Discover Meon Valley March 2013

MARCH 2013

British Railways Where it all went wrong

Your local directory of businesses, services, shopping & what's on

Short Story

The Mystery of Mill Hill

Delivered by Royal Mail into Bishop's Waltham and surrounding villages

Hello and Welcome I was chatting with some friends recently about the conundrum of why it takes so long to do little tasks. One was saying about the button that had been on the windowsill for a month, and another was bemoaning the picture that she bought in the summer and still hadn’t hung up.

My shameful overdue task was a dress lurking in the bottom of the washing basket. Being an evening dress I had no urgency for it, and as it wouldn’t have fitted me anyway until recently*, the motivation wasn’t there. Still five years is a long time to leave something unwashed!

Suffice to say, the act of confessing was enough to spur all of us into getting our jobs done. Each of our tasks took next to no time and left us wondering why on earth we hadn’t done them before. We couldn’t come up with an answer but resolved to try to stop the procrastination.

The other thing I find on my ‘must get round to it’ list is anything to do with personal finance, planning and paperwork. I’m very good with paperwork for the business, yet the family stuff just accrues in the ‘awaiting action’ pile. However we received a statement this week for a pension associated with a job my husband left many years ago.

He actually bothered reading it this time – normally it goes straight into filing. It informs him that he can expect to receive £145 a year when he retires. Now that’s not going to keep us warm in the winter is it?

Help is at hand though. Newman Cozens on page 6 offer a range of financial services and on the back cover and inside back cover are details of a Wills and Estate Planning Workshop being held by SBA Financials.

Excellent…all he has to do now is get round to picking up the phone!

Tania PS: Don’t forget it’s Mother’s Day on the 10th March *More updates have been added to my weight loss blog at www.discoveryourtoes.co.uk.

Sales & distribution: Melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk | 023 8026 6388 Editor & Accounts: Tania@discovermagazines.co.uk | 023 8027 6361

EDITORIAL 4 10 12 14 18

Time For A Spring Clean The Reshaping Of Britain's Railways Puzzle Page Motoring - Land Rover Freelander Short Story - The Mystery Of Mill Hill

22 26 28 29

Gardening - Seed Sowing On The Cheap Useful Numbers Local Groups What's On

To advertise in a Discover Magazine title contact Melanie Tinson on 023 8026 6388 or visit the Instant Quote Calculator online at www.discovermagazines.co.uk/advertising Discover Magazines Ltd, 57 Wood End Way, Chandlers Ford SO53 4LN REACH 100,000 HOMES AND BUSINESSES www.discovermagazines.co.uk/advertising

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DISCOVER MONTHLY FEATURE

Time For A Spring Clean

By Claudia Leaf I had invited an old school friend around for coffee and was trying hard to make a good impression.

Suddenly a shaft of spring sunlight flooded my lounge, making me cringe with embarrassment.

With a growing sense of shame I watched as this unforgiving shaft of light slid across the room, showing up the grubby finger marks on the door, the ring marks on my glass table and a thick layer of dust on the mantelpiece.

When it finally landed at my friend’s feet, close to a dirty paw mark our dog had left on the carpet, I saw a look of alarm on her face.

“I’m so sorry, I’ve just noticed. Did I do that?”

I had a nanosecond to decide whether I should openly confess my domestic shortcomings or keep quiet.

“Oh, don’t worry”, I replied. “It’ll brush off when it’s dry.”

She left soon afterwards, still apologising. I took a deep breath and realised it was time for some spring cleaning.

An article in the Manufacturer and Builder magazine of 1872 (a “practical journal of industrial progress”) describes spring cleaning as “The season of general cleaning, when all the corners and closets are overturned and hidden things are brought to light”.

Whilst period dramas such as “Downton Abbey” have inspired a new generation to revive traditional kitchen skills, it’s questionable whether 21st century householders will be tempted to adopt the cleaning methods recommended by the magazine, which include black-leading grates, whitewashing walls and scalding bedsteads.

The Victorians may have excelled at spring cleaning but they certainly didn’t invent it. Some historians believe that the origins of this tradition date back

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to the ancient Persian New Year, the Iranian Norouz, which falls on the first day of spring. Iranians still practice “khooneh tekouni” – which literally translates as ‘shaking the house’ – at this time.

The Jewish feast of Passover is a religious festival that also hints at a possible origin for spring cleaning. During the holiday the faithful are instructed to refrain from eating any leavened foodstuffs (‘chametz’). The Bible commands that even tiny crumbs must be removed from the house and this results in a ritual hunt for crumbs by candlelight during the evening before the holiday begins.

Christianity has its own spring cleaning traditions.

In Greece, householders clean everything thoroughly either before or during the first week of Lent, as a physical manifestation of Lent’s message of spiritual cleansing and renewal.

For the ancient Chinese, the concept of New Year cleaning is associated with good fortune. They believed that people should sweep their floors and clean their houses to rid them of any negative influences that may have accumulated during the last twelve months. Householders then locked up the broom for a few days to prevent sweeping away any good luck that might have entered at the turn of the year.

