Discover Romsey January 2014

Romsey Edition inc North Baddesley | SO51 Villages

January 2014

History p6 | Puzzles p12 Gardening p18 | Short Story p22 Motoring p28 | Local Groups p32 What’s On p34 | Advertisers Index

Start your day with Lou & Jez on The Breeze See page 8

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ABOUT US

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

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ACCOUNTS ENQUIRIES Tel: Tania Houston 023 8027 6361 Email: Tania@discovermagazines.co.uk

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

NEXT ISSUE: DIARY DATES Editorial copy deadline: 20 January Advertisement copy deadline: 23 January Distributed: Romsey Outskirts 31 January Romsey central & North Baddesley 24 February

Distribution Discover Romsey is published every other month and delivered partly by Royal Mail and partly by our own distribution team. In the odd months (January, March etc) it is delivered into SO52, North Baddesley and SO51 central Romsey. On the even months (February, April etc) it is delivered to the rest of the SO51 postcode – particularly the more rural areas - by Royal Mail. This is a total distribution of over 14,000 copies.

132,000 Circulation, 10 Local Editions

Own Goals It’s not my favourite month January. Unlike the early winter months of November and December there’s no Christmas to look forward to. We’re still a way from spring or the evenings getting lighter. And most of us are trying to stick to some resolution or are watching the pennies, which doesn’t generally make for a fun time.

So I try to set myself little tasks and projects which are easy to achieve and don’t cost so that I don’t let the month pass without notice.

So these are my goals for this January.

Firstly for this year: make of a list of important birthdays and buy the cards for the year now. Then when I remember the day before my niece/nephew/friend’s birthday, I’m not left buying a ‘that’ll do’ card from the petrol station.

Secondly now it’s 2014, anything in the food cupboard or bathroom cabinet that has a sell by/use buy date of 2013 or earlier can go out.

Thirdly, I’ll look at my outgoings and ask myself ‘do I really need it’. For example, I pay a couple of £s a month for a magazine I rarely get round to reading. And I’m determined to stop buying ‘brands’ – nine times out of ten the ‘own brand’ is quite considerably cheaper but does as good a job.

Not resolutions as such as once they’re done that’ll be it. But if I get to the end of January having ticked all three off the list, I know I’ll feel it was a worthwhile month and I’ll be a bit closer to the longer days and warmer weather.

Tania

Melanie Tinson & Tania Houston

Romsey Chandlers Ford Southampton Southampton West Winchester Southampton East Itchen Valley Meon Valley Fareham Locks Heath 4

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HISTORY

What happened in... January 1962?

age av e r The a house of price £2,900 was t abou s a w l .

Pe t ro a g a l l o n p 23

On 1st January 1962 The Beatles, comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Pete Best and George Harrison, arrived at Decca’s London office for an audition. They were a day late after their road manager, Neil Aspinall, lost his way. They performed fifteen songs in just under an hour, starting with a Lennon/McCartney composition – Like Dreamers Do. Decca eventually rejected the group, commenting: ‘The Beatles have no future in show business.’

7th: The UK was blanketed in snow, with temperatures in Oxfordshire plummeting to minus 18° centigrade.

8th: An express train heading for Amsterdam collided with a commuter train from Rotterdam in thick fog, killing 91 people.

10th: An avalanche on Mount Huascaran in Peru killed 4,000 people.

6

The Fab Four

11th: The Soviet submarine B-37 was moored at Polyarny naval base, undergoing maintenance, just nine days before it was due to be sent to Cuba. At 8:20am a fire in the torpedo compartment detonated all twelve torpedoes, destroying the vessel. Captain Begeba, who was making an external inspection of the submarine at the time, survived but the rest of the crew drowned as it sank to the bottom of the Borents Sea. The blast also killed men on nearby ships and docksides; 122 people perished. The explosion hurled the submarine’s anchor over a mile.

26th: The US launched Ranger 3 with the aim of sending back images of the lunar surface.

Unfortunately it missed the moon by 22,000 miles and went into orbit around the sun (and you thought your satnav was bad). It did, however, provide the first measurements of interplanetary gamma-ray flux.

Nelson Mandela secretly left South Africa for the first time, touring Europe for six months.

On his return, the future president was arrested and charged with leaving the country illegally. He was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison.

The Young Ones - Cliff Richard

15th: The Meteorological Office started giving the temperature in centigrade after mentioning Fahrenheit temperatures. By October it was the other way round.

Three of the bestselling singles this year were: I’ll Never Find Another You Billy Fury

Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen - Neil Sedaka

By Patrick D Cousins - The author of Rainbows, Dreams and Angels, available from Amazon at £6.99. This a double novella with both stories set in London’s East End, mostly during the Fifties and Sixties.

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switch-ons” says Lou, a new recruit to the station. “We’ve had so many great prizes to give away on air recently – it’s been really festive!”.

Since taking the reins of The Breeze’s breakfast show Jez and Lou have been waking up thousands of households across the south coast. They’d be the first to agree that they’ve hit the ground running - literally!

“Right after joining, the station bosses asked us to tour the area in an electric car, meeting many listeners along the way - a fantastic way of re-acquainting myself with the area”, says Jez, who presented high-profile shows in this area before.

The duo have also hosted some of the region’s biggest festive events.

“We’ve counted down to fireworks, bonfires and Christmas light

Jez and Lou broadcast their show Monday to Friday from 6am to 10am – playing feel good music with local travel and news. Their ‘Word Is Out’ competition at 8.10am is proving very popular.

Listeners guess the missing celebrity word to win the ever growing cash jackpot . “It’s amazing,” says Jez, “sometimes I think the clip will go for ages and win somebody thousands of pounds – and it goes within a fortnight. Other times, it’s the

complete opposite!”

Jez lives locally with his family, and Lou, having recently moved to the area, is enjoying exploring the region. “There’s just so much on offer,” she says “a night out, a yoga class, a relaxed lunch or a quick trip to the beach – it’s all here”.

And what’s the worst thing about presenting the breakfast show?

“Definitely the dark mornings at this time of year” says Jez, “I can’t wait for Spring”,

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tune in to the all new breakfast show on the breeze with Jez & Lou on 107.2 - 107.8 from 6am weekdays

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HIDATO

Puzzle Page

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

Some numbers are already given.

