Discover Southampton July/August 2013

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about us

Discover Live Local. Think Local. Buy Local.

Distribution - This Southampton edition of Discover is published every month as follows: in odd months (Jan, Mar, May etc) it is delivered to 7,500 homes in the west side of Southampton city within SO15 and SO16 and in even months (Feb, Apr, June etc) is delivered to 7,500 homes in the east side within SO16 and SO17. Selected homes for delivery are primarily privately owned, 3+ bedrooms with OSP and a garden. For full details of the 15,000 circulation visit www.discoveradvertising.co.uk 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 023 8026 6388 or email: melanie @discovermagazines.co.uk

Hello again Like many at this time of year, ours is a busy household, with a husband who travels as part of his job so we’re forever filling or emptying suitcases and two teenagers now old enough to Melanie Tinson look after themselves (when it suits them).

Working from home means I’m chief co-ordinator; who’s eating what and when and where they are going. These whirlwind of different agendas means spending quality time together is something that needs to be given more attention otherwise months go by when all you’ve done together is fold the laundry or watched tv in the do you use a smart phone? same room. I took my daughter to Brighton last To save our contact details weekend which I’d recommdirect to your smart phone, use end as it’s enough time in the I-nigma QR code reader App and scan for instant download. car to talk (permission to plug in to music on the way back!) and perfect for boutique shopping, lunch and beach. Walking the dog together is a good opportunity to catch up and it gets you out of the house.

The Hampshire Walk (p26) is a popular feature in the magazine (did you notice the design makeover and new features?) so why not go en famille and try it out? Throughout the magazine we feature local events in and around Southampton, some are free so if something interests you, set the date in your diary, book your daughter or son or partner in and as my father always says “make it happen”.

The driving force behind the magazine redesign was better focus on our advertisers who financially make this free magazine to our readers possible.

They rely on local people buying locally so we want to support them with our ethos of Live Local. Think Local. Buy Local.

Every month we feature the person behind a local business in Upfront & Personal which this month is Andrew Gair of Gair Gas (p7). And finally, if you contact an advertiser please remember to tell them you found them in Discover.

And if all that wasn’t enough, we’ve put all the local information on local clubs, societies and local events on our new Discover website for residents www.discovercommunity.co.uk

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

editorial enquiries

next 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 Advertisment copy deadline: 23 August Distributed: 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 melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk

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

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contents

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upfront & personal

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a short story

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gardening

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live local

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hampshire Walk series

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ngs open gardens

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health

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technology

38

Kids’ puzzle page

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your home

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life list

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advertisers index

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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.

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live local

Striding out with Friends Unlimited A Support Group for Diabetics All friends together

Friends Unlimited is Southampton’s Premier Dance and Social Group. Running for over 12 years, it has evolved into an active group for singles and couples, the mature side of 40, wanting to make new social contacts. In addition to regular dances, they also arrange walks, lunches, ten pin bowling, curry nights and a lot more. Their next event is lunch at Annie’s Kitchen Restaurant in Kimbridge on Sun 4th August.

023 8027 4120 or visit www.friends-unlimited.org. uk for other August events.

The Diabetes UK Southampton Group welcomes diabetics of all ages, and friends and family members. They meet every 6-8 weeks for talks by medical experts and the opportunity to meet fellow diabetics. There is no charge except for a small tea/coffee contribution. The next session, ‘Diabetes, a Consultant’s View’ is on Monday 2nd September at Christ the King Catholic Church Hall, Commercial Street, SO18 6AP from 7–9pm with Dr Mayank Patel. For details ring 023 8040 4881.

Sketch Group Join Hampshire Sketch Group for a regular get together to sketch, draw or paint around Hampshire.

It doesn't matter what level of experience you have, even if you've never drawn, painted or sketched before - all are welcome! Details on www.discover community.co.uk

Southampton Old Cemetery

NaFoF Newbie Night Take a Walk on the Wild Side NaFoF stands for National Federation of Friends but despite its rather grand sounding name NaFoF is a great way to meet new people, make long term friends and make the most of life by taking part in the many activities on its calendar including quizzes, cinema nights, parties, mini holidays, sporting events and yes, pubbing and Clubbing.

