Issue 4

Issue 4

In this Issue...

A host of leisure pursuit opportunities Wickham Festival Win a family ticket to Mar well Zoo

NET WORKING IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNIT Y . . .

WELCOME TO

Networking in your local community...

M

MAGAZINE

any thanks for the continuing great response that NETWORKING IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY ... we have received since our inception last summer.

Congratulations to John Bevan from Gosport who has won this issue’s front cover competition, winning a Portrait by Alli.

We will be running another front cover competition this month with the chance to win a family ticket to Marwell Zoo Please check out the details on page 22.

In this issue we have further details on the upcoming Wickham Festival, as well as information on many of the maritime events taking place in the local area.

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Art and the Lure of the Sea comes to Southampton in a Bottle (the full-scale version was placed on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square in 2010) and Zenib Sedira’s film MiddleSea, which fills the back wall of SeaCity Museum with a visual meditation on transit and an evocative soundtrack composed by Mikhail Karikis.

This is an exhibition which explores the physical and the physiological, time and distance, the poetic and the brutal.

Juxtaposed with the contemporary art works are voice recordings from Southampton’s past, beautiful historic paintings, maritime instruments, posters, postcards and cruise ship memorabilia and other archival objects from the city’s rich collections. For the curator, art historian Dr Jean Wainwright, Ship to Shore is also a personal journey: her lifelong fascination with the lure of the sea stems from her own family background in shipping and her experiences of sea travel on various cruise ships since childhood.

This stunning and evocative combination of art and artefacts helps bring the story of sea travel and sea communications to life in an unforgettable way.

The portion of the exhibition at the John Hansard Gallery is free but a small charge applies for entry to SeaCity Museum.

To find out more about the exhibition at

Chris Burden, Ghost Ship, 2005. Courtesy and copyright the artist and Locus+ Archive.

SeaCity museum and for prices visit www. seacitymuseum.co.uk or telephone 023

Two venues in Southampton welcome an intriguing visual feast of paintings, films, photography and prints alongside archival

8083 4536 To find out more about Ship to Shore at the John Hansard

objects, evoking the disorientating vastness of oceans, unusual

Gallery visit www.hansardgallery.org.uk or telephone 023 8059

images of lighthouses, the romance of sea travel and ship-to-

2158.

shore communication.

The Pavilion in SeaCity Museum and The John Hansard Gallery will host the exhibition which runs until 4 May. It is the first time that Southampton, a hub for transatlantic travel, has had so many contemporary artists with international reputations exhibiting together, on this subject, their work to be found in major museum and gallery collections across the globe.

The diversity of vision in Ship to Shore spans from Tracey Emin and her neon She Lay Down Deep Beneath The Sea, to Isaac Julien’s powerful Western Union: Small Boats (The Leopard), a meditation on migration and the hope for a better life. The theme of migration and travel continues with Yinka Shonibare MBE and his Nelson’s Ship

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Susan Hillier, Nightwatch, 2009. Courtesy the artist and Timothy Taylor Gallery, London.

British WW2 submarine reopens after £7m refit We are very proud of HMS Alliance and delighted that she has been saved for future generations” New facilities are also available. For visitors with mobility disabilities, a platform lift will take wheelchair users into the afterend compartment of the submarine for the very first time and tailored audio guides of the tour of HMS Alliance will be available in foreign languages and for very young children.

HMS Alliance has undergone this conservation project to save her from severe corrosion and decline. £3.4m was donated by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the remaining funds have been raised through a three year fundraising campaign led by the Royal Navy A £7m conservation project to restore the historic WWII era submarine HMS Alliance based at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport, Hampshire will be complete and the submarine ready to reopen for Easter 2014.

This unique submarine which is the only surviving British WWII era submarine in the world and the memorial to 5,300 British submariners has been completely restored throughout and boasts new interpretation, state of the art lighting and soundscapes to bring the submarine to life as if she is ready to go out on patrol.

A visit onboard HMS Alliance begins with a brand new “Alliance” film narrated by British Hollywood star Ian McShane, specially commissioned to support this project highlighting life onboard from WWII through the Cold War until the 1970’s. With new dressing, lighting, noises and even smells inside the submarine, as if the crew have just gone ashore, the visitor can take a time journey through every decade of the submarine’s service from the 1940’s to the 1970’s. Visitors can also peer through the working periscopes to view Portsmouth Harbour and meet on board a veteran submariner who will tell their own personal stories of working beneath the waves.

Chris Munns, Director at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum said, “ A visit onboard HMS Alliance will assault all the senses and really bring to life what it is like to work and live on a submarine.

Submarine Museum. Moored on cradles by the Museum quayside since 1982, the outer structure of HMS Alliance had corroded so badly that parts were literally in danger of falling into the sea below, a process that had proved hard to arrest due to difficulties of access.

HMS Alliance was designed during WWII for service in the Far East and was launched in 1945, as victory was achieved. She then began a distinguished 28 year career during the Cold War until she retired and became the centrepiece of the Submarine Museum.

As well as the physical conservation of HMS Alliance, a new education and volunteering programme has been developed. Over a hundred volunteers from the local area of Gosport have contributed by undertaking duties at special fundraising events, helping conserve the submarine and working behind the scenes in the archives.

HMS Alliance will open to the public on 3 April 2014. A visit to the Royal Navy Submarine also includes visiting the Royal Navy’s first submarine Holland 1 and the only surviving WW2 midget submarine X24. The family friendly museum has working periscopes, hands on interactive games, the “Horrible Science of Submarines” exhibition and a family indoor play centre “Busy Boat Bay”. For more information visit www.submarine-museum.co.uk or call 023 92545036.

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Naval Officers lend support to Fareham junior school brambles with the fourth removing the waste material.

After several hours the school kindly provided a working lunch with refreshments. After lunch the team continued with the clearance and after a few more hours were able to clear the whole area of brambles, removing several unwanted trees and providing a clear canvas for their future plans.

Course member Lieutenant Neil Bicknell said, “the school were extremely pleased and grateful for the assistance provided. All members of the class including 2 Brunei and 3 New Zealand Officers where extremely happy to engage and assist in the local community.”

Naval Officers on a System Engineering Management Course (SEMC) took time out from their busy schedule to help a local school.

They spent the day at Ranvilles Junior School in Fareham at the request of Carole Robertson, the school’s Business Manager.

Shelley Proctor, daughter of Lieutenant Paul Proctor SEMC member, attends Ranvilles Junior School, and during a conversation between the teacher and Lieutenant Proctor it was brought to his attention that Carole and the school had plans to develop an unused area of the school as a sensory garden.

All members of the course were able to attend, and after initial welcome were shown to the planned work area which consisted of a fenced-off area, with a central pond, overgrown with brambles.

The school’s groundsman provided full access to tools and the course enthusiastically began work.

They split into four working groups, three of which cleared the

Riverbank Festival Saturday 26 and Sunday 27April will see the Riverbank Festival take place at Universal Marina in Sarisbury Green.

With free entry for all this family fun weekend aims to raise money for the local Cash For Kids Charity and is open on both days from 10am to 5pm.

Experience the atmosphere of their tented village with activities and displays including a surf simulator, face painting, a bouncy castle, river boat trips, paddle boarding, a climbing wall and a sailing simulator, as well as live music, displays of boats and prestige cars and much more.

