening of Saturday 9th July, the event, coordinated by a team lead by Alton Town Council will present the Alton Concert Orchestra as they open our very own ‘Last Night of the Proms’. Playing some of the best known classical music from past and present, the Concert Orchestra will be joined by the Alton Community Choir, Choral Society as well as Holybourne Choir. This is the fifth proms event in the Public Gardens. The 2010 performance attracted some 2000 visitors from near and far, packing the open space with deck chairs and picnics. As such, it is advisable to arrive early to this free event as it gets very busy closer to show-time! Local composer Chris Gardner has prepared a piece of music which tells the story of the ‘Battle of Alton’. Patrons are invited to visit the event website at www.lnotp.co.uk to download the song words and music or www. battleofalton.co.uk for more information. Closed all day for rehearsals, the Public Garden gates will open at 6pm with the show starting at 7:30pm. Picnics are very welcome and there will be refreshments available at the venue for those without. There will also be a retiring collection.
www.thisisalton.co.uk
Photographs
by Martin Saba
n-Smith
Page 21
Saturday 16th
Dancing for Treloars
Come dancing 50/50 dance, ballroom and Social Sequence. In the Newton Davis Hall, Treloar School Froyle, GU34 4JX between 7pm and 10pm. Bring your own refreshments please. £5 payable on the door.
Sunday 17th
Alton Bus Rally and Running Day
This large event at Anstey Park in Alton is a great day out for the family. The ‘Rally’ features a large display of Buses and Coaches of all shapes and vintages. There is also a large display of other vehicles including Classic Cars, Lorries, Motorcycles and Vans as well as Emergency Services Vehicles. The ‘Running Day’ consists of a network of free bus services operating from Alton to surrounding villages and towns.
Saturday 23
rd
Night with The Marx Brothers’ Band
This large event at Anstey Park in Alton is a great day out for the family. The ‘Rally’ features a large display of Buses and Coaches of all shapes and vintages.
AUGUST EVENTS 29th July - 2nd September
FREE Childrens Entertainment
From 29th July until 2nd September, enjoy free entertainment in the Public Gardens (or in the Assembly Rooms if wet) every Friday from 2 - 3pm. Past acts have included magicians and story tellers. For more details visit www.alton.gov.uk. or call Alton Town Council on 01420 83986
Saturday 6th
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.
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Saturday 6th - 14th
Day Out With Thomas
These very popular ‘Days Out’ events on the Watercress Line draw visitors from far and wide to experience the thrills of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. Pre-Booking is a must. For ticket prices and details visit www.watercressline.co.uk.
Saturday 13th
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.
Saturday 13th
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 27th
Alton Sports Centre Summer Fayre
Between 11am and 4pm, visit Alton Sports Centre for a petting zoo, market stalls, live band, fire service with engine, food. For just £2 per person you can take part in any activity (or all of them!) including the gym, swimming, racket sports, trampolining & Abseiling.
Monday 29th
Live on the Lawn
Local bands strut their stuff in the Public Gardens for this popular and relaxing afternoon. 2pm till 8pm. See local press for more details.
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HANTS & SURREY ‘BRISTOL RE’ GROUP
THE 2nd ALTON CLASSIC BUS AND COUNTRY PUB RUNNING DAY
Saturday 16th July 2011 • FREE service!! • Routes call at fifteen CAMRA 2011 Good Beer Guide pubs with details listed in the booklet. Contains money off drinks vouchers! • Buses will operate six routes from Alton station – departures operate from10:40 until 18:40 • Full information available in the souvenir booklet available on the day for £5.00 with timetables, routes and pick up points listed Souvenir booklets can also be purchased in advance by sending a cheque for £5.50 with your address made payable to:
Hants & Surrey Bristol RE Group PO BOX 534, Dorking, Surrey RH5 5XB
Website: www.bristol-re.moonfruit.com Contact: hantsandsurreyregroup@gmail.com www.thisisalton.co.uk
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n o i t a n i g a im Powerful
Melanie from Kariba Consulting explains how the use of visualisation is helpful everyday of our lives. Visualisation is one of the most common techniques you hear about in personal and business development. In fact any course you go on time is spent on visualisation. Creative visualization is the technique of using your imagination to create what you want in your own life. Believe it or not, you are using it every day. This is your natural power of imagination, whether or not you are aware of it, or using it in a positive or negative capacity. Imagination is the ability to create an idea, a mental picture, or a feeling sense of something. Albert Einstein stated, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” In creative visualization you use your imagination to create a clear image, idea, or feeling of something you want to manifest. After creating this image then you continue to focus on the idea, feeling, or picture regularly, giving it positive energy until you actually achieve what you have been imagining.
