winchestertoday
AUGUST 2016 ISSUE 025
...and not forgetting Cheriton, Romsey, Stockbridge, Hursley, Kings Worthy, Littleton, Alresford, Chandler’s Ford, Micheldever, Bishop’s Waltham and everywhere in between!
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ACTIVE FAMILY WE HAVE A WINNER!
This is the moment Justine Mackenzie found out that she had hit the jackpot at the opening of Space NK Apothecary in Winchester’s High Street. She had only popped into town to get a coffee and a muffin, and said: “I came in to see the shop as I was here, and I won £1,000-worth of skincare products in the best range available! It definitely made my day – it really put a smile on my face!” More exclusive pictures: page 30
ONE IN, ONE OUT Major brand shuts up shop in blow to Winchester’s High Street
WINCHESTER’S High Street had a mixed month in July. Most of the time it has been heaving with shoppers out enjoying the sunshine – good news, of course. As the picture above shows, the opening of Space NK Apothecary drew a good crowd as it opened the latest of its 64 stores across the UK, adding to its portfolio of branches in places like Bath, Bristol and Bournemouth. On the other hand, a brand synonymous with the British high street since 1973 was moving in the other direction. While it cannot be much of a surprise over Monsoon, it is still a disappointment. Monsoon effectively ‘gave notice’ in May 2015 when it revealed a profit loss of 19 per cent for the year to 30 August 2014, with £50m profit on sales of £509m. The retailer said the group had a “challenging year” with a struggle against unseasonal weather and weaker performance in both the UK and overseas. They announced store closures and a cost-cutting plan. Executive Director of Winchester BID, Catherine Turness said: “I am sincerely disappointed that a large
Don’t miss your FREE 12-page lifestyle guide inside today
by KEVIN GOVER national retailer has chosen to leave Winchester. However, with significant investment being made in Southampton, Whiteley and Basingstoke, it is no wonder we are losing these brands to cities and towns actively investing in their locations. “Generally one of the sole decisions of estates surveyors when reviewing their national portfolio is to look at rates and rents against operating costs. “Winchester remains to have one of the highest commercial rents outside of London and will continue to do so until Winchester City Council resurrects a plan for Silver Hill, which could provide prime retail space and thus open up competition to reduce rates and rent. “Winchester needs more options – I often hear people say that we do not need more space because we have vacancies, but the underlying issue is that we don’t have enough options for retailers to consider.” Ah, Southampton and Whiteley – where have we seen those mentioned? Continued on page 7
RURAL IDYLL
The Hampshire schemes up for Countryside Awards page 30
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August 2016
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR It was 1am and I was just leaving the office – and there it was, low in the night sky, possibly somewhere above Waitrose. Blue, red, white lights flashing. And it was moving...
“TELL it as it is!” The phrase that one of my great journalistic friends was so fond of, along with “Tell me what you can see. You’re my eyes and ears...” Well, I don’t know about you, but I have always hoped we’re not alone. The thought that life doesn’t exist anywhere else for me, quite frankly, is as absurd as insisting it doesn’t. Any stargazers will tell you that the evening of Thursday, August 4, here in Winchester was truly spectacular as far as the night sky and visibility of stars goes. It was 1am and I was just leaving Winchester Today’s office – and there
it was, low in the night sky, possibly somewhere above Waitrose. Blue, red, white lights flashing. And it was moving. At least, I think it was. The colours had me thinking something wasn’t quite right. And it definitely seemed to be moving. I have to tell you I genuinely felt scared and went back into the office. Nothing on Flight Radar. I summoned up courage to leave, I walked home and, much as I tried, I just could not see again what I had witnessed. I kept thinking of that song ‘No Doubt About It’. Was I hallucinating? If you’re a fan of ‘Father Ted’, you’ll know the bit
where Dougal and Ted are stuck in the caves. Dougal hasn’t had any breakfast and starts hallucinating. Suddenly he sees Ted as President Lincoln. That bit. Was I hallucinating? Probably. Are there things happening that no-one can explain? Definitely. I will try to put it out of my mind. There, it’s gone. Until the next time... What I can explain is that it is possible to do Cornwall in a weekend from Winchester. We didn’t feel stressed, and we’ll explain in the next issue. Whatever you’re up to for the rest of August have a great time! Kevin Gover
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■ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF · Kevin Gover kevin@winchestertoday.co.uk ■ NEWS & FEATURES CORRESPONDENTS · Annabel Radcliffe annabel.radcliffe@winchestertoday.co.uk · David Cradduck · Beccy Conway · Rachel Gover
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■ PHOTOGRAPHER & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT · Rachel Gover ■ CARTOONIST · Piers Baker
All smile with the beautiful Rosie, in a field near Cheriton Picture: David Cradduck
■ LOGO AND WEB · Gavin Harris at Plastic Box www.plasticbox.co.uk gavin.harris@winchestertoday.co.uk ■ DESIGNERS · Press Association Page layout · Katie Chappell Ad Design Assistant katie.chappell@winchestertoday.co.uk With special thanks to Johnny Blonde for the original layout ■ SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS THIS MONTH · Lisa Salmon · Matt Joy · Hannah Stevenson ■ BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING CONSULTANT · David Cradduck david.cradduck@winchestertoday.co.uk ■ SALES & ADVERTISING sales@winchestertoday.co.uk · Jamie Stevenson, Sales Manager jamie.stevenson@winchestertoday.co.uk 01962 890227 ■ ACCOUNTS · Dilyara Gover accounts@winchestertoday.co.uk 01962 860746 ■ WINCHESTER TODAY Suite 123 80 High Street Winchester S023 9AT ■ Winchester Today is a publication printed on newsprint so, after you have finished with it, please pass it on so others can read it or take care to recycle or re-use it. Be kinder to the environment. Thank you!
View from the top YOU cannot fail to have noticed Winchester’s latest addition – a 41m-tall crane that forms an eye-catching temporary landmark in Chesil Street, and which is visible from practically everywhere. You had better get used to it as well, because it will be here for 40 weeks as part of work to build the 52-home extra-care housing on the site of the former Chesil Street surface car park. The £15m scheme has been funded by Winchester City Council, Homes and Community Agency, Hampshire County Council and a local bequest. It means older people, who may have had to live apart in later life, or in unsuitable accommodation as their care needs change, will have the opportunity to live in modern, well-designed flats. Councillors visited the site to see the work in progress and hear from contractors Galliford Try about the challenges involved. Housing boss Caroline Horrill said it was fascinating to hear about the thorough safety measures in place for the crane. She said: “There is a 24-point checklist before the start of each shift
The 41m crane which towers over Chesil Street and, right, the view from it and an eight-point check at the end of each shift, plus an 11-point weekly checklist.” At the end of each shift the crane will be put into ‘free slew’. This is similar to a weather vane and allows the crane to move in the wind while the site is closed or the driver is on breaks. Lifting stops in strong winds or if electrical storms are forecast. Can’t say we blame them!
news/business
August 2016
Summer in the city
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NEWS IN PICTURES
But is it the right time to put your home on the market? WE all know that summertime means long evenings, time spent outside, ice cream, great weather, gardens and beautiful scenery. Fortunately we have recently been blessed with some fantastic warm sunny days in Winchester, which always help us to appreciate the beauty this city has to offer. So the question we find ourselves answering time and time again, is when is the right time to sell? Belgarum Estate Agents have said clients often talk as though summer is not the right time. The company’s response is that the answer is really to look at your own circumstances and determine what is best to do. A spokesman said: “For families, the summer time is a busy one, with children, holidays and generally trying to make the most of the good weather. “As with holidays, people get a chance to reflect on their situation and to decide whether to sell the family home. By doing so in the summer, plans can then be made to put the house on the market in the autumn when the challenge is always to try to complete before the festive period.
This means you can enjoy the summer, take your holidays and relax. Whilst you research your mortgage options, ready the house and also instruct your preferred estate agent. “For those who tend to take their holidays outside of the school holiday period, then putting your house on the market in the summer shouldn’t have an effect on how quickly it sells, or the number of viewings you have. The summer provides fantastic light, sunny days and beautiful blooms, which will all entice buyers. “For those who live near schools or main roads, the advantages of less traffic due to the holidays will also mean appointments can be held throughout the day, as there is no need to avoid busy periods.” It appears, therefore, that there really are some advantages and disadvantages to selling during the summer. The advice seems to be to look at your own situation to determine if it is a good time to sell. Belgarum say they are free to answer questions on 01962 844 460, or you can head to the website Belgarum.com for their guide to selling your property.
New home from home
Flybe sign German deal
ENVIRONMENTAL consultancy REC has relocated one of its 11 UK offices to Winchester to meet increased client demand. REC has had a southern base for more than eight years, and has moved to new premises at Basepoint Business Centre. Just off the M3, the office provides REC with a better location, excellent transport infrastructure and improved access across the region. REC Regional Director, South, Stuart Phillips said: “The move is testament to the increasing amount of work we have in the area.” Managing Director Gary Winder added: “Our new offices provide us with a better location to serve our client base and provides stronger links to our other offices, too.”
FLYBE has signed a significant new codeshare with airberlin out of Southampton Airport. Under the agreement, airberlin will place its marketing code on Flybe routes from Southampton to Germany, as well as Flybe’s new intra-European routes. Flybe CEO Saad Hammad said: “Flybe’s new codeshare agreement with airberlin expands the reach of both airlines. It strengthens Flybe’s ‘One Stop to the World’ proposition for its regional customers in the UK, who will benefit from connections to airberlin’s long-haul routes at Dusseldorf and Berlin-Tegel. “The agreement also enables Flybe to expand its sales and distribution to European regional customers.”
PEOPLE from Kings Worthy took to the streets to find the shortest routes around the village, where the cheeky shortcuts are – and where signposts might help. Twenty-five adults, children and dogs walked between community hotspots like the church, community centres and pubs to encourage more people to walk around the village. It was the first event of Connecting Kings Worthy, a project to
connect people to their local area and get more involved in their community. A map of shortcuts and walking routes will be given away to primary school families in September, encouraging them to walk to school. A whole community walking competition is planned for October. More details from Susie Phillips on susie.phillips@winacc.org.uk or 01962 827083 MP Steve Brine met up with students from Perins as Parliament held its first Youth Debate on religious education. The event at the Palace of Westminster was a chance for young people to share their views with each other and a group of guest delegates on the role of RE in schools today. Mr Brine said: “I was thoroughly impressed by the young people who came to take part in Parliament at work. It was great to see a contingent from Perins, and I hope they enjoyed the day.” Picture: Steve Brine joins Nadiya Khair, Isabelle Tommony and Harvey Riches AN oasis of tranquility, animals, machines and beer. Yes, it’s almost time for the Alresford Show in Tichborne Park on September 3. Loads of machines will be on display, and not just for the farmers. Livestock of all shapes and sizes will be on display, with a petting area, and the horticultural tent will be bursting with blossoms of all shapes and sizes. You can save time and money by buying your ticket before August 27 from Mole County Stores in Winnall, Six West and Morgan’s Hardware in Alresford and the Post Office in Bishop’s Waltham. More ‘What’s On’ information is available on pages 22 and 23. Why not send us your listing? Space is always unlimited and we’d never dream of making you pay to guarantee a slot. Image courtesy of Richard Turner
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Phantastic Phantom!