Pictograms

PICTOGRAMS

3 words DON P_THO_ PAN_SA_

47 49

3 46

44

4 words

1 26

JENNINGS EHT

39

USER MANAGER MANAGER USER MANAGER USER USER MANAGER MANAGER USER

33

CUSTOMER CUSTOMER CUSTOMER CUSTOMER CUSTOMER

22

38 29

5 words

7

28 35

20 16

19

14 11

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD Across 3. Onyx marble (9) 8. Crack in a lip caused usually by cold (4) 9. Pretending one set of feelings and acting under the influence of another (3-5) 10. Glacial period in Earth’s history (3,3) 13. Greek muse of love poetry (5) 14. Painfully desirous of another’s advantages (7) 15. Ugly, evil-looking old woman (3) 16. Citizen who has a legal right to vote (7) 17. Devoutly religious (5) 21. breathe out (6) 22. Early Christian church (8) 23. bake in a kiln so as to

10

harden (4) 24. Apiarist (9)

Down

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 9

1. Copyist, scribe (9) 2. Implanted device that 10 controls heartbeat (9) 11 12 4. Milky plant substance 13 14 that coagulates on exposure to air (5) 15 5. Sell illicit products 16 17 such as drugs or alcohol (7) 18 6. Unwanted email (4) 19 20 21 7. Fencing sword (4) 11. Mental illness in 22 which the mind is 23 dominated by a single thought or idea (9) 24 12. Of a triangle, having ©Puzzlepress.co.uk two sides of equal length (9) 15. Facility caring for the 19. Strong, forceful wind (4) 14. Container used to terminally ill (7) 20. Mammal having partially store jam, dried fruit, 18. Make cloth by interlacing webbed feet; valued for etc (3) threads (5) its fur (4)

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Local CLUBS & GROUPS

Friendship on the Menu Age Concern Hampshire’s Food & Friendship service has now been extended to offer company from volunteers at tea-time. The Food & Friendship scheme is available free of charge to Meals on Wheels customers who would like a regular visit from a friendly volunteer for at least half an hour, between the hours of 11.30am and 4pm.

The service is run by Age Concern Hampshire in partnership with Hampshire County Council and the District Councils and runs in all districts across Hampshire except the New Forest.

With afternoon tea now provided as an extra meal from Meals on Wheels, Age Concern Hampshire volunteers have extended their hours to offer their services at tea-time too.

Food & Friendship Co-ordinator Paul Simmonds says: “Good food and good company is something that we all enjoy. It is testament to the dedication of our volunteers that we are now able to extend our services to include home visits over afternoon tea.”

To find out more about the service or if you are a voluntary organisation that already has a befriending service and you would like to partner Age Concern Hampshire, call Paul on 01962 892 455.

Singing in Romsey The Romsey Choral Society is seeking new members. They are an ambitious 60 person choir, with a new Musical Director, Jamie W Hall of the BBC Singers and have just acquired major financial sponsorship. They are looking for enthusiastic and committed singers with strong, musical voices.

Previous choral experience and an ability to read music is expected. They rehearse weekly on a Tuesday evening at the Baptist Church in Bell Street, Romsey and you’ll be invited to a rehearsal to ‘try before you buy’. Contact Linda Stafford, Membership Secretary on 01794 368 878 or visit www.romseychoral.org.uk for more information.

12

Review Of The Year 1. In March 2013, who famously said “may God forgive you for what you have done”?

2. In 2013, who left his career in politics to become President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee in New York?

3. In April 2013, what became the first song with a running time less than a minute to reach the top ten of the UK singles charts?

4. In August 2013, it was announced that actor Peter Capaldi will take over the leading role in which long running TV series?

5. UKIP MEP Godfrey Bloom caused controversy in July 2013 when referring to countries that receive overseas aid from the UK by what name?

6. In which competition did Gaynor Hopkins finish in 15th position when representing the UK? 7. Mad About The Boy was the sub-title of a 2013 novel centred around which character?

8. With a main building that was affectionately known by staff as “the doughnut”, what officially closed on March 31st 2013?

9. What was the finals score in the 2013 Ashes series?

10. Which two singers won two awards each at the 2013 BRIT Awards?

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GARDENING

Sowing Time Now is the perfect time to start sowing seeds

January is here and it’s the perfect time to start sowing seeds in trays and pots. But how do you make sure that yours germinate then produce seedlings and plants which thrive?

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening items including ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - choose the veg you’d like to grow and they are sent to you ready to plant accompanied by weekly advice emails from Pippa.

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A shopping list for first time sowers should be: • Good quality seed and cuttings compost. This will be finer in texture and easier to sow seeds in than multipurpose compost.

• Some seed half-trays, about 5” x 8”.

• A heated propagator, a clear propagator lid to go over the trays or a small unheated propagator. This will ensure that young plants don’t dry out or are subjected to temperature fluctuations.

• A dibber to make it easy to transplant the seedlings into a new home. If you’re budget conscious, you can always use a pencil.

• Some small pots into which you can transplant the seedlings and allow them to grow to full sized plants.

If you buy seed and cuttings compost it’s rarely necessary to sieve it as it has a very fine and even texture. However, if you are using multi-purpose compost, you’ll need to either break up any lumps carefully with your hands or sieve it.

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you have chosen, you will need to sow them at different depths.

Some seeds are tiny and are best scattered over the surface.

If they’re very small and difficult to handle, then I find it best to mix the seeds with a large quantity of dry horticultural sand. This makes it much easier to spread them thinly and evenly over the surface and makes them less inclined to suffer from damping off.

Other seeds are best sown in drills; make sure you use the suggested depth. Once the seeds are in place, in most cases you need to cover them with compost to the required depth. A few seeds actually germinate best if allowed access to daylight and therefore need to be sown on the surface. With these it’s advisable to cover the surface of the tray with cling film to stop it drying out too rapidly and causing erratic germination. I like to put the seeds in place and then moisten the compost. Rather than use a watering can which can displace the seeds, place the seed trays in a sink or tray containing about 1cm of water and allow the compost to soak up the water. Once the compost is just

moist you should stand the trays in a position where any excess water can drain off freely. Then, if necessary, put the trays in a heated propagator.