Members are in their 30s and 40s and you can go along for 4 weeks before joining. Non members are welcome at their next welcome evening on Thursday 15 August from 8pm at Santo Lounge, 429 Shirley Road, SO15. For the weblink to their site go to www.discovercommunity.co.uk 8

Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery are hosting a series of regular walks this summer. Wildflower & Butterflies on the 1st Sunday of the month at 2pm and Hertigage Walks on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 11am. FoSoC aims to uphold the original purpose of the cemetery which is to be a place of reflection and remembrance of the people buried there and to support the ecological aims of the adjoining Southampton Common (a Site of Special Scientific Interest), and to treat it with the same care. Walks start from Main Gate on Cemetery Road.

Tel: 07538 888 655 Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm please.

Photography ’PhotoWalk’ in Southampton A ‘Photowalk’ is a leisurely excursion with a camera looking at interesting buildings and streetscape.

Come along to “Capturing British Heritage & History” on Sunday 25th August, from 11am – 2pm.

Beginners are welcome and all types of cameras are suitable. The day will be lead by an expert tutor with a passion for heritage and over 30 years of experience in professional photography and education. £14pp. To book call 07970 034 498.

What do you know?

If you have an event or group with something to shout about why not get coverage in our next issue. Email: lauren@discovermagazines.co.uk.

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.

Stampeed!!

Wedding Fair Extravaganza If you’re a Bride to Be, you will know that it’s never too soon to start planning your big day. Weddings fairs can be enormously useful in providing you with a wide choice of products and services, often with discounts on the day. The free entry Wedding Fair Extravaganza at the Ageas Bowl Stadium in West End, Southampton is on Sunday 25th August, from 11am – 4pm. With 60/70 different exhibitors, there are fashion shows at 12 and 2pm, plus a free goody bag and wedding planner for all brides.

Alresford Show – A Great Day Out The Alresford Agricultural Show would like to invite you to its 105th event. Taking place on 7th September in the beautiful surroundings of Tichborne Park, Hampshire, you will have the chance to see all aspects of real rural life in Hampshire. Vintage tractors and combine harvesters will be on show, with newer ones for sale and 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 and 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.

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Go Sky Ride!

live local

On Yer Bike!

Sky Ride is back and will take place in Southampton on Sunday 28 July. This is a free, family mass participation cycling event taking place across the city on a traffic free route between 11am-3pm.

The event offers people of all ages and abilities, the chance to dust off their bikes and enjoy the sights and sounds of Southampton on a traffic free tour of the city and its great landmarks. Last year the Sky Ride Southampton event saw more than 14,000 cycling fans flood the streets.

This is a FREE event organised by Southampton City Council in partnership with Sky, British Cycling, My Journey and Southampton Solent University. There will be loads of activities lined up for you on the day along the route, so you can cycle some of the way, take a break, enjoy the entertainment and then get riding again! Register at www.goskyride.com

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HEALTH

oils to a bite and sting lotion or cream: Burdock, Plaintain, Echinacea, Feverfew, Nettle, Yellow Doc and St John’s Wort.

Some oils can be used as a preventative by putting them in a lotion or water spray and applying to the skin. For example, Lavender, Rosemary, Tea Tree or Citronella.

Feeling the itch?

With the British summer finally here it’s not just us embracing the warmer weather - as we peel our winter layers off and take our arms and legs out of hibernation, summer bugs will also make their untimely appearance, Julia Faukles explains.

Over the past couple of years wet and warm summers have resulted in an explosion in mosquito and flea populations, which can only mean one thing – bites and more bites.

You’d like to think you would take it as a compliment that insects think you’re tasty enough to feast on, but it’s not much fun when you’re left with burning, red, swollen and itchy marks - not to mention the pain from stinging nettles after balmy walks in the countryside and picnics in the park.

On-the-spot treatments There are some simple ways you can help relieve any discomfort if you’ve been bitten or stung: wash the area with soap and water, use a cold compress or an ice pack (a bag 12

of frozen peas will do the trick) and try not to scratch to prevent infection.

You can also use a spray or cream that contains local anaesthetic, antihistamine or mild hydrocortisone to prevent itching and swelling, or take an antihistamine tablet (check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or worried about drowsiness or allergies to medication).