When ancient cultures share such similar traditions it’s hard to say exactly when and where the idea of ‘spring cleaning’ originated. However, it’s obvious that the urge to clear away the cobwebs of winter and prepare for the summer months is hard-wired into human DNA. Personally I believe that our seasonal enthusiasm to get busy with a mop and broom is always motivated by the same thing: it’s that accusing beam of sunlight that shows us up in front of guests.

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DISCOVER MONTHLY FEATURE

The Reshaping of Britain’s Railways Have you ever thrown away something you think you don’t need any more and then some time later you find a use for it, and it’s too late?

It happened to the whole country in the years 1963-1970, when we closed a third of our railway stations and 4,000 of our 18,000 miles of railway line.

The axe man always blamed for this carnage is Dr Richard Beeching, chairman of the British Railways Board from 1962-1965 and author of the report, ‘The Reshaping of Britain’s Railways’ published 50 years ago in March 1963, which started the slaughter. He died in 1985 but who was he? And was he entirely to blame?

A physicist by discipline, Beeching rose through the ranks of ICI to become an expert in production efficiency. In 1959, he was seconded to a committee of the British Transport Commission which wanted to cut the railway network’s losses. These had risen from £15.6m in 1956, just after the ambitious modernisation plan that started the replacement of steam by diesel and electric, to £42m in 1960.

Beeching was a great advocate of deep cuts in the network, clashing with committee chairman Sir Ivan Stedeford – a stance which earned him the favour of Transport Minister Ernest Marples. Marples was an apostle of road transport – a fact entirely unconnected with his family firm’s road-building contracts: he sold his shares when he took office, albeit with a clause allowing him to buy them back at the same price. Dr Beeching was given the chair of the BRB (at a salary more than twice that of the Prime Minister’s) and soon published his report which was duly rushed into action.

The following year Labour came to power on a promise to stop the bitterly unpopular programme, but, lured by the promise of easy

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savings, it reneged. Beeching himself returned to ICI in late 1965 after the summary rejection of a second report advising even deeper cuts; but Labour continued to implement the 1963 recommendations right up to 1970.

The promise was a cruel illusion. The 70,000 jobs, 2,600 country stations, 300,000 goods wagons, and 4,000 miles of branch line that disappeared saved nothing, and in 1970 British Rail lost not £42m but £100m.

Beeching may have been a production expert, but he had no understanding of logistics. Whilst many lines may have been unprofitable (30% of them carried just 1% of all passengers, while 50% of all stations raised just 2% of overall ticket revenue) they fed the main lines and had made them profitable. Freight carriage, too, dwindled as large factories lost the branch lines that connected their sidings to the network and so, took to the roads.

It’s suspected that Beeching’s recommendations were more political than operational. Apart from Marples’s rumoured venality, powerful forces both in business and the trade unions favoured road; and the railway, with its record of failure (3,300 miles of branch line had already been closed in the previous 15 years), had no counter-argument. Beeching did not consider the huge efficiency savings available through slashing the over-manning of the branch network: his brief was to cut, and cut he did.

He described his programme as “surgery, not mad chopping”: he was certainly not the kind of surgeon you would want operating on you.

We could do with those 4,000 miles of line now, as our roads strain and burst. The moral of this story is – don’t ever chuck things out, because you never know when they might come in handy.

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DISCOVER MOTORING

Land Rover Freelander What is it?

Land Rover’s perennial compact SUV given a little wipe over with the flannel to freshen it up. The changes aren’t huge inside or out, but they’re enough to give it a new lease of life. The talking points on the outside are some smart new headlights, new rear tail-lights that look like dumpy red snowmen, and a more striking grille.

Inside it’s had more attention with an Evoque-ess makeover.

Land Rover has given its perennial premium compact SUV a nip and tuck for 2013 – but is it enough to keep buyers interested in the off-roader?

We take it for a spin in the icy wilds of snow-blown Canada. rugged Brit. All are newer than the Freelander and are tough competition to the Land Rover.

Is it any good?

What’s under the bonnet?

If you were hoping for a whole new car, you’ll be sorely disappointed. This revision is a nip and tuck at best bringing its styling into line with the other, newer models in the range. However there’s no denying that the Freelander is extremely capable off-road – some of the terrain we tackled on the launch was positively frightening and it sailed right through it.

What’s the kit like?

The revisions inside bring the Freelander up to date, but we had rather hoped they’d have done more with the exterior. The new lights are striking, but nowhere near as bold as its sister cars which is a shame, however its capability off road can’t be doubted and despite its age we still think it’s a rugged alternative to some often rather boring Germanic offerings. It’s worth a look for the ponypulling set.

There are two diesel units which are both 2.2 litres in size but with different power outputs, 147 bhp and 187 bhp, they both offer four-wheel drive.