When it comes to watering the seeds, use mains water as water butts often harbour some of the disease-causing organisms which cause damping off, the fatal condition where the seedlings appear to suddenly flop and keel over. Provided your compost is sterilised and you use mains water and clean trays, damping off is much less likely to be a problem.

Next, label the trays carefully using a pen which is not water soluble. It’s easy to forget which is which or for the trays to become muddled up.

Always watch the seed trays carefully and check them regularly to ensure that the

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Once the majority of the seedlings have appeared, it’s usually not long before you need to prick them out. Generally this is carried out when the first true leaves appear. When the seedling first comes above ground you will see the ‘seed leaves’ which are relatively sturdy looking and rounded in shape. Then above this come the first true leaves which are typical of that particular plant.

When pricking out, handle the seedlings very carefully, never by their stems or true leaves, but always by the seed leaves. Before you start to ease them out, make sure that the compost is adequately moist, so that the roots move readily without damage and that you have already prepared pots for transfer. To avoid rotting, always

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SHORT STORY

Scrabble with the Drabbles Melanie had arrived at the hotel in Lanzarote exhausted but excited, then received a glowing welcome from a handsome young Receptionist, with the name ‘Angel’ on his badge. Her family had thought her decision to holiday alone was crazy, but Melanie wanted, just once in her life, to do something reckless. If the hotel guests are as nice as Angel, she’d thought, this holiday is going to be perfect.

After exploring the hotel complex, however, she’d slumped into a state of dismay. She discovered the island was having its wettest January for thirty years, and she had booked herself into an out-of-season resort with a crowd of Bingo-loving pensioners.

This was not going to be the big adventure she’d hoped it would be.

It was dull, but bearable, until she met Dennis and June Drabble.

Dennis swooped upon her like a clammy vulture declaring his intention to take her under his wing. He had a fondness for his own awful opinions. And June was kidding herself that wearing massive sunglasses concealed the fact that she was constantly lusting after Fario, the overweight lifeguard with one eyebrow.

The Drabbles wouldn’t leave her alone. So far Melanie had shared an evening of Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit and Cluedo with them in the hotel lounge. Dennis was the type of person who sulked whenever it looked like he might not win. June glugged back allinclusive gin until her sunglasses 22

steamed up. All day Melanie had been dreading their threat of Scrabble, so tonight she decided to rebel.

When the coast was clear she tiptoed into the lobby and asked Angel to call her a taxi.

“Where are you going, Miss?” he asked politely as he picked up the phone.

Melanie shrugged.

“A bar? Somewhere lively? I need to get out of here.” He glanced towards the lounge, looked back at her sympathetically and winked.

“I know the perfect place: good food, great music, young people.”

Melanie smiled with gratitude.

“That sounds absolutely perfect.”

Across the lobby Melanie caught sight of the Drabbles parading through to the lounge. She ducked down behind a potted palm but was too late; they had spotted her.

“Ready for Scrabble, Missy?”

Dennis rattled the scrabble box in her face just as Angel announced, “Your taxi will arrive in five minutes.”

A look of supreme offence crossed Dennis’s face.

“You’re not going out?” It sounded more like a statement than a question.

“I am actually,” Melanie gulped.

“I’m going to a bar”.

“On your own? Surely that isn’t safe?”

“No,” Melanie lied. ”I’m meeting someone.”

“Not Fario?” croaked June. “He’s

a terrible gigolo I hear.”

“We should come with you,” Dennis said glancing at his watch as though this was all very inconvenient. “I’ll need to find my wallet”.

“Oh no,” Melanie said quickly.

The last thing she wanted was the Drabbles chaperoning her on an imaginary date. “I would hate to spoil your evening.”

“It would seem it is already spoilt,” Dennis said tossing the scrabble box onto the desk.

“What the young lady means,” Angel intervened, “is that she will be in perfectly safe hands and delivered back to the hotel in one piece - by me.” With authority, he ushered them towards the lounge.

“Thank you,” Melanie said, once the Drabbles had gone. “Honestly though, you didn’t have to lie on my behalf.”

“My shift has just finished and I would love to show you my beautiful island,” he smiled shyly.

“Unless you’d prefer Scrabble.”

The taxi pulled up outside. The rain had stopped and a warm breeze blew in that smelled of sea mist, adventure and, possibly, romance.

By Jackie Brewster

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LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS

Time for NCTea The Romsey and District Branch of the NCT are relaunching their tea groups for new mothers. Tea groups are small groups of new Mums with babies of a similar age who meet regularly to share their experiences and to support each other through the highs and lows of parenthood. Groups usually meet weekly at each other’s houses for tea, biscuits and a chat. Anyone is welcome to come to a tea group; you don't have to be an NCT member. If you have a baby under 12 months, or are expecting a baby, and would like to know more, please email teagroups@romseynct.hampshire.org.uk. To find out more about the NCT locally or get involved in the branch please contact enquiries@romseynct. hampshire.org.uk

Photography in Romsey

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

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You are very welcome to attend to any evening that is of interest to you and you can initially visit free of charge as a guest. The full programme and more information are available on the club’s website at www.viewfinderscameraclub.org.uk

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Viewfinders of Romsey Camera Club is a friendly and active local camera club which welcomes members of all ages/abilities and images of all genres. They meet weekly at 7.30pm on Tuesday nights from September to July at the Jubilee Hall, Timsbury.

Their programme consists of lectures, assessments, trophy competitions, trips and even an annual exhibition of members work in Romsey every July.

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LANDLORDS

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Property Management fees can often erode your monthly rental income So whether you are letting a house, bungalow or flat it will pay you to talk to us.

We are currently offering exclusive discounted property management service packages until the end of the year.

For a free management appraisal please contact Jan Sheffield on 01794 525534

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Your Local Experienced Locksmith (est 2000)

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MOTORING

Bentley Flying Spur Classic Bentley

Individuals of high net worth are currently spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a luxurious four-door saloon to transport them to important business meetings and the occasional cruise to Monaco.