"The world is a looking glass, and gives back to everyone the reflection of our own faces. Frown at it and it in turn will look sourly on you; laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly, king companion.” William Makepeace Thackeray
If there is dissatisfaction in your life, you could begin by imagining the improvements that you desire. Let’s say you are dissatisfied in your current relationship, try finding a moment of quiet and piece where you can start to image what it is you really what this relationship to be like. Imagine how it would feel, and how it will look. What interactions are taking place, and how they are taking place in a way that supports you best, adding any detail that might be important to you. Now reaffirm to yourself that this is what you want. Repeat this exercise as many times as you feel is comfortable without forcing it, always reaffirming that this is what you want. You do not need to apply any more focus than that. You will naturally start moving to that place where you want to be, and your relationship will start to change with you. New knowledge and people will come into your life to support you in this goal. Thoughts and feelings have their own magnetic energy that attracts energy of a similar nature. We see this principle at work when we “accidently” run into someone we’ve just been thinking of, or “happen” to pick up a book and you turn to a page and read exactly the exact information you need at that moment. Imagination is in fact the most powerful tool in our box, and used effectively, you can make things happen that you never thought where possible.
For more information about Melanie and how she can help you, visit her website at
www.karibaconsulting.com www.thisisalton.co.uk
Page 25
10 Top Tips:
h t l a e H y a d i l Ho 1- Avoid Sunburn
* Stay inside or at least in the shade in the heat of the day, generally between 11 and 3 * Take a high sun protection factor sunscreen for both children and adults * Cover up – wear shirt, hat and glasses. * Remember children have more sensitive skin than adults.
2 - Stay hydrated
* Drinking cool drinks regularly, water is best (buy bottled if not sure about local quality) * Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.
3 - Hot Cars
Never leave people, especially babies and young children, or animals, in a closed, parked vehicle.
4 - Insect repellent * Choose a proprietary brand or one of the more natural deterrents based on essential oils * Lemon eucalyptus, lavender and geranium are good insect repellent oils. Fennel and lemongrass also repel unwanted flying insects * Vitamin B1 taken two weeks before travelling and during your stay will repel mosquitoes as it causes the body to emit an odour repugnant to ‘mozzies’
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Mary-Anne from Lantern Food and Health on Normandy Street looks forward to the summer holidays when a sunny day does much to lift the spirits! There is, however, a temptation to rush out and enjoy it without giving a thought to our health, either immediate or long term. Here are Mary-Anne’s 10 Top Tips for a healthy summer.
5 - Food and drink * Avoid raw foods including salad and fruit * Drink only hot beverages or cold drinks in sealed containers. Check the seal before consuming, refuse anything not opened in your presence! * If eating out, follow reliable local recommendation
6 - Other diseases, hand hygiene and bugs * Wash your hands ALWAYS before eating and, as usual, after going to the toilet * Carry wipes or anti-bacterial gel or liquid to use if water is not available for hand washing * Follow local advice to avoid problems with other invertebrate pests, parasites and dangerous animals
7 - First Aid A first aid kit is advisable whenever you are away from home, even for a day! * Equipment should include thermometer, tweezers, scissors, ear plugs, antiseptic, dressings and plasters, sunscreen, lip salve, contact lens solution and spare spectacles or prescription (if needed), water purifying tablets. * If travelling to remote areas with poor health facilities, carry sterile needles and syringe kit
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* Condoms and tampons should also be carried if appropriate Apart from items listed elsewhere, include paracetamol or other mild painkiller, something for the digestion and for a ticklish throat Take oral rehydration salts in case you suffer from diarrhoea and laxative if you might need it Take something to counteract any fungal infections. Take professional advice if anti-malarial medication might be necessary. Do not forget any regular medication(s) you need When travelling with children, ensure you have a range of medications suitable for them. Also take nappy cream and teething gel where needed * Other equipment you may need includes sterilising equipment for babies’ bottles, tissues or baby wipes and equipment to boil water for drinking. Echinacea and propolis combinations come in a small bottle, handy for travelling. Arnica cream is useful for bumps and bruises. Z-Gel is a natural gel which provides all-round. It also contains arnica extract to enhance healing. Natural anti-histamines include vitamin C and grape seed extract
8 - Jet Lag
This is caused by disruption of the body’s natural rhythms. It tends to be worse when flying east and symptoms include tiredness, insomnia, headaches and gastro-intestinal problems. Although jet lag disappears on adjustment to the new time zone, there are self-help measures for the interim. * Resist alcohol before and during the journey as it increases dehydration * Caffeine, as well as alcohol, is best avoided as it has a diuretic effect * Drink plenty of water during the flight * Vitamin B and C supplements are recommended. * Australian Bush Travel Essence is a composite flower remedy that helps the body’s clock to reset. * Essential oils in a facial spray are refreshing and help combat skin dehydration. Spritz your face at regular intervals during the flight.
