Discover Hedge End July/August 2013

Hedge End Edition | West End | Botley | Horton Heath

July/August 2013

DIRECTORIES

This issue is sponsored by Marwell Activity Centre - see p3

Upfront & Personal:

Meet Andrew Gair of Gair Gas

p17

Also inside this Summer issue...

Marwell Activity Centre Summer Camps p3 plus What’s On, Community News, & much more ...

Live Local... Think Local... Buy Local

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IES CHILDREN PART party at the centre Have your birthday filled activities. and enjoy many fun

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3

Hello again

ABOUT US

Discover Magazines

As I write this month’s note, it’s such a relief knowing that finally our teenagers have finished their exams. After months of paperwork, study, anxiety (on our part, let alone theirs) and running them into school/college for early starts, we can relax and enjoy the easier life that seems to come without the pressure of school timetables.

Tania Houston

Distribution - Discover Hedge End is published every month and distributed by local people to two alternating areas. In January, March etc it goes to homes and businesses in Botley, Hedge End South and the east side of Horton Heath. In February, April etc it goes to West End, Hedge End North and the west side of Horton Heath. The total distribution is around 14,000 homes.

Advertising - We understand that the needs of a small business are quite different to those of a big company, and our advertising service is very much targeted at independent and local businesses. From advert design to general advice we are here to help you grow. For more details call Melanie on 023 8026 6388 or email melanie@ discovermagazines.co.uk

It was a strange feeling though when the youngest (16) had his last exam. “That’s it, he’s finished school. Where did those years go? I remember Melanie Tinson getting his first uniform”. And these days the dinner table conversations are no longer about glitter and glue, and more about what’s happening in the news and an in-depth discussion (on a good day) or “But she said, like, it was my fault and yes, but no, and she’s, like, ignoring me now”. This is always greeted from me with the line “So is it something like ignoring you or actually ignoring you?” Cue rolled eyes.

DO YOU USE A SMART PHONE?

In the middle of all this…

To save our contact details you’ll notice your magazine direct to your smart phone, use has a different look this I-nigma QR code reader APP month. We’ve been working and scan for instant download. on a makeover for a couple of months. It’s been a challenge as Mel and I are definitely complementary business partners. This works perfectly for running a business, but not so easy when it comes to styling.

However, we’re really pleased with what we – and 8 LOCAL EDITIONS our designers – have achieved.

108,000 CIRCULATION

We are going to include a monthly feature on one of our advertisers – Gair Gas this time on page 17 and little snippets of local info where we can find it.

We are also starting a series of Hampshire Walks the first of which is on page 27. Downloadable versions of many walks are available on our website, together with lots of other useful information – see www. discovercommunity.co.uk.

Tania Romsey Chandlers Ford Southampton Southampton West Winchester Southampton East Hedge End Meon Valley

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES

SEPTEMBER ISSUE: DIARY DATES

Please visit www.discovercommunity.co.uk and use the Editorial Form under Contact Us Email: lauren@discovermagazines.co.uk Tel: 023 8026 6388

Editorial copy deadline: 20 August Advertisement copy deadline: 23 August Distributed: w/c 30 August

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

To be sure of your place in the next issue please contact Melanie on 023 8026 6388 visit www.discoveradvertising.co.uk or email melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk

Tel: Melanie: 023 8026 6388 Email: melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk Web: www.discoveradvertising.co.uk

4

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CONTENTS

8

Finance

17

Upfront & Personal

30

Short Story

6

11

Royal Victoria Country Park

21

Around Britain

32

Go! Rhinos

12

National Garden Scheme

24

Motoring

34

Manor Farm Country Park

14

Life List

27

Hampshire Walks

37

Humour

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7

FINANCE

Holiday Spending MaKinG yOur MOney GO FurTHer the airport. If you’re changing a small amount, the high street can still be a good option. Try the Post Office or M&S for 0% deals.

widely recommended as it doesn’t charge for overseas use and you can withdraw up to £500 a day without incurring ATM charges.

So, if you’ve managed to stretch your finances and save up for a holiday this summer, you want to make sure your hard-earned cash goes as far as possible.

After all, you want your money to be spent on creating memorable moments rather than paying out for avoidable charges:

Card or cash?

If you’re just nipping out of the country for a long weekend, you might like to rely on hard cash alone but most people don’t want to carry wads of money around with them. That’s where plastic comes in. But it’s important to make sure you have the right card otherwise you could be hit with hefty withdrawal and transaction fees.

Remember that for debit cards, most banks charge a foreign exchange fee of around three per cent, just like credit cards. Then, add on withdrawal fees of around two per cent and extra charges every time you use your card and you could soon end up spending a small fortune.

Think ahead Don’t buy your currency at the airport or you’ll be stung with poor rates and big commission fees. A Which? investigation looking at rates on changing £500 in 10 places across the country found a difference of 13 euros. That could easily buy you a lunchtime menu du jour or a couple of Tequila Sunrises.