The RNLI, Police, Fire Brigade & Wave 105 Hop on Hop Off Bus will also be attending in addition to exhibitors stands and stalls with competitions and prizes - as well as a bar and cafe .

For further details see www.riverbankfestival.co.uk or call 01489 574272

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The LOOP | 7

Visit The Diving Museum in Gosport

Come and dive into the Diving Museum at Gosport! It’s the only museum of its kind in the UK. It’s perfect for families and grown-ups! It exhibits a wide range of military, commercial and sport diving equipment. The collection also boasts a number of diving bells, chambers and atmospheric diving suits! It’s a bit like “Dr Who goes underwater!”

There are special activities for the young ones including treasure hunts, quizzes, colouring, and magnetic board to dress a diver. Not to mention photo-opportunities as a fully dressed diver or just wearing a diving helmet!

For the grown-ups there are detailed descriptions of the equipment as used by covert divers, attack divers, mine clearance divers, north sea saturation divers, experimental divers, and sport divers.

You can discover why Gosport can claim to be the birthplace of the diving industry!

The volunteer Museum Guides are all experienced divers

themselves and are on hand to show you around or answer your questions, as you wish.

The Diving Museum is itself housed in an historic building - No 2 Battery - which was built in the 1860s. This was one of five batteries that protected Stokes Bay from invasion by the French, and the only one still surviving.

The location at Stokes Bay is also historic because this is where all the Royal Canadian forces left for Juno Beach in Normandy on D-Day, during WW2.

Local facilities include car parks, public toilets, a renown cafe (Bayside Cabin) and of course the majestic Stokes Bay itself looking across to the Isle of Wight.

The Diving Museum will be open every weekend and bank holiday from April to October from 11am to 4pm. Adults only £3.

Children & OAPs only £2. www.divingmuseum.co.uk

HMS Collingwood win Norfolk Trophy

HMS COLLINGWOOD was presented as the winners of the Norfolk Trophy by the Fleet in a ceremony held at the Fareham base recently.

During the afternoon traditionally reserved for sports, HMS

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Collingwood ships’ company gathered in the Sports Hall to watch Lieutenant Commander Joe Wood, Staff Officer for Royal Navy Personal Development, HMS Temeraire award the Norfolk Trophy to Petty Officer Si Nelson and Leading Physical Trainer Vicky Jarvis.

The two, who organised the ‘Norfolk Trophy Challenge’ fundraising event for The Rainbow Centre in December last year, were selected as the overall winners with a time of 5 hours, 27 minutes and 58 seconds.

The event which usually takes place onboard ships and is titled the ‘Mike Till Trophy’ was adapted and for the first time held on land at HMS Collingwood.

Entrants competed in a 100x1 mile relay around the parade ground in Christmas attire with a view to recording the fastest time to aid in achieving the challenge.

The successful completion meant that at HMS Collingwood was able to submit two entries into the competition.

Si commented on receiving the award, ‘I’m so happy to have won this, I wasn’t expecting it all. It’s great that the Rainbow Centre has also had its profile raised in front of all HMS Collingwood.’

Start Sailing The RYA’s guide to taking up this seafaring sport.

You may have been inspired by the competitive spirit of Britain’s Olympic and America’s Cup hero Ben Ainslie, or just be looking for an outdoor sport to get away from it all.

Whatever your aims – racing or cruising – there are no barriers to sailing. It’s a sport for all ages, fitness levels and abilities. And it is possible to get started simply by taking a short course to learn the basics.

Where can I learn?

There are plenty of sailing clubs and centres in the local area providing short courses fitted around work or family commitments that will teach you the basics. Clubs run taster sessions if you fancy having a go before going on a course. May is National Watersports Month when clubs will be running events both on and off the water for anyone interested in sailing.

What do I need?

Pumps or trainers and clothes you won’t mind getting wet. The rest is provided; instruction, buoyancy aid, wetsuit, sprays top and the all-important boat! Look for RYA accreditation for high standards of safety, equipment and tuition.

What will I achieve?

Completion of an RYA Level 1 & 2 course for beginners will enable you to launch a boat, steer it on all points of sailing, and return to shore; there is an equivalent syllabus for children aged eight upwards.

Higher level certificates consolidate this learning and cover more specialist skills.

Join the club Of course it’s great to learn a new skill, quite another to master it!

Joining a local sailing club will open up a whole new world of support, friends and fun for you and your family with plenty of junior and youth sailing and activities for children.

Buy a boat Many sailors never buy a boat but get on the water by sailing with other people, often in a regular partnership. If you decide to buy a boat, volunteer as a crew first to try a few different types of sailing, check out any club boats for hire, and chat to sailors in the boat park.

Then you can make an informed choice about what boat would best suit your pocket and your sailing aspirations.

Go for it!

Mum-of-three, Brenda Hoult joined her local club after learning to sail: “You think of it as quite an exclusive sport but when we got there everyone was incredibly down to earth and friendly and welcoming.

10 | The LOOP www.loopmagazine.net

They made us feel very included.”

Brenda has no hesitation in recommending learning how to sail: ‘It’s time out from a stressy life to take on a new challenge and give yourself the confidence you can tackle something new. And there is nothing better than getting out on the water because all you then concentrate on is what’s going on around you and you’re not thinking about work or what’s for dinner or all of the million and one other things you’ve got to do. It’s exhilarating, it’s relaxing - there’s not many things that are both.’

What are you waiting for?

Visit www.rya.org.uk to find out more information on the courses and where your nearest sailing club or centre is located.

Local clubs to join Warsash Sailing Club www.warsashsc.org.uk Netley Cliff Sailing Club www.ncsc.co.uk Hamble River Sailing Club www.hambleriversc.org.uk Royal Southern Yacht Club www.royal-southern.co.uk Stokes Bay Sailing Club www.stokesbay-sc.co.uk Hill Head Sailing Club www.hillheadsc.org.uk/ Lee-on-Solent Sailing Club www.lossc.co.uk Seafarers Sailing Club www.seafarers-sailing-club.org.uk Fareham Sailing & Motorboat Club www.fsmbcnet.org.uk Royal Southampton Yacht Club www.rsyc.org.uk Weston Sailing Club www.weston.org.uk St Denys Rowing and Sailing Club www.stdenysboats.co.uk Southampton Sailing Club www.southamptonsailingclub.com Centres where you can learn to sail Warsash Sailing Club www.warsashsc.org.uk/ Netley Cliff Sailing Club www.ncsc.co.uk/ Weston Sailing Club www.weston.org.uk Calshot Activities Centre www3.hants.gov.uk/calshot YMCA Fairthorne Manor www.ymca-fg.org Seafarers Sailing Club www.seafarers-sailing-club.org.uk Southampton Sailing Club www.southamptonsailingclub.com Lee-on-Solent Sailing Club www.lossc.co.uk Portsmouth Watersports Centre www.portsmouthwatersports.com

www.rya.org.uk

£50,000 raised towards surgery for 6-year-old

“Is there anyone to take care of us?”

Lizzy (above) and Cokey (below) are sadly victims of cruelty and neglect.

They have been rescued and are now in care where they are responding well to love and attention.

Both are between 8-10 years old , have sweet characters and would appreciate a future with owners who will give them the love and security they rightly deserve.

If you have the patience for them, considering their unhappy past, in a safe area with a garden for them once they are settled, and are interested in adopting these two cats contact 023 8043 5855.