Alternative remedies • For stinging nettle rashes rub the affected area with dock leaves for some instant relief – they are normally found growing near nettles.

• Homeopathy is often used to treat bites and stings. For example, Apis and Ledum can help reducing swelling and relieve aching pains.

• Essential oils such as Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Oil (dabbed on neat) can be a useful addition to your first aid kit and provide on-the-spot relief as well as helping reduce the risk of infection. You can also add any of the following

Always seek medical advice if you have wheezing, difficulty breathing or swallowing, excess swelling around the bite or sting, or flu-like symptoms that appear to become worse rather than better.

If you’ve previously had a severe reaction you will normally be offered an adrenaline pen or be referred to an allergy clinic for further investigations.

Preventing stings and bites How can you prevent yourself from being stung in the first place?

• Use an insect repellent at times when you’re more likely to be stung and try and keep your skin covered.

• Keep an eye on your drinks to make sure that wasps or bees haven’t sneaked inside for a cheeky sip– they particularly like sweet drinks.

• Try not to panic when you see an insect that may sting – if you wave your arms around you are far more likely to be stung. Stand up slowly, walk away and it will usually buzz off.

• Use mosquito nets if you’re camping outdoors or put thin netting or door beads over doors to prevent insects from coming inside.

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live local

Bushcraft and Seashore Kids should head for Royal Victoria Country Park this summer for a whole host of fun, family activities

Royal Victoria Country Park

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.

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

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

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

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

Everyday Life in the Hospital - 8th Aug, 10am 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.

Please contact 023 8045 5157 for more information on these events.

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YOUR HOME

Finding the perfect builder Mr Perfect?

If you’re considering home renovation, extension or even a self-build, Kate McLelland offers some wise words here, that might just save your costs from going through the roof

As I write, I am currently four and a half weeks into a ‘three week’ kitchen renovation project. A thin layer of dust covers everything I own and there is a dent in my new fridge. The workmen have lost their initial enthusiasm and are grumbling about the job, their boss and their working hours. The kitchen unit supplier and the builder are at loggerheads and the constant roar of power tools has begun to drive me crazy (not to mention an unending diet of microwavable meals).

Does the perfect builder exist?

If you have ever had building work carried out you might well shrug and say: “Nothing new there”, but in my case I thought – no, I really believed - I had found the Perfect Builder.

So, does the perfect builder exist and if so, how can you find this almost mythical creature?

Your search will be easier if you follow some basic guidelines.

The internet is currently awash with websites bearing such names as www.mytrusted builder.co.uk, but it’s best to take some of their customer comments with a pinch of salt. Unfortunately no review system is foolproof and it’s not impossible to fake feedback.

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Recommendation There’s no substitute for personal recommendation, so the first rule is to ask locally to see which tradesmen your neighbours would recommend (or not).

Looking here in your magazine is a great place to search of course, because the tradespeople are local and the editor is likely to have been forewarned of any true rogues. Look for their accreditation on their adverts e.g. TrustMark (www.trustmark.org.uk) is a not for profit organisation, licensed by the Government and supported by consumer protection groups, that aims to connect members of the public with trustworthy building professionals. Additionally, Hampshire’s Buy with Confidence Scheme is worth looking out for.

All the businesses on their scheme have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards to ensure that they operate in a legal, honest and fair way.

Watch out for those too-good-to-betrue reviews and compare quotes carefully when recruiting or checking your builder online.

Although the feedback is useful to read, membership of some of these organisations involves the barest minimum of checks and it can be fairly easy for a company to fake their credentials.

Once you have identified three or four companies to call, the next

stage will be to invite them to your house so they can quote for the work. Take a deep breath before you open the door to your chosen candidates, because you will almost certainly meet some colourful characters, each with a different approach to your job.

Do your home-work It’s useful to start with a list of the things that you want done, so make several copies and give one to each builder. That list will probably change as you discuss the work, but it’s still a good place to start.

Ask the builder to quote separately for each item on your list. If you accept a quote for a global amount - “To renovate and fit bathroom, £12,000+VAT” - he may come back to you later, claiming that certain items were not included in the original quote. With no written evidence to the contrary, you’ll have no basis for negotiation.