Pre-paid cards can help you to budget more effectively as you load them with money before you go. There are various types available, so make sure you choose one that doesn’t charge you fees to load, spend or withdraw cash. ICE and My Travel Cash often have extra incentives like free Hi-Life diner cards or cashback on purchases too.

The best idea is to order your money online in advance. You usually have to exchange a minimum of £100 to avoid delivery fees, but that’s a lot less than you’d need on your family holiday anyway. ICE, Travelex, the Post Office and The Currency Club consistently have good rates and you can order and pick up at

If you’d rather take a debit or credit card, then check the charges with your bank before you travel. It might pay you to switch. Spend on most credit cards and you face an exchange or commission fee on transactions you make abroad, usually around three per cent of your purchase.

The Halifax Clarity Credit Card is

Affording a family holiday isn’t easy in these cash-strapped times. According to recent research by the Office for National Statistics, nearly a third of Britons don’t have the money to afford a week-long break.

8

When in Rome…

Do what the locals do and eat out at lunch time rather than going to a restaurant for dinner. You can usually enjoy a three-course meal, including local wine for a snip.

Shop in the local markets, rather than supermarkets designed for tourists, and you’ll pick up fresh produce at bargain prices.

And, if you’re planning any excursions during your trip, whether that’s a day out at a waterpark or a visit to the zoo, then search for web vouchers before you go. Once you arrive, pick up free leaflets and newspapers to find money-off coupons.

With a bit of forward planning, you can make sure your euros, dollars or lira go the extra mile.

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J. & D. HUMPHREY LTD Plumbing & Heating Established local business with years of experience All Aspects of Plumbing, Heating and Gas

01489 893620

Email: janddhumphrey@hotmail.co.uk

Free Estimates no call out charges

10

royal victoria Country Park

LOCAL EVENTS

Your Local Family Business with over 55 years experience Specialists in all blinds including: • Conservatory Blinds • Shutters • Awnings • Roman • Roller • Wood Venetians • Vertical • Pleated • INTU • Perfect Fit

Bushcraft and Seashore Kids should head for Royal Victoria Country Park this summer for a whole host of fun, family activities. Please contact 023 8045 5157 for more information on these events.

Tuesdays The morning sessions are for children with additional needs and their families only. The afternoon session is inclusive of everyone regardless of ability from 4+ years. Please book. £4 per child and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

6th Aug, 10am and 2pm – Bushcraft Brush up on your survival skills by coming along to the Bushcraft activities, meeting at Acorns.

13th Aug, 10am and 2pm - Pirates Test your pirating skills at Royal Victoria Country Park, meeting at Acorns.

20th Aug, 10am and 2pm – Seashore Safari Fun and frolics on the seashore, meeting at Acorns.

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27th Aug, 10am and 2pm – War Wounds Imagine life when the hospital was here. Make your own war wounds and test your First Aid skills.

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Call for a free home design visit or advice

023 8084 0505 www.watersideblinds.co.uk

Thurs 8th Aug, 10am – Everyday Life in the Hospital Do you want to find out how many different types of jobs there were at the Royal Victoria hospital?

Follow the self-guided trail – there’s a prize if you find them all. The trail starts at the Nightingale Shop and costs £1.50.

11

National Garden Scheme Dean House

30 COMPTON WAY

Sat 27, Sun 28, Wed 31 July (2-5) Winchester, SO22 4HS Contemporary garden owned by local garden designer on the outskirts of Winchester. Sunny hilltop ¼-acre plot. Themed borders of colourful mixed planting on chalky soil, including dahlias and agapanthus. Kitchen and herb gardens, and pond. www.summersgd.co.uk

8 BIRDWOOD GROVE

Sat 27 July (2-6) Downend, Fareham, PO16 8AF The sub-tropics in Fareham!

This small garden is influenced by the flora of Australia and New Zealand and includes many rare and unusual indigenous species. The 4 climate zones arid, medium, lush fertile and a shady fernery - are all densely planted to make the most of dramatic foliage. Definitely one for plantaholics! Jayne & Eddie McBride 01329 280838 jayne. mcbride@ntlworld.com Meon Orchard

12

MEON ORCHARD

Sun 28 July, Sun 1 Sept (2-6) Kingsmead, N of Wickham, PO17 5AU 1½-acre garden designed and constructed by current owners.

An exceptional range of rare, unusual and architectural plants incl National Collections of Eucalyptus, Podocarpaceae and Araliaceae. Much use made of dramatic foliage plants from around the world, both hardy and tender, big bananas, huge taros, tree ferns, cannas, hedychiums and palms. Streams and ponds, combined with an extensive range of planters, complete the display. Plant sale of the exotic and rare Sun 1 Sept

THE SECRET GARDEN NATURE RESERVE

Sun 4 Aug (12-6.30) High Street, Bursledon, Southampton SO31 8DL Situated in the middle of a small nature reserve, with views to the Isle of Wight, discover a hidden water garden being continuously developed using recycled and natural materials.