There’s also a 150PS version in two-wheel drive form, but quite why you’d opt for that we have no idea apart from its lower CO2 emissions. We tried a brilliant 2.0-litre petrol engine too on our road test in Canada, but sadly this won’t be coming to the UK. In fact, it was actually our pick of the bunch.

It’s on the inside where the manufacturer has really gone to work. The centre console is new and the old Terrain Response dial has been swapped for buttons from the Evoque. A new instrument cluster has been installed which has a five inch display that offers the important details. It now has keyless go, a brilliant hitch assist that helps drivers line up their tow bar and clever voice activation. There are three new colours to choose from paint wise and the stereo system provided by Meridian is nothing short of extravagant.

Any rivals?

There are lots, and that’s the problem. Audi Q5, BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and VW Tiguan all represent very talented and capable alternatives to the

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What’s our verdict?

The Knowledge Model: Land Rover Freelander Price: £39,805 Engine: 2.2 litre, diesel Power: 187 bhp, 420Nm Max speed: 118 mph 0-60mph: 8.7s MPG (comb’d): 40.4 Emissions: 185g/km

by James Baggott, editor of Car Dealer Magazine (CarDealerMag.co.uk)

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DISCOVER SHORT STORY

Short Story The Mystery of Mill Hill There had been mysterious events up at Mill Hill in recent weeks. When neighbours Mavis and Jean met for their weekly gossip over an all-day breakfast in the Cosy Cob Café it seemed natural that this should be their main topic of conversation.

“Three times it’s happened, always on a Thursday evening,” Mavis whispered conspiratorially. “Cars.

Four in the first week and by last week it had gone up to seven. All of them pull up outside number thirty”.

Jean listened and sipped her milky coffee.

“And then men in anoraks,” Mavis mouthed the words. “They all pile in through Velma Pick’s front door.” The ladies exchanged horrified glances.

“Not that I’ve been prying of course.” It was odd that Mavis claimed to detest prying when she was such an expert at it. “But I do need to check no-one’s blocking my drive in case I need the car.”

Jean nodded in agreement, although she knew perfectly well that Mavis never drove her car after dark.

Velma Pick was not someone either of them considered a close friend. She was always happy to help out with the WI but her Victoria sponge had lately been below par. At the last meeting she had stared dreamily out of the village hall window at the night sky and taken forever to dry the tea cups. Both ladies agreed, with the benefit of hindsight, that Velma Pick had become rather distant and secretive.

Jean had some evidence of her own to share.

“Last Thursday I was taking Wuffles for his walk when I saw this lanky chap with Velma. They were carrying a large case into her house.”

Jean paused for dramatic effect.

“I wasn’t eavesdropping, but I distinctly heard him say, ‘I’m happy for anyone to have a go on the equipment, just so long as I can supervise.’”

Mavis and Jean exchanged quizzical glances.

“What do you think it could be?” Jean asked.

“Well, as you know,” Mavis grumbled, “without decent street lighting we’re completely in the dark.”

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Jean did know. Recently Mavis had complained bitterly about the state of the lighting on Mill Hill. Jean was surprised that Mavis hadn’t written to the Parish Council about it yet; after all she was known for her enthusiastic letter writing campaigns. In the past year she had written to complain about the wobbly flagstone outside the Nags Head, the discoloured grout in the public lavatory and the mobile library van driver’s insinuating cough.

Then Jean remembered something else.

“By the time I walked back with Wuffles, they must have all been in the house. And you will never guess what happened next.”

Mavis shook her head.

“They turned out all the lights.” Jean had her friend’s full attention now. “But she had her patio doors open because I could hear voices.”

“What were they talking about?” Mavis asked nervously.

“I heard someone say it was thanks to Velma that everyone could see everything in such detail.

Then I heard her giggle coquettishly like this.”

Jean performed an exaggerated giggle. She had a background in amateur dramatics.

Mavis had heard enough. She made up her mind to write a strong letter to the Parish Council explaining how the absence of decent street lighting was allowing Velma Pick to ruin the good reputation of Mill Hill.

She might have saved herself the price of a stamp, if she’d taken the time to read the poster on the Cosy Cob notice board: ‘Interested in astronomy? Join our friendly stargazing club and see the stars from Mill Hill.

Contact Velma Pick, all welcome’.

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WILTON CARPETS LOCATIONS: CHANDLERS FORD 105 Winchester Road, SO53 2GH TEL: 023 8027 3732

  HEDGE END 7 Upper Northam Road, SO30 4DY TEL: 01489 798801 WIMBORNE 33 High Steet, BH211HR TEL: 01202 887371

WILTON CARPETS FACTORY SHOP Wilton Shopping Village TEL: 01722 742733

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HEDGE END VILLAGE

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7 Upper Northam Rd, SO30 4DY

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TEL: 01489 798801

Wilton Shopping Village

CHANDLERS FORD

TEL: 01722 742733

105 Winchester Rd, SO53 2GH TEL: 023 8027 3732

www.wiltoncarpets.co.uk 20

 Because we speak home

 



 

    £10

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DISCOVER MEON VALLE Y MARCH 2013

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www.energymyway.co.uk F o r c o m m u n i t y i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t w w w. d i s c o v e r c o m m u n i t y.c o. u k

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DISCOVER GARDENING

Seed Sowing on the Cheap

by Pippa Greenwood If you want your garden full of colour, interest, perfume and perhaps even tasty crops, there’s no doubt that the least expensive way to do it is to raise your plants from seed. But what can be done to ensure the results in the garden are just as impressive?