We had one of those weeks in July that we’re not going to forget in a long while. We had got wind of just how good the Perins production of Phantom was. Once we published our review, our website went into overdrive with 15 times the normal daily traffic. Here’s the review that started the meltdown THERE are school productions. There are school productions on another level. There are school productions on another level that are completely off the scale. This is one of those shows. Tonight, I witnessed the greatest school production I have ever seen. End of. I could end this review there and then, but it is only fair to tell you why I feel that way. I have no vested interest in the school, I have no relatives or family at Perins, I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never even been to see a show at Perins until today. But this is one of those shows that, in future, you’re going to say “I saw that one”, and you’ll start smiling to yourself. I’m smiling right now as I write this review. Before I got to the school, I had many things going round my head: “How are they going to do this in the school hall? How are they going to do the chandelier bit? How are they going to do the boat? The murders?” I need not have worried. The first – and very clever – move was to put the audience in three sections down the three walls to the sides and opposite the stage – and have a huge performing area right in the middle. There were then two further blocks leading up to the stage. Effectively it gave four levels of performance area for the 100 cast members and a further section behind the main stage for the chorus, as well as the opportunity to rack people almost right up to the ceiling. (Production team – how did you do that? It was quite brilliant!) So, although I had a front-row seat, I was still some distance from the main stage, but it didn’t matter at all. A lot of the action takes place on the floor of the hall, as well as on the three other levels. Characters come in and out from both the front and behind you, technically a triumph. And there’s an orchestra pit on the main stage, too! Thanks to M3 Technology, the lifting and crashing of the chandelier is also a triumph. Indeed, as production designer James Mitchell told me, it
REVIEW THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Perins Youth Theatre, Perins School Hall, Alresford, by arrangement with The Really Useful Theatre Group Ltd Review and interviews by Kevin Gover – interviews with cast and crew on our website via Soundcloud
involved drilling holes in the school roof to put up the rig: “As soon as we knew we were doing ‘Phantom’, we also knew that we just had to do it properly – to fly the chandelier and crash it on to the stage. It has lights and pyrotechnics inside as well as the swinging movement, and I’m really pleased with the result.” And then – there’s the cast. Wow. Every single cast member should be proud of what they have achieved, from the principal company members to all the dancers and chorus. The main casting, though, is genius. Sasha Wells is a splendid Madame Giry, keeping her straight face throughout as the concierge and the woman who must be obeyed by the opera performers. It wasn’t always easy, as she explained: “I have to think of a sad thing in my head to keep a straight face, which is really depressing. Then I see a member of my family in the audience and I start smiling and have to stop!” Director Marilitsa Alexiou thinks she’s putting herself down too much, saying: “I told her many times she is the perfect Madame Giry. She’s completely committed to the role. When you walk past me I get a chill! You are totally in character!” They had a workshop visit from Joanna Strand, who plays Mme Giry at Her Majesty’s Theatre, which Sasha called “inspiring”. She said: “She really explained how to keep the solemn look, how to move around the stage, and how to react to other characters.” Sam Booth and Josh Taylor – what a double act – Sam, what a voice, what
perfect pitch on those high notes, and Josh you made us all laugh for all the right reasons. Sam told us how the man-plays-woman role works: “Yes, I play Carlotta the opera singer. The female opera singer! It’s so much fun, to play the opposite of everything I am.” You will be so impressed with Toby Cooper, who plays the Phantom. What a voice. Close your eyes and you could be in the West End. Both he and Sophie Jarrett (Christine) dominate the stage in so many ways at so many times. All these interviews are carried out just a few minutes after the show ends, and Sophie says she’s still buzzing: “I am so buzzing and there’s still another three shows to go! But yes, it’s amazing. It’s been hard and stressful too, but amazing.” On top of all this, there are the many beautiful sparkling costumes, fantastic choreography (Georgina Jarrett and Ellie Mills), superb lighting and sound (well done on those radio mics), a solid performance from the members of the orchestra – some of them only 12 years old – and amazing props, right down to the monkey. You may think I’m getting carried away here, but I didn’t hear a single duff note from the singers – they all remembered their lines, and it was all carried out with so much conviction. At the London show, I remember you could hear a pin drop throughout most of Act 2 – it happened at Perins as well. What I didn’t see in London was a spontaneous standing ovation. Maddi Thomas (Meg Giry) was with us for the interviews after the show as well, still visibly shaking. She said: “I’m so going to miss this when it’s over. We’ve had a standing ovation every night, and I’m now expecting it every night, it’s just insane!” Perins, you can be very proud of your entire team. They’re pupils, but also young adults. I’ve participated in loads of school productions myself, but never anything like this. As I said, off the scale. And a message to headteacher Steve Jones: I think it’s time you built that theatre now. Winchester Today will be with you all the way. kevin@winchestertoday.co.uk
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August 2016
August 2016
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WHAT THEY SAID
Great review and all true! I was privileged to watch the performance on Tuesday evening and was utterly blown away. Well done to all involved. I will definitely be attending the next one and will be bringing more friends and family. Can’t wait to hear what it will be! – Donna Ranus
It’s a shame Andrew Lloyd Webber can’t see this show. As the report says, it’s truly off the scale of school productions and on the scale of the West End – Chloe Bolger
Fantastic and really welldeserved review. An incredible show. I genuinely enjoyed it even more than at the Mayflower. Can’t wait to see it again on the last night. Huge congratulations to everyone involved – Glenda Edwards
Images: Leela Bennett and Nicola Lang
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Why we shouldn’t scoff at e-bikes
August 2016
The Scott E-Sub Tour and, right, the Orbea Keram MTB 50 off-roader
Before you fall about laughing or making jokes about Sinclair C5s, read on, as Winchester Today’s David Cradduck discovers a different form of pedal power
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looking as though I might expire, I looked into the phenomenon that is the electrically-assisted bicycle. There is no doubt the e-bike market is growing, and for a number of reasons – it’s clean, you exercise, it’s accessible – no insurance or licence required – and there are improvements in technology. A report on the potential of the global e-bike business suggests the market will be worth about $24.3billion by 2025. In the UK it is a similar story, according to an article by Bike Europe, which claims a huge growth in sales of electric bikes in Europe between 2015 and 2016. As technology improves, batteries become smaller and lighter, power take-up becomes smoother, the stigma factor disappears as bikes look more ‘normal’ and costs reduce. Add the ‘take the bike instead of the car’ factor, then you start to see the benefits: you get somewhere useful, still get a good workout but get there unruffled. The extra push going up those
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I AM no expert and this is no in-depth technical review, just a personal point of view of a fascinating growth sector. Neither am I a competitive cyclist. Indeed, I avoid competitive situations where I am likely to be ridiculed, for instance where a lycra-clad dude with bulging thighs and skinny tyres passes by as if I am standing still. My old Claud Butler touring bicycle languished, unloved, in the back shed all last winter, and I realised that I needed a stimulus to get out on it, so a social ride with mates is ideal. Another occasional guilt-driven stimulus has been to periodically get out for exercise. I go at my own pace and can average around 8-10mph, enough to get me not too far and not too fast. Enter the e-bike. Having pondered what it might be like to cycle a lot further, not worry too much about ‘that nasty hill’ or turn up at a meeting without
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hills that takes the pain out of cycling. I took the Scott E-Sub Tour e-bike, a middle to high cost option for the average cyclist, for a test ride. So what’s it like to ride? A bit odd, until you get used to the sensation that someone is pushing you from behind. Delivering the power, there are five modes to the crank-driven Bosch motor: Off, slightly harder work than a conventional bike because of the extra weight; Eco adds about 30 per cent of assistance when you pedal; Tour Sport; and Turbu. The latter gives instant boost to your pedalling and gets you up hills without effort. Range is dependent on which mode you use, from 70-odd miles on a full charge in Eco mode to under 30 in Turbo. Riding in Off or Eco on flat, smooth roads is no problem, you just add a bit of extra boost when tackling those hills. It’s up to you just how much additional effort you need and how tired or energetic you feel. A 10-speed Shimano Deore RD-M610 SGS derailleur gear set and disc brakes are efficient but remind you that you are cycling, not riding a ‘twist and go’ electric moped. Integral lights, computer, mudguards and pannier rack make this a true tourer, ideal for my kind of cycling. It tackles minor off-road stuff but feels a little jittery on gravel or at 30mph, neither of which it is designed for. A full battery charge takes about three hours and can be accomplished with the battery on or off the bike. Technology has made batteries and motors more powerful, lighter, smaller and last longer. The way the power is fed to the bike is also relevant. I am reliably informed that power fed to the motor in the pedal crank is better than on the wheel hub driven models. Retro-fitting a battery and motor to your bike is also an option and somewhat cheaper, although it is more likely to be a wheel-hub driven motor. There is a trade-off in weight, of course: even the high-end e-bikes with lightweight frames weigh in at a relatively hefty 22-25kg, much heavier than a conventional bike. And technology comes at a price – expect to part with four figures for a decent one. I love the prospect of going somewhere different now. I recently powered my way up to Old Winchester Hill, a veritable killer that I have studiously avoided on two wheels for many a year. I averaged a staggering 16mph. I am impressed and look forward to travelling bigger distances in more comfort. The motor is restricted to 250w of power and only works at 15mph or less, but makes cruising at higher speeds a doddle. One downside is that you have to be more aware of traffic who might underestimate your speed. To me it’s about future-proofing. Now in my early 60s I am still a relative youngster, but I know an active 81-year-old who uses his e-bike every day. He said: “It gets me places I wouldn’t otherwise go.” A friend who sells bikes online reinforces the view that “electric bikes are the future”. Some have labelled me a ‘cheat’ but in good humour. At least until I power past them on a one-in-four hill. And off-road, too... I have also had the opportunity to try a very different beast from the tourer – an electric mountain bike. I was lent an Orbea Keram MTB 50 off-roader with chunky mountain bike tyres and powered by the Shimano STePS battery/motor combination which behaves in a similar way to the Bosch system on the Scott. I have done little off-roading of late through a
combination of laziness, the sheer effort involved and the irrational aversion to getting covered in mud. Riding a mountain bike with knobbly tyres on ordinary roads is also generally very hard work and to be avoided. What sort of person buys an electric mountain bike? Isn’t it at odds with the extreme macho image? I am told most purchasers of e-MTBs are not serious MTB riders, they are more likely to go off-road for the fun of going downhill without the sweat required of cycling back up again. They want the good bits without the bad. So what’s wrong with that? The first thing I noticed about the Orbea was that, as the motor kicks in, it makes light work of road riding: the ‘Land Rover’ whirring drone of knobblies is unnoticeable and it’s all remarkably civilised. Indeed, hybrid tyres would make for a reasonable all-rounder bike. The Shimano STePS system was responsive because it works more often than on the road bike – very rarely did I get above 15mph. It only has three modes unlike the Bosch’s four: low, normal and high. I didn’t attempt any serious one-in-fours or tricky stuff but ‘normal’ is quite adequate if you want to have a good ride on reasonable inclines. The plus for me is that the motor gives you an instant boost if you suddenly find yourself in a muddy, difficult patch and you daren’t put your foot down or you’ll stop. The 10-speed Shimano Deore gears work well and gear ratios feel right. Disc brakes stop the bike quickly and efficiently. I only averaged around 11mph, but that’s still a very respectable off-road speed, and I only got a little muddy (I did feel rather guilty taking the bike back a lot dirtier than when I took it out). All in all, great fun and at £1,700 the Orbea is quite a bit cheaper than the Scott tourer, even if it is more basic in terms of in-built accessories. It felt reliable and dependable, and I would happily tackle the South Downs Way with one of these under me – albeit after a lot more training to stay in the saddle that long. Technology already exists to make e-bikes less obvious as such. We see batteries becoming smaller, lighter and less obvious to the eye as well as providing more power for longer. To prove the point, there have been cases recently of ‘mechanical doping’ or technology fraud – a 19-year-old elite cyclist competing in the world cyclo-cross championships was fined £14,000 and stripped of medals and prize money following the discovery that she had used concealed electric power to assist her. The final word comes from Cycle Trade, an independent magazine for the cycle retail sector: “Whether you are an e-bike convert or not, one thing is for sure, e-bikes are here to stay and are undoubtedly changing the cycling market. They are bringing more people into cycling due to health reasons, the cost of transport/fuel and lifestyle choices. With greater choice, better specification and aesthetics plus improved performance and pricing, the modern e-bike is a travel, sport and leisure solution for many people. The pedal assist or e-bike is a leveller for all abilities, getting entire families (from the legal age of 14) cycling together and keeping more mature riders riding longer.” With thanks to James, Phil and Owen from Owen’s Cycles for their time, advice and loan of bikes, and to Jim Griffiths of Montague Sports and Trevor Cradduck for research. © David Cradduck 2016
news
August 2016
Monsoon quits city From page 1 Yes, there they are on the notices pinned to the front doors of Monsoon and River Island, which has been empty now for six months. They will still welcome you there to shop if you would like to travel down. Well, “no thanks” is the reply from many, including our MP Steve Brine, who shares Winchester Today’s view. “We clearly think alike as this irritates me also” he said. “I fear this is a challenge for the High Street in general. These brands are not running charities, but it does rather rub salt in the wound for us to be told we can go to Southampton for the pleasure of spending money in their store! Let’s hope an exciting new independent store takes its place.” A Winchester City Council statement said: “It is always disappointing to see a High Street name leave. Winchester has fared well through difficult economic times – the number of vacant shops is less than the national average – around 5.4 per cent against 12.3 per cent. “Winchester has a good mix of
independent shops, big names and designer stores, as well as an excellent range of eateries and one of the largest farmers’ markets in the country.” Then there are those who are moving in. The council added: “It continues to attract new and expanding businesses, for example recently Holland & Barratt, soon Burrells Jewellers, Whitewall Galleries and Space NK Apothecary. White Stuff, like Holland & Barratt, has expanded to a larger store and moved to the High Street from Market Street.” And as for the notices on shopping elsewhere? “It is not uncommon for businesses that are closing to inform customers of their next-nearest stores - some people will want to know.” Maybe, but it still grates.