But two British marques remain the go-to guys when it comes to exquisite craftsmanship and superlative drives... One is a certain Rolls-Royce and the other is Bentley, which just so happens to have a brand new Flying Spur in showrooms.

What is it?

An updated version of the luxurious Flying Spur that was first unveiled to the world in 2005. Many hours have been spent working on a new identity for the model that doesn’t shy too far away from the iconic yet understated lines of a Bentley but adds a modern edge to keep it abreast with rivals from the UK and Germany. The levels of sumptuous, handcrafted detail remain amongst some

28

of the best in the world but an injection of new technology aims to appease the slightly younger, more gadget-savvy buyer.

What’s under the bonnet?

The same almighty 6-litre twinturbocharged W12 unit that can be found in the outgoing model but with a few technological tweaks that reduce fuel consumption by 13.5 per cent and boost performance figures.

Top speed is now 200mph, with Bentley marketing the monster as ‘the world’s fastest saloon’.

That claim becomes quite apparent when the right pedal is pinned to the carpet as, despite weighing nearly three tonnes, it can despatch the 0-60mph sprint in just 4.3 seconds.

After listening to feedback from customers, Bentley has slaved tirelessly to decrease the encroaching grumble of the mighty W12, so noise in the cabin has decreased by an impressive 40 per cent.

What’s the spec like?

A basic Flying Spur will set you back £140,900 so naturally specification is going to be on the generous side but, if one goes wild with the options list, prices can easily tickle the £170,000 mark. Basic W12 models come with opulent, 14-

way adjustable seats, multizone climate control, rear-seat entertainment units and swathes of hand-stitched leather and natural wood veneers. A W12 Mulliner version, that includes bespoke interior hide colours, diamond quilting on the seats, embroidered Bentley logos on the seats and sporty drilled alloy pedals and knurled gear lever, is available at a premium. To give an indication of the extent of possible luxurious specifications, the options list includes a lamb’s wool boot carpet at the cost of £600.

Any rivals?

The Flying Spur will always face fierce competition from the Rolls-Royce Ghost, a car whose badge arguably carries more gravitas amongst discerning customers, but also an equally eye-watering price tag. Bentley also cites the likes of BMW and Mercedes as key rivals as well as the sportier luxury saloons such as the Maserati Gran Turismo and the Aston Martin Rapide.

Land Rover is also making waves in the luxury market with the Range Rover - a vehicle that is just as comfortable as the Spur but can also tackle a mountainside if the mood takes.

What’s it like to drive?

Effortless power is the name of the game here, the big Bentley

whisking its occupants to high speeds without those inside the leathery cocoon knowing any different. The suspension does a great job of wafting over cracks and bumps through town and manages to steam roller any imperfections in motorway surfaces - it’s an absolute joy to be driven in. But the real surprise comes when you actually slide behind the wheel and take control of the Spur. It feels big and heavy but not in a negative way, the car encourages a sensible driving style around town but the welljudged steering lightens up at slow speeds, making tight roads and tricky roundabouts a breeze to navigate. Firm up the suspension, slip the gear lever into sport mode and the twisting A-road becomes a fairground ride. It’s in no way a Lamborghini but the threetonne cruiser handles with

little body roll through corners and blistering pace on the straights. According to those who sell these machines, 90 per cent of Bentley owners drive themselves and we can see why.

Model: Bentley Flying Spur W12

The verdict

Max speed: 200mph

It is very difficult to find fault with such an expensive vehicle that is lavished with Bentley levels of attention to detail and there is no denying this is one very beautiful, very accomplished machine.

Slight niggles would surround the additional tech elements with many of the menu screens proving fiddly and unintuitive.

The Bluetooth phone connection requires too many stages to operate fully and we struggled with the on-board Wi-Fi. Eagle-eyed customers may also notice that a large amount of technology is carried over from

0-62mph: 4.3 seconds

Price: £140,900 Engine: 6-litre, twinturbocharged W12 Power: 616bhp, 800Nm

MPG: 19.2mpg combined Emissions: 343 g/km

other models in the Volkswagen group and those parting with £160,000 probably don’t want the Sat Nav from a Skoda. Tech aside, it is classic Bentley, boasting understated yet elegant looks, impressive power and interior comfort that is hard to find anywhere else.

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Local CLUBS & GROUPS

Join the Road Runners Lordshill Road Runners is a running club with an aim to get people to enjoy running, whether as beginners, seasoned pros or something in between everyone is welcome. The club was set up 31 years ago and now has 300 members. Main training night is Monday at 6.15pm, meeting on Tauntons College field, Hill Lane.

Training is also offered on a Wednesday evening on the Common and there is a social run every Thursday from Oasis Academy in Lordshill or, sometimes, out in the New Forest. Social events such as quizzes, barbecues, the annual 'Billy Bash' (post-Christmas party and awards night) are open to everyone and are often subsidised by the club.

It’s just £15 a year to join and membership is open to everyone from 18 years upwards. More info at www.lordshillroadrunners.org.uk/

Music for Alzheimer’s The Alzheimer’s Society’s Romsey Music Group offers a fun, interactive music session for carers and people with dementia led by a professional musician. The sessions take place on the second and fourth Wednesdays in the month from 10.30am until noon. There is no need to book and no fee. The sessions start with refreshments and an opportunity to share experiences and advice with other participants, professionals from the Alzheimer's Society and volunteers. This is followed by a lively music session led by a professional musician with an opportunity to listen to pieces and sing-a-long to a wide variety of songs. More details are available by contacting Alzheimer's Society Eastleigh office on 023 8061 0159.

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LOCAL GROUPS Romsey Flower Arrangement Society Second Wednesday of the month. North Baddesley Village Hall 7.00pm Welcomes new members info@wessexandjerseyflowers.co.uk Wellow Flower ArrangEment Society Meetings held fourth Monday in the month at Plaitford Village Hall at 7.30 pm New members welcome. Tel: Sonia on 01794 322205 or Liz on 01794 322263.

Flower Arrangement Classes Woodley Village Hall, School Road, Romsey.

Mondays 1.30 - 3.30pm 1st & 3rd Monday - Beginners and intermediates (separate tables). Everybody Welcome Contact: Denise 02380 741299 or Sandy 01794 511335 for details.