Start with a little self-restraint. It’s all too easy to buy enough seed to fill a tennis court when you have an average-sized garden. Make a list of what you actually need and put a limit on how many un-planned purchases you’ll allow yourself.

Think about sharing. Each packet of seed often contains tens or even hundreds of seeds, so why not agree to swap a few with friends and relatives. This will not only save you money, but will also maximise the range of plants you can grow without increasing your outlay.

Don’t be tempted to sow too many seeds at one time. By sowing little and often you’ll maximise flower time of annual flowers and cropping time for vegetables and herbs. It also means that if the conditions are not right for germination on one occasion, all is not lost.

You may not need to buy what you want. Collect seed from your garden or from gardens of friends and neighbours, making sure that the plants are healthy and that they’re ready and ripe or they won’t germinate. Seeds labelled as ‘F1’ will produce flowers whose seeds will not ‘come true’, meaning that the offspring will not be the same as the original plant and will often be less productive. Try to harvest the seed when the plants and the weather are dry, remove any bits of plant debris and allow them to dry off naturally, not becoming too warm or cold. If you

22

can’t sow the seeds immediately, make sure you store them, well labelled, in a cool, dry place.

A small heated or even un-heated propagator can help you reliably raise a far wider range of plants from seed. Choose one which is sturdily built and has proper ventilation in the clear plastic lid, otherwise seedlings may die on hot days. We stock some of the lovely UK-made Stewart propagators at www.pippagreenwood. com.

Seeds do best if not sown too closely, and by sowing thinly you’ll also save yourself time and money. Wider spacing makes for less thinning out but if you do have to thin out a bit, remember that most seedlings will perform well if looked after properly.

Many herbaceous perennials can successfully be divided into several new plants. Indeed most herbaceous plants do better when occasionally divided as the plant does not become so congested and you can dispose of the grotty bits and plant the good sections into fresh soil.

Many plants are also easily propagated from cuttings, and over the next few weeks, you could get some great cuttings from summer favourites such as fuchsias for virtually no cost at all. They’ll be flowering later this year too.

Visit www.pippagreenwood.com and sign up for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ where you can choose from a fantastic selection of vegetables for planting AND receive an email each week telling you all you need to know to ensure great results – from just £29. You can also sign up for Pippa’s newsletter and receive a free ebook on organic gardening, and buy Nemaslug and other garden products.

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DISCOVER MEON VALLE Y MARCH 2013

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revitalise gardens DESIGN • CONSULT • MAINTAIN A qualified, experienced and professional team undertaking: • • • • • • • • •

Full CAD Garden Designs Paving & Patios Driveways Brick, stone & timber walling Timber structures Fencing Lawn installations Border planting Professional garden maintenance

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Email: b_b_i_@hotmail.com

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DISCOVER MEON VALLE Y MARCH 2013

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F o r c o m m u n i t y i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t w w w. d i s c o v e r c o m m u n i t y.c o. u k

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useful numbers

LOCAL DOCTORS NHS Direct (24hr helpline)

Acorn Medical, Church Lane, Curdridge Fareham Health Centre

Gudge Heath Lane, Fareham Hemming & Partners, Lower Lane, Bishop’s Waltham West Meon Surgery, Doctor's Lane, West Meon Wickham Group Surgery, Station Road, Wickham

0845 4647 01489 782488 01329 823456 01329 280887 01489 892288 01730 829666 01329 833121

LOCAL CHEMISTS Birchall & Haydock, The Square, Wickham PO17 5JQ Tel: 01329 832115 Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday – closed Boots Pharmacy, High Street, Bishop’s Waltham SO32 1AB Tel: 01489 892603 Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 9am – 6pm, Wed & Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun – Closed Lloyds Pharmacy, High Street, Bishop’s Waltham SO32 1AB Tel: 01489 892499 Mon to Fri 8.30am – 6pm, Sat 8.30am – 5pm, Sun – Closed Rowlands Pharmacy, 7 High Street, Botley Tel: 01489 782065 Mon to Fri 9am – 5.30pm, Sat 9am – 1pm PARISH COUNCILS Bishops Waltham parishclerk@bishopswalthamparishcouncil.co.uk www.bishopswalthamparish council.co.uk Upham uphampc@homecall.co.uk Durley durleypc@homecall.co.uk Soberton norman@soberton.org.uk Droxford clerk.droxford@parish.hants.co.uk Shedfield shedfieldparish@btconnect.com www.shedfieldparishcouncil.org.uk Swanmore clerk@swanmoreparishcouncil.org.uk www.swanmoreparishcouncil.org.uk West Meon Parish Council (Tracy Predeth, Clerk) westmeonpc@googlemail.com Hampshire City Council Winchester City Council Wickham Council clerkwickham@parish.hants.gov.uk Boarhunt clerkboarhuntpc@btinternet.com Southwick & Widley swpc@logosoft.biz