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Winchester needs more options – I often hear people say that we do not need more space because we have vacancies, but the underlying issue is that we don’t have enough options for retailers to consider Catherine Turness Executive Director, Winchester BID
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Job vacancies/notices
August 2016
JOB VACANCIES Waiter/Waitress & Kitchen Assistant BALAKA, Stoney Lane, Winchester Flexible hours; full training given; evenings a must (Friday, Saturday, Sunday); good rates of pay
email thebalaka@hotmail.com
GARAGE SALE 20th August 2016, 10am onwards, Kingsley Place Garages, Stanmore Lots of interesting collectable Vintage / Antique and other items, including furniture. No buyers before 10am please - all transactions must be paid for in cash and taken on the day. All enquiries prior to the sale
email Lindyskin@aol.com
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Free supplement gardening ◆ motoring ◆ travel ◆ technology ◆ puzzles
lifestyle Issue 25 ● August 2016
JUMP TO IT!
Outdoor activity breaks for ALL the family
JAG JOY
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lifestyle/gardening
August 2016
You can reap rich harvests through savvy companion planting. Hannah Stephenson looks at some of the best plant partners that will look pretty and boost your crops
BEST
French marigolds, left with tomatoes and below with rosemary, will keep whitefly away from your crops
FRIENDS WE all want to be picking plenty of veg from our allotments, borders and containers, but there are ways to maximise the chances of a better harvest. Companion planting works on the premise that planting certain things together will free one or the other plant from pests, or boost productivity. Scent and sacrifice play a big part in this equation. The strong scent of one plant can help prevent pests homing in on another, which you consider more valuable. What you plant with your crops can have a significant impact on your harvest. So, how can we reap the richest rewards? ■ French and runner beans: Grow sweet peas to climb up wigwams and other stakes among your bean plants and you should do well. Pollinating insects will be attracted to the sweet pea flowers and are then likely to pollinate your beans – and they’ll make the area look prettier. ■ Cabbages: Mix your cabbages with French bean plants, nasturtiums or Shungiku, the edible chrysanthemum, which can reduce attacks by caterpillars. ■ Greenhouse companions: French marigolds (Tagetes patula) deter whitefly from visiting your greenhouse. Plant a few under tomatoes to keep them at bay. Plant
■ Leeks: Pungent crops such as leeks, garlic and chives can confuse insects including carrot flies, onion flies and leek moths, so plant them with carrots if you want to stop carrot fly ruining your crops. When leeks and carrots are planted together, their scents act as repellents for each other’s pests. ■ Nasturtiums: These pretty annuals secrete a mustard oil that insects love. Use them as a sacrificial crop to save your brassicas, while in the greenhouse they’ll protect your tomatoes and cucumbers from whitefly. ■ Pot marigolds: You can reap much greater harvests by planting annuals which are attractive to pollinating insects close to your fruiting vegetables such as courgettes, beans and tomatoes. Sow them in autumn to overwinter and they should flower in time to attract insects in early summer, which will boost your harvest. ■ Radishes: These fast-growing roots can be grown effectively with carrots. Plant them at the same time and the radish seeds will germinate ahead of the carrot seeds, loosening the soil for the germinating carrots. When you harvest the radishes a few weeks later, the carrots will still be young but will then have more space to grow. ■ Garlic: Plant it among roses to ward off aphids.
basil next to tomatoes to keep the aphids off, although they will go for the basil. Nicotiana will attract whitefly, keeping them off other plants. ■ Herbs and nettles: Almost all aromatic herbs are generally beneficial, as their smells confuse pests. Chamomile is thought to be good for healing sick plants. Nettles are reckoned to be good for neighbouring plants and increase the volatile oils in such plants as valerian, mint, sage and rosemary, so the potency of many plants increases measurably when planted near nettles. Summer savory, a strong herb, has been planted next to broad beans to protect them from black bean aphids. ■ Hyssop: Plant strong-scented hyssop among brassicas to ward off cabbage white butterflies. Artemisia is also effective for this, preferably in a sheltered spot so the wind doesn’t carry the strong smell away. ■ Mint: If you have an ant infestation in your greenhouse, tear off a bunch of mint and place it where the ants are congregating. They should disappear fast, but replace the bunches of mint every couple of days to ensure they don’t return. ■ Height: Use tall plants such as sweetcorn or peas to provide shade for crops that are prone to bolting, such as lettuce, coriander and spinach.
Nasturtiums’ mustard oil attracts insects to save other plants
BEST OF THE BUNCH Penstemon These pretty perennials produce elegant spires of foxglove-type flowers in a range of warm reds, pinks, purples, blues and whites, providing a riot of colour to your borders in summer. They have a reputation for being tender, but should come back in subsequent years in all but the coldest regions. Plant them in full sun or light shade in any fertile, moist, free-draining soil. Keep them well-watered in dry spells and deadhead regularly to keep the plants healthy. In autumn, limit windrock and tidy up borders by cutting back penstemon by about a third, being sure to leave enough foliage to give winter protection. To ensure a good show in subsequent years, feed them in spring with a general-purpose fertiliser and add well-rotted organic matter. Trim them once the hard, winter weather is over, usually in late April or early May. Until then, old stems provide valuable frost protection for the new shoots.
GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT French beans French beans range from dwarf to tall, with pods that can be eaten whole or sliced, or shelled for their seeds, either fresh (flageolets) or for drying (haricot). They can be sown in pots or under glass in spring, then planted out after the last frosts. If you plant successional sowings, the harvest can last for six to eight weeks. Earth up stems and support dwarf types with twiggy sticks to stop them from getting splashed by soil. If you are growing haricot beans, leave the pods on the plant until brown, hang up complete plants to dry then shell out the seeds for storing. When pods start to form in July, pick regularly because if seeds start to mature in unpicked pods, flowering stops. Good varieties include Masterpiece Stringless and Purple Queen. Dwarf French beans don’t need insects to pollinate the flowers, making them an ideal early or late crop under glass.
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lifestyle/motoring
August 2016
winchestertoday.co.uk 15
A Jaguar, but
FASTER
As if the regular F-Type R wasn’t quick enough for you, Jaguar’s Specialist Vehicle Operations department have got their hands on it to create the fastest production Jag this century
WHAT’S NEW?
The F-Type should definitely be on your radar by now. First launched in 2014 and revised just last year, it is the Porsche-worrying coupe and roadster that gave Jaguar a true successor to the E-Type, as well as a halo effect on the rest of the range. Now the SVO department has turned their attentions to it to create the F-Type SVR. The changes are detailed and wide-ranging, with more power and torque from the 5.0-litre V8 engine, reduced drag and increased downforce thanks to the new rear wing, diffuser and front valance. There’s also retuned suspension, less weight and, unlikely as it may seem, an even louder exhaust system made from titanium and aircraft-spec alloy.
LOOKS AND IMAGE
You can have an F-Type SVR in Roadster or Coupe form, just like the R version it is based on, and arguably it is the latter that is the better-looking. The exterior changes add aggression to what was an elegant and pretty shape, and you’re left in no doubt the SVR means business. Pick of the colour chart is a sharp blue shade that shows off the strong lines to best effect. The F-Type – and Jaguars in general – have come a long way in the image stakes in just a few years thanks to an expanded range and exciting designs, and SVR as a sub-brand now has a second model to boost its recognition. The F-Type SVR is the fastest series production Jaguar ever and can crack 200mph – and that is a potent image to project.
SPACE AND PRACTICALITY
There’s no loss of cabin space in the SVR transformation, but it remains a strict two-seater with an intimate, rather than spacious, cabin. Even so, six-footers can be comfortably accommodated in the supportive sports seats, the glovebox and storage bins will swallow plenty of oddments and the boot on the Coupe is big enough for a medium suitcase, as well as some smaller bags, too. The Roadster’s boot is inevitably smaller, but space is freed up by opting for the tyre repair kit over a spare, and putting the roof down doesn’t impact on boot space.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
The tweaks beneath the skin are significant to the point where Jaguar developed a new rear suspension knuckle to improve the suspension response, and developed bespoke tyres
with Pirelli just for this car. In normal driving, the first thing you notice is that it rides surprisingly well – even this most extreme car in the whole range retains the familiar Jaguar quality, and it is clearly designed to be used every day. It’s even relatively quiet in the standard driving mode. But the SVR is best enjoyed when driven with a little more aggression. Switch into Dynamic mode and the most notable difference is the firmed-up suspension, although the driver can tweak the settings for the steering, engine and gearbox. It feels extra sharp, responding with even more immediacy to inputs and stays flat, true and firm. The engine dominates the experience, crackling and rasping with even more volume than the alreadyloud R Coupe, and pushing the SVR hard above 100mph. With the freedom of the track to explore its full potential,
FACTS AT A GLANCE Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe ■ Price: £110,000. ■ Engine: 5.0-litre petrol unit producing 567bhp and 516lb.ft of torque. ■ Transmission: Eight-speed automatic gearbox driving all four wheels. ■ Performance: Top speed 200mph, 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds. ■ Economy: 25mpg combined. ■ Emissions: 269g/km of CO2.
the SVR remains pleasingly rear-drive in its balance – you can feel the front wheels helping out occasionally, but this is a car that can be sideways into, through and on the exit of a bend if you so wish. To call it fun would be a gross understatement.