Many ponds with magnificent water lilies dominate the formal garden which merges into the reserve’s native ecosystem.

Organic management ensures an astonishing variety of wildlife.

John & Alison Horne 02380 616262 horneja@btinternet.com

DEAN HOUSE

Sun 4 Aug (11.30-4.30); Wed 14 Aug (10-4.30) Kilmeston, SO24 0NL The 7 acres have been described as ‘a well-kept secret hidden behind the elegant facade of its Georgian centrepiece’. Sweeping lawns, York stone paths, gravel pathways, many young and mature trees and hedges, mixed and herbaceous borders, symmetrical rose garden, pond garden, working walled garden, with 125 different varieties of vegetable, and glasshouses all help to create a diverse and compact sliver of Eden.

BERRY COTTAGE

Sun 18 Aug (2.30-5) Church Road, Upper Farringdon, nr Alton, GU34 3EG Small organic cottage garden with all-yr interest. Spring bulbs, roses, clematis and herbaceous borders. Pond and bog garden. Shrubbery and small kitchen garden. The owner-designed and maintained garden surrounds C16 house.

The borders are colour-themed and contain many unusual plants. Close to Massey’s Folly built by the Victorian rector incl 80ft tower with unique handmade floral bricks, C11 church and some of the oldest yew trees in the county. Mrs P Watts 01420 588318

HAMBLEDON HOUSE

Mon 26 Aug, Sun 15 Sept (2-5) Hambledon, PO7 4RU 2-acre partly walled plantsman’s garden for all seasons. Large border filled with a wide variety of unusual shrubs and perennials with imaginative plant combinations culminating in a profusion of colour in late summer. Hidden, secluded areas reveal surprise views of garden and village rooftops.

From village centre, driveway leading to house in East St. Do not go up Speltham Hill even if advised by SatNav. Capt & Mrs David Hart Dyke 02392 632380 dhartdyke@tiscali.co.uk

WEIR HOUSE

Sun 15 Sept (2-5) Abbotstone Road, Old Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9DG Spectacular riverside garden with sweeping lawn backed by old walls, yew buttresses and mixed perennial beds.

Contemporary vegetable and cut flower garden at its height in September. Also includes newly designed garden around pool area, bog garden (at best in May) and wilder walkways through wooded areas. Children can use the playground at their own risk.

Mr & Mrs G Hollingbery, 01962 735549. jhollingbery@me.com

HILL TOP

Sun 15 Sept (2-5) Damson Hill, Upper Swanmore, SO32 2QR 2 acres with extensive colourful borders and wide lawns, this garden has stunning views to the Isle of Wight. The

glasshouses produce unusual fruit and vegetables from around the world. The outdoor vegetable plots bulge with well-grown produce. Many potted specimen plants. Colour and interest are maintained throughout the season. David Green 01489 892653. tricia1960@btinternet. com

30 Compton way

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13

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Be amazed…

Things mothers ought to tell their daughters

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There have been key conversations between a mother and daughter since time immemorial. The one about Santa Claus really being your dad (which explains the swearing when he hit his head), the one about the Birds and the Bees (when dad left the room), ditto the one about becoming a woman, and the one about all men - whatever their age - remaining little boys. And then there are these: "Of course we can put the loo seat down for ourselves, but it's important to give him a sense of achievement."

"All sport on TV can be interesting, unless there's something better to do - like anything."

"A woman's body is a temple. Don't let anyone desecrate it or turn it into a second-rate amusement park."

"Leaving socks on in bed is really unromantic.

Leaving shoes on in bed is really weird."

"Having a child is one of life's blessings. It's right up there with finding a little black dress at 50% discount and having the house to yourself for a weekend."

"Not all women are bad drivers. And not all men are great lovers. But the ones who are tend to stick in the mind and give everyone false expectations."

"Always have your own money. At least until you've spent it."

"You can have a career and a family, just as a man can enjoy war films and have emotional depth. But it requires dedication."

14

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16

upfront & personal

The People Behind Your Local Businesses Gair Gas Ltd was started by Andrew Gair in 1996. Having worked for British Gas for a number of years he decided that he wanted to provide a more personal level of service that a larger company doesn’t always provide.

When Andy first started he was ‘one man in his van’ but over the years the company has grown and now has 11 employees, with an

office based in central Eastleigh.

Andrew says “As a local business, customer referrals are very important to us. Luckily we got a lot of them last year. Over half of our business came from personal referrals and from existing clients coming back to us.”

Gair Gas now provides a full range of services to its customers from boiler installations to annual heating cover; protecting its customers from unexpected heating breakdowns 365 days a year. They also work with landlords and estate agents providing annual gas safety checks and repairs on all gas appliances.