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01489 892323 01489 860236 01489 860236 01489 877378 01489 877470 01329 830060 01489 890651 01730 301606 01962 841841 01962 840222 01329 835019 01489 891321 023 8046 3228

LOCAL SCHOOLS Bishop’s Waltham Infants

Bishop’s Waltham Juniors Curdridge Primary Droxford Juniors Durley Primary Kings School Meonstoke Newtown Infants St. Johns Primary Swanmore Primary

Swanmore College Upham Primary West Meon C of E Primary School Wickham Primary Wyvern Technology College

01489 892375 01489 892368 01489 782613 01489 877537 01489 860207 01962 861161 01489 877568 01329 833161 01329 833141 01489 894555 01489 892256 01489 860355 01730 829213 01329 833065 02380 692679

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS All dates taken from http://www.hants.gov.uk/education/schools/holidays.php Spring Term - Easter: Fri 29/3/13 to Friday 12/4/13 (inc.)

Summer Term - Half Term: Mon 27/5/13 – Fri 31/5/13 LOCAL LIBRARY www.hants.gov.uk/library/bishopswaltham Bishop’s Waltham Library, Bank Street, 0845 603 5631 Mon/Thur: Closed, Tue: 2pm – 7pm, Wed/Fri: 10am – 5pm, Sat: 9.30am – 1pm MOBILE LIBRARY Wickham Square Mobile Library, every Wednesday 9:20 to 12:20 Knowle Village Mobile Library, first Friday of the month, 10:45 to 11:45 CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU Bishops Waltham Wickham Community Centre, Fareham

01489 896376 01329 223119

EMERGENCIES Police, Fire or Ambulance Services 999 Police (Incident Reports) 0845 045 45 45 Portsmouth Water - Fresh Water Supply 02392 499888 Portsmouth Water - Leaks to Report (Out of hours 24hr) 02392 477999 Southern Water - Sewage 0845 272 0845 Southern Water - Tech Support 0845 278 0845 Gas – National Grid 0800 111 999 (If you smell gas, then call us immediately) Electricity 0845 7708090

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DISCOVER MEON VALLE Y MARCH 2013

www.WINLOCKS.com

Winchester’s Mobile Locksmith Locks À UPVC General security

Contact 01962 849 426 Mobile 07944 355 000 MLA trained & certified À CRB checked À Insured

fix my garage door !

Repairs Locks Replacement Doors Automatic Operators Please call or email for free advice & quotes

Fix Quick Garage Doors

Pipe Dreams A complete plumbing service Free quotes & no call out charge No job too small All work guaranteed for peace of mind service

www.fix my garage door.co.uk Andover

01264 337711

Winchester

07816 686245 • 01489 878134

01962 715200

Ask for Candice or George

SURGERY HOURS (by appointment) Monday - Friday...................... 9.00am - 12 noon Monday - Friday................... 4.00pm - 7.30pm .

9.00am - noon Saturday................................... . .

Open for routine .enquiries between 8.30am and 7.30pm Monday to Friday

24 hour emergency cover provided

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DISCOVER INFORMATION

local groups WALKS FOR HEALTH Every Thursday 10.15 BishopsWaltham Square, contact Lydia Lockhart 01962 848725 UNIVERSITY OF THE 3RD AGE Tuesday twice monthly 1.30–3.30 Wickham Community Hall Contact 01329 833384 THE HEALING TRUST Healing Centre, Wickham Community Centre, Wickham. Every 4th Saturday of the month 10am til 12.30pm noon. Marjorie Nutland 01329 832637 SOUL CONNECTIONS – SPIRITUAL GROUP Priory Park Hall, Bishops Waltham. 3rd Sunday each Month, £5.00 Sue Murray 01489 799740 www.suemurrayhealing.co.uk NETBALL GROUP We train every Wed 5.30pm -7pm Swanmore College of Technology.

First session would be free. Call Dee 07979917202

Curdridge Amateur Drama Group Productions are twice a year – spring and autumn. Rehearsals – Mondays 7.45pm and Thursdays 7.30pm at the Reading Rooms, Curdridge. From time to time we run workshops and other social events. Phone Teresa 01489 895170 for more information.

DRAMA GROUP Every Monday at Jubilee Hall 4pm - 5.15pm (Junior) & 5.15pm - 6.30pm (Senior) Second youth centre-Helena Fox 01962 844600 Meon Valley Carers Group The Meon Valley Carers Group is a support group for the carers of people with Dementia. We meet every month for a pub lunch and also for a support group meeting. Cared for are welcome.