Braishfield Flower Arrangement Meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at Braishfield Village Hall 7.30pm. New members welcome. Tel: 01794 368259 / 02380 731162 Romsey W.I. The Crosfield Hall Annexe, Broadwater Road, Romsey, SO51 8GL Every fourth Wednesday in the month commencing 7.30pm. Visitors will be warmly welcomed. We have sections for Crafts, Darts, Walking, Scrabble and outings. We also have trips to the theatre. alan.coltsrd@o2.co.uk Romsey Modellers Ampfield Village Hall, 3rd Wed in the month.

8pm – 10pm We are a plastic modelling club catering for all modelling genres and skill levels from beginners to well seasoned gurus. For more information please see www. romseymodellers.co.uk Romsey Sub-aqua Club.

Club night is Tuesday evening at Stanbridge Earls School 7.30 - 9 pm. We offer try-dives and training and welcome new members.

(Note: for security reasons at the School please contact us before coming along.)

Email: info@romseysac.com Website www. romseysac.com South Hants Historical Aviation The Conservative Club Romsey First Wed in the month 7.30pm. Welcomes new members.

For more information visit www.shhas.co.uk.

Romsey Open Gate Stroke Club A social club for anyone who has had a stroke, we meet every Tuesday at The Abbey Rooms 2.15pm Welcomes new members Tel: 0845 3033 100

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Romsey Job Club Trying to find a job? If you live around Romsey, why not drop in to our Job Club on a Wednesday morning between 9.30 and 12.30? We can’t offer you a job, but we can offer you help in finding one. You can browse for jobs on our computers , prepare your cv If you need to brush up your IT skills, we can help you with that as well. All in an informal setting, with a cup of tea or coffee. We’re at Company House, Romsey School, Greatbridge, SO51 8ZB. Ring 01794 522106 for more information NOMADS music and drama group NOMADS meet every Friday 8pm, Woodley Village Hall, School Road, Romsey. We have been part of the local community for 35 years and new members are welcomed. Come along or phone Rachel: 023 8049 8955 or Clare: 01794 523578 - for more information.

Art Classes Ampfield Golf Clubhouse, Monday mornings Wendy’s Art classes work on promoting new thinking skills in relation to art and creativity.

01794 523067 for more info.

WELLOW TEA DANCE Wellow Village Hall from 3pm to 5pm every second Wednesday in the month except August. The price is £3.25, music provided, tea, cakes and a raffle are included in price ROMSEY HEARING CONCERN 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month 2 to 4 pm Appletree Centre, Romsey Visitors and new members are very welcome to visit this friendly club, whose aim is to minimise the restrictions of deafness. You do not have to be deaf to visit or join us, you just need an empathetic approach to people with a hearing loss. We are always looking for help, so if you are interested please contact Anne Gale on 02380735858, alternatively email hearingconcernromsey@gmail.com.

Romsey Amnesty International We are a friendly group of all ages interested in standing up for human rights. We meet monthly for letter writing, guest speakers and workshops and visitors are always welcome.

Third monday of the month (not August).

Please email romseyamnesty@gmail.com.

Transition Town Romsey We are a local not-for profit group run by volunteers, aiming to take action locally to make Romsey more sustainable and a better place to live. We are particularly concerned with the challenges of Peak Oil and Climate Change and encourage people to get involved in our various groups. Website: www. transitiontownromsey.org.uk Romsey Good Neighbours We are volunteers who take elderly, inform or disabled people to attend hospital, doctor or other medical appointments. If you need our service or could volunteer call Barbara Harper, Secretary of Romsey Good Neighbours (01794 522803).

WOODLEY & CRAMPMOOR FRIENDSHIP Woodley Village Hall, School Rd, Romsey 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month, 2pm

ROMSEY MALE VOICE CHOIR Romsey Male Voice Choir’s team of 60 members share a passion for singing and fun. Come along to a rehearsal to hear what we do, all visitors welcome. The choir holds weekly rehearsals on Monday evenings in Romsey. 02380 663263, www.romseymvc. co.uk VIEWFINDERS OF ROMSEY CAMERA CLUB Every Tuesday throughout the year (except August) at Jubilee Hall, New Road, Timsbury, 7.30pm. We have a varied programme of competitions, talks and practical evenings for those with an interest in photography, and we welcome those just starting out in photography as well as more advanced workers. For more information, please see www.viewfinderscameraclub.org.uk or telephone our secretary Pam Watson on 01794 388429.

Foresters Flower Club 1st Thurs of the month (excluding Jan) at 7:30pm Copythorne Parish Hall, Pollards Moor Road A friendly floral art group for all ages with a varied and interesting programme of workshops, demonstrations, outings and social events. New members and guests always warmly welcomed. Club Secretary: 023 8081 2883 Romsey Sea Cadets Romsey Sports Field, Southampton Road, Romsey SO51 8AT Tuesdays for 12 – 18 year olds or Thursdays for 10 – 18 year olds Activities and competitions in every area include sailing, rowing, canoeing, swimming, 5-a-side football, shooting & camp craft.

01794 514387 romseyseacadets@gmail.com Meditation as a way of prayer Every Friday 11am to 12pm starting 4 May 2012. An opportunity to explore & experience the stillness & silence of contemplative prayer. Wisdom Centre, Romsey, Hants SO51 8EL. 01794 830206. reception@wisdomhouseromsey.co.uk. www.christian-meditation.org.uk ROMSEY ARTHRITIS HYDROTHERAPY Help soothe Arthritic joints, helping to relieve pain in the Hydrotherapy Pool. Join us as a member for £5 per year. Weekly sessions are subsidised. Transport is not available, but sessions are held locally. For further information contact Mrs Linda Hill 01794 323838 Romsey Breeze Bike Rides Regular, fun and free! Romsey-based bike-rides for women: introductory (5mile) or steady (12mile) rides. Check out www. breezebikerides.com. Type ‘Romsey’ under the Find-a-ride slot or find us on Facebook to book your place. Alternatively ‘phone Viv, the local Breeze ride-leader on 01794 368207. You must be confident with hand signals.