12 | The LOOP www.loopmagazine.net

On Saturday 1 February, The Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton played host to a black tie charity event which raised over £50,000.00 to help towards the much needed total of £90,000 in aid of Jemima’s Journey.

Auction prizes included a Hendy car worth over £13000, a luxury villa in Antigua, lots of day experiences, signed sports memorabilia, photographic sessions and much more.

Thanks to some very generous people, Jemima’s operation has now been booked for the 15th of March!

Jemima is a 6 year-old who has overcome many health issues in her life and is lucky to still be alive. She now needs lots of support to continue her journey towards an independent life.

Jemima was born prematurely at 29 weeks. She had a traumatic and complicated birth, and suffered a brain injury. For the first few months she fought for her life in Winchester Special Care Baby Unit, pulling through a heart and lung defect, stomach surgery and many infections.

When she was 9 months old she was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia, a form of cerebral palsy. This means that her muscles are too tight and she finds it hard to move.

Over the past 5 years she has learnt sit crossed legged on the floor, move on her tummy on the floor and can take a few steps in a walking frame. She needs assistance with all other mobility.

Jemima now really wants to be more mobile so she can keep up with her friends and her brothers.

Jemima has been accepted for life changing surgery in St. Louis, United States.

The surgery is called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (S.D.R).

The surgery will involve will involve operating at the base of the spine on the spinal column. The nerves are identified which are sending the wrong messages to the legs and are permanently severed. In effect a spinal injury is delivered in order to give an opportunity for normal muscle rehabilitation.

The most experienced surgeon in the world at this kind of surgery, Dr Park, will perform this surgery, as he has for 2,500 other children.

After surgery Jemima will have the best opportunity to learn to walk and move around normally. This will take a few years of intense rehabilitation, after which she should gain a lot more independence.

Jemima needs to raise over £90,000 in order to be able to take Jemima to the U.S and for the period of intense rehabilitation once she comes home.

The trip to the U.S costs around £60,000 and 2 years of rehabilitation will total over £30,000.

New hair loss treatment at Mr Menz Are you worried about your hair becoming increasingly fine or thinning?

You are not alone: more than 50% of people suffer from thinning hair at some point in their life.

Nioxin embraces the very simple idea that the scalp is skin and therefore should be given the same care and attention that we normally give the skin on our faces and the rest of our bodies.

Since its launch in 1987 Nioxin reports that it has helped 3 out of 4 men and women who use the system to deal with thinning hair. Nioxin does not claim to regrow hair but to achieve thicker, denser looking hair with the hair you already have.

Mr Menz are offering a two part service, the first is an in salon dermabrasion treatment which deep cleans the scalp allowing the hair follicles to breathe followed by a cleanse and scalp treatment. The second part is a take home hair system kit which includes Shampoo, Conditioner and Scalp treatment which we select from the range to suit your hair type.

Nioxin are so confident in their products that they offer a 30 day money back guarantee ! if you would like to know more please call Mr Menz on 01489 588833 and book your free consultation.

HAIRCUTS ONLY £9 Concessions for OAPs and kids under 11, Mon - Fri

EAR PIERCING FROM £15 Appointment only

WAXING FROM £8 See website for details

LATE NIGHT THURSDAYS UNTIL 6.30PM APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE EVERY DAY FIRST HAIRCUT CERTIFICATES and play area for the little ones

FREE LOLLY POPS FOR GOOD BOYS FULLY AIR CONDITIONED SALON

Ropelet - let the rope free Ropelets are bright, funky rope bracelets, for those of you looking for something a little different.

Handmade from excellent quality, colourful marine / climbing rope with magnetic clasp. They appeal to a wide range of people including sports, sailing and climbing enthusiasts.

Each Ropelet is made to order from a wide range of rope in a variety of thicknesses from 3mm to 8mm, available in single / double/ treble wrap with choice of magnetic clasp.

Beautifully presented in gift tins make them ideal presents.

Ranging from £2.50 + postage, available online at www.ropelet. co.uk. Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+1.

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contactus@loopmagazine.net The LOOP | 13

Fine dining in Wickham Dan Boylan of Fareham Writers explores the culinary treats of the

serving large parties, couples and of course,

claim that the majority of produce entering

picturesque village of Wickham.

individual diners and food lovers. Whether you

Wickham’s eateries is sourced from dependable

want haute cuisine, carte de jour, a la carte,

and reputable neighbourhood and local

table d’hote or simply a quaint afternoon

suppliers.

Here is a terrific dining out experience,

English tea and cakes made from the finest

the Meon Valley and beneath rolling hills and huge woodlands sits the lovely village of Wickham. Its fine display of Georgian buildings under pan tile roofs surround the huge village square, is very appealing on the eye and is a photographer’s delight.

There is an interesting assortment of shops, arcades, galleries, a huge antiques emporium (Chesapeake Mill) food shops and mini markets, plus a superb and diverse collection of restaurants and eateries. Wickham was a recent winner of the Village of the Year award, which makes this a popular destination at any time of year for visitors, out of towners and locals and, more recently, day trippers from the cruise ships calling at Southampton.

And when that exhausting shopping expedition is done and the credit cards are running out of credit, it’s time to retire to one of the numerous hostelries for a refreshing drink and a meal.

‘Ah’ I hear you ask, ’but which one, there are so many’.

Tasty and imaginative starters to tempt your

and freshest ingredients, it is available in

taste buds, delicious Chateau Briand, juicy

Wickham

steaks, fresh seafood and shellfish, Sunday

Here are some of the most imaginative

Quietly nestling in a shallow vale beside

making food and drinks deliveries supports the

roasts, with all the trimmings, and any, yes any

menus and creative chefs you are ever likely

curry dish or Asian dish that you can think of.

to find in such a compact area. Here is a

And for afters, an abundance of light, tasty,

gastronome’s delight where superb meals are

zingy deserts or old fashioned puddings like

the order of the day. There is a cooking style

Grandma used to make. Waiters and bar staff

and menus to suit all palates and to pander

will be on hand to assist you in selecting a

to every taste and fancy and with seven

suitable wine to complement and accompany

restaurants creating almost 400 ‘covers’ and

your meal.

producing thousands of meals per week,

And having

Wickham can guarantee an extraordinary

studied the menu

and satisfying gastronomic encounter. For

and ordered dinner,

wine buffs, there are some well stocked and

what would you

impressive wine cellars and knowledgeable

select from the wine

expertise on hand.

list to accompany

There isn’t sufficient space here to list the

your meal? Located

numerous, local and national, hospitality and

a short distance

restaurant awards, accolades and honours (and

from the village is

the steady stream of positive comments on the

Wickham Vineyard

on-line restaurant review and social networking

which enjoys a

sites) which have been presented to this fine

fine reputation. Its

collection of restaurants in recent years.

wines are always

Whether it’s an anniversary, Valentine’s Day,

in demand on

birthday, family celebration or get together,

Cunard and P&O cruise ships. The vineyard

business lunch, holiday treat, office party,

was selected to provide two of its finest wines,

formal gathering or simply the desire to enjoy

the Wickham Vintage Selection Dry 2010 and

fine dining in comfortable surroundings you

the Wickham Special Reserve Red 2009 at the

can be you sure you’ll be well catered for in

royal lunch held for H.M. the Queen and Prince

Wickham.

Phillip to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee lunch

Wickham boasts two well established Indian restaurants, three restaurants serving imaginative classic dishes and old favourites, a busy village pub providing traditional pub fare, three cafeterias, an Olde English Tearoom and a variety of take-away outlets.