Phone Debbie on 01489 895444 Mon or Thurs 9.00-13.00 for details.

Swimming Club Hamble Aquatics are a local swimming club who are always looking for new members to help them realise their full swimming potential as well as keeping them fit and healthy. Full details at www.hamblequatics.org or call Paul Dollery 07849 853039 to discuss arranging a free trial.

SCOUTS www.meonvalleyscouting.org.uk Beaver Scouts 6-8, Cub Scouts 8-10, Scouts 10-14, Explorer Scouts14-18, Scout Network 18-25, plus Adult volunteers (18+) are always required as supporters, Leaders, Managers and Administrators. Meon Valley Scouting is centred in Bishops Waltham (inc Cudbridge & Durley), Droxford, Shedfield, Swanmore and Wickham. For further information, including Scouting in other areas, please contactus@meonvalleyscouting.org.uk

LUNCH CLUB Every Monday Jubilee Hall 1 - 2pm Christine Argyle 01489 894054 Tuesday Gwyn West 01489 891663 Thurs Gill Stainer 01489 893384

COMMIT TO GET FIT Circuits, Pilates, Zumba and Yoga classes in Bishops Waltham on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

See www.FitnessPilatesHampshire.com for details or call Carole on 02380 695136

JUBILEE WRITERS Thursday (Twice Monthly) 2pm – 4pm Stables Hall, Bishops Waltham Elizabeth Watt 01489 892224

COUNTRY MARKET Every Friday 9.30 – 11.00am Jubilee Hall, Bishops Waltham

Computer Classes West End Library Thursdays and Friday at 10am Waiting list, however if interested contact 0845 603 5631 /01329 225398 VT Cricket Club Portsmouth Rd, Sholing, Southampton SO19 9PW tel 02380 341745

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GARDENING CLUB Memberships only £6 call Keith Fry 01489 893755 BW YOUNG FARMERS CLUB 14-26 yrs – Thurs Anne 860236 MOBILE LIBRARY WICKHAM SQUARE Wednesday 9.20am – 12.20pm

ART CLASSES 3 classes every Wed - Helena Hines Bishops Waltham Jubilee Hall WICKHAM CENTRE www.wickhamcentre.org.uk Keep Fit Monday 6 – 7pm Rifle Club Mon 7.30-9pm, Sat 10am-12noon Ladies Circuits Tues 9.30am – 10.30am Scallywags Dog Training Tues 6.30pm Wickham Indoor Bowling Tues & Fri 7.30pm Brownies Tuesday 4.45pm Church Room Lunch Club 11.30am Wed, Church Room Home Start Mother & Toddler Fri 9-12 noon Poppins Play Group Thursday Yoga with Paula Wed 10 -11.30am Wickham Community Centre Thu 10 -11.30am Jubilee Hall, Bishops Waltham Paula Dixon 01489 893648 Waltham Priory Probus Club We are a mixed Club of retired & semi-retired professional and business men and women. We meet once a month on the first Tuesday of each month at Brook House, Brook Lane, Botley at 10.30 a.m. for coffee followed by a Speaker, and lunch at 12.30 p.m. We have a wide selection of speakers on many interesting subjects, but also enjoy ourselves with some social events be it a coach trip, garden party, barbeque, conducted walks led by a guide followed by supper, and a variety of other events. Anyone wishing to find out more would be very welcome to contact our Secretary, Barry West on 01489 891663.

MEON VALLEY FLOWER CLUB Demos, workshops at Meonstoke Village Hall Ann Hammant 01730 829469 EVENTS AT SWANMORE Swanmore Baby & Toddler Group Every Tuesday (term-time only) 10am-11.30am Swanmore Village Hall Contact Layla Oates 07837 473590 Charities, free or very low cost events are listed above without charge and can be submitted by emailing Tania@discovermagazines.co.uk For other events a small charge is made starting from just £7 a month.

For more details email Melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk or call 023 8026 6388

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DIS COV ER WHAT ’S ON Newton, PO17 6JD Find 10 coloured eggs around a circular walk. Refreshments, lucky dip, face painting and a toy sale. £2.50 per child including chocolate. Contact 01329 833 017.

what’s ALL THAT’S VINTAGE, CRAFT, GIFT AND COLLECTORS EVENT 2 Mar, 9am – 1pm Bedhampton Social Hall, Bedhampton Road, PO9 3ES Vintage, Craft, Gift and Collectors events. See www. allthatsvintagecraftandgift.vpweb. co.uk or call Emma Gray on 07827 019 687. Free entrance.

RAMBLERS GROUP WALK: 6 MILES 3 Mar, 1.30pm Droxford via Meonstoke. Park and start by church on main road, SO32 3RF Contact Malcolm and Wendy on 01489 783989 MONET - HIS HOME AND GARDEN AT GIVERNY 4 Mar, 7.15pm for 7.30pm East Meon Village Hall, GU32 1PD Jennifer Carters’ photos, presentations and sewn quilts will guide us round Monet’s home and garden. Members free, visitors £1.

