Discover Southampton West December 2013

SO40 Edition inc Totton l Ashurst l Cadnam

December 2013

DIRECTORIES What’s on at the Panto p8 Video Tips p14 Christmas postal dates p22 Short story p26 Puzzles p27 Recipe p30 What’s On p24 Advertisers Index p28

Win a Family Ticket to The Nutcracker see page 11

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

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Happy as a pig in acorns If, like me, you live in an area with oak trees you must have noticed the abundance of acorns this year. It’s like walking on marbles, there’s so many. A piece on BBC’s Countryfile prompted me to found out more.

2012 was the second wettest winter on record which we didn’t

appreciate but the trees did apparently. Furthermore 2013 is the oak’s ‘mast’ year whereby to ensure their species survival, they produce an abundant harvest every six or seven years. It’s also a mast year for beech and sweet chestnut too, so Mother Nature is seizing the window of opportunity in a big way this year. As a result, to avoid the cattle and ponies gorging - and poisoning - themselves, five hundred pigs were put out to pannage in the New Forest, double last year’s number. So happy pigs, healthy cattle and pigs and enough conkers for all.

Still on the subject of trees, it’s been a blustery month with fallen trees and debris on the ground.

Great news for tree surgeons and fencing companies (you’ll find

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Discover Magazines Distribution - This edition of Discover is published every month and delivered

by Royal Mail to two alternating areas.

In odd months (Jan, Mar, May etc) it goes to every letterbox in SO40 postcode sectors 2, 3 & 6. In the even months it goes to SO40 postcode sectors 1,4 & 5. Total distribution is 14,250 every two months.

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both advertising) but a word of warning to dog owners. It’s tempting to pick up all these sticks and throw them for an eager dog, but please don’t. I learnt the hard way when my dog impaled himself on a thin and sharp stick which I’d tossed into the bushes. After removing an 8 inch stick from his throat, specialist surgery and the seriously hefty bill (I was insured, phew), he survived.

It’s rubber sticks and balls only from now on.

Ending on a more festive note, holly bushes particularly flush with ripe, red (and poisonous!) berries is another sign of a previous wet winter rather than that of a freezing winter ahead; there’s no truth in the old wives tale.

Melanie

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

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

The next issue - diary dates Editorial copy deadline: 14 December Advertisement copy deadline: 17 December Distributed: w/c 6 January

Melanie Tinson

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Promise of a Brighter Christmas Season

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I have just committed my entire District Council Grant budget (£600) to the very good people organising the Christmas Lights for this year.

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All the signs are that things are going to be a bit special. There are some details to be fixed but the big main event will be a Lantern Parade that will take place on Sunday, December 1st, starting around 5pm. Gathering afterwards in the town centre, in front of the civic building for a big switch on ceremony, with mince pies, coffee, carols and hopefully a brass band.

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I understand that a local coffee outlet has offered free drinks for children.

I have been supporting fellow Councillor, Neville Penman, who has been working particularly hard on organising things, along with a few other people who are volunteering time and effort to make this coming festive season really special.

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There will also be a special Xmas party, for children, Sunday 15th December, 3.30pm – 6.30pm, being held at the Totton Community Centre. Limited places available. Bookings are made by visiting the community centre from 1st November.

Details can be found on my Facebook Page “Councillor David Harrison”

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“ It’s Behind You!” December and January are wonderful times to take children to the theatre with a host of pantomines to choose from and other Christmas themed performances. But tickets go quickly so to avoid disappointment get booked up early.

Here’s a choice of what’s on over Christmas so don’t say we didn’t give you plenty of chance to book the best seats!

Robinson Crusoe

14 Dec 2013 to 12 Jan 2014 The Mayflower, Southampton Box Office: 023 8071 1811 Starring Brian Conley as Robinson Crusoe and Lesley Joseph as The Enchantress of the Ocean.

Sleeping Beauty

Aladdin

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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

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11 Dec 2013 to 5 Jan 2014 Theatre Royal, Winchester Box Office: 01962 840 440 Can the Seven Dwarfs help Snow White, or will they come up short? Will the Wicked Queen prove to be rotten to the core when it comes to the crunch?

And will the castle cook, Dame Dolly Dollop, and her silly son Muddles have the recipe for success or are they just cooking

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7 Dec 2013 to 5 Jan 2014 The Pavilion, Bournemouth Box Office: 0844 576 3000 Winner of the ‘Sexiest Male’ soap star award for the past four years, Scott Maslen, better known as Jack Branning in Eastenders, is stepping out of the square and onto the Pavilion stage as the evil (but sexy) Abanazar. Scott is of course also very well known as DS Phil Hunter from The Bill, and for his long run on Strictly Come Dancing.

Joining is Bobby Crush will be bringing over 40 years’ worth of musical, acting and television presenting experience and playing the part of the much loved Widow Twankey.

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9 Dec 2013 to 5 Jan 2014 Kings Theatre, Southsea Box Office: 023 9282 8282 Danniella Westbrook, best known as Samantha Mitchell in Eastenders will play Fairy Sparkle.