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9 - Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
One per cent of travellers on long haul flights are likely to develop DVT. Clots usually dissolve but if one moves to the heart, lungs or brain, it can be fatal. Check with your doctor about your own risk factors but try these self-help strategies too: * Take Vitamin E daily for two weeks before the flight * Try Ginkgo biloba. It improves blood flow * Drink a glass of water every hour on the plane * If possible walk up and down the aircraft aisles. Keep your limbs, moving like opening and clenching fists and circling ankles. Always tell the cabin crew if you have swelling or pain.
9 - Travel Sickness
Try these ideas to prevent travel sickness: * Avoid heavy meals the day before and on the day of the journey. * Have only a light snack before you set off. *Peppermint or chamomile tea helps calm the nervous system and digestion. * A drop of peppermint oil, inhaled from a tissue or hanky, can stave off nausea as does sucking peppermint tablets. Note: peppermint can negate the effect of homoeopathic medicine. * Ginger also offers relief from queasiness. When travelling, carry a phial of food grade ginger oil. Just mix two or three drops in fruit juice. Children may prefer crystallized ginger sweets. * At sea, standing on deck and keeping eyes on the horizon is one tactic that works * Wristbands that apply acupressure to specific points on the wrist also help. Lastly, when out arrange a meeting place or give children clear instructions on what to do if you become separated.
Have a great summer!
Page 27
by Chris Feldon, Garthowen Garden Centre
April and May turned out to be almost rain free, and so the watch word for the coming months must be watering.
May was manic in the garden as usual and the lack of rain added to the jobs list. June marks the start of summer and the end of frosts, maybe a little less work and more enjoying the garden in the sunshine. The day length is over 16 hours this month so loads of daylight to get everything done.
General Garden
Prune late spring and early summer flowering shrubs immediately after flowering to promote new growth. Deadhead Sweet Peas to increase the flowering season, and feed every 10 days or so. Deadhead Roses and feed regularly, to encourage repeat flowering. Tie in new shoots on climbing and rambling roses.
Must do jobs for this month include Watering, weeding, feeding, mowing mulching borders to conserve moisture, sow catch crops of veg, hanging out your baskets in safety. Pests have arrived in force and so regular spraying might be necessary, try to spray in the evening when the bees have gone to bed, and when its not windy. Keep a watch out for slugs and snails. Lawns have a very stressful time in summer, but lawns don’t die in drought they always seem to come back when it rains and so don’t waste water by watering them. A well fed lawn is much better at coping with stress, and its better to leave it longer between cuts when its very hot weather. Most bedding plants are still available in the early part of the month but the bedding season started very early and so some things might be scarce. Baskets planted this month can go straight out but keep up with the watering - the bigger the baskets the easier it is to care for. If you are going on holiday put your baskets in the shade of the house and get your friends to water it. How about planting a patio pot full of your favourite herbs to grow near the BBQ so you can use them fresh when you cook. In the greenhouse water the path on hot days to increase the humidity and aid fruit setting. Page 28
Feed perennials and shrubs with a granular fertiliser such as chicken pellets or growmore and hoe into the soil this can be done whilst weed hoeing. Treat any serious outbreaks of pests and diseases. Remove faded flowers on Delphiniums and Lupins. This may encourage a second flowering, and get rid of the aphids that always seen to collect on fading lupin flowers. Tie tall flowering herbaceous perennials to supports such as canes. Trim spring flowering Heathers to remove flower heads and to keep in shape. Water newly planted shrubs and perennials in dry conditions. Walk around the garden regularly and pull out weeds as they appear rather than digging or hoeing which encourages the soil to dry out.