What also makes Gair Gas stand out is its well thought out, co-ordinated brand awareness marketing. The fleet of vans are bright, colourful and above all recognisable and tie in with a

Andrew Gair

series of adverts with clever headlines based on animals seen in many publications around South Hampshire.

When he’s not working, father of three Andrew can regularly be found enjoying the great outdoors, taking part in off road cycling events, running and canoeing.

He has also been involved with a number of charity events including the Samaritans Dragon Boat Race and recently ran the Great South Run.

Relax, knowing Gair Gas are there for all your boiler requirements • All All areas covered areas covered

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17

HIDATO

Puzzle Page

Starting at 1 and finishing at 34, track your way from one hexagon to another (touching) hexagon, placing consecutive numbers into the empty shapes as you go.

Some numbers are already given.

Pictograms

PICTOGRAMS

2 words

TAESBUTTON 4 words iiiiiii

SATCHEL CARRIER HOLDALL 2 words SEABISCUIT KAUTO STAR

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

7

9

11

5

6

19

20

8

10

12

13 14

15

16 17

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Down 1. Australian term for a young kangaroo (4) 21 22 2. State of extreme delight or exaltation (7,6) 3. Heavenly body also known as Sirius (3,4) 4. Small canoe made watertight with animal skins (5) 14. Flower associated with alpine regions (7) 5. Period of the French Revolution marked by 17. Craftsman who works with stone (5) extreme repression and bloodshed (5,2,6) 20. Singing jazz where nonsense syllables are substituted for 6. Sleeveless dress resembling an apron (8) the words of the song (4) 12. Pile of waste matter from coal mining, etc (4,4) 18

ŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

Across 7. Spanish dance in triple time (6) 8. Acid found in vinegar (6) 9. Funeral pile (4) 10. Chinese port city on the estuary of the Yangtze (8) 11. Receptacle used by smokers (7) 13. Non-metallic element, atomic number 5 (5) 15. Racing vessel (5) 16. Small falcon that hovers in the air (7) 18. Long-tailed game bird (8) 19. Red eruption of the skin (4) 21. Small, roofed building affording shade and rest (6) 22. Hooded waterproof jacket (6)

19

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20

Around Britain

Mann & Sons Ltd All General Building Work Undertaken Celebrating over 35 years of local service

5 MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCES 1. Eilean Mòr, Outer Hebrides - All three of the lighthouse-keepers on Eilean Mòr in the Hebrides disappeared on 15 December 1900, leaving behind their oilskins, a table full of food, and the light prepared to be lit.

Why or how the men vanished will never be known.

2. Newhaven, East Sussex - Lord Lucan’s car was found at Newhaven three days after he disappeared from his London home, where the family’s nanny had earlier been found murdered. Despite several unconfirmed sightings across the globe, Lord Lucan was never seen again.

3. Seaton Carew, Cleveland - John Darwin infamously ‘disappeared’ while canoeing off Seaton Carew in 2002. Having been declared dead, in 2007 he walked into a London police station claiming no memory of the last five years – but when a photograph surfaced of him and his wife shopping for properties in Panama in 2006 their hoax was discovered.

4. Sunningdale, Berkshire - Agatha Christie disappeared from her home in Sunningdale in December 1926. She eventually reappeared at a hotel in Harrogate eleven days later, unable to give any explanation for her disappearance. She was later diagnosed with amnesia.

5. The Tower of London - The fate of the ‘Princes in the Tower’ remains one of the most alluring mysteries in English history. Imprisoned in The Tower of London in 1483 by their uncle, Richard III, securing his claim to the throne, there is no record of the princes after this date. © Taken from The British Isles: A Trivia Gazetteer by Paul Anthony Jones, out now.

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Telephone: 02380 262805 Mobile: 07919 925138 email: info@mannandsons.co.uk www.mannandsons.co.uk 50 Chalvington Road, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh SO53 3DX 21

Towns and Villages 1. Born in 1945, which American singer found fame after he changed his surname to that of a town in the north of England?

2. The Village Green Preservation Society was used as the theme song for which TV sitcom?

3. In which English county would you find the town of Melton Mowbray?

4. In which fictional Yorkshire village might you come across Police Constable Arthur Selby?

5. Which coastal town in East Sussex shares it’s name with Hercule Poirot’s assistant?

6. The TV show Noel’s House Party was set in which fictional village?

7. Which town in Surrey is home to Ali G? 8. Replaced by youth custody centres in 1982, what was the name given to prisons for young offenders that was named after the village in Kent where the first of these institutions was established?

9. In which TV show did Number Two preside over “the Village”?

10. In which country of the UK would you find a village with a name that means “Mary’s Church in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and the church of Tysilio with a red cave”?

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23

MOTORING

Living with a Renault Twizy Renault’s mad electric car turns heads everywhere it goes, but what’s it like to live with?