DTi n t e r i o r s

Installations & Property Maintenance

Steve Blanks Driving School Romsey based. Covers all SO51 & North Baddesley

£23 per hour

Covering all aspects of carpentry Quality fitted kitchens from Design to completion

1st Lesson half price

£20 per hour for 10 hours block booking

Fully qualified tradesman charging competitive prices Call Dan on 07882 156975 Email your enquiry: dtinterior@hotmail.co.uk

call

07531 930106 anytime

All aspects of Plumbing carried out Bathroom Fitting Tiling For a free quote call us today

02381 226 856 ▪ 07917 703 794 info@mbrierleyplumbing.co.uk www.mbrierleyplumbing.co.uk

Wayne Hyrons Painter and Decorator 023 8086 7084 07766 540007

The Door Hanger Ltd Need a new door?

We can supply five 30” x 78” white primed colonial doors (six panel grained moulded doors), supplied and fitted with brass furniture st £375

Ju

Call for a Free Quotation Without Obligation

Other sizes including metric available Free estimates

5 Robin Gardens, Totton waynehyrons@hotmail.com

Call Tony 07941 191855 www.thedoorhanger.co.uk Checkatrade.co.uk/thedoorhanger

Small Advert

BIG IMPACT Advertise to over 14,000 Romsey and North Baddesley homes from just £28 (+VAT) a month Free Advert Design Call 02380 266388 to discuss your advert or email melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk

33

LOCAL WHAT’S ON ROBIN HOOD PANTOMIME 8 to 24 Jan Plaza, Romsey When Robin Hood returns to Nottingham after a stint in the crusades, he meets the Sheriff’s ward, Maid Marion and falls in love, only to find out that the Sheriff himself has designs on her. For tickets see www.plazatheatre.com WEDDING FAIR EXTRAVAGANZA 12 Jan, 11am-4pm The Ageas Bowl, Botley Road, West End, SO30 3XH See 50-60 different local and national exhibitors. Fashion shows at 12pm and 2pm. Entry is free.

Register online for Fast Track Entry www.dreamweddingfairs.com HOSPITALS IN WWI 18 Jan, 1.30pm Royal Victoria Country Park, SO31 5DQ In this 100th anniversary year of the start of WWI, find out about life at

34

Royal Victoria Military Hospital during the busiest period of its lifetime. Enjoy a talk and slideshow by author and historian, Philip Hoare. Additional Tower Tour available.Talk:1.30pm, £5 pp. Tower Tour: approx 3.30pm, £4 per adult, £2 per child (max 12 spaces). 023 8045 5157 DICK TURPIN PANTOMIME 22 to 25 Jan 14, 7:30pm + 2:30 on Sat Bishopstoke Memorial Hall, Riverside, Bishopstoke SO50 6LQ The tale of the infamous Dick Turpin, highwayman, is brought to raucous life in this new pantomime by the Bishopstoke Players. With more than a touch of melodrama Dick Turpin is original, inventive and full of fun with a Dame, a villain complete with dim-witted henchmen, a beautiful girl and her fishnet-stockinged beau all here, but in a new and exciting setting with its fair share of surprises. £7 (£5 under 16s), 023 8069 3032, e-mail bishplayers@btinternet.com, or link from website.

Chandler’s Ford and Itchen Valley Rotary Club. £37.50 pp. To book your table call Stacey 023 80 277800 or email promotions@ potters-heron.co.uk LAMBING TIME 25 & 26 Jan, 9.30am-3.30pm Sparsholt College Hampshire, Westley Lane, Sparsholt, SO21 2NF Visitors invited to see the ewes at lambing time. Plus there will be plenty of fun for all the family inc craft activities, afternoon milking in the dairy, pony petting, tractor & trailer rides. Free parking. No dogs, with the exception of assistance dogs. Most activities are free, but some will incur a small charge.

Tickets available on the day: Adults £5 Child (3-16) £3.50 (under 3s free). Family ticket £15 (2 adults & 2 children). Health Warning - It is important that women who are, or may be, pregnant DO NOT attend this event. 01962 797396 for more info.

SCOUT JUMBLE SALE 25 Jan, 2-4pm Scout Hut, Boyatt Lane, Allbrook,SO50 4LJ Lots of bargains to be had! Sale of mens, womens and childrens clothes, textiles, glass and tableware, bric a brac, small furniture, toys and books. Raising funds for local Scout Group.

Come early to beat the rush.

Chairs provided for early queuers!

Refreshments. Entrance 20p.

THE RAMBLERS GROUP WALK 2 Feb, 2pm Southampton Sports Centre, Grid ref starting point SU408155 Hampshire SO16 6RY Enjoy British wildlife on a group circular walk. Start/finish at the Car Park at the end of Thornhill Road, nr the Bowling Green. Meet in the car park near cafe. Non-members welcome to join the group for 2 or 3 walks before joining the Ramblers’ Association. Call Mark 02380 220173, www.ramblers.co.uk/ walksfinder/walkInfo.php

ROTARY BURN’S NIGHT SUPPER 25 Jan Potters Heron Hotel, Ampfield, SO51 9ZF Celebrate the 255th anniversary of the life and works of Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns.

Enjoy a 3 course meal with traditional haggis, plus welcome cocktail & coffee and the sounds of the Scottish Piper’s serenade.

Fundraising in support of the

THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER TRAIL 15-23 Feb, 10am-3.30pm Royal Victoria Country Park, SO31 5DQ Follow the self-guided trail and help the elves find the clothes the shoemaker and his wife have made them. There is a prize for getting all the way round. Trails available from the shop at £1.50. 023 8045 517 or www.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

Fun with FloRA And FAunA 15 Feb to 23 Feb marwell zoo, so21 1Jh Welcome to the wonderful world of plants! Take part in our themed crafts and enjoy our animal talks. open gARden FoR ngs 16 Feb 12pm to 4pm the down house, itchen Abbas so21 1AX 3-acre garden developed by owners since 2001, laid out in rooms overlooking Itchen Valley, adjoining the Pilgrim’s Way, with walks through a large meadow to the river. Carpet of snowdrops and crocus, plus borders of coloured stems in winter. Pleached hornbeams, yew-lined avenues, woodland nut and orchard walk.