Patio
This is great weather to spray patios and wooden furniture with Patio Magic. This product kills green algae on surfaces without the need to scrub or rinse and then goes on working for months.
www.thisisalton.co.uk
Bedding Plants
- Trim dead flower heads regularly to encourage the growth of lots of new flowers. Prune back any straggling trailing plants. Replace plants that that are past their best, there are still some annuals available at the Garden Centre. - During the hot weather, always water plants in the evening to reduce the amount of evaporation. Water containers twice a day during the hot weather, even if there has been some rain. - Prune to shape any shrubs that have finished flowering. - When going on holiday, move pots to a lightly shaded spot, easily located for neighbours to water, so they don’t dry out as quickly. For maximum protection, line a strong cardboard box with a plastic bin bag, fill the bottom with about 2.5cm (1”) of water and place the plants inside.
The Vegetable Garden - Concentrate on watering plants in flower and fruit. - As vegetables are harvested, clear the ground and prepare it for other crops. - Water and feed Runner Beans. - Take out the tops of Tomato plants and reduce the amount of watering and feeding towards the end of the month. - Keep onions well watered to achieve the best size. - Sow salad crops directly into the ground to continue getting fresh plants. - Regular hoeing will keep weeds down and prevent seeds being dropped on to the soil to create problems for the following year.
The Greenhouse
- Pinch out side shoots on tomatoes and feed with a tomato food regularly. - Shade plants to prevent scorching. Use netting or shade paint on the outside. - Ensure that all vents are working and close them on cool evenings.
Fruit
- Check nets on fruit cages to make sure that they have not moved or been damaged. - Finish training fruit trees by removing side shoots. - Cut out one or two of the older stems in current bushes to allow new growth. - Remove straw from under Strawberries that have finished fruiting. - Finish picking Raspberries and prune summer varieties down to ground level.
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Page 29
Onlooker
s y a d i l o h d Who sai xing? were rela
I know we all seem to think that going holiday is a time for relaxation and to de-stress from our day-to-day lives by taking the time to enjoy the things we like doing, however I think that it is in fact the complete opposite! It starts with the holiday brochures – why are there so many and so complicated! All we want to know is where the hotel is located, what facilities it has and are meals and drinks included and what will the cost be! Why, oh why do we have to have supplements that take the price above and beyond the price you thought it was and then only to be told that the fuel duty on the flight might increase, so we still might have even more to pay – and don’t even start me on the price of travel insurance! Now booked and paid for, we have started to count down the days till we jet off, and that is when the stress starts again! Running around at work like crazy trying to get everything done before we go, as we don’t trust anyone else to do it in our absence and doing load after load of washing at home so we have the clothes we want to take ready for packing. And then, right in the middle of this, the airline threatens to go on strike or another ash cloud heads for the country with the possibility that all flights are going to be grounded! This episode of stress passes and finally the big day arrives. You load up the car or taxi with your cases and set off for the airport, only to find that someone has decided to crash their car and there are tail backs that are miles long and there is now a real chance that you will miss your flight! Luckily the crash was not as bad as you thought and the traffic starts moving again, but now every little thing causes you stress, from the song on the radio, to the kids in the back of the car saying they are bored and wanting to know if they are there yet! So finally you make it to the airport by the skin of your teeth, you drag the suitcases and kids through the terminal and get your cases checked in, knowing full well that everyone is going to get in your way and the kids are going to fall over someone’s case Page 30
at least once because they were not looking where they were going. But finally, the check-in desk is in sight and the stress starts to seep from your body, but is this just the calm before the storm? Oh yes – you put the suitcase on the scales only to find that some are under the limit and others are over. You are then forced to unpack your case in front of the long queue just to save a couple of pounds on excess baggage. After all, the holiday cost you more than you thought in the first place! Now you would think that this would be the end of it, but you would be wrong! You are sitting and feeling rather relaxed in the departure lounge when an announcement comes that your flight has been delayed, at the exact same time the kids start playing up. But finally you start boarding your flight to your nice relaxing (stress free) holiday in the sun, only to find that you have been sat next to someone who thinks it is there god given right to have both the arm rests, whilst fighting with the person in front who keeps reclining their seat every five minutes, and the worse thing is you realise that you have to go through this all again on the way home! Is it any wonder that most of us say that when we get home that we need another holiday to get over the one you just had! But I hope that many of you will have a stress free holiday, but if you are unsure, why not just stay at home and spend the time exploring the area surrounding where you live – it just might surprise you what it has to offer!
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K ariba Consulting Life Coaching with NLP, Hypnotherapy and Emotional Freedom Technique
Your ticket to feeling free again through: Solutions for positive change, Resolving past memories, Visualising future success.
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For a Free 30 minute Consultation Contact Melanie now. Li p h o o k, H ampshir e 07 9 61 075953 m e l a n ie @ k a r ib a c onsulting.com
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