The interiors offer everything from modern surroundings to timeless, genteel elegance to flagstone floors and roaring log fires, in summer months there is a beer garden, a walled garden, a ‘secret’ garden and various terraces for al fresco dining. They serve a wide range of cuisines, from Indian to tapas to Mediterranean and traditional old English fare from menus which change from day to day.

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The constant stream of local area vehicles

in Walthamstow, London, in March 2012.

Here is fine dining on a grand scale with an imaginative choice of menus and venues to suit all tastes and desires. Innovative cooking, creative menus, top quality produce, attentive service, novo cuisine or old favourites, super local beers and wines for gourmets, connoisseurs, food aficionados and those who simply love their food. Don’t forget to make a reservation or book a table, it is quite possible they can fit you in!

So, it’s bon appetite and take yourself off to leafy Wickham for something special, you know that you deserve it!

Supporting local artists AbbArt Ltd, situated inside Warwick Lane, opened its doors in December last year.

The bijou gallery and art shop showcases over 40 locals artists’ work. Keen to pursue her own painting and illustration further, rather than rent a studio, owner Louise Abbott, decided working from a small retail

with those dropping by and they can often see her working on her latest piece.

All manner of handmade items can be seen on display and are available to purchase; from original oil and watercolour paintings, to cards and prints, including photography, as well as stained glass, fused glass, ceramics, woodwork and needlework and even more besides. Such a variety of styles and prices means there really is something to suit many different tastes. AbbArt is the perfect place to find a special and unique gift, a treat for your own home or even a little inspiration for your own creativity. Be sure to pay a visit.

An Alternative way to shop

outlet would be just the

At the Chesapeake Mill you will find a huge variety of traditional

thing. It allows her to interact

and vintage lifestyle accessories, a wonderful range of unique and hard to find products with timeless appeal for the home, garden and the special people in your life.

The Mill provides an alternative way to shop.

You can browse a selection of the best interior ideas and gifts to suit every taste and budget.

Your visit is sure to prove surprising and inspirational and the best retail therapy you will ever have.

Take a break and treat yourself in the Mill’s fabulous tea rooms.

There you will always find light snacks, cooked food and the Mill’s famous high teas.

contactus@loopmagazine.net The LOOP | 15

Top Artists for Wickham Festival

A host of top-name artists have been

Michael McGoldrick; Steve Knightley

As well as live music on three stages

announced for this year’s Wickham

of Show of Hands; The Poozies; 3 Daft

there’s a wide variety of other attractions

Festival which is being staged over the

Monkeys; Altan (Ireland); Dick Gaughan

including a ‘Groovy Movie’ solar-powered

weekend of 14 to 17 August 2014.

(Scotland); and Luka Bloom (Ireland).

cinema tent; digital funfair; Playbus;

World music artists include The Afro Celt

They include the 3 times Grammy Award winning American singer-songwriter Steve

Sound System and Dreadzone.

Earle whose appearance at Wickham on

Festival Organiser Peter Chegwyn says it’s

Saturday 16th August will be one of only

an eclectic line-up aimed at appealing to all

two UK Festival dates this year.

musical tastes.

“We’ve still got our two main headline

Also appearing at Wickham is the iconic

storytelling; street theatre; shanty singers; morris dancers; children’s entertainers; a traditional crafts fayre; Real Ales Festival; exotic foods fayre and much more.

Wickham is widely regarded as one of the safest and friendliest festivals in the UK

singer and songwriter Marianne Faithfull

artists to confirm and when we’re able to

(there wasn’t a single incident of trouble

plus former chart stars Barbara Dickson;

announce who they are I think people will

last year) and it attracts an audience from

Hugh Cornwell of The Stranglers; Hazel

be very impressed by the quality of music

all over the world.

O’Connor; and The Men They Couldn’t

on offer at Wickham this year”, said Mr.

Day and weekend tickets are now on sale.

Hang.

Chegwyn.

For full details of this year’s Festival please

The Wickham Festival is a 4-day family-

see the website at www.wickhamfestival.

band Bellowhead lead a strong line-up

friendly Festival held on a green field site

co.uk or telephone the Box Office on 023

of current folk and celtic music artists

just outside the historic village of Wickham

8071 1818.

including Oysterband; Thea Gilmore;

near Fareham.

The 11-piece English contemporary folk

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Council confirms 11 year record of real term cuts in Council Tax

No party for Cystic Fibrosis Trust as it celebrates 50th anniversary The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is 50 years old. But they claim they can’t celebrate yet. Although they have achieved a lot in the

Eastleigh Borough Council confirmed that it will provide resi-

last 50 years, theyhaven’t yet achieved their ultimate goal and

dents with a real term cut in its Council Tax for 2014-15 for the

beaten cystic fibrosis once and for all.

eleventh year in a row.

Less than 10% of the total Council Tax bill goes to Eastleigh Borough Council and this year the average borough element for a Band D household including special expenses is £130.07 or just over £2.50 per week.

Council Leader Keith House said, ”Given the tough financial time that many of our residents are having I am pleased to confirm this real term cut in our Council Tax. This will give our residents a total of 11 years of council tax increases below inflation.

But they are marking the occasion with a special event on 22 June at the Tithe Barn at Ditcham—an afternoon of vintage music, friendship, tea, and lots, lots more.

The event is being organised by Joan Allday of Sarisbury Green, supporter of the Trust for 45 years. You can find out more details, or offer your help, by emailing william.allday@ntlworld.com, or ringing 01489 601920.

For more information visit: http://noparty.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/ index.php and www.facebook.com/CFPortsmouth

We believe this to be an unequalled record, and we have done this without significant reductions in frontline services. This has been achieved in large part, due to our record of sound financial management and our programme of investments in property.”

He added, “By freezing council tax for a fourth year, and seeing a cut in real terms for eleven years running, we are delivering value for money when times are tight, protecting services along the way to achieve a strong economy in a fair society.”

Titchfield Remembers A group of Titchfield residents are researching local WWI servicemen who have a connection to the Parish of Titchfield and their families and including anything about the Parish during the war years 1914-1918.

They are looking for help from the descendants of service men, those on the war memorial and others who were born or brought up in the Parish.

“Of course the original Titchfield Parish spread across from Warsash to Wickham and down to Crofton” says local historian Amanda Laws, “and we want anyone with family stories or photographs of the area during the war or family images of the servicemen to get in touch and help us gather as much information as we can.”

The group have plans to exhibit their findings, contribute to the Titchfield Carnival 2014 and make their research available on the Internet.

If you would like to contribute to the project or get involved please contact titchfieldremembers@gmail.com or send to 8A High St Titchfield PO144AF.

Please mention

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MAGAZINE NETWORKING IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY ...

When responding to these adverts

18 | The LOOP www.loopmagazine.net

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Automatic Operators

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the all woman show the all woman show

Here Come The

GIRLS! Sunday 22 June 2014 10.00 am - 4.00 pm THE MOUNTBATTEN LEISURE CENTRE AN INVITATION TO THE ALL WOMAN SHOW The All Woman Show is returning to The Mountbatten Leisure Centre Portsmouth on Sunday 22 June from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Sponsors of the show include Boots UK, The Loop Magazine, Grosvenor Casinos, The News and Express FM. This year the event is supporting The Katie Piper Foundation as their nominated charity. Also, for the first time, the show is hosting the 2014 Mums and Business Awards.