VALUE FOR MONEY
In Coupe form the SVR checks in at exactly £110,000, with another £5k required for the Roadster. That makes it almost £20,000 more than the R model, but for that you get the extra power and torque, the exterior changes including the aero upgrades and unique alloy wheels, the bespoke suspension upgrades, the 25kg weight loss including the lightweight exhaust and some interior fillips. That seems like good value to us.
WHO WOULD BUY ONE?
Jaguar is billing the F-Type SVR as an all-weather supercar rather than a track warrior, but the fact it dealt so well with all these scenarios means there’s a lot to be said for its capability to deal with daily use. Porsche 911 Turbo owners might see it as something of an upstart, but it has presence, is sufficiently comfortable and acceptably practical while, crucially, being a complete blast to drive when the circumstances permit. It’s also relatively inexpensive for a car that can top 200mph... This car summed up in a single word: Snarly. If this car was a... cat, it would purr happily before tearing a B-road to shreds.
16 winchestertoday.co.uk
lifestyle/travel
August 2016
GREAT OUTDOORS the
Can scaling climbing walls and clambering over obstacle courses bring a family together? Emily Shelley experiments on an activity holiday in Wiltshire TRYING to get your kids to turn off their phones and come outside during the summer holidays can turn into one endless nag. You want them to get some fresh air and exercise, try new things and share some experiences with you in the real world. They don’t care what you want. PGL are known for running kids-only holidays (it’s come to stand for Parents Get Lost), but they now offer family adventures that aim to keep everyone happy. Could it keep my two off their tablets, and encourage my timid daughter to join in with others? Would it help us reconnect after a very busy couple of months at work and school? I get my answer when I see my shy little girl yell with glee as she throws herself off a tower down a 100ft zip wire. She’s just watched me lead by example, with a bit less enthusiasm and a scream of fear. That’s the way of a family holiday here. You’re all in it together, and the parents are expected to be as adventurous as the children. I’ll admit to being a bit anxious when we collect our itinerary as we arrive for our weekend break. You can get a flavour of what’s in store from the PGL website, but they don’t release the exact schedule of activities until you arrive. We are down for climbing at 8.30am the following morning, followed by an obstacle course before lunch. All of us feel a bit nervous as we explore the site that evening – until we hear the trees around us come alive with the happy marching songs of more than 800 children returning back to camp after a day of adventuring. We’d chosen to visit Liddington in Wiltshire, but there are seven centres to pick from. It does run a bit like a military camp, with one huge mess hall and ‘units’ of kids everywhere with their sporty young leaders. Accommodation for families is in a separate building (an old manor house) from the main centre, and has hostel-type rooms with bunk beds, but with en suite bathrooms. The food is a basic but tasty hot and cold buffet, with plenty to go around. “You’ll need your calories for tomorrow,” one server advises us, doing nothing to calm my nerves. Dinner is not a quiet experience here – sharing your meal with nearly 1,000 children puts paid to that. Our kids, clearly used to the chaos of school lunches, are completely unfazed. All is much calmer in the bar afterwards, free from groups of
children, obviously. We are able to sip a glass of wine and exchange thoughts about what the morning would bring, while watching the kids play Frisbee together in the evening sunshine. They stop every five minutes to stare open-mouthed at the ‘cool’ teenagers making their way back to their dorms. When the sun goes down, we head back to our block for a cup of coffee in the lounge. The television is tempting for the kids, but we are determined to make this a screen-free break. Mercifully, they have now become so excited about the next day they barely put up a fight. Forget glamour here. After a (surprisingly restful) night in our bunk beds and a hearty, noisy breakfast, we put on old comfortable tracksuit bottoms and trainers as requested and are led like lambs to the slaughter at the foot of the climbing tower. There are two other families in our group, with children around the same age. As the first mum shimmies her way to the top of the tower, rings the bell and abseils back down gracefully to the cheers of her children, I realise this could get quite competitive. No-one in our family would be winning this event, however. We all make it up about half way and freeze with terror. Despite yells of encouragement from the ground of “You’re nearly there,” we all spot this as an obvious lie and refuse to budge. But we nail the obstacle course, and family pride is restored. The sun has come out by now, we are all on first name terms and chatting away with the others in our group – and laughing our heads off as various members fall flat on their faces in the dirt. The schedule is packed, but there are long gaps for lunch and a midafternoon break for you to catch your breath and get a cup of tea. We are lucky with the weather, and spend nearly the whole time outside. Our group leader entertains the kids with games between activities too, so we’re able to put our feet up for a bit. It’s late afternoon on the first day when it dawns on all of us what a special time we are having. We’re canoeing on the lake in the hazy sunshine, watching baby goslings follow their mother into the water, when the kids decide to jump in and join them, fully clothed. On any other kind of organised holiday, you’d be told off for this and forced to sit out the rest of the session soaking wet. Not at PGL. Our instructor roars his approval and within seconds, everyone is in.
August 2016
lifestyle/travel
winchestertoday.co.uk 17
TRAVEL FACTS Emily Shelley was a guest of PGL who operate family adventure breaks (children five years plus) at seven centres in the UK and four in France during the summer (and some half term dates). A two-night break at PGL’s Liddington adventure centre costs from £185 per adult and £159 per child, including simple accommodation, all meals, activities, instruction, equipment and evening fun.
www.pgl.co.uk/families 0333 321 2114
The PGL centre at Liddington in Wiltshire and some of the outdoor activities available on family adventure breaks
18 winchestertoday.co.uk
lifestyle/technology
SMART TOUCH
August 2016
You don’t have to spend a fortune on your mobile – these smartphones all come in at under £150
CASE CLOSED
NEED FOR SPEED
HEART’S DESIRE
PICTURE PERFECT
Vodafone Smart 6 Prime 5.0” 4G Ready Smartphone on PAYG with case £70, www.qvcuk.com
Sim Free Bush Spira E2X Mobile Phone, black £129.95, down from £149.95, www.argos.co.uk
HTC Desire 530 £119.99, www.htc.com
Samsung Galaxy J5 £149, www.carphonewarehouse.com
Ease of use is the name of the game with this phone. It’s simple to operate, comes with a good, solid case, so you won’t have to make an additional purchase, and the phone itself has great functions. The five-inch screen is crystal clear, and it comes with an 8mp camera and HD video recording. There’s 1GB storage capacity and you can pop a microSD (up to 64GB) into it to ensure you don’t run out of room when taking your summer snaps. It comes with a sim card, but if you have aVodafone one, you can just use that.
This is one of those phones that, after playing with it for a couple of days, you’ll wish you’d got it ages ago. It slips in just below the £130 mark but it’s capabilities make it feel like it should cost a whole lot more. It’s all about speed with this phone – it has 2GB of ram and really does keep things moving, whether you’re swapping between apps or connecting to the internet. On top of that, it’s got 16GB of internal memory and you can add to this with a 32GB SD card. The screen even comes with gorilla glass, so is less likely to smash. It’s a real high-quality device.
Looks aren’t everything, but the Desire 530, with its speckled exterior, really is a thing of beauty – and its capabilities are attractive, too. When you turn it on, it will immediately take you through the set-up so, within a few minutes, you’ll have it just how you like it. You can really personalise this phone – click on the ‘Themes’ icon and you’ll be well on your way. Particularly impressive is its sound – even the most bass-heavy tune won’t be tinny or distorted with the HTC BoomSound Dolby Audio Profile. Nice and lightweight, and a good phone, especially for younger users.
It’s no secret that Samsung make great smartphones, but you might be surprised to hear you can get one for only £149. This model offers up a solid 18 hours of talk time, but that’s not its only asset. As with other Samsungs, the colours are lovely and deep and, as such, the five-inch screen offers really good clarity. It takes 13mp photos and comes with 8GB of storage. The 8GB of ram makes the phone very efficient and it’s got a Super AMOLED screen to help keep it scratch free. Love the gold colour? It’s exclusive to Carphone Warehouse.
WORK MATE
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
Microsoft Lumia 650 £125.99, www.mobiles.co.uk
Obi Worldphone MV1 2GB RAM 16GB Internal Storage UK SIM-Free Smartphone, white £119, www.amazon.co.uk
Given this is a Microsoft model, you won’t be surprised to learn you can sync the files on your phone with your Windows 10 PC (you can pay for a subscription for Microsoft Office). This makes it a good option if you’re looking for a phone that will also work as your personal assistant. Use the voice activated Microsoft Cortana and set reminders so you never miss a meeting again. It comes with an internal memory of 16GB and it allows you to store an additional 200GB via micro SD.
This sturdy bit of kit looks different to other smartphones, not surprising when you consider it’s the work of ex-Apple CEO John Sculley and designer of Beats by Dre headphones Robert Brunner. This new-to-the-market phone impresses with both its tech and price. It has been carefully considered, from automatically adjusting screen brightness to rich audio, but its major selling point is the camera – 8mp photos really do reflect the colours and tones.
BEST-SELLING IPHONE APPS
FREE IPHONE APPS
1 Minecraft: Pocket Edition by Mojang 2 Facetune by Lightricks Ltd 3 The Official DVSA Theory Test Kit for Car Drivers by The Stationery Office 4 7 Minute Workout Challenge by Fitness Guide Inc 5 Heads Up! by Warner Bros. 6 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas by Rockstar Games 7 Flightradar24 – Flight Tracker by Flightradar24 AB 8 Plague Inc by Ndemic Creations 9 Football Manager Mobile 2016 by SEGA 10 Alto’s Adventure by Snowman
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
APP OF THE WEEK
WhatsApp Messenger by WhatsApp Inc Messenger by Facebook, Inc Snapchat by Snapchat, Inc Facebook by Facebook, Inc Instagram by Instagram, Inc YouTube by Google, Inc Online Head Ball by Masomo Limited slither.io by Steve Howse ITV Hub by ITV Google Maps by Google, Inc
Charts courtesy of Official App Store
Snapseed, free, The App Store and Google Play Make the most out of your phone’s camera with this great app that comes with really good photo editing software. You can retouch photos with ease.
Now open for entries!
The 5th annual
4-12 NOVEMBER 2016 Submission deadline: 1 October 2016 Early Bird deadline: 31 July 2016
For more information please visit: winchestershortfilmfestival.com Or follow: /WinchesterShortFilmFest @WinchesterFilm @_wsff_ Image courtesy Rupert Cresswell, Dir. “Charlie Cloudhead”, 2015 WSFF entry
lifestyle/puzzles
20 winchestertoday.co.uk
August 2016
COFFEE BREAK CROSSWORD
SUDOKU ACROSS
Complete the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9.
EASY
4. Nominal (7)
1. Join (7)
8. Above board (6)
2. Snake (7)
9. Pacify (7)
3. Floodgate (6)
10. Serviette (6)
5. Powerless (8)
11. Hypothesis (6)
6. Rough (6)
12. Talk (8)
7. Affirm (6)
18. Depose (8)
13. Saviour (8)
20. Grumble (6)
14. Hearty (7)
21. Believe (6)
15. Garland (7)
22. Scent (7)
16. Mourn (6)
23. Shrew (6)
17. Equipment (6)
24. Make good (7)
19. Recluse (6)
LADDER
NINER
Using the clues provided, fill in each step of the ladder with a new word, changing one letter at a time.
HARD
DOWN
Each number from 1 to 9 represents a different letter. Solve the clues and insert the letters in the appropriate squares to discover a word which uses all nine letters.