Working vineyard and potager. £4, Children free (share to PCaSo, Prostate Cancer Support).

01962 791054. Groups of 10+ also welcome. www.thedownhouse.co.uk

open gARden FoR ngs 16 Feb 14, 2pm to 4pm Bramdean house, Bramdean so24 0Ju Beautiful 5-acre garden famous for its mirror-image herbaceous borders. Carpets of spring bulbs especially snowdrops. A large and unusual collection of plants and shrubs giving yr-round interest..

Small arboretum. Admission £4, Children free. Open for charity. www.ngs.org.uk/ glow in the pARk Run 19 Feb southampton common, off the Avenue Get your glow on and be part of this unique and exciting running event. Participants are encouraged to wear highviz clothing, head torches and anything that glows! The course is professionally designed and checked and will have marshals and medics. Timing chips and race brief given at registration. www.

Get Paid to Exercise!

Discover Romsey needs local people to help with deliveries starting at the end of January. We are looking for people in or near the postcodes of SO51 5, SO51 7, SO51 8 and North Baddesley (SO52).

glowinthepark.co.uk or email info@glowinthepark.co.uk whitney houston tRiBute Act 22 Feb chandlers Ford central club, 2 winchester Rd, so53 2Fz Non-Members £10 and Members £5. Other regular band nights, disco nights, football and bingo at the club which has been established since 1920. More details at www. chandlersfordcentralclub.co.uk indooR tABle sAle 23 Feb, 9am to 11am the cleveland Bay, 1 pilgrims close, chandlers Ford, so53 4st Like a car boot sale but indoors and minus the boot! To hire your table please call 023 8026 9814, email clevelandbay@wadworth. co.uk or pop in and see us. www. theclevelandbay.co.uk. Put the date in your diary to come along on the day for bargains. Hot drinks and a breakfast menu will be available.

PET PORTRAIT WINNER The ipet portraits competition we ran in November was incredibly popular and we had hundreds of lovely pet pictures sent it. The winner in Romsey was Mrs Sandra Welsh with Jasper the Cocker Spaniel. Gorgeous I'm sure you'll agree!

Routes from 2 hours upwards and deliveries will be every other month (early Feb, April, June etc). Rates dependent on area, minimum age 13… no maximum!

The earlier you apply the more likely we can give you a route near home.

More details/application at: www.tiny.cc/newdisti

To have your own pet portrait created just £25 - contact Sue McLachlan at www.animalmagicart.com.

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ADVERTISER’S INDEX

Live Local Think Local

www.discovercommunity.co.uk

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

Your Community Business Directory Hampshire Walks Clubs & Societies What’s On Restaurant Guide Useful Numbers …and how to send in your own community news.

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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 Aerial Fix DJ Satellites & Aerials AppliAnce RepAiR Advanced Appliance Care BAthRooms See Plumbing Blinds & cuRtAins Solent Blinds & Curtains Waterside Blinds cAR RepAiR & seRvices Independent NB Service Station cARpet cleAning Abbey Cleaning cARpet & FlooRing Floor Coverings Southern GE Nicholls childRen’s tuition Boostmaths computeR seRvices Geek On Demand Home Computer Help RSJ Computer Services Widenet Computer Services Ltd conseRvAtoRies Britiannia Windows Pennington (HI) Jones Ltd South Coast Installations counselloR Marcus Gee Talking Therapies douBle glAzing inst/RepAiRs Britiannia Windows Everest Penninton (HI) Jones Ltd South Coast Installations Windowmenda dRiving tuition Steve Blanks Driving School educAtion Barton Peveril Sixth Form College electRiciAn Ampfield Electrical EEC247 Romsey Electical Services estAte Agent

20 14 38

31 24 27 14 15 13 30 7 15 7 23 8 26 13 2 23 26 31 13 2 11 33 7 38 14 30

Jonathan Rees NiceMoves Woolley & Wallis Fencing Colourfence gARAge dooRs Fix Quick Garage Doors gARAge seRvices Best Autocentres Independent NB Service Station gARden design & seRvices Arbor Call Aura Landscapes Colourfence Elcombe and Son J.L. Tree Care Neil Richmond Tree & Hedge Services New Forest Garden Machinery T.I.Smith Building & Landscaping gAs seRvices See Plumbing heAlth & Fitness Curves heAlth seRvices Hampshire Hearing Centre kitchens Dream Doors New Forest Stone Space Kitchens & Bathrooms letting seRvices Woolley & Wallis locksmith Lockright opticiAn Hampson Opticians pAinteR/decoRAtoR Different Strokes plumBing seRvices (including bathroom installation and gas and boiler services) AK Plumbing & Heating Aquatec Gair Gas Gas Elite Grahame E Jones Plumbing & Heating HTS Studios

21 40 24 16 29 29 27 14 20 17 16 16 16 19 20 19

5 23 3 39 11 24 26 23 33

11 2 17 13 8 31

l Buy Local . . .

M.Brierley Plumbing 33 NHP (Romsey) Ltd 39 Pegrum Home Services P & H 15 Printer Warwick Printing Company 5 Property Maintenance DT Interiors 33 Elcombe and Son 16 Everest 31 House Worx 33 Mann & Sons Ltd 38 Purchase Construction Ltd 26 The Door Hanger Ltd 33 The Flat Pack People 33 ProPERTY SALES Jonathan Rees 21 NiceMoves 40 Woolley & Wallis 24 radio The Breeze 9 SCHOOLS Barton Peveril Sixth Form College 7 singing Rock Choir 7 tuition Boostmaths 7 wedding Dresses Bella Bride & Ball 5 Window Repair Windowmenda 11 Worktops New Forest Stone 39

Puzzle Answers General Knowledge Crossword Across: 3 Alabaster, 8 Chap, 9 Two-faced, 10 Ice age, 13 Erato, 14 Jealous, 15 Hag, 16 Elector, 17 Pious, 21 Exhale, 22 Basilica, 23 Fire, 24 Beekeeper.

Down: 1 Scrivener, 2 Pacemaker, 4 Latex, 5 Bootleg, 6 Spam, 7 Épée, 11 Monomania, 12 Isosceles, 14 Jar, 15 Hospice, 18 Weave, 19 Gale, 20 Mink.