The show is perfect for shopping. With up to 80 local businesses exhibiting, be pampered with a makeover, create a new look with the latest fashion accessories and jewellery, speak with wellbeing and financial experts, discover delicious dishes and taste wines to match, get creative ideas from the craft stands and enjoy a variety of demonstrations on the stage. There is even an opportunity to win a brand new BMW Mini by entering a draw on the day. Why not take time out at the PIMMS Bar or enjoy a casino experience for fun.

There is plenty of free parking, an outdoor play area and indoor swimming pool to keep dads and toddlers entertained. The café and function areas provide attractive areas to relax and to enjoy a wide range of refreshments, from snacks to main course meals.

Tickets on the day are just £3.50 with concessions for Over 60’s and Under 16’s, but are even cheaper if bought in advance online. To purchase your ticket, or for information on how to exhibit, visit www.allwomanshow.com or call BrownSugar Events on 023 9320 0114.

Don’t miss the ultimate ladies day out for women of all ages.

Incorporating the 2014 Mums and Business Awards

For full details visit www.allwomanshow.com Venue: The Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Alexandra Park, Portsmouth PO2 9QA

Family Announcements

• Births • Birthdays • Weddings • Obituaries Tel: 01489 581537 In association with

Locks Heath Funeral Home “Celebrating life, and saying goodbye”

Family owned, Proprietor Tim Matthews

36 Lyndale Road • 24h • 01489 420006 www.timmatthewsfunerals.co.uk

Amy Marsden and S Jay wow TeenStar judges

Congratulations Ben Congratulations to Ben Kimber

from

Hedge

End ,who has recently been

selected

to

represent Southampton Schoolboys u13 football team.

Ben attends Wildern Amy Marsden and S Jay (Samuel Jones), from Locks Heath and Fareham respectively, have been given the big thumbs up by judges at the TeenStar auditions.

Along with other impressive acts, Amy Marsden, and S Jay have both made it through to the Regional Finals of the UK’s only singing competition specifically for teens and pre-teens, and both will now be performing live showcases of the competition starting at Ferneham Hall, Fareham on March 23rd 2014.

TeenStar searches for the UK’s best teens and pre-teens singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres who perform either covers or original material.

Two of the contestant who have evidently caught the judge’s eye are local talent Amy Marsden and S Jay who are both now in the running to follow in the footsteps of previous winner Luke Friend and compete for a place in the Grand Final.

S Jay, 11, entered last year’s Teenstar competition and narrowly missed out by just one wild card for a place in the National Finals.

He returns this year with passion and plans to sing his way right through to the Finals this time .

Amy and S Jay both sing at Vocademy in Southampton, and also attend Brookfield Community School in Sarisbury Green.

Amy Marsden, 12, has a powerful and unique voice which she believes will carry her all the way through the live shows to the Grand National Final.

For more information go to the website www.teenstarcompetition. co.uk, or better still come down and support your local talent performing!

You can purchase tickets from the website www. teenstarcompetition.co.uk, as well as on the door subject to availability or from Amy Marsden or S Jay.

20 | The LOOP www.loopmagazine.net

School in Hedge End .

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY Mothering Sunday A very special day indeed Recalling happy moments Now is the time to proceed Thank you Mum for being there Through those troubled years Always reassuring me When I would display sad tears A Mother’s love is unique She will never be fake She will always Give rather than take A Mother is our true Angel on earth Loving you unconditionally Showing her true worth Thank you Mum For all the happy moments we have shared No matter what has happened You have always cared Written by Linda Hanney

Round of 16

1A (49) 28/06 2B 1C (50) 28/06 2D

Quarter-finals

Semi- finals

1G (54) 30/06 2H

Semi-finals

W49 (57) 04/07

W61

W54

(64) 13/07

W58

W60 L61 (63) 12/07 L62

Quarter-finals

Round of 16

W51

1B (51) 29/06 2A

(59) 05/07 W52

1D (52) 29/06 2C

W55

1F (55) 01/07 2E

(62) 09/07

W62

W53 (58) 04/07

W59

W57

W50 (61) 08/07

1E (53) 30/06 2F

Final

(60) 05/07 W56

1H (56) 01/07 2G

contactus@loopmagazine.net The LOOP | 21

What’s going to happen in 2014?

Local schoolgirl Abbey Pollock looks at the year ahead 2014 is going to be a busy year and has already brought on a mass of different emotions.

Nerves for the upcoming exams are brewing up inside of me and I find myself constantly exhausted at the end of the week from not only six hours at school a day but also revision and homework.

However, I would say that the worst thing is the stress.It got to me a considerable amount in recent months due to realising how important these exams are. I think this shows how different Year 10 is to Year 9.

In Year 9 the work was easy enough to understand and we often had recaps in lessons to make sure we could remember what we had learnt earlier. However, Year 10 is completely different and it’s basically “heads down and get on with it”. I never realised that there were so many more new equations to learn in maths, or that I’d be writing eight-page essays about Macbeth and going back for ICT coursework every day after school.

I’ve realised now that it is in my hands, however, I choose to act in the next year and a half will determine how well I am going to do in these exams. It is hard work and I find it ridiculous that my whole future rides on how I do in exams taken when I am fifteen and sixteen years old.

On top of the exams I have started the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award scheme and it is absolutely brilliant. I will be an awesome award to achieve and although I have only just started I have already found some new friends that are adding to the experience. I am learning new skills that I can use in the future and that will help me achieve the award. As part of the Duke of Edinburgh award I will be volunteering at my church every Friday evening.

2014 is going to be a tough year but one that will be enjoyable and I can’t wait to see how it ends.

Have your photo featured on our front cover

AND

WIN a family ticket to Marwell Zoo Email your photos to contactus@loopmagazine.net 22 | The LOOP www.loopmagazine.net

Teachers voice concerns on changes to school day With the government debating new plans for longer school days and shorter holidays the Loop have been in touch with local teachers to determine their view on the new government plans.

Jennifer Pascoe has just completed her teacher training at a local academy which wouldn’t be affected by government changes as the longer school days and shorter holidays are going to be implemented for state schools only.

She said: “What the government forget is that teachers work from seven until midnight some days, at school and then at home while planning for future lessons.”

With longer school days for extra curricula activities can the teachers really cope?

The school children who may become institutionalised, with less break to see their family and friends and less hours in the day for their social development. With new research from China saying when school kids turn up late to school, attending less hours than some other students actually demonstrating a higher learning capacity and progressing faster in school.

The Loop caught up with some teachers who wanted to comment on the new government plans and their main concern were: “We’re already working nearly 12 hours a day. Schools do not start at nine and end at three for most teachers. We have planning, preparation, marking, evaluating, assessing, moderating and a whole heap of other things to do before and after school.

Work is often taken home and worked on all evening, so I don’t know how we would manage all that with the children staying at school longer.”

Only time will show the positive or negative effects of this proposed change.

Motor group donates car for hospice raffle For the third year in a row, Richmond Motor Group is supporting The Rowans Hospice by donating a brand new Citroen C1 as a raffle prize.

The draw will take place on Wednesday 30 April.

Tickets are now on sale for just £1 each and are available to

Fareham Writers Have you ever fancied yourself as a writer? Ever thought ‘I could have written the item better than that?’ or, ‘I’ve got this great idea for a book............................!’