When I invited quotes for my

kitchen, one builder refused point blank to price up the job because “You never know what’s lurking behind them old kitchen units and tiles”.

I didn’t give him the job, but he had a fair point – an estimate can only be based on what is visible to the naked eye. You must always allow a contingency for hidden expenses, but no building firm should expect to start work without having provided at least some idea of their charges.

You should ask the same questions of each person who comes to quote: “How long will it take?”

“Do you have your own team of tradesmen, or do you subcontract?”

“Will you provide a contract for the work?” “Have you done any similar jobs locally and can I contact the householder for a reference?”

If your builder makes you feel that such questions are inappropriate or unnecessary, show them the door: a

reputable company should be happy to provide evidence of their work. Be aware that a few manipulative individuals may try to strike up a rapport with you, knowing that they’re more likely to pass off sub-standard work if they win your trust. The best builderclient relationships remain on a businesslike footing, so keep your eyes open and don’t be taken in by a charm offensive.

The tips described above may make choosing a builder seem straightforward, but in practice I’ve found it’s not that easy. I chose someone who arrived on time, made careful notes, gave positive answers to all my questions and provided an itemised estimate but even the best builder can’t avoid the inevitable disruption and mess. “Trust me, it’ll be worth it,” he persistently reminds me as I watch the project progress. Oh, the power of positive thinking!

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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 22

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”.

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live local

A Summer of Hampshire Festivals & Fairs Full details of each event are on our website at www.discovercommunity.co.uk JULY 1-31 5-7 5-14 5-7 6-7 7 12 12-14 13 13-14 13 17-21 20 20 20-21 21 26-28 28 30-1 Aug AUGUST 1-4 3-10 4 8-11 9-10 11 11 23-25 24-26 31 SEPTEMBER 1 1 13-22 14 14 24

Hampshire Food Festival until 31 July Blissfields Music Festival, Winchester Winchester Festival Winchester Hat Fair Southampton Thai Festival, Hoglands Park Alton & North East Hampshire Agricultural Show Goodwood Festival of Speed, Chichester Waterside Arts Festival, Hythe Beggars Fair, Romsey South Downs Wood Fair, Waterlooville Southampton Mela Festival, Hoglands Park Community Fair, Hoglands Park Curdridge Country Show Fordingbridge Summer Festival Staunton Festival Bishops Waltham Food Festival Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show Winchester Food and Produce Show The New Forest and Hampshire County Show, Brockenhurst Wickham Festival Cowes Week, Isle of Wight Summer Craft Fair, Cosham Boomtoom Music Festival, Winchester Umbrella Festival, Portsmouth Winchester Cyclefest: Winchester Criterium & Family Cycle Day Thai Festival, Portsmouth Carfest, Basingstoke Petersfield Summer Festival Family Summer's End Picnic with Fireworks, Romsey New Forest Folk Festival, Romsey Romsey Food Festival PSP Southampton Boat Show Southsea Fest 2013 The Romsey Show

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Walk from Marwell around Owslebury

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.

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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 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 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

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.

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).

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.

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 enlarged map is available online at www.discovercommunity.co.uk

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TECHNOLOGY

High tech holidays Some of the most useful travel gadgets are the simplest. The TanSafe is a great example: 1 it looks like a standard bottle of sun cream, but it's a secret safe that's big enough for your cash, cards, keys and even your mobile phone (but not a phone case).

It's even watertight, 2 so it can protect your phone from the odd splash. At £7.99 it's cheap too.

Some of our favourite technology solves problems we thought were with us forever such as creased shirts. For £34.99, the Shirt Shuttle1 MK2 is a hanger that you wrap your freshly ironed shirt or blouse around, folding it and clipping it shut to protect your shirt from creasing. How attractive it is depends on how much you hate ironing: a travel iron will set you back around £10, while a portable garment steamer such as Rowenta's DR5050 promises to unwrinkle anything for £30.

If you're travelling with children, there's no shortage of technology that can keep them amused on even the longest trip. Apple's iPad 28

Mini2 is ideal, providing all the fun of an iPad without the weight or price, but it's still quite expensive at £269; an iPod touch does much the same thing in a 3 smaller case for half the price, or a quarter of the price if you're buying used.