SPRING AT SWANWICK LAKE 7 Mar, 10.30am Swanwick Lakes Centre, Sopwith Way, SO31 7AY A guided walk to take in the sights and sounds of early spring. Bring warm outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes. £3 donation. Contact Dawn Preston or Jess Daish-Miller on 01489 570240.

HEDGE END FESTIVAL 9 Mar, 10am - 5pm The Berry Theatre, Wildern Lane, Hedge End, SO30 4EJ A festival to celebrate the best kind of love - family! Workshops, film

COME AND TRY IT ORIENTEERING EVENT 13 Apr, 10am – 12.30pm The Gregg School, SO18 2GF Ideal for families, beginners and the more experienced orienteers.

Coaching and guidance available.

Adults £4, Juniors £2. Contact 07570 627716.

screenings, storytelling and more!

FREE. Contact 01489 799 499 FLINTSTONES - OPEN GARDEN FOR NGS 10 Mar, 2-5pm Flintstones, Durley, SO32 2AG Garden of great tranquillity with all year round pleasing tapestry effect of foliage and flowers.£3 adults, children free. 01489 860 880.

7.30pm. Tickets £12 (£10 concessions) Tel: 01489 890007. E-mail: enquiries@botleychoral.co.uk Online at www.botleychoral.co.uk

RAMBLERS GROUP WALK: 6 MILES 16 Mar, 1.30pm Bishop’s Waltham Circular.

Start at old railway gates near Bishop’s Waltham pond, by large roundabout, SO32 1RY. FLORA AND FAUNA OF Contact Jane on 07792 555 597 HAMPSHIRE RAMBLERS GROUP WALK: 10.5 11 Mar, 7.30pm MILES Holy Trinity Church Hall, West 21 Mar, 10.00am Street, Fareham PO16 0EL Starts at Beacon Hill Beeches Car Illustrated talk by wildlife photographer Gordon Small, including Park, SO32 3LG Walk includes a short picnic lunch. the wildlife of the Lower Test, Contact Ori and Margaret on 02380 Titchfield Haven, Martin Down, the New Forest and a Hampshire garden. 615652 £2 donation. Contact Peter Adams SPRING BIRDSONG on 01329 287653 or peter-adams1@ 25 Mar, 7.30pm live.co.uk.

Church Hall, Free Street, Bishops Waltham, SO32 1AN TWITTER BASICS WORKSHOP Sounds of the spring including 14 Mar, 10am - 12pm recordings by Brian Harrison. Contact The Eastpoint Centre, Bursledon Jane Gentry on 01489 890961 or Road SO19 8BR janegentry@btinternet.com. Parking Twitter basics for small businesses, covering hash tags, re-tweets, raising available at library next door. £2.50. your following to gain new clients, D DAY TUNNELS GHOST HUNT and building better relations through 30 Mar, 8am – 4pm twitter. £15 inc tea/coffee. Book online D Day Tunnels, PO17 6AR at http://www.networkingmummies. An 8 hour investigation of the com/hampshireevents.html or email hundreds of metres of tunnels and Hampshire@networkingmummies.com rooms deep underneath Portsmouth’s shoreline. Hosted by Experienced Choral Concerts Paranormal Investigators and our 16/17 Mar 7:30pm Psychic Medium. £49pp. Contact Botley Choral Society presents 01158 292838 to book.

Mozart's Mass in C Minor, at Holy Trinity Church at Gosport on Sat 16th NEWTOWN EASTER EGG HUNT March at 7.30pm, and at All Saints 3 Apr, 11.30am - 3pm church Botley on Sunday 17th March West Walk, Hundred Acres Road,

BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC TALK 19 Apr, 7pm St Peter’s Church, Soberton, SO32 3PJ 70th Anniversary Commemoration illustrated talk, act of remembrance and refreshments. Tickets £7.50 adult/£3 child/free to veterans holding Atlantic Star with proceeds shared equally between Friends of St Peter's and Royal British Legion.

Obtainable from Droxford Post Office or Chairman FOSP, Downlands, Station Road, Soberton, SO32 3QU (01489 877237); cheques payable to 'Friends of St Peter's Soberton', enclosing stamped addressed envelope for their return. Also available at door subject to space available. Book early to avoid disappointment.

HOLYWELL HOUSE BLUEBELL WALK FOR CANINE PARTNERS 20 Apr, 10am and 11.30am Holywell House, Swanmore, SO32, 2QE Walks are 2-3 miles long. Free parking on site. BBQ, children’ quiz, cake sale, plant stall and merchandise. £6 adults, £2 child, £14 family. Contact Libby Rome on 01730 716 013 or libbyr@ caninepartners.org.uk.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR MORE WHAT’S ON: www.visit-hampshire.co.uk www.hants.gov.uk/events.htm http://www.southampton. gov.uk/news-events/events/ home.asp www.wherecanwego.com

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DISCOVER INDEX

For Advertisers offering multiple property services look under Property Maintenance, otherwise see specific trade e.g. electrician, carpenter etc.