She also appeared in ITV’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2003

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and Dancing on Ice in 2010. Christopher Maloney 2012 X-factor finalist, will sweep Sleeping Beauty off her feet as the Prince.

Returning to the Kings is Lynne McGranger, Australian Home and Away soap star to play the villain everyone loves to hate, wicked fairy godmother ‘Carabosse’. Tony Adams who played Adam Chance in Crossroads and Dr. Neville Bywaters in General Hospital is also returning and will join us as King Egbert the Oval.

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up trouble? Music, jokes and loads of audience participation make Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs a Christmas treat for all the family. Don’t miss this short tale that’s BIG on adventure.

Dick Whittington and His Cat

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4 Dec 2013 to 11 Jan 2014 Playhouse, Salisbury Box Office: 01722 320333 Dick Whittington and His Cat is packed with catchy songs, colourful sets and costumes, plenty of audience participation and loads of laughs. It’s the perfect family entertainment this Christmas.

The cast includes Kieran Buckeridge as Mrs Whittington, who had audiences in sticthes as Nurse Nanny in Sleeping Beauty last year.

The Nutcracker

5 Dec 2013 to 12 Jan 2014 The Nuffield, Southampton Box Office: 023 8067 1771 No children’s season would be complete without a classic family Christmas show and this year is no disappointment: Based on the original tale by E.T.A Hoffman, this family play is a feast of colour, song and fantasy. Without a sugar plum fairy in sight, this darkly magical story is the ultimate Christmas show!

Aladdin

12 Dec 2013 to 5 Jan 2014 The Anvil, Basingstoke Box Office: 01256 844244 Starring Colin Baker (Doctor Who, I'm a Celebrity) as Abanazer, Derek Moran (Channel 5's Milkshake) as Wishee Washee and Ian Good as Widow Twankey.

Robin Hood

8 Jan to 24 Jan 2014 Plaza, Romsey For tickets see: www.plazatheatre.com Their annual traditional family pantomime - directed by its (published) author!

Editors note: Tickets not on sale at time of going to print.

Pinocchio

12 Dec to 24 Dec 2013 Berry Theatre, Hedge End Box Office: 01489 799499 Adapted

by Toby Huls.

A new adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s much-loved tale – this story of a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy is packed with magical characters, cartwheels, circus antics and dollops of fun for all the family.

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The Little Match Girl

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19 Dec to 24 Dec 2013 The Point, Eastleigh Box Office: 023 8065 2333 Presented by The Point Youth Theatre.

Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen This Christmas, deep in the frozen forests of Denmark, in the midst of the swirling snowflakes, comes a story rich with the power of imagination.

“Oh no, it isn’t.”

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The Nuffield Theatre BOX OFFICE: 023 8067 1771 From magical shadow puppets to fantastic interactive theatre, there’s something for every child at The Nuffield Theatre this autumn.

Comedy The Comedy Bar BIG GIG 18 Jan 2014. £15, £13 Concessions, £10 Students The Comedy Bar - BIG GIG has become a must see event in the Nuffield Theatre’s programme. A sell out every year, the show features four of the biggest and best names on the comedy circuit on one fantastic bill.

BEN NORRIS, IAIN STIRLING, ZOE LYONS and TERRY ALDERTON

The Nutcracker (5 December – 12 January) Based on the original tale by E.T.A Hoffman, this family play is a feast of colour, song and fantasy. Without a sugar plum fairy in sight, this darkly magical story is the ultimate Christmas show!

Christmas 1. Who played the title character in The Runaway Bride, the 2006 Doctor Who Christmas special?

2. Which “Santa” is the capital city of Tenerife?

3. In the song The Twelve Days Of Christmas, what is the first gift mentioned that involves humans?

4. In sport, what type of races are started using an electronic device known as a Christmas Tree because of all its coloured lights?

5. In 2004, Janette Tough was injured in a fall while performing in the pantomime Jack And The Beanstalk. What is her one word catchphrase?

6. According to the lyrics of the song Frosty The Snowman, what part of Frosty’s face was made from a button or buttons? His eyes, his nose or his mouth?

7. Over a number of years, who received a 50 pence piece, a toothpick and a tissue as Christmas presents from Mr and Mrs Dursley?

8. True or False... Tinsel was originally made from shreds of tin?

9. Where in London did Elisabeth Beresford take her children for a walk one Boxing Day when one of them pronounced the name of this place wrong, giving her the inspiration for a group of fictional characters?

10. In the film Gremlins, Randall Peltzer buys a Mogwai as a Christmas present for his son. What three rules is he told to abide by when looking after it?

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Family racker! a n i W Nutc e h t o t Ticket

The Nuffield Theatre are giving away a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) for The Nutcracker any performance before 13th December. (see page 9 for more details of the show).

All you need to do is to send your name, address and phone number to editorial@discovermagazines.co.uk It’s that easy so send in your details now.

The closing date for the competition is the 5th December, and the winner will be chosen at random from the entries.

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Video Tips

by James Smith Here are some straightforward tips to make your holiday and home movies sparkle. You don’t even need the latest HD camera wizardry, just a little technique and patience.