If you prefer Android tablets Google's Nexus is a good buy at £159. All of these devices can run apps, and you can copy video from your computer or buy or rent videos from wherever you can find an internet connection. We'd advise against 3G devices that connect to the mobile phone network: there are often very high charges for data roaming.

The problem with many travel-related gadgets is that they can be very large and very heavy - and that's terrible if you're trying to keep everything in a single suitcase that doesn't exceed the airline's weight limit.

For example, a wireless speaker such as the Supertooth Disco weighs a massive 1.1kg, and it's a hefty size too. When it comes to travel speakers, small can be beautiful: the £18 X-Mini II Capsule speaker3 weighs just 82g but it punches way above its weight. It doesn't sound as good as a top-end speaker system but it's a vast improvement on any

smartphone's speakers. If size really does matter, you can even cut the size of your plugs - but beware, because it can be pricey. The Mu Folding Plug4 is a 3-pin plug with a USB socket on the other side, and it folds down to a titchy 1.4cm but at around £25 for one, it's considerably more expensive than standard plugs.

Now that we're travelling with lots of gadgets, powering and/or recharging them can be a problem: it's not unusual to have a camera, an e-reader, a smartphone and a music player competing for the same plug socket as the TV or hairdryer.

Rather than packing multiple chargers or 4-way extension leads, it might be a better idea to invest in a 4-port worldwide travel charger, which comes with 4 USB ports in the top and a collection of interchangeable plugs that work almost anywhere in the world, all for around £10. Such chargers aren't powerful enough for iPads, which draw massive amounts of power, but 4 they're fine for smartphones, cameras and other popular bits of kit.

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life list

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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.”

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YOUR GARDEN

Home grown herbs There’s a really reliable, easy, low-cost and loweffort way to add some zing to your meals; home-grown herbs. Many herbs are simple to raise from seed and if you start sowing now you should be able to have a plentiful supply of fresh, tasty herbs to add to salads, sandwiches, stews and stir-fries for months to come. All you need is a sunny window sill or balcony, or a well-drained, sunny spot in your garden, so why not sow a few pots and brighten up your cooking?

You can almost smell them?

First, find some good quality multi-purpose compost, your chosen herb seeds and some pots. Good-quality compost is well worth the little bit extra you need to pay. The style of pot is up to you – you may want to choose a classic Mediterranean feel with terracotta, or a stylish modern look, or perhaps a good-looking plastic planter for longevity and light-weight characteristics that make it better for a balcony and easier to move about too.

Whatever style you choose, bear in mind that plenty of drainage is essential, and that the smaller herbs do not need a deep root run, so there is no need for a very tall planter or pot. It is best to grow each type of herb in its own individual pot, so buy a selection of pots with a minimum diameter of 8cm.

Once you have your pot to hand, put a broken flower pot or other drainage material in the base and then fill with good quality compost to within 1cm of the rim of the pot and firm it down, not too aggressively, but enough to ensure that there’s no subsidence later on. With large seeds such as coriander, position the seeds

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Top herbs that grow well from seed A visit to your favourite local garden centre or a peruse of the seed catalogues is bound to fill you with inspiration as there are a lot of herbs which do very well in pots when sown from seed. Some of my favourites include Italian or Genovese basil, lemon basil, chervil, Coriander ‘Cilantro’ for leaves, flat-leaved parsley, Ainse, Thai basil, chervil, chives, fennel, garlic chives.

evenly on the compost surface.

Sprinkle smaller seed thinly. The seeds need to be covered with compost so use your finger or a dibber (an old ballpoint pen or pencil will do) to gently press the seed in to the very surface of the compost and then drizzle more compost on top to the depth stated on the packet of seed.

Water the compost thoroughly either carefully from above using a watering can with rose attached, or by standing the pot in a saucer of water for a few minutes until the compost surface is just moist. The advantage of watering from below is that you are less likely to disturb the seeds.

The seeds generally germinate quite quickly and often within just a week or two you’ll have lots of tiny herbs like this coriander.