34962 129871 589143
TURN Ripped
1
Rushed Become weary
gives a great poet; gives a great painter; gives a great novelist
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
d
le pa
b Scrib
Rent Trek
CODEWORD
PIKE
This puzzle has no clues. Instead, every number printed in the grid represents a letter, with the same number always representing the same letter. For example, if 8 turns out to be a V, you can write in V wherever a square contains 8. Using your knowledge of words, complete the puzzle.
PATHFINDER WORDWHEEL You have 10 mins to find as many words as possible using the letters in the wheel. Each must use the hub letter and at least 3 others. Letters may be used only once. You cannot use plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. There is at least one 9-letter word to be found.
I O How you rate
15 words: average 25 words: good
N
S O
R
D
U H
35 words: very good 40 or more: excellent.
Solutions: see Classifieds Page at
SOLUTIONS ON the back OPPOSITE PAGE of the newspaper
Beginning with the top highlighted letter, follow a continuous path of words associated with the given subject. The trail goes through each letter once, twisting up, down and sideways, but never diagonally.
T O K N A J A K N O I M A A N
J O Y A M A R A A H D A S R H
E R U M L U T S L I L U C T E
M E S W D O A I A D I S C E N
Asian capitals M A L A G A R L N I A N P O A I B B I D N E N A U S U A E L H D T H M E H A K A I E S I I S O R U A B N I C K T M A D D G U A K O K O N I G O M G H A J B L B N A B I E O O V C I T Y I T I T W U P A N E I A K L
E A G A D B L A L N A Y O Y U
P B H D P M U U S C A G N A B
H H N E U H A M O M T A N K A
N O M P R D K A S C O W K A R
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
1
2
3
4
14
15
16
17
D
5
6
7
8
9
18
19
20
21
22
I
10
11
12
13
23
24
25
26
lifestyle/puzzles
August 2016
winchestertoday.co.uk 21
£50 PRIZE CROSSWORD 7
COFFEE BREAK SOLUTIONS
8 9 11
10 14 17
Pathfinder
19
23
31 32 33
6 Subdivision of a federation (5) 7 Cunning and malicious dwarf in The Old Curiosity Shop (5) 12 Small water-loving tree (5) 13 Former name of Oslo (11)
17 Common wild flower, species of Euphrasia (9) 19 Vigorous Highland dance (5) 21, 16 Author of Hard Cash, Peg Woffington, etc (7,5)
Crossword
30
23 Food supplied for, or eaten at, a meal (6) 25 Great artery (5) 26 Author of The Divine Comedy (5) 28 Nest of a bird of prey (5)
For the chance to win £50, send your answers to Winchester Today, Suite 123, 80 High Street, Winchester SO23 9AT by 5pm, Wednesday, August 24
THE
CDOURT Y ARD RESS A GENCY
• Fabulous
Sudoku Easy
28
Across: 4 Titular; 8 Openly; 9 Appease; 10 Napkin; 11 Theory; 12 Converse; 18 Dethrone; 20 Grouse; 21 Credit; 22 Perfume; 23 Virago; 24 Restore. Down: 1 Connect; 2 Serpent; 3 Sluice; 5 Impotent; 6 Uneven; 7 Assert; 13 Redeemer; 14 Cordial; 15 Festoon; 16 Grieve; 17 Outfit; 19 Hermit.
27
Ladder
26
Turn, Torn, Tore, Tire, Hire, Hike, Pike.
25
21
Codeword
22
1=Z, 2=E, 3=V, 4=L, 5=Y, 6=M, 7=T, 8=J, 9=I, 10=N, 11=B, 12=R, 13=S, 14=A, 15=C, 16=O, 17=D, 18=P, 19=K, 20=X, 21=F, 22=W, 23=H, 24=G, 25=Q, 26=U
20
Hard
18
29
13
15 16
24
12
Tokyo, Jerusalem, Manila, Abu Dhabi, New Delhi, Seoul, Manama, Jakarta, Islamabad, Nicosia, Kathmandu, Singapore, Phnom Penh, Baghdad, Beirut, Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka, Muscat, Moscow, Ankara, Kabul, Kuwait City, Pyongyang, Beijing, Doha, Bangkok, Dili, Hanoi, Damascus, Colombo, Vientiane, Tehran.
6
5
Niner
4
3
REDACTION
2
Wordwheel
1
DISHONOUR
ACROSS 1 Dancer and choreographer born in eastern Siberia in 1938 (7) 8 St. Peter’s successor as bishop of Antioch (8) 9 Lake in central Switzerland (7) 10 Nothing; zero (3) 11 Toilet powder (4) 14 A proportional share (5) 15 Agricultural centre in Ontario (6) 16 See 21 18 Ill repute (6) 20 Asteroid named after the son of Daedalus (6) 22 Tree which may be white or silver (5) 24 Walter Savage ---, British poet and author (6) 27 The golden-breasted trumpeter (5) 29 System of Hindu philosophy (4) 30 A taunting, mischievous child (3) 31 Flap on the wingtip of an aircraft (7) 32 Another name for sutures (8) 33 Each of the small pieces of which mosaic is made (7) DOWN 1 Mistress of the Boar’s Head Tavern in Henry IV (4,7) 2 Right-hand page of an open book (5) 3 Outer extremity of a spar supporting a sail (7) 4 Capital of Austria (6) 5 Pain-killing medicine (9)
range of nearly-new clothing & accessories • Open Tuesday to Saturday : 10:30am - 4:00pm 9 Stonemasons Court, Parchment Street, Winchester 01962 859734 www.thecourtyardwinchester.co.uk
SEPTEMBER
22 winchestertoday.co.uk Saturday 20th August–Saturday 10th September Ceramics and Silk exhibition by Arabella Ross. The artist will also be hand-working on some of these mornings. Whitchurch Silk Mill. Times and prices vary. Thursday 1st Pond Dipping, Educational Garden Ponds to explore. Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey. Equipment provided. 1-4pm, £1.50 per child. Thursday 1st Diamond Head, British rock band. The Brook, Southampton. 8pm. £15 on the door. Friday 2nd Southsea Castle Champagne Bar. Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth. 6pm–late. Prices vary. Friday 2nd The Big Tree Climb at the Vyne. Vyne Road, Basingstoke. Ages six and above. £20 per person, booking essential. Friday 2nd–Saturday 3rd The 23rd Carole Nash Eurojumble. One of UK’s biggest bike autojumbles. Netley Marsh, Southampton. Times vary. Friday £9, Saturday £6. Friday 2nd–Sunday 4th National Watersports Festival. Seafront, Hayling Island, Hampshire. £75 for all weekend, £50 for under 18. Secures access to all water activities, camping, parking, coaching, demo and party entrance. Friday 2nd The Silver Beatles. The Brook, Southampton. 8pm. £10 on the door. Saturday 3rd Explore the forest at Avon Tyrrell. Outdoor activity centre, Christchurch. 10am–3pm. £4 per person or £10 for family of five. Saturday 3rd The Simon and Garfunkel Story, 50th Anniversary Tour. The Corn Exchange, Newbury. 7.45pm. £19.
what’s on Saturday 3rd Jane Austen Tour, tea and cake. Winchester Cathedral. 10am. £12.50 per ticket. Saturday 3rd Themed baking demonstration at Winchester City Mill. Water Lane, Winchester. 11am–3pm. Saturday 3rd–Sunday 4th Day out with Thomas at Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway. A day full of activities. Lakeside Country Park, Hampshire. Adult £15, Child 2-15 years £12. Saturday 3rd–Sunday 4th International Autojumble at Beaulieu. National Motor Museum, Brockenhurst. 10am–5pm, 9.30am –4.30pm. One day ticket £13, two day ticket £25. Child prices vary. Saturday 3rd–Sunday 4th Love Southsea’s Street Market. Palmerston Road, Portsmouth. 9am–5pm. Sunday 4th Archery Day, The Weyhill Fair Country Pub. Andover. 11am–3pm. £2 to shoot six arrows. Sunday 4th Jazz Sunday at Hinton Ampner. 1pm. Free, normal admission applies. Sunday 4th Open-air jazz barbecue at Lainston House Hotel, Winchester. 11.30am. £65 per person. Sunday 4th Petersfield Farmers’ Market. The Square, Petersfield. Sunday 4th Guided bike ride, 11 miles along Farlington Marshes. Start at Portsmouth Water Sports Centre, Eastern Road. Time TBC. Free. Sunday 4th Romsey Farmers’ Market. Alma Road, Romsey. 10am–2pm. Monday 5th Ladies Luncheon at Tylney Hall, Rotherwick, Hook. 4pm. £40.50 per ticket. Tuesday 6th Lunchtime concert, music performed by Ceri Owen,
Now open for entries!
The 5th annual
4-12 NOVEMBER 2016 Submission deadline: 1 October 2016 Early Bird deadline: 31 July 2016
For more information please visit: winchestershortfilmfestival.com Or follow: /WinchesterShortFilmFest @WinchesterFilm @_wsff_ Image courtesy Rupert Cresswell, Dir. “Charlie Cloudhead”, 2015 WSFF entry
August 2016 soprano. Winchester Cathedral. 1pm. Admission is free but a retiring collection will be taken. Wednesday 7th–Thursday 8th Speed Dating, The Musical. The Corn Exchange, Newbury. 7.30pm. £12.50. Wednesday 7th–Saturday 10th Mandela Trilogy. A musical tribute, celebrating the life of Nelson Mandela. The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton. 7.30pm. Prices range from £9-£46. Thursday 8th Every Brilliant Thing Theatre Production. Holybourne Theatre, Alton. 7.30pm. £10. Thursday 8th– Saturday 10th Outside Cinema: Cult Screens Presents... Winchester Cathedral. 8.15pm.Tickets available from www. winchester-cathedral.org.uk/events/ outside-cinema-cult-screenspresents-2/. Thursday 8th The Horne Section – Contemporary Comedy. The Corn Exchange, Newbury. 7.45pm. £16. Thursday 8th James Burton, original guitarist performing with Elvis himself. The Brook, Southampton. 8pm. £22 on the door. Friday 9th Film on a Farm – Notting Hill. Mayhill Lane, Southampton. 7pm. £15, prices vary for child and family. Friday 9th Jean Genie, Bowie Tribute. The Brook, Southampton. 8pm. £15 on the door. Friday 9th–Sunday 11th Goodwood Revival, one of the world’s most historic motor races. Goodwood Estate, Chichester. Time and price TBC. Saturday 10th Alton Farmers’ Market. Alton, 10am–2pm. Saturday 10th Modern Art Tour with coffee and cake. Winchester Cathedral. 10am. £12.50 per ticket. Saturday 10th Butserfest. Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire. 10m–11pm. Prices from £15-£30. Saturday 10th Film on a Farm – Grease. Mayhill Lane, Southampton. 7pm. £15, prices vary for child and family. Saturday 10th Martin Carthy, Folk Innovator. The Corn Exchange, New Greenham Arts. 8pm. £15. Saturday 10th The Jive Aces. UK’s number one jive and swing band. Theatre Royal, Winchester. 8pm. £22 per ticket, concessions available. Saturday 10th Backstage Tours. Theatre Royal Winchester. Times vary, free, booking essential. Saturday 10th SS Shieldhall Heritage Open Day. Berth 48, Eastern Docks, Southampton. 4pm–6pm. £19 per ticket, £5 for child. Saturday 10th Oasis UK’s number one tribute act. The Brook, Southampton. 8pm. £15 on the door. Saturday 10th–Sunday 11th The Big Pig Weekend at Manor Farm. Pylands Lane, Southampton. Time TBC, farm admissions apply. Saturday 10th–Tuesday 27th Luke Brown – Youth Curtain Raiser. The Corn Exchange, Newbury. 13–18 years. Times vary. £10 per child for three workshops. Sunday 11th Guided walks at Staunton. Middle Park Way, Hant. 1.30pm–3.30pm. Free, normal farm admissions apply. Sunday 11th Inclusion Olympics Day at Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Activity Centre, Christchurch. 10am–3pm. £5. Sunday 11th Open Mic Auditions UK 2016, Portsmouth and Southampton. Brunswick Square, Totton or River Studios, 32 Windsor Road, Totton. First come first served basis. 4.30pm–6.30pm. £5 per act. Sunday 11th Port Solent Waterside Market. The Boardwalk, Southampton. 11am–5pm. Free. Sunday 11th Portsmouth RNLI Tri Adventure Race. Portsmouth Watersports Centre, Eastern Road. 9am start, £40. Only 130 pla ces.