Story

Some suggest that expensive film and video cameras will produce captivating films but the real skill is in how you use the equipment you own, to create an informative or interesting film.

Even camera phones and small consumer video camcorders can produce impressive results if you work within their limitations. Your aim should be to obtain a video camera and start practicing.

Your holiday video or home movie might have a simple goal - to show granddad putting up the Christmas decorations – but you should think ahead about the story you wish to put across.

Consider that old classic: the beginning, middle and end.

Perhaps granddad could be approaching the house with a big carrier bag (the beginning); then see him at work decorating the tree with the contents of the bag (the middle); and finally, a shot of him standing proudly beside the decorated tree (the end). The addition of a simple storyline will encourage more interest from your audience than a series of abstract shots.

Basics

Composition

Common Myths

Let’s leap ahead to the final result, and the most common sin: making your film too long. If you shoot a five-minute video and make your friends wait for the ‘good bit’ at four minutes in, you will have lost your audience after minute one. So, above all other rules, cut out the superfluous footage and ensure your film is just a collection of those ‘good bits’ and nothing else.

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Make your home movies shine

The great thing about working with video is that many of the principles of stills photography apply. So pick up any book on the subject and think about framing and composition. Keep the horizon level, try not to cut people’s heads off in the frame, keep distracting details (‘clutter’) out of the shot if possible, and keep the camera at eye level.

Light Harsh light is a videographer’s nightmare, so shooting at midday with the sun bearing down from directly above will cast unflattering shadows under the eyes of your subjects. Try to move

people into softer light, perhaps in a leafy area or under some other shade. Similarly inside, be sure that people’s faces are gently lit, but also be careful that they are not silhouetted by strong backlight, such as standing against a window.

Audio Many wonderful videos are ruined by unintelligible audio; the Best Man’s speech that’s inaudible because the cameraman was seated next to a child rustling sweet papers. The answer to this is to move closer to the subject, or even buy an external microphone that can be positioned very near to the subject with a cable back to the camera.

Editing Editing the footage is a great way to eliminate all of those boring shots that we mentioned before.

Some cameras provide an editing facility, but this can be rather fiddly, so you might want to load the footage onto a computer and edit it with a program such as Movie Maker. Try to keep it simple - rely on simple titles, a great story with straight ‘cuts’ (rather than swirling patterns and fancy graphics), and finish off with ‘THE END’ to wind things up.

Remember, follow these simple rules and practice as much as possible, and you’ll be surprised by how impressed your audience will be.

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Dental Disease

Is your pet affected?

Did you know that pets, unlike their owners, frequently suffer from dental problems without showing any obvious outward signs of pain?

Dental disease can occur at any age and recent surveys have shown that as many as 70% of cats and 80% of dogs over three years of age need some form of dental treatment.

A common problem for pets and humans is gum disease. Plaque is the name given to a film of bacteria which is constantly forming on the surface of all the teeth, leading initially to bad breath. If allowed to accumulate, it will inflame the gums—a condition called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis frequently develops into periodontitis, a painful condition involving destruction of bone and tooth supporting structures and eventual tooth loss. In addition to this, dental disease in your pet can also lead to diseases of the heart, lungs or kidneys Regular dental examinations (often in association

with a general health check) are of great help in identifying dental disease before it becomes too serious a problem Unicorn Vets are currently running an offer of a Free dental check and a fixed price Scale and Polish [extractions and medications charged separately] at £139 for a dog and £99 for a cat, which is a saving of up to 40% so why not book an appointment with one of our nurses for a free dental check and to discuss the dental care of your pet?

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An update from Steven Galton of No Southampton Biomass Helius and their plans for the humongous power station on our doorsteps. We are still in a “pre application” stage; plans can be changed by Helius at any point, as long as they run a new round of public consultation explaining their changes. Helius though had promised to submit a formal application during summer on the revised plans they publicised in 2012.

As summer has passed there is no word by Helius, except an application will be submitted. This is not great for residents being in Limbo. Nationally there has been a shift in government policy towards biomass subsidies, no doubt helped by our successful www.rocoff.co.uk campaign!

The new electricity market reforms have seen a cap on dedicated biomass plants under the old Renewable Obligation subsidy mechanism (this only runs until 2017) and currently the new subsidy mechanism Contracts for Difference (this is replacing the RO) will have no support for dedicated, electricity only biomass power stations.

How does this affect Helius and their Southampton plans?

Helius planned to build a CHP (Combined Heat & Power) Ready power station which does not qualify them for support thus a genuine, and pretty large scale, heat user would need to be found to use the generated heat.

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No Southampton Biomass recognised this and worked with local Councillors to ensure Southampton City Council ruled itself out from being a customer of Helius. Freemantle Councillor Jeremy Moulton tabled a motion stating very plainly the Councils position and at Southampton City Council’s September meeting, with slightly amended wording from the original motion, it received unanimous support by all political parties.

This leaves Helius in a precarious position - even with planning permission, could they the project financially stack up?

What next?