For shorter-lived herbs, such as coriander and basil its worth sowing in succession. All this means is that you need to use a small pot full of seed every few weeks, rather than sowing the whole packet in one go. This will give you a near constant supply of herbs and if you look at the number of seeds per packet you will soon see what amazing value they are.

Once the herbs are up and growing strongly you can start to harvest them. Use sharp scissors or a sharp knife to cut off what you need; this way you’ll minimise damage to the growing plants and so help to keep them cropping for longer. As long as

you keep the pots adequately watered, ideally by watering from the base, they should last for several weeks or months but make sure that the compost is not too wet or else your herb pots won’t last long. These plants are mostly of Mediterranean origin and hate wet feet. If at any stage you find that you’re not eating them fast enough and have an excess of herby foliage, store some for later use. Ice cubes give you a really great fresh-herb taste off-season. Just half fill the sections in an ice-cube tray with water. Add chopped fresh herbs to each section and top up with water. Label the tray as chopped herbs in ice can be difficult to identify. The attractive herb-filled ice cubes can then be popped whole in to stews and casseroles as and when you need them.

Pippa Greenwood

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and sign up for Pippa’s free newsletter packed full of gardening hints, happenings, advice and offers and you will also receive a free ebook on organic gardening.

Don’t forget that you can buy Nemaslug and other biological controls, anti-slug matting and tape, Enviromesh and signed books, vegetable packs and a hand-picked selection of garden products from the website too.

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National Garden Scheme Willows

TERSTAN Sun 14 July, Sat 17 Aug (2-6) Longstock, Stockbridge, SO20 6DW A country garden for the C21.

Unusual plants, an ever-changing display of half-hardy specimens in pots, and an artist's eye for colour.

Secluded and peaceful, with views to the River Test and the Hampshire Downs. Explore contrasting areas, linked by vistas, with a theme of circles and ovals. Alexander & Penny Burnfield, penny.burnfield@andover.co.uk. pennyburnfield.wordpress.com PILLEY HILL 20, 21 July; 31 Aug; 1 Sept (2-5) Pilley, Lymington, SO41 5QF Naturalistic, wildlife-friendly garden of surprises around every corner.

Enter through the rose-covered lychgate, to a spectacle of colour. Wild flowers rub shoulders with perennials among quaint objects and oak structures. Meander through the old orchard through willow walks and oak

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archways, on to the shady pond garden. Take tea on the front lawn surrounded by herbaceous borders .

Raffle and a children's quiz. www.pilleyhillcottage.com WILLOWS Sat 27, Sun 28 July, Sat 10, Sun 11, Sun 25, Mon 26 Aug (2-5) Pilley Hill, Boldre, nr Lymington, SO41 5QF A boat containing a golden Indian Bean Tree stands at the entrance to this country garden with a tropical twist. Pond, bog garden, fernery and deep borders brimming with latesummer colour plus towering bamboos at the front. Droughttolerant plants and clever watersaving techniques at the back.

Tranquil courtyards to enjoy creamteas HIDEAWAY Suns 28 July; 4 Aug (2-5.30) Hamdown Crescent, East Wellow, Romsey, SO51 6BJ A treasure trove of exciting plants with mid-summer interest.

Different habitats within ½ acre - some dazzling areas, some more gentle: grass gardens, ferns, perennials, cutting garden of annuals, woodland area, pond, fountains, vegetable areas, fruit cage, variety of pots. Developed in 5 yrs from a basic framework by current owners. A peaceful Hideaway garden.

THE ISLAND Sat 3, Sun 4 Aug (2-5.30) Greatbridge, Romsey, SO51 0HP 6 acres either side of the R Test. Main garden has herbaceous and annual borders, fruit trees, rose THE SECRET GARDEN NATURE RESERVE Sun 4 Aug (12-6.30) High Street, Bursledon, 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 21 CHESTNUT ROAD Sat 10 Aug (11-5); Sun 11 Aug (1-5) Brockenhurst, SO42 7RF A plant lover's dream, where colour, form and scent dictate. Many ideas for wet and dry, sun or shady areas.

Naturalistic and formal planting, with wildlife areas and a pond. Here sits a summerhouse, where home-made teas may be enjoyed. New for 2013, the 'Shy Maiden' border Photo and Painting Exhibition in summerhouse.