Let me make some formal introductions to our newest long-term test fleet member – the Renault Twizy.

This full EV can do around 60 miles on a charge, which takes about four hours and costs less than £1. It’ll do 50mph, doors are optional extras and it looks like a turbo-charged mobility scooter.

I’ve been driving the bonkers Renault for a month now, to and from the office, which is about two miles away, and I absolutely love it.

There is no other car available anywhere in the world that attracts so much attention yet costs so little. Starting at £7k, and with a monthly rental charge for the batteries (which facilitates replacement if they go wrong) that starts from £45 a month, it’s an absolute magnet for attention.

I’m not sure people would be so excited about a Leaf or Zoe – because it’s the Twizy’s mad looks that really has people interested.

I still can’t quite believe that Renault built it. I’m sure glad they did, though.

So, what’s it like to live with?

24

Well, surprisingly easy. I can commute for 10 days before I need to run a cable out of our office window and charge it up.

The plug is in the front and only reaches about three metres so it’s a bit of a faff to recharge. It involves security guard bothering extension cables and a dry day, but in a month I’ve only had to do it three times.

Inside, space is best described as cosy. For the driver it’s not too bad, although the seat could do with the ability to tilt the backrest. The passenger, who sits pillion style behind the driver, is a little more cramped and in wet weather becomes a bit damp. The Twizy doesn’t come with doors or windows, although we do have both.

Renault sent a man to fit some windows for us a week after the car arrived. These are made from plastic with metal edges that slot into two brackets on the doors, a bit like putting up a tent. To be honest I prefer the Twizy without them.

On the road it’s great fun. It’s comfortably quick enough to keep up with town traffic, it handles well and although the suspension crashes a little, it’s bearable.

Our car has a retro-fit Bluetooth system fitted with two speakers in the roof.

The scissor style doors look seriously smart when you throw

them open, and the fact you can get out either side has meant I can park within inches of my colleagues’ drivers side doors, so they have to climb in the passenger side. I don’t think that joke will ever grow old – for me at least.

I think part of my love for the Twizy comes from being a biker.

It has some of the fun of being out in the open, but you don’t get wet and there’s no time wasted putting on a load of protective equipment.

I have another 6 months to look forward to in the Twizy and I’m already seriously considering buying one at the end.

The Knowledge Model: Renault Twizy Colour Price: £8,810 as tested Engine: Asynchronous electric motor Power: 17bhp Max Speed: 50mph 0-28mph: 6.1s MPG: N/A Emissions: Zero Costs this month: 99p (cloth to wipe the seats when it rains)

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HAMPSHIRE WALKS

Walk from Marwell around Owslebury

Owslebury

N Hensting Lane

Whaddon Lane

This walk is a very pleasant stroll without being too taxing; it covers a distance of approximately 4 miles, which should take around an hour and a half at a steady pace.

It starts at Marwell Zoo Car Park, Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH where there is plenty of parking. The footpaths double as bridleways around most of the route as the local riding stables use these trails regularly for their exercise outings, so please give the horses the space they require as you pass them.

Exit the car park down the slope at the rear and head down into the woods.

After 150 metres the path joins another, where you turn right to pick up a main bridleway for a further 150 metres before meeting a T-junction with path finger posts.

Turn left up the slope, keeping a big field on your left.

After a distance of 200 metres there are steps on both sides of

P START

the path – at this point you need to take the right hand option through a gate, into a wildlife woodland. In this section there are all manner of plants and many birds in the broadleaf woods.

At the far end of these woods pass through a gate opening into a bigger track and the trees fade away on both sides. There is a long but gentle climb between fields and a view across the valley to the right where the furthest enclosures in Marwell Zoo come into view.

Eventually the track meets a large gate which opens onto a shingle path with some large houses on the left and the outbuildings for Lower Farm on the right.

As you meet the road outside, turn left uphill towards Owslebury, taking care on this

Marwell Zoological Park

Thompsons Lane

400 metre section as there is no footpath for this short time.

At the top there is a small green and the pub, The Ship Inn, which marks the turning point. Turn left past the pub, down the hill for only a short distance. Where the road sweeps right go left down the waymarked path for 150 metres.

You will reach a point where there are three choices of route. Take the furthest left path, marked with a blue arrow and wide enough for several people. The underfoot surface is fine rolled grit and runs gently downhill for a just over a kilometre. There is an avenue of trees either side of this path providing shelter from any wind, which means that views across South Hampshire can only be snatched between the foliage as you travel.

27

HISTORICAL NOTE...

In AD 964 land at Owslebury was granted to the Bishop of Winchester by King Edgar.

According to the Domesday Book the Manor of Owslebury was held by the Bishop before and after the Norman Conquest.

In the early days the manor was called Twyford with Marwell, but during the 14th century it became known as Marwell or Marwell Woodlock, although the parish was still called Owlesbury.