Southampton Biomass remains cautiously optimistic. We wait for Helius’s next move and continue to pressure the government to stop funding large scale biomass that relies on shipping wood around the world!

Visit www.discovercommunity.co.uk for weblinks.

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LIFE BEGINS

What kind of Christmas Shopper are you?

By Kate McLellan

It’s that time of year again: the month when you start making lists of the Christmas presents you need to buy for your nearest and dearest.

We all approach Christmas shopping in a different way but some of us display a more creative edge than others when shopping for that perfect gift.

See if you can spot the shopping technique that most resembles yours in the list below: 1. The Very, Very Early Bird You are the shopper who can be found cramming your basket full of cut-price wrapping paper, Christmas cards and toiletry gift sets in the January sales. No matter that those beautifully boxed hot toddy mixing kits failed to interest shoppers in the pre-Christmas rush. Now they’re reduced to half price you can think of at least three relatives who would just LOVE to receive them next Christmas.

Well done, Very Early Bird. You might save yourself a good deal of money, but will you remember where you’ve hidden all those 22

cut-price goodies by next December?

2. The Last Minute Man You are the antithesis of the Very Early Bird: someone who just can’t find the motivation to buy presents until three hours before the shops are due to close on Christmas Eve. Then you dash round the streets with a look of sheer panic on your face, desperately hoping that the items on your list are not out of stock.

If you shop online, then it’s likely that you delay your search until the day when the free delivery option is no longer available and end up spending as much on postage as you do on the presents themselves.

Come on, Last Minute Shopper – you know you can do better, but deep inside you crave the adrenaline rush that comes from holding back till the very last moment.

3.The Smugly Organised Shopper It’s mid September and not only have you already compiled your gift list, you’ve probably placed your first online order, for that ‘must-have’ new gadget that will

be all the rage this Christmas.

By the 1st December all your presents will be immaculately wrapped, labelled and stored in boxes under the bed. Similarly your Christmas food shopping will be a breeze, as you already have most of the things you will need, stored away in your cupboard or freezer.

Organised Shopper, you are the envy of all your chaotically disorganised peers. But watch out - are you ready to face the bitter resentment of friends who shopped too late to get that ‘must-have’ gadget?

4. The Wishlister Do you remember the “Good Old Days” when Christmas presents were a surprise? Of course, some of them might not have been such a good surprise (especially Auntie Beryl’s knitted tank tops) but the mystery surrounding Christmas gifts led to a wellintentioned, communal impulse to pretend everything was lovely on the day: “Oooh, a hot water bottle cover - just what I needed!”

Nowadays the element of surprise is completely missing, and all

recipients seem to do is mentally tick off gifts that, three months earlier, they entered on their Amazon wishlist. This habit leads to lazy present buying: there’s no need to spend time thinking about what your nearest and dearest would like when all you need to do is follow an on-screen link and click a button.

Dear Wishlister, while we understand your desire to buy something your friend or relative really wants, we’d like to see you use a little more imagination and effort this Christmas.

5. The Crafty Maker You’ve been watching too many Kirstie Allsopp shows on TV and you now believe that the way to show real love at Christmas is to give friends and family a gift that you have made yourself.

You’ve already made your own Christmas bunting and tree decorations. You’ve knitted a festive cushion for the cat’s basket and hung a wreath made out of recycled yoghourt pots on the front door. Now you are preparing to stay up until midnight each night, stitching felt animals and painting small items of second hand furniture with Farrow and Ball tester pots.

suggest that they would have preferred the latest video game.

Do you recognise yourself in any of these descriptions? If so, don’t panic. It would be a very dull world if we all shopped and celebrated in the same way.

I know, Crafty Maker: you can’t wait for the look of surprise on your family’s faces when they open their presents to find something that you have carefully crafted out of papier mache and driftwood, but please don’t be disappointed if their wan smiles of appreciation

Christmas a unique time of the year when the effort we make for family and friends is allimportant. However you approach your Christmas shopping, it’s always the thought that counts.

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LOCAL WHAT’S ON THE SWAN QUEEN’S BALL – CHRISTMAS AT MOTTISFONT 30 Nov – 5 Jan Near Romsey, SO51 0LP (sat nav SO51 0LN) Come on a magical journey as you prepare for the Swan Queen’s ball, through a winter wonderland of beautiful trees, decorated rooms and stunning evening gowns from Talons & Tiaras. Contact 01794 334 020 or mottisfontabbey@ nationaltrust.org.uk

CREATIVE POP-UP CARDS, 4 YRS+ 1 Dec, 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3.30pm.

SeaCity Museum, Havelock Road, SO14 7FY Get into the Christmas spirit with a magical story followed by creating a fantastical snowy themed card with paper artist Elod Beregszaszi inspired by The First Cut exhibition. £3. Pre-book on 023 8083 4536 or visit www. seacitymuseum.co.uk.

STORYWORLD 1 Dec, 11am and 1pm Winchester Discovery Centre, Jewry Street, SO23 8SB StoryWorld is a magical introduction to children’s theatre.

Suitable for all the family, StoryWorld is home to many a 24

tale, a story or a yarn, woven with words, puppets, music and song.