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 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. David Green 01489 892653. tricia1960@btinternet.com 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 and wilder walkways through wooded areas. Children can use the playground.

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

Moore Blatch

AVIEMORE 4 Aug (2-5) Chinham Road, Bartley, Southampton, SO40 2LF Richly planted, small garden in north New Forest. Our aim is to please the plant connoisseur and introduce enthusiasts to new plants and ideas for smaller plots. Every plant must play its part within a seasonal symphony of shrubs, climbers, perennials and grasses. Oak bridges criss-cross a small stream. Old alpine troughs and quirky artefacts add texture, structure and colour to this 'all year garden'.

MOORE BLATCH Sat 17 Aug (10.30-4.30); Sun 18 Aug (2-5) 48 High Street, Lymington, SO41 9ZQ Situated behind this elegant Georgian town house lies a surprising S-facing walled garden of 1 acre. From the raised terrace, enjoy the long vista across the croquet lawn to mature gardens beyond and then over to the Isle of Wight. Amusing and varied topiary among established, herbaceous borders. Lymington Saturday Market and lively waterfront at bottom of High Street.

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SpOt the Difference

There are 10 dierences between the two images below. How many can you spot?

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All the fun of the farm

live local

Summer Fun at 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): The Last Straw - 4th Aug, 10am A day of straw crafts including corn dollies and Skep making (bee homes!)organised by the Fareham & District Bee Keepers Association. Normal farm admission.

Bats in the Belfry - 10th Aug, 7.45pm 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/£ Fresh Produce and Craft Sale 12th Aug-16th Sep, 10am Bushcraft - 6th Aug, 10am and 2pm Brush up on your survival skills by coming along to the Bushcraft activities, meeting at Acorns. B/£.

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Local and Useful Numbers TRANSPORT

Solent Blue Line Buses Bluestar Buses

023 8061 8233

Hospital Taxi

0845 602 4135

National Rail Helpline

0845 748 4950

Uni-Link

023 8059 5974

First Bus

0238 0224 854

023 8061 8233

MEDICAL SERVICES

NHS Direct NHS Blood Service Forest Gate Surgery

0845 4647 0845 7711711 023 8066 3839 0845 0508345

Hampshire Dental Helpline 023 8077 7222 Southampton General 01962 863535 Royal Winchester County Royal South Hants

023 8063 4288

Princess Anne

023 8077 7222

LOCAL COUNCILS

Eastleigh Council Botley Parish Council

023 8068 8000 01489 787181 01489 780440

Hedge End Parish Council West End Parish Council

023 8046 2371

Southampton City Hampshire County

023 8022 3855 01962 841841

CIVIL SERVICES Household Waste, SCC

0800 5191919

Hants Constabulary Southampton Planning

023 803 2603

Trading Standards

01962 833620

DVLA

0870 2400009

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SCHOOLS JUNIOR & PRIMARY SCHOOLS 023 8090 0995 St James CE 023 8067 6262 PS Bassett Green 023 8055 5793 Highfield C of E PS 8055 6982 023 St Denys PS 8055 5095 023 Portswood PS 023 8055 2252 Swaythling PS 023 8022 7596 Bitterne Manor Park PS 01489 782308 Botley CE

Berrywood PS Shamblehurst PS Wellstead PS Kings Copse PS Freegrounds SECONDARY SCHOOLS

01489 780068 01489 782342 01489 799351 01489 785040 01489 782295

8200 St Anns Catholic School 023 8032 5333 Upper Shirley High School 023 8032 2603 8032 023 ge Colle lic Catho e St Georg 3111 8032 023 Cantell 01489 783473 Wildern School 8047 2133 023 The Gregg School 8032 5200 023 Bitterne Park 023 8070 4561 King Edward VI EMERGENCY NUMBERS 0800 111999 Gas Emergencies 278 0845 0845 s Wale ern Wales : South 4000 8064 023 ue Resc Hampshire Fire & 4 4050 0800 e British Transport Polic 1111 0800 Childline 0800 555111 Crimestoppers 08457 909090 Samaritans 0845 7708090 Electric Power Cuts