Architect: R & G Design Town & Country Architects Bathrooms: See Plumbing Blinds: Waterside Blinds Builder: R & G Gamblin General Builders Butcher: Bishop's Waltham Butchers

6 9 17 13 8

Carpenter: JT Carpentry & Building Carpets & Flooring: Wilton Carpets Chimney Sweep: Pebble Beach Sweeps Computer Services: Plates PCS

11 20 27 5

Dentist: Simon Smyth Dentistry Double Glazine Inst/Repairs: Britannia Windows Drain Services: Cleansing Service Group

7 5 24

Electrician: Assure Electrical Ltd D.Daniel Electrical Services Ltd

13 17

Fencing: Colourfence Financial Services: Newman Cozens Financia Mg. SBA Financial Garage Doors: Fix Quick Garage Doors Solent Garage Doors Garage Services: Scuffs 2 Scratches Wickham Tyre & Auto Centre Garden Design & Services: Arbor-Call Tree Surgeons Davis Tree Care Jon Curtis Tree Surgery & Garden M. Lawn Tech Revitalise Gardens Simon Foster Garden Design Woodleigh Landscapes Gas Services: See Plumbing Holiday: Croatia Kitchens: Dream Doors Locksmith: Winlocks

Distribution - Discover Meon Valley is published every month and distributed

by Royal Mail to two alternating areas. In January, March etc it goes to homes and businesses in the SO32 1, SO32 3 and GU32 1 sectors. In February, April etc it goes to SO32 2, PO17 5, PO17 6 sectors. This is a total of around 13,300 properties over the two month distribution.

23 6 31/32 27 19 24 15 25 20 24 23 24 23 20

Plumbing Services (including bathroom installation and gas and boiler services) see also Property Maintenance: Gair Gas Gas Appliance Services Pipe Dreams Tom Mitchell Plumbing TP Watts Printer: Warwick Printing Company Property Maintenance & Improvements: BBI Dream Doors Hire A Handy Hero JT Carpentry & Building R & G Gamblin General Builders Solar Panels: Energy My Way

19 5 27 11 17 25 24 3 8 11 13 21

Tree Surgery: See Garden Veterinary: Shield Veterinary Centre

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16 3 27

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS HIDATO

PICTOGRAM 1. An inside job, 2. Just the ticket, 3. Water under the bridge

SUDOKU

WORD LADDER GOLD, GILD, GILT, GIST, GUST, DUST

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

023 8026 6388 or email melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk

Although every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error or omission in the printing of an advert. Discover Magazines Ltd does not officially endorse any advertisers included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise – without the prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Discover Magazines Ltd, 57 Wood End Way, Chandlers Ford SO53 4LN.

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To a d v e r t i s e c a l l M e l a n i e o n 02 3 8 026 6 3 8 8 , w w w. d i s c o v e r a d v e r t i s i n g .c o. u k

Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning ÒMaking sure the right money, goes to the right people, at the right timeÓ Ð The SBA Philosophy You will learn: ¥ How to reduce Inheritance Tax. ¥ How to protect your family home from ravages of Long Term Care costs. ¥ How to protect your ChildrenÕs Inheritance from divorce. ¥ How to keep your money in the family bloodline. ¥ How to get peace of mind, that you have the right Will in place.

About our Speaker Steven Blofield is a highly qualified Financial & Estate Planner and has been helping his clients for over a decade. Steven is a popular local speaker, who can explain complex financial issues in an easy to understand and entertaining way. He is also proud to be the financial expert columnist for the Meon Valley News and the Chichester Observer.

We have two workshops available on Thursday 21 st March 2013 at Wickham Community Centre at 3.30pm to 5.30pm and 7pm to 9pm.

Only 20 places available to book, please call us NOW on 01489 878290 ÒWe were blissfully unaware of what we were losing out on until we met you and now that we have benefited personally so much from your expertise and knowledge we feel secure now in our future plans.Ó Ð Mr. & Mrs. Clarke (Hayling Island)

Michelmersh Barn, St Clairs Farm, Wickham Road, Droxford, Southampton SO32 3PW Tel: 01489 878290 Fax: 01489 877547 E-mail: enquiries@sba-financial.co.uk Website: www.sba-financial.co.uk

SBA Financial Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Registered in England and Wales: 5669998. Registered Office: Wellesley House, 204 London Road, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 7AN

F o r c o m m u n i t y i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t w w w. d i s c o v e r c o m m u n i t y.c o. u k

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Will you or won’t you?

Around 70% of the UK population donÕt have a will!

Come to our FREE Wills & Estate Planning Workshop Thursday 21st March 2013 Wickham Community Centre at 3.30pm and 7pm!

Please turn over for more details insideÉ