Hear tales, sing songs, make and play in our immersive magical world. Cost: £5 each or family of up to five for £15. Contact 01962 873603.

TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE CHRISTMAS TEA AFTERNOON 3 Dec, 2pm – 4pm Tools for Self Reliance, Ringwood Road, SO40 7GY Come and get into the festive spirit with a Christmas tea, tours around the workshop and a short talk. Free. Contact 023 8086 9697 or visit www.tfsr.org.

JUGGLING WORKSHOPS 4 Dec, 7.30 – 9.30pm Hounsdown School, Jacobs Gutter Lane, SO40 9FT Come and learn juggling/ unicycling/diabolo in a fun informal environment with Southampton Juggling Club.

Adults £3, concessions £2 (U16 need to be accompanied by an adult). Contact 01794502340.

CHATTERBOOKS AT TOTTON LIBRARY 5 Dec, 4 – 5pm. Totton Library Join us for book chats, quizzes, crafts and fun! This is a fun, friendly and relaxed book club for 7-11 year olds. There is no need to book - just drop in. Free.

CANDLELIT CAROL CONCERT 7 Dec, 7.00pm Royal Victoria Country Park, SO31 5DQ Enjoy a traditional Christmas Carol Concert performed by local artists and sing along to your favourites, followed by mince pies and sherry. All proceeds to ‘Friends of Royal Victoria Country Park’. Tickets £5 adults, £3.50 children available on 023 8045 5157.

TOP OF THE TREE: 4 – 11 YRS 7 Dec 10.30am – 12pm and 1.30-3pm Tudor House and Garden, Bugle Street, SO14 2AD Create an amazing angel to sit at the top of your Christmas tree. Using wire, tissue paper and lots of glitter this sculpture workshop will really get you into the festive spirit. £5. Pre-book on 023 8083 4536. Visit www. tudorhouseandgarden.com for more information.

CHRISTMAS MARKET AND FESTIVITIES WEEKEND 7 – 8 Dec, 10am – 5pm Manor Farm Country Park, Pylands Lane, SO31 1BH Browse a selection of local craft and produce stalls while enjoying a host of music and festive entertainment at this fabulous family weekend. Children can visit Father Christmas in the stable or try the carousel ride.

Mulled wine and mince pies in the Victorian farmhouse. Carol singing on Sunday and a carol service in St Bartholomew’s church at 3pm. Normal admission charges apply plus additional charges for some activities. 01489 787055.

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT TUDOR HOUSE 8 Dec, 10am – 5pm Tudor House Museum and Garden, Bugle Street, SO14 2AD Deck the halls with boughs of holly and visit Tudor House for free! Travel back in time this Christmas; meet Father Christmas, be inspired by gifts at the craft fair and make a festive gift box. £ Tel: 023 8083 4242.

ORIENTEERING EVENT 8 Dec, 10am – 12pm Busketts Lawn, SO40 7AD A regional orienteering event suitable for all ages and all

abilities. Run round like a hare or walk around like a tortoise!

Adults £10, children £4. Contact 07570 627716 or visit www. southampton-orienteers.org.uk TRADITIONAL WREATH WORKSHOPS 10 and 12 Dec, 10am – 11.30am (10th) and 1.30pm – 3.30pm (12th) Lepe Country Park, SO45 1AD Come and make a beautiful oasis based wreath for your front door using materials collected from around the park. £7.50 per person, with mince pie and hot drinks included. Contact 02380 899108 for more information.

TESTWOOD WILDLIFE TOTS LEAF TROUBLE 10 Dec, 10.30am – 12pm, 1.00pm – 2.30pm Brunel Road, SO40 3XP Stories, games and crafts for preschool children. Find out about winter wildlife and use fallen leaves for craft activities. Booking essential on 2380 667929. All abilities welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Suggested donation £3 per child.

THE YOUNG ONES 14 Dec 10.30am – 12.30pm Southampton City Art Gallery, Civic Centre Join artist Jo Bressloff to explore different types of art from sculpture to printmaking.

Experiment with a range of different materials, and take home a masterpiece. Please note October’s session will be held in the gallery. £6.50. Pre-book on 023 8083 3007.

CLOCK TOUR TOURS – SEACITY MUSEUM 14 Dec, 10 – 11am, 11am – 12pm SeaCity Museum, Havelock Road, SO14 7FY View Southampton from a different perspective. Participants

must wear closed-toed shoes, be aged 12 years or over and physically fit to climb over 200 steps. £6, £5.50 conc. (Museum entrance fee applies). (B) 023 8083 4536.

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL AND SANTA WEEKEND SPECIAL 14 Dec, 11am – 4pm Royal Victoria Country Park, SO31 5DQ A special weekend of fun and activities to compliment the Tree Festival. Includes Santa’s Grotto (£5) and children’s activities.

Normal parking charges apply.

Contact 023 8045 5157 for details.