At the first full junction of this path (there is a minor one half way down) turn left, continuing on another downhill stretch and soon passing the steps that set you off at the beginning.

You are now on the return section that was completed at the start so the last part is a reverse process – turn right at the T-signpost, 150 metres up turn left and in a final 150 metres you will be in the car park again.

a downloadable pdf of the walk and en enlarged map is available online at www.discovercommunity.co.uk

The Bishop of Winchester had a park at Marwell from the thirteenth century to the mid-seventeenth century where timber was cut, cattle were pastured and animals were hunted at various times.

Marwell Zoo was founded by John Knowles.

John originally bought a small 127 acre farm just before his 21st birthday, on which he developed a poultry production business. The sale of part of this allowed him to purchase the 414 acre Marwell Hall Estate and Marwell Zoo was opened in 1972. John has written about his founding of Marwell Zoological Park in “My Marwellous Life” which can be purchased online (e.g. Amazon).

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A sHorT sTory

Game, Set & Match Story by Jackie Brewster

Danny had spent all morning playing tennis on his own against the garage door. He had won nearly every game, and now felt confident enough to take on a real opponent.

His plimsolls stuck to the hot tarmac as he walked along the deserted avenue to his friend Alex’s house. The heat had sent everyone indoors. Even the birds had stopped singing.

He found Alex sitting on the edge of his pond, with feet dangling in the water.

“Want a game of tennis? Danny asked. “You’ll need your own bat”.

Alex grinned and nipped in the shed. He returned with a cobweb covered table tennis bat. It didn’t look at all like Danny’s racket, and he suspected that it might give his friend quite a large handicap, but decided not to say.

If Alex was happy, then he was happy.

Both boys agreed that Alex’s garden was perfect for tennis. It had the pond in the middle to act as a net, a shed on one side and patio doors on the other to act as goals.

They had a few practise shots while Danny explained the rules.

“If I hit the patio doors it’s a goal to me, and if you hit the shed it’s 30 18

a goal to you. If the ball goes in the pond then whoever hit it in has to get it out and they lose a point”.

Danny knew that when you start the game it’s called ‘Love All’, but didn’t mention this in case Alex thought it was a girl’s game and refused to play.

“It’s a draw if you get juice,” Danny said instead. Alex seemed both confused and impressed.

“Okay,” he bounced up and down. “Let’s play!”

In spite of the ping pong bat, Alex proved a more challenging opponent than the garage door; for one thing he argued over goals. For example, when Alex’s shot bounced off the shed roof, rolled along the guttering and disappeared down the drainpipe, Danny agreed that the shot was a work of genius, but didn’t think it was worth five goals. They compromised on two and a half.

Alex also hit the ball so that it seemed to magically fly straight through Danny’s racket. The ball would then disappear over the garden gate. Danny found that he was searching for the ball in the next door garden much more than he was hitting it. And he was getting hot.

Also, unlike the garage door, Alex constantly questioned the rules.

While Alex agreed that it didn’t matter how many times the ball bounced, he refused to believe that kicking it was okay.

Unfortunately this made quite a few of the goals that Danny scored disallowed.

Danny was starting to suspect that this game wasn’t going his way. He noticed that, in spite of all his morning’s practise, he was scooping more balls out of the pond than Alex, and hoped that his friend was not keeping too close an eye on the score.

Eventually, both boys, the shed and the patio doors were covered in dark splodges of pond water.

Danny was tired, thirsty and several goals behind. He couldn’t go on much longer, but desperately didn’t want to lose this game.

The patio doors slid open and Alex’s mum appeared, accompanied by the welcome sound of ice cubes tinkling in glass tumblers.

“I’ve made you boys a drink,” she called.

“Brilliant!” Alex threw down his bat. “Game over!”

“What’s the score?” she asked, as Alex slurped his drink.

“We’ve got juice,” Danny said, thinking fast. “So that mean’s it’s a draw”.

31

Go! rhinos

LOCAL EVENTS

Urban Jungle In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Marwell Wildlife is bringing Go! Rhinos, a world class mass public art event, to the streets and parks of Southampton. For 10 weeks throughout this summer (13th July – 22nd September), rhino sculptures will inhabit the streets of Southampton, showcasing the wealth of artistic talent in the area, while highlighting the significant conservation threat facing wild rhinos and how the Southampton business community can make a difference.

They’ve got a Combine Harvester!

Vintage tractors and combine harvesters will be at the Alresford Agricutural Show in September, as well as some modern hi-tech machinery. There will be animals aplenty with the very best-bred cattle, pigs and sheep, nervously awaiting the parade before the judges’ expert eye. 2013 marks the return of the popular Sheep Show which has been seen worldwide by over 2.4 million people.

If you’re looking for some relaxation, head for the horticultural tents, where amazing displays of roses, dahlias and chrysanthemums will be on show. Of course, the show will once again be a shopping heaven with trade stands selling you anything and everything from ceramics and jewellery to ales, ciders, cheeses and cakes. It’ll be a great day out and it’s worth prebooking to save money on your tickets (see above).