Here’s your chance to break into the world of fiction, scriptwriting, creative writing, sci-fi and put those latent literary talents into productivity mode. Fareham Writers is open

purchase from The Rowans Hospice in Purbrook, any of the 20

to experienced writers and

Hospice shops or Richmond in Farlington. Books of tickets can

novices, young and old, bard or

also be posted out on request.

enthusiastic wannabee.

Anne Yendell, Director of Finance & Operations at The Rowans

We meet locally every month in

Hospice, said: “We are extremely grateful to Michael Nobes

the afternoon to read our work

and the team at Richmond Motor Group for continuing to

and provide critique and support

support The Rowans Hospice in such a generous way. This is

for others. Look at our website

an example of how a corporate donation can be used to grow

www.farehamwriters.co.uk to see

in value to provide income for the charity. We now need other corporate supporters to help sell the tickets.”

To request books of raffle tickets, please contact fundraising@

Save up to 70% on Inkjet Cartridges

what we do.

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FREE Delivery www.inkking.co.uk 01489 877818

rowanshospice.co.uk. All monies and ticket stubs need to be returned to The Rowans Hospice by 23April to be included in the draw.

I just thought I’d email you to let you know that I’ve had a fantastic response to my adverts in the first couple of issues of ‘The Loop’!

Financially, I’ve had well over 1000% return on my investment which in itself is excellent, but I’d go as far as to say ‘The Loop’ magazine can take a lot of the credit for the most successful start of the year I’ve ever had!

Many thanks to all at ‘The Loop’ magazine. I and all at Rubbish Clearance and Waste Removal are looking forward to the next edition coming to print!

Yours, Jim Gildea

The Loop Magazine has been very active and productive in promoting our new branch in Fareham.

They are an outstanding advertising portal and we have definitely seen the benefits.

www.ranchosteakhousefareham.co.uk www.ranchosteakhouse.co.uk

contactus@loopmagazine.net The LOOP | 23

An ‘Essenc’ial night out

The true spirit of the emerald isle is to hit Portsmouth on 22 March as international smash hit show Essence of Ireland comes to the Kings Theatre.

The nationwide tour, which opened at the Octagon in Yeovil on February 20, runs for six weeks leading up to and around St Patricks Day on March 17, taking in towns and cities across the UK through to the end of March.

Set against the backdrop of Ireland, England and America in the 20th century and inspired by true events, Essence of Ireland tells a story of love, joy, happiness and heartache – a moving story told through music, song and dance that celebrates all things Irish.

This spectacular rollercoaster ride of emotion and nostalgia

St Peter’s Church Fete

features original energetic, inspiring and infectious choreography along with popular Irish songs that will transport you direct to the emerald isle.

Ross Mills, Director of Production and co-writer of Essence of Ireland, said: “The Irish have a cultural identity like no other and that pride in their cultural identity, heritage and traditions, manifests itself in the global phenomenon that is ‘St Patrick’s Day.’ “The six week tour, which has been scheduled around St Patricks Day 2014 in March, aims to really capture that authentic Irish feeling and celebrate this infectious heritage, which is now shared by all cultures worldwide. It is so much more than just a dance show – it is a unique combination of music, song and dance that is locked together by a compelling storyline.”

Creative Director and co-writer, Ged Graham, said: “My Irish heritage is very special to me and really defines who I am. As an Irishman who has spent most of my adult life away from Ireland, I wanted to create a show that would give everybody an insight into being Irish.

“We set out to tell one man’s story that would really reflect the experience of every Irish man and woman who left Ireland’s shore and, most of all, a story that the audience would relate to. This I believe is the reason behind the success of the show to date.”

The cast of Essence of Ireland is made up of multi-national world class dancers and talented vocalists, all of whom have Irish roots, who are backed by a superb live band. Essence of Ireland is produced by leading production company Prestige Productions, based in Bristol, UK. Visit www.essenceofireland.co.uk or call the Kings Theatre on 02392 828 282.

What’s On at Franco & Paolo Ristorante Italiano Thursday 20 March Tom Canning as Tom Jones ‘Simply the best’ - Warren Clarke (actor) ‘I thoroughly enjoyed Tom’s performance’ - Roger Daltrey (The Who)

Friday 21 March & Friday 9 May Olu Shola A fantastically gifted performer whose voice is reminiscent of the legendary singers of the modern era.

St Peter’s Church is holding a fete in the grounds of the Old Vicarage Church St Titchfield on Saturday 10 May from 1pm- 4.30pm.

The fete programme will include: a Carnival Princess Competition, a Grand Draw with a £100 First Prize, Choirs & Bands, Refreshments ,Superchance, Games, Toys, Plant Stall, Kids Games, a Tombola, Tool Sharpening, Books, Win a meal for two, Crafts, Hug-in-a-Mug. Admission: Adults £1.00, Children 50p.

All proceeds will go to Church Funds

24 | The LOOP www.loopmagazine.net

Thursday 27 March & Thursday 10 April Liam White & The Buble Experience A highly talented young singer and musician who is fast making a name for himself in the local area for his exceptional voice.

Thursday 24 April Craig Jefferson as Elvis Presley One of the best Elvis tributes in the UK.

Thursday 15 May A Stevie Wonder & Motown Tribute Ivan Delimore - a tribute to Stevie Wonder and the Motown era

Franco & Paolo Ristorante Italiano, 10 Locks Heath Centre, Centre Way, Locks Heath SO31 6DX. Tel: 01489 505086 or Email: info@francoandpaolo.co.uk

Live music nights at the Horse & Jockey The Horse & Jockey

CURBRIDGE

At the head of Curbridge Creek lies the Horse and Jockey – a real winner of a pub that offers you a seat right at the water’s edge.

A popular retreat for ramblers exploring the nearby wildlife sanctuary, the pub promises home-made food and lush liquid refreshment. There are quiz nights every Tuesday, as well as regular live music evenings.

Bookings are now being taken for Mothers Day and Easter.

March: 13 - Clairvoyant (TBC), 14 - The Sultan Sheiks, 21 Castle Town, 29 - Dr Blue.

April: 4 - Pete Harris Blues Band, 5 - Grand National, 12 - Race Night: “Only Food & Horses”, 19 - Hoc Charlie McCarley, 26 - The Vultures.

Remember to check the high tide time on their website: Tel: 01489 796654 www.horseandjockeycurbridge.co.uk

LOCAL groups

Solent Fuchsia Club meet on the first Tuesday of each month in the United Reform Church, starting at 7.30pm. For further details call: 01329 282186.

Warsash

meet on the last Thursday of each month in the Victory Hall, starting at 2pm. New members welcome.

For more information phone Mary Ford on 01489 584923

• Free Wi-Fi • Live Music • Specials Boards • All Ingredients Fresh & Locally Sourced Where Possible • Gluten Free Options Available Including Beer • Quiz Night Every Tuesday • Themed Nights • Plenty of Parking • Small Boats, Canoes & Kayaks Can Moor at High Tide

For Bookings 01489 796654

Botley Road, Curbridge SO30 2HB www.fullers.co.uk horseandjockeybotley@gmail.com

Sarisbury Choral Society is a mixed

choir of about 35 members. They meet on Thursdays in the Community Centre, Sarisbury Green from 7.50 to 9.20 pm.

New members are welcome. Visit sarisburychoralsociety.weebly.com

Warsash Horticultural Society meet on the last Wednesday of each month in the Victory Hall, starting at 7.30pm.