PAPER CUTTING – WINTER LANDSCAPE 14 Dec, 11am – 2pm SeaCity Museum, Havelock Road, SO14 7FY Join artist Holly Deacon to create a wonderful cut-out winter wonderland using paper and scalpels. All materials provided. £10. For age 13 + 023 8083 4536 or visit http:// www.seacitymuseum.co.uk/ WINTER CRAFTS – FOREST SKILLS 14 Dec, 11am – 1pm Roundhouse, Woodmill Activity Centre, Riverside Park, SO18 2JR A wildlife watch event for five to fifteen year olds. Contact southamptonwatch@ hotmail.co.uk for more info.

GET YOUR SKATES ON! 14 – 22 Dec, midday-8pm Do a twirl on Royal Victoria Country Park’s new covered ice rink.

Price: £7 per adult, £5 per child for a 1 hour session. Discounts available for schools and groups.

To Book: 023 8060 5101.

STORYTELLING FOR THE WINTER SOLSTICE 21 Dec, 2pm – 5pm Testwood Centre, Brunel Road, SO40 3XP Storytelling for the winter solstice, around the fire with hot chocolate and a winter treasure hunt. Please bring a torch. Contact 02380 667929 or graceh@hwt.org.uk for more information.

COMEDY & JAZZ CAFE 10 Jan 2014, 8pm-midnight Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton Join Wessex Heartbeat for a relaxing evening with top class entertainment from Brian Conley and jazz singer “Sticky Toffee”.

Tickets £42 to include 3 course running buffet. For tickets contact 023 8070 6098 or email info@heartbeat.org.uk ‘WILD & WOOLLY’ EXHIBITION From October 30th until the New Year Bell Street Gallery, Rum’s Eg, 27 Bell Street, Romsey SO51 8GY New Autumn exhibition. For further details or to get involved in this engaging event tel: 01794 511220, info@ hampshireartandcraft. org or visit www.hampshire artandcraft.org

25

SHORT STORY

The Perfect Gift Craig had never been in a long term relationship before. If he’d known way back in October when he first started seeing Tansy that she would still be around in December, he might have planned things better.

saving up to buy a particular pair of football boots. Craig realised he faced the first big test of his relationship: which to choose - the boots, which he loved, or Tansy, whom he rather liked.

To her credit Tansy had shown no signs over the last few weeks of either being annoying or being annoyed with him. Not only did she laugh at his jokes, she never complained when he played computer games all evening, and would even turn up on the frostiest of Sunday mornings to watch him play football. Craig didn’t like to jinx it but thought it was all going extraordinarily well.

A Saturday spent Christmas shopping in town was no fun for even the most committed boyfriend. The shops were crowded and hot, but Craig came prepared. He congratulated himself for subtly asking Tansy what she might like for Christmas, and was very pleased with her for hinting that she might like a new bag to go with her Christmas party outfit.

That was until the other day when, over the phone, Tansy dropped a bombshell. Her exact words were:

Initially Craig believed that buying a bag could not be difficult, but after almost an hour trawling the department store, his confidence waned. He discovered that bags came in many sizes, colours and prices, and he realised that all he really knew about lady’s bags was that, according to his Gran, you were never supposed to look inside them. He regretted not paying more attention to Tansy’s taste in bags.

“Do you mind if we give the cinema a miss tonight? I’m saving up to buy you something special for Christmas”.

Three thoughts struck Craig as he hung up – the first was that Tansy still expected to be his girlfriend at Christmas and that was two whole weeks away, the second was that he had a bonus night off from boyfriend duty, and thirdly that if he hoped to still be seeing Tansy on Boxing Day he would also have to buy her a present, and he hadn’t budgeted for that.

Not that Craig didn’t have any money. Recently he had been 26

In need of a break from all those bags, Craig headed to the Sports department. Here it was less crowded and the air-conditioning was welcoming. Across the room on a Perspex plinth he saw his dream football boots beckoning; they were truly an object of

beauty and Craig experienced a bittersweet ache. Underneath the stand he noticed a sign which read ‘Free bag with every purchase’.

Free bag? Craig’s mouth went dry.

Beside the sign was a black fabric drawstring bag, of the type he used to keep his school swimming kit in. Black, he remembered his Gran saying, goes with everything; could it go with Tansy’s Christmas party outfit? It was a good size, she could easily fit her purse and even her swimming kit in it. It was waterproof, which was also a bonus. He wondered if she would mind that it said ‘I Love Sport’ in red writing on it? Red was a very festive colour, and, he reasoned, she could always turn it inside out if she didn’t like that detail.

Half an hour later, a triumphant Craig boarded the bus home carrying his brand new boots in Tansy’s bag. This Christmas, he thought, was going to be the best Christmas ever.

By Jackie Brewster

HIDATO

Puzzle Page

Winter Fayre

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.

Christmas Pictograms

PICTOGRAMS

2 words 25th 25th 25th 25th

December December December December

2011 2012 2013 2014

31

1 word

28

Saturday 30th November 2013

34

TASBRUNOTE

4

25

From 2-4pm

7 Church 6 Hall, Netley Marsh St Matthews Admission: Adults 50p, Children FREE!

19

9

21

Grand Raffle, face painting, Santa’s Grotto, Cakes and refreshments, Trade stalls, Festive games for all the 10 1 more! family, and much

2 words TERRY PRATCHETT MICK JAGGER ELTON JOHN TIM BERNERS-LEE BRUCE FORSYTH CLIFF RICHARD IAN MCKELLEN FRANCIS DRAKE PAUL MCCARTNEY ALF RAMSAY CHRIS HOY IAN BOTHAM

Come and visit our amazing 13 grotto and meet Santa.