Sunday 11th Shieldhall Heritage Open Day Cruise, Titanic Theme. Berth 48, Eastern Docks, Southampton. 4pm–6pm. £19 per ticket, £5 child. Sunday 11th Gun Firings at Fort Nelson. Portsdown Hill Road, Fareham. 11.30am, 2pm, 3pm. Free. Sunday 11th Transylvania. Romanian band focusing on sound visuals with huge stage performance. The Brook, Southampton. 7.30pm. £14 on the door. Sunday 11th Winchester Farmers’ Market. Middle Brook Street, Winchester. 9am–2pm. Monday 12th Touch to See – a monthly get-together for the blind and visually impaired. The Corn Exchange, Newbury. Free. More information at cornexchangenew. com/events/info/touch_to_see. Monday 12th Act Now! Adult Workshop – Mamma Mia. The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton. 7pm. Last tickets available at www. mayflower.org.uk/Whats_On/ ActNowMammaMia2016. £20 per session. Tuesday 13th Lunchtime Concert. Music by Roman Rudnytsky, Piano. Winchester Cathedral. 1pm. Admission is free but a retiring collection will be taken. Tuesday 13th– 8th October Smash hit musical, Mamma Mia. The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton. 7.30pm. Prices from £26-£59.50. Tickets available at www.mayflower. org.uk/Whats_On/MammaMia2016. Tuesday 13th–13th December Watercolour and Pastels. A workshop suitable for beginners through to intermediates. The Corn Exchange, Newbury. 10am–12pm. 18+. £100 for a 10-week course. Tuesday 13th–13th December Junior Youth Drama Group. The Corn Exchange, Newbury. Ages 7–11. £55 for 10-week course. 4.45pm–5.45pm. Tuesday 13th–13th December Adult Contemporary Dance. The Corn Exchange, Newbury. 18+. £68 for 10-week course. 7.30pm–9pm. Tuesday 13th–13th December Play Reading Group, for those interested in getting together and reading plays aloud. 18+. £25 for 10-week course. 6pm–8pm. Wednesday 14th–Thursday 15th Al Murray, Let’s Go Backwards Together. Theatre Royal, Winchester. 7.30pm. £29.50. Tickets available at www. theatreroyalwinchester. co.uk/?m=20160914&cat=5. Wednesday 14th Do Not Disturb! Spanish Circus Company – Comedy. The Corn Exchange, Newbury. 7pm. £15. Thursday 15th Autumn Colour at the Vyne. Take a wander through the woods and sample the fresh autumn air. Vyne Road, Basingstoke. Free. Thursday 15th Canadian comedian Rich Hall. The Corn Exchange, Newbury. 7.45pm. £17. Thursday 15th Johnny Cash Roadshow. Portsmouth Guildhall, tickets and times at portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/contact. Thursday 15th Romesh Ranganathan, comedian. Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea. 8pm. £20 per ticket. Friday 16th–Sunday 25th PSP Southampton Boat Show. Mayflower Park, Southampton. Times, prices vary. Friday 16th Singles Night at Winchester Science Centre. Telegraph Way, Winchester. 7pm. Friday 16th Ultra 90s Tribute Night, Grand Ballroom, Old Thorns. Weavers Down, Liphook. 7.30pm. £39.95 per ticket. Friday 16th ELO Again, Mr Blue Sky Tribute. The Brook, Southampton. 8pm. £15 on the door.
what’s on
August 2016
winchestertoday.co.uk 23 Rachel Gover brings together the best of what’s on near and far. Publicise your event – for free – by dropping a line to rachel.gover@ winchestertoday.co.uk
Uffington White Horse, from Anna Dillon’s exhibition, Icons of the North Wessex Downs, at Salisbury Museum until 1 October Sunday 18th SS Shieldhall afternoon, Docks History Cruise and five cruise ships. Berth 48, Eastern Docks, Southampton. 3pm–6pm. £27.50 per ticket, child £10. Monday 19th–Wednesday 21st Lady Anna, Production Exchange, All At Sea. Theatre Royal Winchester. 7.30pm. £24, concessions available. Monday 19th–Friday 23rd Lights in the Darkness evening tours return. Winchester Cathedral. Times vary, £15 per ticket. Tuesday 20th Lunchtime concert. Music performed by Anna Okti, Violin. Winchester Cathedral. 1pm. Admission free but a retiring collection will be taken. Tuesday 20th About Africa at The Anvil, film footage and stories from director Harry Hook. Churchill Way, Basingstoke. 7.30pm. £17.50. Concessions £15.50. Tuesday 20th Winchester Ghost Walk Experience. Royal Oak, Winchester. 8.30pm–9.30pm. £6. Tuesday 20th–11th October Experimental Drawing, designed to use all your senses. The Corn Exchange, New Greenham Arts. 18+. £65. Times vary. Tickets at cornexchangenew.com/events/info/ experimental-drawing4. Wednesday 21st Miles Jupp: Songs of Freedom. The Corn Exchange, Newbury. 7.45 pm. 16+. £18.50. Wednesday 21st–Saturday 24th The Full Monty Production at Ferneham Hall. Osborn Road, Fareham. Prices £13-£15. Thursday 22nd Bowie Experience. Kings Theatre, Portsmouth. 7.30pm. Prices £23.50- £25.50. Thursday 22nd Claire Martin, Jazz Festival. Theatre Royal, Winchester. 7.30pm. £27.
Friday 23rd The Bollywood Brass Band meets Jyotsna Srikanth. The Haymarket, Basingstoke. 7.30pm. £20 per ticket. Friday 23rd Adele Tribute, twocourse dinner, DJ. Novotel Southampton. 7.30pm–12.30am. £35. Friday 23rd Fleetwood Bac; The world’s finest tribute band. The Brook, Southampton. 8pm. £15 on the door. Friday 23rd Blues Night. The Lights, Andover. 8pm. £5. Friday 23rd Escape from the Planet of the Day that Time Forgot. Gavin Robertson, comedy. Theatre Royal, Winchester. 7.30pm. £18 per ticket, concessions available. Friday 23rd Freddy Mercury Tribute Night, three-course meal, DJ. The Solent Hotel, Whiteley, Fareham. Time TBC. £39 per ticket. £90 if staying overnight at hotel. Saturday 24th Alton Classic Car Show. Alton. 10am–4pm. Price TBC. Saturday 24th T-Rextasy. The Brook, Southampton. 8pm. £14 on the door. Saturday 24th Moscow Drug Club, Cabaret. The Lights, Andover. 8pm. £12 per ticket. Saturday 24th Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Winchester Cathedral. 7.30pm. Ticket prices vary, available at www.winchestercathedral.org.uk/events/ bournemouth-symphony-orchestraevening-toby-spence/. Sunday 25th Don’t Tell Him, Pike! An audience with Ian Lavender. The Haymarket, Basingstoke. 7.30pm. £18 per ticket. Monday 26th Memory Cafe. A social for those living with dementia and their carers. The Corn Exchange, Newbury. Times vary. Free. Tuesday 27th–1st October The
Buddy Holly Show. Kings Theatre, Southsea. Tickets available at kingsportsmouth.co.uk/ Tuesday 27th Lunchtime Concert. Cathedral organists. Winchester Cathedral. 1pm. Admission free but a retiring collection will be taken. Wednesday 28th An evening with Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Theatre Royal, Winchester. 7.30pm, £20 per ticket, concessions available. Wednesday 28th Shooting With Light. Idle Motion uses innovative staging to tell a story of the millions of snapshots we collect. The Corn Exchange, Newbury. 7.45pm. £15. Wednesday 28th Frankenstein. The Lights, Andover. 7.30pm. £14. Thursday 29th The Magic of Motown. The Anvil, Basingstoke. 7.45pm. £26, concessions available Thursday 29th David Owen Norris Piano Recital. Andover Music Club. The Lights, Andover. 7.30pm. £14. Thursday 29th–2nd October Winchester Comedy Festival. Theatre Royal, Winchester. 8pm. Price TBC. Friday 30th WW1 Tour and cream tea, Winchester Cathedral, Winchester. 2pm. £12.50 per ticket. Friday 30th You’ve Got A Friend – Music by Carole King and James Taylor. The Lights, Andover. 7.45pm. £20 per ticket. Friday 30th Limehouse Lizzy. The boys are back! The Brook, Southampton. 8pm. £16 on the door. Friday 30th Business Networking Event. The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton. 12pm lunch. £16.50. Last few tickets at ww.mayflower.org. uk/Whats_On/ BusinessNetworkingSep2016 Friday 30th–6th October WemsFest Cultural Festival. Westbourne and Emsworth. Times and prices vary.
SEPTEMBER
Friday 16th–Saturday 17th Basingstoke Tappers and Jazz Dance Company. The Haymarket, Basingstoke. 7.30pm. £22 per ticket. Saturday 17th–Sunday 18th Royal County of Berkshire Show at Newbury Showground. 8am–6pm. £14 per ticket, concessions apply. Saturday 17th–2nd October Emsworth British Food Fortnight. Times and prices vary. Saturday 17th Emsworth Farmers Market, Southstreet Car Park, Hampshire. 10am–1pm. Saturday 17th Southsea Skatepark Roller Disco. Ska Music, Southsea, Portsmouth. 7pm–10pm. £5 per ticket, £2.50 to hire skates. Saturday 17th Suzi Ruffell and Tom Allen: Hit the Road, comedy. New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth. Time TBC, £20 per ticket. Saturday 17th Stick Man. Scamps Theatre’s delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s children’s book. The Corn Exchange, Newbury. Times vary. £10.50. Saturday 17th Frankie’s Guys. Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The Lights, Andover. 7.45pm. £19.50. Saturday 17th Whole Lotta Led. Three-hour spectacular. The Brook, Southampton. 7.45pm. £15 on the door. Saturday 17th Tudor Day at Basing House, Basingstoke. 11am -4pm. £5.50, concessions available. Saturday 17th–10th December Mini Youth Drama. The Corn Exchange, New Greenham Arts. Ages 4–6. 10.30am-11.30am. £55 for 10-week course. Sunday 18th Portsmouth MAG Motorbike, Trike and Scooter Show. Port Solent Marina, Portsmouth. 10am–4pm. Free.