For more information phone Suzanne Holleyoak on 01489 574498.

Locks Heath U3A meetings are held at St. John’s Church Hall, Locks Heath Park Road

on the last Friday of the month from 2-4 pm. Members can park in the church grounds and nearby roads. There is a speaker each month and tea and biscuits will be available at the

end of the meeting. There are numerous Interest Groups where you can learn together with fellow members in a friendly environment.

Sarisbury Green

meet on the third Thursday of the month at 1.45pm at the Community Centre. Visitors and new members welcome.

Burridge & Park Gate

Hedge End

Locks Heath

meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the Hedge End 2000 Centre, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm (doors open at 6.45pm).

meet on the first Tuesday of the month at St Margaret Mary church Hall, Park Gate at 7.15pm. Visitors and new members welcome.

meet on the third Wednesday of each month in the Memorial Hall on Locks Heath Park Road, starting at 7pm.

Whiteley Wags

meet on the second Thursday of each month at 7.30pm at Whiteley Primary School.

Next meeting Thursday 13th February.

Titchfield meet on the 4th

Monday of the month starting at 7.30 pm and finishing about 9.30 pm in the Parish Rooms, Titchfield. Visitors are always very welcome.

contactus@loopmagazine.net The LOOP | 25

Does your dog have what it takes to be an opera star?

If your pet pooch is the canine equivalent of Richard Gere or Julia Roberts, then they could win a place in the spotlight in the beautiful and romantic opera La Boheme, coming to the Kings Theatre, Southsea on Sunday 6 April 2014.

International soloists have been selected from across the world to join the celebrated Chisinau National Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra’s Spring tour – but there is still one part to be cast, the role of Muzetta’s pet dog.

To audition your dog, send a photograph to Sadie Williams at sadie@ellenkent.co.uk. Please include your contact number and address as well as the breed, height, weight, age and name of your dog by Monday 10 March 2014.

Your pet needs to be well behaved and small – and as the owner, you will need to be prepared to go onstage in costume to look after him or her.

A number of canines will then be INVITED to attend an ‘audition’ at the Kings Theatre on Monday 17 March 2014 at 11am.

The winner along with their owner will perform in La Boheme at the Kings Theatre on Sunday 6 April 2014.

Lions Clubs Swanwick

meet on the first Wednesday of the month at Sarisbury Green Community Centre at 8pm. Phone 08458334359.

Southampton Solent meet on the second Monday of the month at Master Builders pub at 8pm. Phone 0845334358.

Fareham meet on the second Monday of the month at Broadlaw Community Centre at 8pm.

Phone 08458334342.

Gosport & Lee-on-the-Solent meet on the first Tuesday of the month at Court Barn Club. Court Barn Lane, Lee-on-the-Solent at 8pm.

Phone 08458339887.

Crofton meet on the second Tuesday of the month at The Crofton, Crofton Lane, Stubbington at 7.30pm.

26 | The LOOP www.loopmagazine.net

‘Blitzville’ hits the South Coast Saturday 15 March 2014 sees The Royal Victoria Country Park & Chapel Building (Netley) return to the heady times of the 1940’s as the all new ‘Blitzville’ Show makes its debut in Hampshire.

The South Coasts favourite Crooner ‘Jack Sinatra’ will head up the show with his top class band plus Special guests Tambye Harvey (America & The West End) and The Three Belles (London).

The all day and night affair has a little something for all as visitors to the park will be able to soak up the war time ambiance of the 1940’s exploring vehicles and mingling with the characters of the 1940’s. In addition the chapel building will offer dance lessons throughout the day for all those wishing to sharpen up those Lindy Hop moves. Costume hire, hairdressing and make up teams will also be on site to assist in the transformation of individuals in readiness for the evening show that even Gable and Garbo would be proud of.

For the evening the beautiful Chapel Building will be transformed into a wartime air shelter full of community spirit and the best swing and jive music in Hampshire with tickets including full bar facilities, welcome drinks and a Pig Roast Buffet to fuel show revellers as they dance the night away.

Hampshire County Council (The Royal Victoria Country Park) and Wise Catering Group are two of the local Sponsors who have made the show possible, Nicky Myers Countryside Ranger for the park comments ‘the show is a great opportunity for families to visit the park and enjoy what is on offer, it also gives us the chance to show how flexible the park is and it’s variety of uses’. Chris Treacher MD for Wise Catering sees it as a yet another way in which Southampton can provide London quality entertainment on a local basis. ‘Southampton offers so much to the south and we are pleased to be part of bringing a top class show to the local region’ said Mr. Treacher.

So Ladies show off your victory rolls and slip into your pencil skirts for a night full of handsome airmen, stiff upper lips, fun, music and nostalgia, and gentlemen dust off your uniforms, wax those moustaches and shine those shoes for this is ‘Blitzville’ Entrance is FREE to the public for the days event with normal car parking fee’s applicable. Evening tickets on-line: www.JackSinatra. com Box Office calls to RedBoxed Promotions 02380 434311 Further details: RedBoxed Promotions Mark Kelly 02380-434311 // 07739-588955 info@jacksinatra.com

Freemasons donate £45,000 to get disabled students mobile young people for adult life, giving them the confidence and skills to achieve their full potential.

The cheque was received by two young Governors of the College on behalf of the Trust. Immediately after presenting the cheque, Michael Wilks who is Provincial Grand Master for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Freemasons said: “It was a privilege to see the work carried out by the Trust and a joy to meet the two young Governors and their fellow students. They are testament to the benefits of the care and devotion of the Trust and its staff. Delightful youngsters who rise above their own suffering and are keen to develop skills which, but for the Treloar Trust, would have lain dormant. I know that the donation will assist the Trust to continue to make a difference to the lives of the youngsters in their care.”

Treloar’s has received £45,000 from The Freemasons’ Grand

Tony Reid, Chief Executive of Treloar’s said: “An essential part of

Charity towards the purchase of a new, urgently needed,

giving our students the confidence to take control of their lives is to

specially adapted minibus.

involve them in activities outside of the School and College. The new

The minibus is essential for transporting the students and their

minibus will put occupational therapy, work placements, further

large powered wheelchairs to medical appointments and on

education, and adventurous excursions in their reach. Thank you to

excursions.

the Grand Charity for this fabulous donation!”

Treloar’s provides education, care, therapy, medical support and

The Major Grants Scheme is just one of the initiatives driven by The

independence training to young people with physical disabilities,

Freemasons’ Grand Charity which donates around £2.5 million to

from all over the UK and overseas. Their aim is to prepare these

national charities every year.

Freemasons and Rainbow Centre work in Harmony In March 2013 the Lodge of Harmony based in Fareham held a Murder Mystery dinner and donated £300 to the Rainbow centre and £300 to the Chernobyl Children’s project.

The Worshipful Master at that time made a commitment for the lodge to offer further support to the Rainbow centre.

With both organisations based in Fareham it is an excellent of local people helping local charities. At The Rainbow Centre based in Palmerston Drive, Fareham they inspire and support children with Cerebral Palsy and adults with a stroke, MS and Parkinson’s disease and their families. Through a system of learning called Conductive Education they encourage and teach children/ participants to take an active role in their own development.