Only £2.50 per child. Every child receives a gift.

Friends of Netley March School Association

Registered Charity #103822

GeneRAl KnOwleDGe CROSSwORD Across 1. First James Bond film (2,2) 4. Cartoon character who eats spinach (6) 8. Pensive lyrical piece of music (8) 9. Gelling agent (4) 10. Former name of the Democratic Republic of Congo (5) 11. Breed of pigeon (7) 13. Showing extreme courage (6) 15. Citrus fruit (6) 17. Sing carols (7) 19. Short prayer of thanks before a meal (5) 22. Professional charges (4) 23. One who writes the words for songs (8) 24. Puzzle formed of many pieces (6)

25. Garden of Adam and eve (4)

1

2

3

4

5

6 7

Down

8 2. Dry red table wine from Spain (5) 3. Smallest of the Great 10 lakes (7) 4. Catherine ___, Henry VIII’s sixth wife (4) 13 5. Game played with young children (4-13) 17 6. Fungi used as an agent for raising bread dough (5) 22 7. Decreasing in size or extent (6) 12. Mythical warrior whose heel was wounded by Paris (8) 14. Substance covering the crown of a tooth (6) 16. Small pouch 18.

9

11 12 14

15

18

16

19

20

21 23

24

25

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

projecting from the upper part of each atrium of the heart (7) Rice and raw fish

wrapped in seaweed (5) 20. Hindu social class (5) 21. Organised group of workmen (4) 27

ADVERTISER’S INDEX

Live Local Think Local Buy Local businesses are part of your community

Every issue of Discover is full of interesting 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 & satelite dishes Keith Humphries & Son

LANDSCAPING inc FENCING, PAVING 16

Broadview Blinds

6

LockRight Security

Solent Blinds & Curtains

6

MOBILITY

Waterside Blinds

4

Hampshire Mobility

C Brown Bookkeeping

9

CATERING Blue Hat Catering

5 7 3

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

Bookkeeping

19

Computing & IT

Aquatec

11

Gair Gas Ltd

19

G James

7

GE Harding & Sons Ltd

12

NHP (Romsey) Ltd

12

For-matt 15

TP Watts

29

Home Computing Help

PRINTING SERVICES

Caesar Computing Solutions

15 15

Widenet 15 Cleaning Ashurst Cleaning Services Abbey Cleaning

7 13

ELECTRICIANS Ampfield Electrical 29 FUNERAL SERVICES J Lawrence & Sons

15

GARAGE DOORS FixQuick 7 GARDEN MACHINERY New Forest Garden Machinery

20

GARDEN MAINTENANCE Mac’s Gardening Services

20

Neil Richmond Tree & Hedge Services

20

KITCHENS Dream Doors

32

Re-Nu Kitchens

13

New Forest Stone

21

HTS Studios

11

Space 19

28

Colourfence LOCKSMITH

BLINDS AND AWNINGS

Warwick Printing

16

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Brian Loades Builders Vision Property Management House Worx Handyman & Property

13 5 16

Services The Door Hanger

19

The Flat Pack People

19

Decorating services Different Strokes

7

VETERINARY SURGEONS and Pet care Pet Carers

16

Unicorn Vets

17

Windows and Conservatories Britaina Windows

21

Hampshire window Surgeon

21

uy Local . . .

Puzzle Answers General Knowledge Crossword Across: 1 Dr No, 4 Popeye, 8 Nocturne, 9 Agar, 10 Zaire, 11 Fantail, 13 Heroic, 15 Orange, 17 Wassail, 19 Grace, 22 Fees, 23 Lyricist, 24 Jigsaw, 25 Eden.

Down: 2 Rioja, 3 Ontario, 4 Parr, 5 Peek-a-boo, 6 Yeast, 7 Waning, 12 Achilles, 14 Enamel, 16 Auricle, 18 Sushi, 20 Caste, 21 Crew.

Pictograms 1. Christmas Present, 2. Frankincense, 3. Twelfth Night

Fun Quiz - Christmas 1. Catherine Tate, 2. Santa Cruz, 3. (Eight) maids-a-milking, 4.

Drag races, 5. Fandabidozi (she performs as Wee Jimmy Krankie, and along with her husband, they are the Krankies), 6. His nose (“with a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal”), 7. Harry Potter, 8. False (it was originally made from silver), 9. Wimbledon Common (accept Wimbledon - the mispronunciation gave her the inspiration for The Wombles), 10.

Don’t expose it to bright light, don’t get it wet, don’t feed it after midnight.

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29

RECIPE

Lebkuchen

Yum! Makes 65

This richly spiced traditional German festive biscuit provides a grown up alternative to gingerbread. Slathered in rich dark chocolate and studded with sweet cherries, these are chewy and sweet, with a spicy kick. Perfect with a cup of strong black coffee.