24 winchestertoday.co.uk
on the frontline
Bean feast Welcome to a series of features in which we meet the people in Winchester who deal directly with the likes of you and me – these are the people who are On The Frontline. They brighten up our lives. They change our lives. They save our lives. For the first in our series, Rachel Gover is On The Frontline at Coffee Lab. Images by Oscar Ferguson at oferguson.com
It’s early in the morning and there is a hustle around town. Some are already at work, some are on their way to run errands, coffee in hand. I watch them pass by as I sit behind my laptop, also with a coffee in hand. However, my usual flat white is not just another cup of coffee. It’s a little cup of perfection – and, apparently, it’s Winchester’s worst-kept secret. I didn’t stumble across this little cup of heaven by accident. Word had spread and we had to experience the best coffee in town for ourselves. Located down side street St Thomas Street is Coffee Lab. Opened in March 2016, it has grown with joy and success. Within the laboratory, the creativity never stops. The knowledge and skills combine to create an undeniable fusion between the customer and barista. Our imaginations are encouraged to explore as we are surrounded by art – not just by the intricate designs on our coffees, but on the walls, too. Local artist Simon Harmer has created a striking mural of Winchester Cathedral on the back wall. Entering a coffee shop for the first time can feel like first day of school – you’re looking at the board, wondering what on earth you’re going to learn, is there a seat for me, where can I put my bag, will I make friends? At Coffee Lab it’s in the name. You have entered a creative laboratory, but those initial questions are instantly put to rest. To complement the laboratory vibe, the coffee blends are not named by chance. The house blend is called Einstein and the guest espresso Heisenberg. It’s utter genius. I’m perched at the communal table at the back of the shop and made friends as if I’ve known them for ever. There’s a whir and excitement in the air as customers come through the door exclaiming they’ve been told about the coffee and had to try it. They wait patiently in the queue, curious and intrigued. There’s an excitement as baristas flip the coffee cups in the air as they chat with us. No stress, no fuss, and a genuine heart-warming atmosphere. I wanted to find out what it is that goes into the process, what differentiates our routine coffee fix from that little cup of perfection. Alex Donnan is the Manager Director behind Coffee Lab and speaks passionately about their ambitions and the relationships between the baristas and customers. “How we approach employment is fundamental to our goals,” he said. “The quality of our baristas and products are extremely high. The location of the coffee shop is important to us, but without our baristas, there is no Coffee Lab. We are unique with our vision for our baristas and it is the ambition that comes naturally to us all. We imprint our work ethos where working in the cafe culture is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle and our aspirations reinforce this.’ At Coffee Lab, the baristas go beyond working the usual nine to five, and Alex explains: The long days have to be social for our baristas too, and we build friendships between us and our customers. “We work extremely hard to achieve our goals and we are a team. With this, our staff members are award-winning and the synergy is strong between us, giving them opportunities to travel the world entering competitions. Throughout the shop, there is a bond between us all and our friendships and inter-action with customers comes naturally.” You can feel it as soon as you walk through the door. It is knowing the customer’s name, the smile we are greeted with and the heart-warming ‘Usual?’ that brings us back time again. And it is not just in Winchester that the word is spreading. Alex explains that Trip Advisor reviews are growing every day, and said: “We strive every day to deliver exceptional quality products and great service, and to receive recognition from someone in Melbourne is great. We are chuffed! “The coffee industry is growing rapidly and our customers are curious about the process behind the art. They are wanting to know where our coffee beans are from, where they are roasted.” Nick Williams is the Manager at Coffee Lab, and clearly loves the industry. “For me, it’s the environment of meeting new people every day, it’s exciting to discover new things about our customers,” he said. “In the general public, we might never have met – this inspires me every day. “We challenge ourselves to extend our coffee skills. For me, the name Coffee Lab echoes the experimental vibe. As we strive to deliver excellent coffee, we encourage those to try something new as we offer different blends to our customers. It’s a very fast-paced, sociable environment and it has become a hobby – it feels natural to come here and enjoy what we do – even on our days off!” When customers queue through the door, the
August 2016 baristas here appear calm and at ease. Nick explains that interaction is key. “If there is a queue, there is no doubt we would make eye contact and smile at our customers,” he said. “There is a community feel to the shop.” It is clear Coffee Lab takes care of every customer who walks through the door, and Nick adds: “Every drink is personal to the customer. We try our very best to learn each customer’s drink, they feel as if they are being listened to. It becomes an art, never robotic, and something which I love. “That could mean me making three flat whites in a row, but each drink is different – perhaps some like their milk in a specific way, or others prefer a different size of espresso. People know they can come back and enjoy the drink they love. “I have lived in Winchester my whole life. I love living here. It’s charismatic, there’s always something happening. I love the history behind Winchester, it’s a great mix with the history and the new – we are bringing something new and exciting to Winchester. We get a lot of compliments with our latte art. We work in harmony with the city. “We are becoming a location and people want to come and find us. Customer connection and the environment we have created bring people back.” Heidi Philip-Smith, 23, is a barista at Coffee Lab and has been working in the coffee industry for three years. She said: “It’s like my second home here, and it’s the people who I spend my time with. “People don’t just go out for a coffee any more, but they come here to socialise – and we love it! What I love most is that we get to know people, we get to know their life stories. There is a sense of belonging when I work here, as if I’m meant to be in this industry. I wouldn’t be able to tell you specific skills I have, I just love people.” Heidi is determined to aim high, and added:
It feels natural to come here and enjoy what we do – even on our days off! “First, I want to win the UK latte art championships – a girl has never won it before, it’s a very male-dominated industry. I then want to win the World Latte Art Championship. I am competitive and would love to win a trophy!” Dhan Tamang, 31, is the Operational Director at Coffee Lab and is the UK Latte Art Championship from 2013 to 2016. He also is a finalist in the World Latte Art Championships. Dhan moved from Nepal to the UK in 2010. He learned English and his drive has never stopped him from achieving anything. He says he is not just a barista, but that coffee-making is his life and has been a remarkable journey for him. As he trains and enters competitions all over the world, there is no slowing down. His work ethic and energy is something we could all learn from. “Customers come first, coffee comes second. It’s very simple,” he said. “It is obvious to us that the customers don’t just come here to try our coffee, but it has to feel like a home, like their kitchen.” With 10 years experience in the coffee industry, Dhan adds: “This is my life – it’s not work because I love it so much. Coffee for me is a network and you create friendships. It is like a family for me. We share our knowledge and our coffee-making skills.” As I sit at the communal table, there is a silence. Not because we don’t have anything to say, but because we are sitting in awe and admiration as we watch Dhan create his latte art. It’s genius and customers come here to watch time and time again. You don’t need to ask Dhan how much he loves coffee, you can feel it in the air, and you can feel it in his smile and taste it in your coffee. “Perfect! Look at that – look at mine!” are just a few reactions when we are served our drinks. Dhan explains it is important to deliver the perfect coffee every time as it is a drink for enjoyment. “A cup of coffee can make or break your day – if the flavour is wrong, you’ll taste it all day,” he said. “Our coffee blend is a very high quality and we work very closely with our roastery. “We pay for quality ingredients, the small changes that we make to our ingredients and the machines that we use give an excellent quality.” He’s right. The La Marzocco coffee machine is
August 2016
on the frontline
winchestertoday.co.uk 25
Coffee Lab, tucked away in St Thomas Street
Where can I put my bag – will I make friends? gorgeous in every way. Using the Einstein coffee blend, the flavours are smooth with a light and fruity citrus notes, complemented with a slight nutty aftertaste. Simply delicious. Better still, the Roasting Party is located in Winnall. I went to speak to Matthew Yates and Wesley Cusick to find out more about the process that goes into making our perfect cups of coffee. The coffee beans are imported from across the world, mostly Colombia and Kenya. I am greeted with a beautiful flat white coffee as Matthew explains: “The beans are cooked and roasted, and in this process the beans dramatically change. Our staff are extremely skilled to work with the process of roasting the beans, as they identify the varying temperature. The smells and the textures all come from the cooking – nothing is added, it is quite simply roasted. We are cooking the elements that give us the taste. Our staff are involved with the roasting process more than anything else. Master roaster Wesley is originally from Australia, and moved to the UK to be a part of the ever-growing exciting industry. He said: “I’ve been doing it since I was 14 – I love the scientific side to it. There is an entire process when selecting the beans before roasting, and how you can manipulate the flavours of the coffee. I am 24 now, and there’s still so much more to learn.” Matthew is the commercial director at the Roasting Party. Although not originally a coffee lover, his enjoyment at learning the different flavours and techniques is why he now says coffee is a subtle, enjoyable drink. “It’s the skill and knowledge that we put into the beans which make us different,” he said. “The difference is in the sustainability. We are a small business and we have full traceability. We are paying a higher price for our beans, and the people working on farms are
getting a much higher return from us, rather than buying from chains.” “We are Winchester-based. Most of our customers are in London, but we prefer to be in Hampshire as we have played for local sports teams. We didn’t want to move, and it’s cost-effective for us. There is no in-between process, we are personal and the beans are delivered fresh. “We work with staff that are willing to take a chance creatively. We are moving very quickly in the industry and we look for dynamic people. We train with different skills and learn from each other – our work ethos is fantastic. “This is the best team I’ve worked with. Our equipment is the best in the industry, all the way through the process – we use Probat machines. It is
the quality of our coffee which makes us a speciality. Our business is word-of-mouth, there is no sales team. We focus on our product and focus on the taste, and this has worked for us. Everything goes into making the perfect cup of coffee. “We are exclusive with our products, as Coffee Lab is the only place in Winchester we provide for.” The Roasting Party is currently working with a new social project in Portsmouth called My New Canvas, where people are recovering from addictions. The course is over a six to eight-week period and provides those in need with the skills to put them back on track. Back at Coffee Lab, and I am still learning something new every day. There are several processes for making the perfect cup of coffee, and
two of these feature the V60 or Aeropress process, in which the coffee is ground using a Mazzer Robur machine, one of the best. In each process, the coffee is full of flavour with a natural fruity sweetness. Customers are asked to allow a five-minute waiting time, to achieve exquisite favours. With the V60, the water is filtered and heated to 82 degrees. 300ml of water is then slowly poured over 16 grams of ground coffee, through the filter paper into the cylinder. The Aeropress is a technique by vacuum in a compression chamber. The coffee is hand-pressed through the filter meaning the flavours are bolder than the V60 process. I ask regular customers Nick and Catherine what it is that brings them back time and again. Nick explains: “I like the familiarity of the people – it’s like we’re at the pub! The quality of the coffee is fantastic, and I get to read the paper. I’m a creature of habit, but everything combined is perfection.” Caroline adds: “It’s my favourite coffee in town. There is a real flair and passion for coffee here and my dog loves it! It’s the only place where he will sit still. The high street has a lot of passing trade, and you have to know where Coffee Lab is to come here, but it’s the coffee and everything that goes with it that brings me back each time.” Coffee Lab is a place where they push the boundaries with technology in the cafe culture. The coffee is award-winning, but it’s the two minutes of bliss, being able to relax and unwind, a place to call home, that sets Coffee Lab apart. Amid the hustle and bustle, there is a five-minute break before swarms of people come in. Our photos are uploaded to Instagram, we catch up with friends. It’s networking and spreading the word about the little lab down St Thomas Street.
music
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August 2016
The Primrose Piano Quartet and, below, on stage
Primrose are ready to flower IT is not long to go now until the treat which is the West Meon Music Festival. Now in its sixth year, the Festival takes place from September 16 to 18 at St John the Evangelist Church in West Meon, and it is a wonderful weekend of chamber music by The Primrose Piano Quartet. The Primrose is one of the country’s foremost ensembles, and this year they will be joined for their Saturday evening concert by Michael Collins, one of the world’s leading clarinettists. There will be seven concerts, with the first a candlelit concert at 7.30pm on Friday, September 16, and the final concert on the afternoon of the Sunday at 3pm. Details of the programme can be found on the Festival’s website, westmeonmusic.co.uk, and ticket prices for the concerts are from £10 to £19.50, depending on the event. Festival passes are available at £50 or £60 depending on seating. The proceeds of two of the seven concerts will go to this year’s charity, The Rosemary Foundation, which provides a ‘hospice at home’ service for terminally ill people in the locality (rosemary-foundation. org.uk).