32

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Manor Farm Country Park

Local events

Down on the Farm Manor Farm Country Park has been a working farm for over 600 years. With historic buildings and barns, you can also enjoy a variety of animals, watch traditional farm machinery at work and take a peek into the old privy. Here’s August’s events (B = Booking Essential, £ means not free: Sun 4th Aug, 10am - The Last Straw A day of straw crafts including corn dollies and Skep making (bee homes!)organised by the Fareham & District Bee Keepers Association. Normal farm admission.

Tues 10th Aug, 7.45pm - Bats in the Belfry An evening talk and walk presented by Hampshire Bat Group. Spot the bats emerging from their daytime roosts into our churchyard and learn more about these fascinating creatures. B/£ Mon 12th Aug – Mon 16th Sep, 10am – Fresh Produce and Craft Sale Tues 6th Aug, 10am and 2pm – Bushcraft Brush up on your survival skills by coming along to the Bushcraft activities, meeting at Acorns. B/£.

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34

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35

ADVERTISER’S INDEX

Live Local Think Local

www.discovercommunity.co.uk

Local businesses are part of your community There’s so much MORE online!

Every issue of Discover is full of interesing articles, useful information and fun stuff too, delivered through your door free of charge, made possible by the financial support of its advertisers.

Please support local businesses who promote themselves in Discover. They are ready to serve you and they want your business. We’d appreciate it if you’d mention Discover when contacting advertisers from this issue. aerialS

garden deSign & SerViCeS

DJ Satellites & Aerials

9

Arbor-Call Tree Surgeons

Pure Digital Aerial & Satellites

32

Colourfence

aPPlianCe rePair Advanced Appliance Care

Hambrooks 7

BaThroomS See Plumbing BlindS & CurTainS

healTh SerViCeS Hampshire Hearing

Material Things

6

KiTChenS

Pont Furnishings

19

Dream Doors

5

The Blind Business

34

Re-Nu

34

Waterside Blinds

11

loCKSmiTh

31

moBiliTy Freedom Mobility

29

33

oPTiCianS

Marwell Outdoor Activity Centre

3

Hampson Opticians

14

Ralph Neale Opticians

16

Kip McGrath

32

ComPuTer SerViCeS Home Computer Help

Hampshire Walks

Britannia Conservatories

ConSerVaTorieS 26

eleCTriCian EEC247

26

FenCing Colourfence

15

FinanCial SerViCeS London Road Wealth Management

PlumBing SerViCeS (including bathroom installation and gas and boiler services)

32

see also Property Maintenance Alford Plumbing & Heating

7

Aquatec Plumbing & Heating

23

Gair Gas

17

J & D Humphrey Ltd

10

NHP (Romsey) Ltd

20

TP Watts

28

PrinTer 9

garage doorS

Warwick Printing Company

35

ProPerTy mainTenanCe

Don’s Doors

40

Dell Developments

10

Fix Quick Garage Doors

28

Dream Doors

5

garage SerViCeS

…and how to send in your own community news.

9

d.@art Centre

Business Directory

Useful Numbers

14

Lockright

Children'S TuiTion

Restaurant Guide

15

20

Children’S aCTiViTieS

What’s On

Woodleigh Landscapes

Broadview

Play Away

Clubs & Societies

15 7/13/15

gaS SerViCeS See Plumbing

ChildCare

Your Community

13

House Worx

34

Autofinish

28

Mann & Sons Ltd

Clockhouse Auto

22

Re-Nu

34

Independent VW

25

Vision

26

21/23

Index continued opposite »»» 36

l Buy Local . . .

USEFUL NUMBERS Doctors & Hospitals NHS Direct 0845 4647 Botley Health Care Centre 01489 782008 Hampshire Dental Helpline 0845 0508345 Hedge End Med Centre 01489 786201 Princess Anne 023 8077 7222 Royal South Hants 023 8063 4288 Royal Winchester County 01962 863535 Southampton General 023 8077 7222 West End Surgery 023 8047 2126 Transport Solent Blue Line Buses Bluestar Buses National Rail Helpline Uni-Link First Bus

023 8061 023 8061 0845 748 023 8059 023 8022

8233 8233 4950 5974 4854

Schools Berrywood Primary 01489 780068 Bitterne Manor Park Primary 023 8022 7596 Bitterne Park 023 8032 5200 Botley CE 01489 782308 Cantell 023 8032 3111 Freegrounds 01489 782295 Kings Copse Primary 01489 785040 Shamblehurst Primary 01489 782342 St James CE 023 8090 0995 The Gregg School 023 8047 2133 Wellstead Primary 01489 799351 Wildern School 01489 783473

Library Hours Hedge End 0845 6035631 Mon, Tue & Fri, 9:30 - 5pm, Wed 9am - 5pm, Thu 9:30am - 7pm, Sat 9:30 - 1pm, Sun Closed

Local events

Puzzle Answers Towns and Villages 1.Michael Bolton (his birth name was Michael Bolotin), 2.Jam And Jerusalem, 3.Leicestershire, 4.Greendale (in the Postman Pat cartoons), 5.Hastings, 6.Crinkley Bottom, 7.Staines, 8.Borstals (named after the village of Borstal), 9.The Prisoner, 10. Wales (the village is Llanfair-pwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiligogogoch) Pictograms 1. Backseat driver, 2. Bags under the eyes, 3.