You will need...

now get started...

•

100g ground hazelnuts

1

•

70g almond flour

Preheat the oven to 170 degrees. Prepare all dry ingredients and sift together in a large bowl until combined.

•

350g plain flour

2

•

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

In a separate bowl, combine honey, sugar and butter, and beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add one egg at a time to the mixture and beat until well mixed.

•

2 teaspoons cinnamon

3

•

2 teaspoons nutmeg

Gently fold in the sugar mixture into the dry ingredients.

The mixture will be sticky and dense.

•

1 teaspoon mixed spice

4

•

3 teaspoons ground ginger

Add glacé cherries into the lebkuchen mixture until evenly distributed.

•

� teaspoon salt

5

•

� teaspoon baking powder

Prepare a large tray with greaseproof paper. Place heaped teaspoon sized portions across the tray, with plenty of space around them.

•

� teaspoon baking soda

6

•

150g dark brown sugar

•

225ml clear honey

Bake for 10-12 minutes. The biscuits will rise and be firm to touch, with a little softness to pressure. Remove and allow to cool overnight.

•

50g butter

7

•

3 medium sized eggs

•

200g glacé cherries

Once cooled, you can now dip them in chocolate. Prepare the chocolate coating by crumbling 300g of dark chocolate in a large bowl, over hot water. Stir until the chocolate is evenly melted, and of a smooth, glossy consistency.

•

300g dark cooking chocolate

8

Dip each biscuit into the chocolate mixture.

You can either dip the front surface only, coat half a biscuit, or submerge the entire thing!

(You may need more chocolate to do this for the entire batch.)

9

Place dipped biscuits on a tray and allow to cool and harden. Can be stored in an airtight container.

tiP These can be kept uncoated for up to a month in an airtight container, so are ideal to make ahead of the festive rush, to be dipped in chocolate later on.

30

Useful Numbers and Local Information

For more visit www.discovercommunity.co.uk

Transport Solent Blue Line Buses Bluestar Buses Hospital Taxi National Rail Helpline Uni-Link First Bus

023 8061 8233 023 8061 8233 0845 602 4135 0845 748 4950 023 8059 5974 0238 0224 854

medical services NHS Direct 0845 4647 NHS Blood Service 0845 771 1711 Hampshire Dental Helpline 0845 0508345 Southampton General 023 8077 7222 Royal Winchester County 01962 863535 Royal South Hants 023 8063 4288 Princess Anne 023 8077 7222 Testvale Surgery 023 8086 6999 Forest Gate Surgery

023 8066 3839 Totton Health Centre 023 8086 5051 Forestside Practice 023 8087 1233 Late Night Chemist Lloyds, Asda Precinct 023 8087 1255 (open till 8pm M-F, 7pm Sat and 10-4 Sun)

local councils Southampton City 023 8022 3855 Hampshire County 01962 841841 New Forest District Council 023 8028 5000 Totton & Eling Town Council 023 8086 3138

civiC services Bulk Household Waste Hants Constabulary Hampshire Fire & Rescue New Forest Planning Trading Standards DVLA

023 8028 5000 0845 0454545 023 8064 4000 01590 646600 01962 833620 0870 2400009

your local mp For local councillors visit www.discovercommunity.co.uk New Forest East Dr Julian Lewis MP (Cons) 3 The Parade, Southampton Road, Cadnam, SO40 2NG 023 8081 4817 www.julianlewis.net

Schools JUNIOR & PRIMARY SCHOOLS Abbotswood Junior Sch Bartley C of E Jr Sch Calmore Infant Sch Calmore Junior Sch Copythorne C of E Infant Eling Infant School Foxhills Infant Sch Foxhills Junior Sch Hazel Wood Infant Sch Lydlynch Infant Sch Oakfield Primary Sch

023 80863159 023 8081 2173 023 8086 5994 023 8086 5354 023 8081 3340 023 8086 2267 023 8029 2453 023 8029 2126 023 8066 6767 023 8086 3188 023 8086 2530

SeCONdARY SCHOOLS Applemore College Testwood Sports College Totton College

023 8084 8804 023 8086 2146 023 8087 4874

SPeCIAL SCHOOLS Forest Park

023 8086 4949

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS All dates taken from www3.hants.gov.uk/ education/schools/schoolholidays Autumn term starts 3 September Half term: 28 October - 1 November End of term: 20 December 2014 Spring term starts Half term: End of term: Summer term starts Half term: End of term: Autumn term starts Half term: End of term:

6 January 17-21 February 4 April 22 April 26-30 May 22 July 2 September 27-31 October 19 December

emergency numbers Gas Emergencies Southern Water British Transport Police Childline Crimestoppers Samaritans Electric Power Cuts Floodline Domestic Violence Police Non Emergency

0800 111 999 023 8066 7929 0800 40 50 40 0800 11 11 0800 555 111 08457 90 90 90 023 8066 7929 0845 988 1188 0808 2000 247 101 31