Mari Wilson today and, inset, in 1982
1982 image: Cornel Lucas
Mari is still what we always wanted Pop icon Mari Wilson releases Interpretation of 60s classic White Horses
BACK in 1982, I was making the most of one of the best presents I had ever received from my Mum. Not only was this gadget a personal cassette player, but it was also a radio – the actual receiver was in the shape of a blue cassette which you put into the gadget. I always remember this trivia, because it was then, walking the dog in the playing fields and listening to Tommy Vance present the Top 40 on a Sunday evening that I first discovered Mari Wilson. ‘Just What I Always Wanted’ was new, fresh, vibrant. The perfect pop
by KEVIN GOVER song. Now comes Mari’s reinterpretation of a song from her own youth. ‘White Horses’ is taken from her album ‘Pop Deluxe’, and is the theme from the 1960s German/Yugoslav television drama, made famous by Jacky in 1968. Mari says she grew up hearing it in her childhood home. “The song is almost in my DNA,” she said. “My dad was a shift worker, and when I came home from school he would be there. We would do the Evening News
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crossword and watch children’s TV. When White Horses came on it would send shivers down my spine, and it still does.” The song has already received plays on Radio 2 with Paul O’Grady, Graham Norton and Jools Holland, and on Winchester Today’s own radio station. It’s a splendid version, still dreamy and breathless, with immense care taken to mix the nostalgia alongside modern instruments. Co-produced by Mari and her friend and long-time collaborator Alastair Gavin, it is a welcome breath of new life into this 60s classic.
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lifestyle Issue 25 ● August 2016
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Outdoor activity breaks for ALL the family
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This is the moment Justine in Winchester’s High Street.Mackenzie found out that she had hit the jackpot at the opening She had only popped the shop as I was here, of and I won £1,000-worth into town to get a coffee and a muffin, and Space NK Apothecary my day – it really put a said: of skincare products in smile on my face!” the best range available! “I came in to see It definitely made 9)$J (CNSR$J"A (3GJ K2
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WINCHESTER’S High Street had a "! /5"0, 3*"5( mixed month in July. Most of the time it has been with shoppers out enjoying heaving national retailer has chosen to leave the Winchester. However, with sunshine – good news, of significant course. investment being made in As the picture above shows, the Southampton, Whiteley and opening of Space NK Apothecary drew Basingstoke, it is a good crowd as it opened no wonder the losing these brands to cities we are its 64 stores across the UK, latest of adding to actively investing in their and towns its portfolio of branches in locations. places “Generally one of the sole Bath, Bristol and Bournemouth. like of estates surveyors when decisions On the other hand, a brand reviewing their national portfolio is synonymous with the British to look at rates and rents against operating street since 1973 was moving high in the “Winchester remains to have costs. other direction. While it cannot be the highest commercial rents one of much of a surprise over Monsoon, outside it is of London and will still a disappointment. continue until Winchester City Councilto do so Monsoon effectively ‘gave resurrects a plan for Silver May 2015 when it revealed notice’ in Hill, which a of 19 per cent for the year profit loss could provide prime retail space and to 2014, with £50m profit on 30 August thus open up competition to reduce sales of rates and rent. £509m. The retailer said the group had “Winchester needs more options a “challenging year” with a –I struggle often hear people say that against unseasonal weather we do not and need more space because weaker performance in both we have the UK vacancies, but the underlying and overseas. They announced store that we don’t have enough issue is closures and a cost-cutting options for plan. retailers to consider.” Executive Director of Winchester Ah, Southampton and Whiteley BID, Catherine Turness said: – where have we seen those sincerely disappointed that “I am mentioned? a large .)*SC*RJL )* (3GJ D
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28 winchestertoday.co.uk
air ambulance
Rugby fan Robert enjoying a day out at Twickenham
Robert and the Air Ambulance crew at the launch of their new aircraft at Beaulieu
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance would like to thank Winchester Today for their support
We need you today, you may need us tomorrow! Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is funded by donations from the public, and it is thanks to your generosity that we are able to provide our life saving service from 7am to 2am, 365 days a year.
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August 2016
Be careful out there!
Winchester Today’s charity partner, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, wishes our readers a safe and happy summer holiday – and urges caution OVER the summer months, we are urging people to remain safe whilst out in the sunshine and enjoying the warmer weather. The Air Ambulance is called out up to four times a day, and on average on a total of 730 missions per year. Around 34 per cent of these calls are related to injuries that have been sustained during the pursuit of outdoor activities; 18 per cent relating to sporting injuries and 16 per cent to horse riding incidents. In August 2013 we rescued 11-year-old Robert Wilkinson after he lost control of his scooter and ended up under a truck. He was on holiday on the Isle of Wight at the time and he and his family were heading to the seafront to buy a postcard. Robert was on his scooter going down a steep slope when suddenly he realised that he was going really fast and couldn’t stop. A truck was coming around the corner at the bottom of the slope and, before he knew it, he was underneath it. His mum and sister were there and witnessed the accident. Robert recalls how he felt at the time: “I remember feeling really tired, but I didn’t feel any pain at first. I was in shock and I don’t remember
by MELISSA HARE the Air Ambulance arriving, but someone later told me that a lady who had seen the accident called an ambulance. “The Air Ambulance landed in the car park by the sea, not very far from me – the whole area had been shut off. “I remember the person in the Air Ambulance telling me that I needed to hold up my thumb in order to stay awake. I don’t really remember much else about the journey. But the crew were really kind and I felt very safe.” Robert was airlifted to hospital where they found he had a broken pelvis, whiplash and a deep cut to the back of his head, which went through to his skull, as well as lots of minor cuts and bruises. He stayed in hospital for just over two weeks and it took him about two months to recover. The experience has made Robert much more wary of the dangers around him: “I can’t really go down slopes confidently any longer, but I am very grateful to the Air Ambulance for what they did for me that day – and I realise how lucky I was.”
August 2016
focus on Winnall
winchestertoday.co.uk 29
As Winchester Today continues to support the Winnall Business Forum, we visit Deson Kitchens in the heart of Winnall. Rachel Gover goes to the opening of their new range, AK Kitchens, and meets Rachel Gao to find out more about the new and exciting process behind the new products
Now we’re cooking! Deson Kitchens was established in China in 2000 and provides German-made products worldwide. There are more than 300 franchise stores in China, with more than 500 shops across the country achieving the top kitchen sales in the last three years in China. Rachel Gao’s father is the founder of the original company, and she has lived in the UK since the age of 17. She said: “The international market is my project, and something I have developed over the years. In the last two years, our businesses have grown and we have learned that we cover the whole of China. Now we need to expand and develop outside – the opportunities are exciting.” Deson Kitchens provide services in Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, America and now the UK as well. The shop – recently refurbished with a beautiful finish – opened in Winnall in December last year, and has grown as they launched their new AK Kitchen range in June. Rachel explains that their new range is suitable for all housing as the market develops, and also provides for student accommodation. “We provide cheaper, simple and solid solutions,” she said. Winchester was deliberately chosen as a location to set up the shop and
Rachel added: “I am local to Winchester and have lived here since 2010. I love the atmosphere, and it’s a very suitable location for us. “We are very successful in Winchester, already receiving six orders in a short space of time.” So what is it about Deson Kitchens that provides an excellent service? Rachel said: “We operate a full range of kitchens, made from different materials, including wood, laminate and acrylic to an exceptionally high standard. “Our worktops are a quality course material. We combine the modern and classic styles with maximum storage. We customise our kitchens for our customers and are flexible for their needs. At Deson Kitchens, we do not charge by the unit size, but by the material used.” And where does Rachel see the business going in the next year or so? “We are flexible with our customers’ requests,” she said. “There is no middle-man between us and the customers, so we create a very high quality with a decent price. “As we grow with success, we are looking to work with franchise stores within the UK over the next year. “We want to build relationships with our customers, and our business partners.”
30 winchestertoday.co.uk The latest addition to Winchester’s High Street, Space NK Apothecary, enjoyed a brisk opening with plenty of happy shoppers
news
August 2016
Countryside celebrations
Projects across Hampshire make the shortlist for the 10th annual Countryside Awards WE’RE delighted that projects from the Winchester Today area have come so far in the 10th annual Countryside Awards, which celebrate a beautiful and living environment that everyone can value and enjoy. They are organised by the charity CPRE Hampshire, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, in association with The Southern Co-operative. In the Community and Voluntary category for East Hampshire, Winchester District and North Hampshire, there is Medstead Village Pond – Medstead Parish Council are creating a central village pond and woodland copse connected to a wildflower walk suitable for children and families. In the Rural Enterprise category, congratulations to Farley Nursery School at Sparsholt, an outdoor nursery where the children experience the wonders of nature at first hand. Taste of Wickham is a creative event staged by the Taste of Wickham Organising Team, which showcases the market town’s local businesses and organisations and engages people with local produce through tastings, demonstrations and interaction with those working in the industry. In the Sustainable Buildings category, Ringbourne Copse in Barton Stacey is part of a new housing development of 19 homes in the village, comprising seven affordable homes providing much-needed housing for local people with a connection to the area. The entry is by Aster Group, Bargate Homes and AAP Architects. In the Rural Enterprise category for Test Valley, well done to the Braishfield Village Pantry, a community hub providing a shop and café in the village hall. Images: Farley Nursery School, Medstead and Braishfield Village Pantry
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32 winchestertoday.co.uk
final word
August 2016
The Duchess of Cornwall unveiling the Poppy Pod Village plaque, sees children on the low ropes course and speaks to a military family staying in one of the Poppy Pods
Armed forces camping plan gets royal seal of approval NEXT TIME..
THE Duchess of Cornwall has officially opened Hampshire County Council’s Poppy Pod village for the Armed Forces at Tile Barn Outdoor Centre near Brockenhurst. The Duchess unveiled a poppyshaped plaque and met military families who are currently using the 20 wooden camping pods. The pods in the heart of the New Forest are free for service personnel, veterans and their families to use during holidays and at weekends. The Poppy Pods renew Tile Barn’s historic role of offering respite for the Armed Forces, where more than 21,000 troops from New Zealand and India were treated at the former hospital site from 1916 to 1919. The Duchess was welcomed by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, the chairman of Hampshire County Council, Keith Chapman, and the leader of Hampshire County Council, Roy Perry. She also visited St Nicholas’ Church to see the Commonwealth war graves of the soldiers who were treated at Tile Barn during the First World War.
Poppy Pod village opens Camilla also saw a commemorative stained glass window inside the church which was recently installed, honouring those who were connected to New Zealand No.1 General Hospital 100 years ago. The solar-powered and accessible Poppy Pods have been funded by £250,000 from the Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant scheme and £50,000 from the Brockenhurst branch of the Royal British Legion. Each Poppy Pod is named after a battle from Amiens to Ypres, and pine seeds from Gallipoli have been planted nearby. The creation of the Poppy Pods was inspired by the BBC programme The Choir with Gareth Malone, which provided an insight into the fears and isolation of military wives as their husbands and partners served in Afghanistan.
How to do Cornwall in a weekend