Fun Quiz Reveiw of the Year

Pictograms

1. The full monty 2. Pat on the back 1.Pope Francis (speaking 3. The customer is always right to his fellow cardinals on Hidato his election as Pope), 2.

David Miliband, 3. DingDong! The Witch Is Dead, 4. Doctor Who, 5. Bongo Bongo Land, 6. The Eurovision Song Contest (Gaynor Hopkins is the real name of Bonnie Tyler), 7. Bridget Jones, 8. BBC Television Centre, 9. 3-0 to England, 10.

Emeli Sande and Ben Howard

USEFUL NUMBERS DOCTORS NHS Direct (24hr helpline)

Abbey Mead Surgery Romsey SO51 8EN

Alma Road Surgery Romsey SO51 8ED Lordshill Health Centre Lordshill SO16 8HY Nightingale Surgery Romsey SO51 7QN

North Baddesley Surgery Fleming Ave SO52 9EP CHEMISTS Lloyds Pharmacy 123 The Hundred, Romsey Boots The Chemist Ltd 1 The Hundred, Romsey Alliance Pharmacy 7-8 Market Place, Romsey Lloyds Pharmacy 16-17 District Centre Lordshill Alliance Pharmacy 7 Rownhams Road,N Badd Wellow Pharmacy Lower Common Road SCHOOLS Ampfield C of E Primary Awbridge Primary Braishfield Primary Cupernham Infants Cupernham Junior Fairisle Infant & Nursery Fairisle Junior Halterworth Primary North Baddesley Infant North Baddesley Junior Nursling Cof E Primary

Oakwood Infants Oakwood Junior Romsey Primary & Nursery Romsey Abbey C of E Primary (aided) Rownhams St Johns Cof E Primary Sinclair Primary & Nursery Wellow Primary Oaklands Community School &Oasis Academy Years 7 & 8 - Years 9 -11 - The Mountbatten School The Romsey School HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING Bunny Lane, Timsbury Winter (1st Oct - 31st March) 8am - 4pm Summer (1st April - 30th Sept) 8am - 7pm

0845 4647 01794 512218 01794 830888 01794 513422 02380 738144 01794 517878 01794 511513 02380 743401 02380 743400 01794 01794 01794 02380 02380 01794

522716 513143 513193 737161 732438 322554

01794 01794 01794 01794 01794 02380 02380 01794 02380 02380 02380 02380 02380 01794 01794 02380 02380 01794

368219 340407 368359 514494 512702 731199 733415 512028 412412 411100 732289 733337 320360 512362 512047 736417 736663 322201

02380 02380 01794 01794

393660 771881 502502 512334

01794 368548

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Mann & Sons Ltd

Ampfield Ampfield Electrical Electrical

Property Maintenance and Decorating Professional tradesmen at affordable prices

Commercial, Commercial,Domestic Domestic& & Industrial Industrial

5* Accredited Velux Installer Conservatories Artificial Lawns All Roofing Work

Quality Phonework us nowatforcompetitive a FREE quoteprices Phone(023) us now8073 for a FREE 1205 quote

(023) 8073 1205 www.ampfieldelectrical.co.uk www.ampfieldelectrical.couk 73 Ringwood Drive, North Baddesley 73 Ringwood Drive, North Baddesley

Plastering and Rendering

Advanced Appliance Care

Kitchens

Same Day/Next Day Service

‘Firestone’ Rubber Flat Roofs Fascia & Guttering

Bathrooms Decking

References from local satisfied customers available on request

Telephone: 02380 262805 Mobile: 07919 925138 email: info@mannandsons.co.uk www.mannandsons.co.uk 50 Chalvington Road, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh SO53 3DX 38

▼▼▼▼ ▼ ▼▼

Interior and Exterior Decorating

Rewires & New Installations Rewires & New Installations Electrical Inspection & Testing Electrical Inspection & Testing Fault-finding and Repair Fault-fi& nding and Fuseboxes Repair Sockets Lights, Sockets&&Ventilation Lights, Fuseboxes Heating Heating & Ventilation Fire Alarms and Security Fire Alarms Security TV and Phoneand Points TVwork and Phone Points Quality at competitive prices

£10 OFF

REPAIR when booking on-line

Low Cost, Fast Repair 15 Years Experience All Makes & Models Repaired Fully Guaranteed • Dishwashers • Fridge Freezers • Cookers • Tumble Dryers • Integrated Specialists • OAP Discounts

01794 840005 02380 982855

www.advancedappliancecare.co.uk

Granite Worktops - Surprisingly Affordable If you are fitting a new kitchen or bathroom and love the look and feel of real stone, our range of colours and quality materials will be just what you need.

So don’t go for second best – solid granite, quartz or marble worktops last a lifetime and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how affordable it is, we promise.

Local Company 40 years of supplying high quality granite Serving trade and public Very Competitive Prices

01794 368625

info@newforeststone.co.uk

|

www.newforeststone.co.uk

Unit J1, Hunts Farm, Rudd Lane, Timsbury, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0NU

Gas Servicing Landlord Certificates All Plumbing Works Bathroom Installations Disabled Wet Rooms

Boilers Repaired & Installed Oil & LPG Boiler Servicing NEW Handyman Service Property Maintenance Painting & Decorating

CALL US FOR A FREE QUOTATION

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TRANSPARENCY. NO HIDDEN SURPRISES

No additional costs. No catch. A quality Estate Agent at a sensible price.

Sell your property for just £895 At NiceMoves Sales & Lettings, we know exactly what’s required to sell and let properties in today’s world. We’ve removed all of the unnecessary costs and we pass all of those savings on to you.

NiceMoves use the latest tools and systems to market your property but with the personal service you’d expect from your Estate Agent and more…

ALSo iNcLuded iN the price: • Professional photography • Detailed floor plans • An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) • Marketing on all the leading property websites

“NiceMoves gave a great service, at a great price! What more could you ask for? The professional photography was impressive and the whole experience was stress-free and extremely efficient.”

Miss Kearns

Visit our website or give us a call today www.nicemoves.co.uk t 01962 600355