Floodline RSPCA

0845 988 1188 0870 5555999

Domestic Violence

0800 169 1981

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21

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29

BUILDING SERVICES Brian Loades Builders

42

CHILD CARE Play Away Day Nursery

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CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES 5

Wessex Swim School

6

COMPUTER REPAIR & SALES

Warwick Printing 33

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

14

The Flat Pack People

45

Home Computer Help RSJ Computing Services

10

20

Vision Property Management

19

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42

Quite Contrary Handyman Services

24

LANDSCAPING inc FENCING, PAVING

THERAPY

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Marcus Gee Talking Therapies

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Sydenhams

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33

LOCKSMITH 32

MOTORING Belbins Garage

Helen McGuiness Health & Beauty

42

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Ralph Neale Opticians

25

11

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Arbour-Call

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Donna Nile Peck

13 3

WINDOWS & DOORS Britannia Windows

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30

South Coast Installations

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40

PET CARE

EEC 247

32

Dog Grooming Salon

14

WINDOW REPAIRS

Unicorn Vets

14

Hampshire Window Surgeon

Chesterton Humbers

48

FINANCIAL SERVICES London Road Wealth Management Ltd

44

6

37

Pont Furnishings

Ampfield Electrical ESTATE AGENTS & NEW HOMES

15

UPHOLSTERY & SOFT FURNISHINGS

21

Oven Wizards

TRAINING TREE SURGEONS

Hampson Opticians

ELECTRICIANS

41

The Chandlers Ford Handyman

Dream Doors

OPTICIANS

For-Matt

23

House Worx Handyman & Property Services 41

KITCHENS

LockRight Security

Marwell Outdoor Activity Centre

6 21

TP Watts

37

Aqua Bathrooms

7 30 27

33

New Forest Garden Machinery

24

Hampshire Plumbing & Property Services

40

NHP (Romsey) LTD

Mac’s Gardening Services GARDEN MACHINERY

Forest Fitted Bedrooms

41

Ed’s Garden Maintenance

BATHROOMS

BEDROOMS

Gair Gas Ltd GE Harding & Sons Ltd

GARAGE DOORS

AERIALS, TV SERVICES

Andrew Johns

G James Plumbing Services 16

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

23

WOMEN’S FITNESS

Aquatec

25

First Call Heating Ltd

47

Curves

11

Buy Local . . .

Marwell Activity Centre Marwell Activity Centre is one of the south’s leading outdoor and indoor activity centres with 25 years experience in outdoor pursuits. Offering a wide range of year round activities for children and adults, our highly experienced, qualified team deliver activities and events of your choice in a challenging but safe environment.

Why not bring the family this summer and enjoy the great outdoors camping in one of our Sahara Tents and take part in some our exciting outdoor activities! Family activity breaks are available from Friday to Sunday throughout the school holidays.

The price includes a full English Breakfast both mornings and 3 Activities from any of the following: • • • • • • Splashing about on the river

Canoeing Aerial Adventure Climbing Archery Giant Swing Quad Biking

See our advert on page 5 for more details.

Unicorn Vets It’s difficult to spot early signs of ageing in your pet, particularly when you see them every day. You may not realise your pet is Wellness Screening ‘geriatric’ but, just like us, they are living longer due to advances in veterinary care and nutrition. Blood and urine testing can tell us if anything is wrong. Caught early, we may be able to slow down, or even temporarily halt, the progression of certain ageing processes. Unicorn Vets are currently offering ‘Wellness Screening’ for half price including an extended appointment for a full examination, blood and urine screening. See their advert on page 14.

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Puzzle Page PICTOGRAMS Across 1 5 8 9 10 12 13 15 17 19 20 22 23

French castle (7) competed (5) Very alike (9) Poem (3) consumed (5) reects (7) Friendships (13) Immediate (7) In front (5) A pronoun (3) Emergency vehicle (9) concede (5) captivate (7)

down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 13 14 16 18 21

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Illegal act (5) Beer (3) died out (7) Embarrassed (13) Person in power (5) Large reptile (9) Frocks (7) MagniďŹ es distant objects (9) Form of travel (7) Bright red (7) Prize (5) reside (5) And not (3)

S UDOKU

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9, with no repetition.

quick crossword

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