Dark horse Crossword Across: 7 Bolero, 8 Acetic, 9 Pyre, 10 Shanghai, 11 Ashtray, 13 Boron, 15 Yacht, 16 Kestrel, 18 Pheasant, 19 Rash, 21 Gazebo, 22 Anorak. Down: 1 Joey, 2 Seventh heaven, 3 Dog Star, 4 Kayak, 5 Reign of Terror, 6 Pinafore, 12 Slag heap, 14 Gentian, 17 Mason, 20 Scat.

Solar Panels Energy My Way

2

Solar Voltaics

16

Tree Surgery See Garden Tuition Kip McGrath

32

Upholstery Pont Furnishings

39

Veterinary Hedge End Veterinary Health Centre

35

Window Cleaning Clear Vision

23

Eastleigh Fun Fridays Looking for a fun day out this summer? Eastleigh Borough Council are running Fun Day Fridays for all children who visit Eastleigh Town Centre. Children’s rides will be available, free craft activities as well as a mobile farm with donkeys, goats and a pony and a bouncy castle and free face painting. The events will be held on Friday 2 August, Friday 9 August, Friday 16 August and Friday 23 August from 11am – 3pm. For more information or if you would like a stall please contact Theresa Ball at Eastleigh Borough Council on 023 8068 8045.

37

HUMOUR

What Makes Them Beautiful...?

I am ever so slightly obsessed with One Direction.

Not in a creepy way, you understand (in as un-creepy a way as it’s possible for a 32 year-old man to be unduly interested in a boy-band). I don’t actually listen to their music, or buy their merchandise, and I won’t be going out of my way to visit their waxworks at Madame Tussauds - but as a musical phenomenon, I find them completely fascinating.

I should probably put this in a wee bit of context. A few months ago I secured a new writing contract providing gossip updates for a One Direction fan club. When I applied for the job, I didn’t know it was 1D (if you’re hip you call them 1D), but when I eventually found out the identity of the act in question I didn’t see it as any reason to turn down the contract. One Direction are a band and I am a musician and music writer.

The fact that they happen to be aimed at teenage girls didn’t seem to me a valid reason to pass on a perfectly decent freelancing job.

And so now, every day, I tap 38

One Direction - why have one Justin Bieber when you could have five?

away on my computer about the world’s hottest boy-stars.

Which older woman does Harry Styles currently have his eye on?

I know the answer. Who do the bookies say is most likely to turn out to be ‘the gay one’? I know the answer. Which member of One Direction has the worst flatulence? I know the answer (it’s Niall, by the way).

I know all their surnames. I know which football teams they played for at school. I know that Harry Styles worked in the W Mandeville bakery in Holmes Chapel before going on X Factor. Indeed, I am fast approaching the point at which the Mastermind chair - special subject Harry, Niall, Liam, Louis and Zayn - is easily within my grasp.

And this has led me somewhere unexpected. I find myself experiencing just a teaser of what it must be like to be an adolescent caught in the grip of 1D fever. They play on my mind all the time. ‘Should I have joined a boy-band when I was 19?’ I find myself wondering, for the first time ever. How would I have fared at the X Factor boot camp? You must understand this is quite unusual for me, as

I’ve been a professional musician for ten years now and have always maintained that it’s about the music, not the fame (just as well in my case). I still think that… it’s just now there is also the teeniest part of me that would like to be in One Direction for a day.

So there you have it. I shunned boy-bands when I was a teenager because I wanted to be cool. I shunned boy-bands when I was in my twenties because, well, obviously I did. But now I am embracing them - or at least, this particular one - and I felt it was time for me to come out of the closet.

So, I love One Direction. Not in a creepy way (that warrants a second mention), but… well… just because they’re, like, SO SUPER AWESOME, and OHMYGODHARRYSTYLESHASTHEBESTHAIR etc.

Please don’t tell anyone.

Chris is a freelance writer and musician with internationally-renowned rock band The Lightyears. The Lightyears, voted the UK’s BEST POP/ROCK ACT at the Indy Awards, have played Wembley Stadium, toured across four continents and released a record with Sting’s producer. Chris has recently completed his first book, “Mockstars”, based on The Lightyears’ tour diaries. www.

MockstarsTheNovel.com.

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