The Lodge of Harmony is one of the oldest Freemasons Lodges in Hampshire being formed in 1796. In the Lodge of Harmony’s recent fundraising efforts at their Christmas meeting which was open to family friends and those interested in becoming freemasons, they have been able to provide cheques for just short of £850 to continue to support the excellent work of the rainbow centre. The picture shows the current Worshipful Master Tony Hemsley presenting the payments to James Mundie of the

28 | The LOOP www.loopmagazine.net

Rainbow Centre To learn more about the Lodge of Harmony contact John Walshaw on 07981 560782 e mail john_w4lshaw@yahoo.co.uk To learn more about the rainbow centre call the team on 01329 289500 or e mail enquiries@rainbowcentre.org

Things you might not know about Freemasonry Freemasonry is not a religion. It is open to members of all faiths that require a belief in a Supreme Being, for example, Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

The main principles of Freemasonry can best be described as: o Loving your fellow human beings o Helping those less fortunate than yourselves o Being true to yourself and to others They pride themselves on making good men better.

Freemasonry is only open to male members above the age of 21 years, although there is a separate organisation which only admits women.

Everyone who becomes a Mason goes through the same ceremony, which they call the “shared experience”.

Lodge meetings are similar to many other organisations with minutes, ballots and resolutions put to the vote.

Their ceremonies are symbolic and allegorical and most of the furniture in a Lodge room has a symbolical meaning.

In recent years they have been actively engaging with the general public in an attempt to change the way Freemasons are perceived. To this end they now regularly open up Masonic Halls to the general public and also have an exhibition trailer which is present at many large shows around Hampshire and Isle of Wight, including the New Forest Show and the Romsey Show.

An annual thanksgiving service is held at Winchester Cathedral and attended by civic dignitaries from across the Province.

Freemasons are also represented annually at Holocaust Memorial Day services and many Remembrance Day services.

During the first half of the 20th Century it was common practice for Freemasons to parade through the streets in their regalia and lay the foundation stones of many public buildings. In those days Masons were very much part of their Local Community and they were not viewed with suspicion. Unfortunately, due to the rise of Hitler in the 1930s this changed. It is documented that more than 80,000 Masons were put to death in Nazi concentration camps during the 2nd World War! This had the effect of driving Freemasons underground across the World.

In this country they became very secretive,

just in case Hitler succeeded in his invasion plans. After the war ended they continued to be secretive and this continued until the mid-1980s. Since then they have been working extremely hard to reverse the public perception of Freemasonry being a secretive organisation.

Freemasons are taught that Family and work must come before Masonic commitments

Charity Freemasons in England and Wales donate many millions of pounds to charity every year.

The four main Masonic Charities are: • Masonic Samaritan Fund – Provides medical, dental, mobility and respite care to those who are unable to obtain treatment via the NHS and are unable to afford their own private treatment.

• The Freemasons Grand Charity – Has made grants of more than £100 million since 1980 to many masonic and nonmasonic causes, e.g. the devastating earthquake in Christchurch New Zealand.

Treloar Trust - £45,000 in 2014, £50,000 towards flood victims in the UK • Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys – A poverty charity for children overtaken by misfortune.

supported 1240 different local charities to the tune of over £600,000

Social Media and the Internet Grand Lodge web site - http://www.ugle. org.uk Provincial web site - http://www. hampshirefreemasonry.com/ Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ HampshireMasons Twitter - https://twitter.com/HantsMason Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/ HampshireMasons

Publications Insight – their in-house magazine (look out for it in your doctors waiting room) Freemasonry Today – Produced in London for national distribution

Useful Statistics It is estimated that there are 6 million Freemasons world-wide There are approximately 300,000 Freemasons in England and Wales There are 251 Lodges in the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight comprising more than 10,500 members in total.

• Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, e.g. Zetland Court – Provides high quality care, support and assistance to older Freemasons and their dependants.

In Hampshire and Isle of Wight they also support many other local charities, including: • The Rainbow Centre in Fareham (over £5000 in last 10 years) • Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) – providing teddies to sick children in every A&E department in Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

• Masonic Trout & Salmon Fishing Association – provides a fly-fishing experience to disabled and disadvantaged young people.

• Other high profile charities supported by the Province o Help for Heroes o Jubilee Sailing Trust o Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (£4000 in 2013) In addition to the above, they have

contactus@loopmagazine.net The LOOP | 29

FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES

Moore McCusker Associates Tax saving tips for the year end?

Pension planning

This article is intended to make readers aware of some actions they could take before the tax year ends on 5

A registered pension scheme can be a tax-efficient way of saving for your retirement, as contributions attract tax relief at an individual’s marginal rate of tax (in some cases 60%), subject to certain limits.

April 2014, with the aim of minimising their tax liability.

Income tax and personal allowances If your spouse or partner has little or no income, you should consider transferring income-producing assets to them so that they can make full use of their personal allowance. The personal allowance is currently £9,440 until 5 April 2014, increasing to £10,000 in 2014/15. However, take care to avoid falling foul of the settlements legislation governing ‘income shifting’, and always consider the legal consequences of any transfers.

Meanwhile, those with income of more than £100,000 who are paying tax at 40% should be mindful that the personal allowance is clawed back by £1 for every £2 that adjusted net income exceeds £100,000. This equates to an effective 60% rate on up to £18,880 of your income!

It may be possible to reduce your taxable income and retain your personal allowances by increasing payments into a pension plan, increasing your charitable giving or deferring income into the following tax year.

While you may be focussing on the 2013/14 tax year, remember that these steps can also reduce your or your family’s overall tax bill for years to come.

From 6 April 2015 eligible spouses and civil partners will be able to transfer £1,000 of their personal allowance to their partner, where neither pays tax at the higher or additional rate.

Pension contributions need to be made by 5 April 2014 to be applied against 2013/14 income. Relief is available for tax on annual contributions, limited to the greater of £3,600 (gross) or the amount of UK relevant earnings, but subject to the annual allowance of £50,000 until 5 April 2014. The maximum will be reduced to £40,000 from 6 April 2014.

Unused relief may be carried forward where premiums paid in the pension input periods ending in the preceding three years are less than the annual allowance. However, restrictions apply and the rules are complex, so please seek professional advice.

Savings and investments With bank accounts only paying low interest rates, paying tax on your savings and investment earnings should be minimised or avoided if possible. There are a number of tax-efficient savings and investments available, although Individual Savings Accounts still remain the most popular.

Adults with an ISA can save a maximum of £11,520 for the year 2013/14 in a tax free environment. Of this, no more than £5,760 can be saved in cash.

Investments can be made up until 5 April 2014, so be sure to make full use of this tax-free allowance, as it cannot be carried over into the next financial year.

Are you paying too much?

To pay the right amount of tax

To receive the correct tax advice At the right level of professional fee Contact

Specialists in all areas of taxation

www.mooretax.co.uk advice@mooretax.co.uk

Tel: 01489 247047 Warsash Accountants Year End Accounts • PAYE • Bookkeeping • VAT 0844 244 8330

Downlands, 102 Osborn Rd, Warsash SO31 9GH

30 | The LOOP www.loopmagazine.net

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contactus@loopmagazine.net The LOOP | 31

Waitrose confirms opening date for new Locks Heath store Waitrose has confirmed that its new store in the Locks Heath

number of initiatives to help support the local community. Every

Shopping Village, will open on Thursday, 27 March 2014.

month, it will donate £1,000 to local charities and groups nom-

The existing Co-op store, which was acquired by Waitrose in

inated by customers as part of its Community Matters scheme.

November last year, ceased trading on Saturday, 15 February and

Staff will also provide 250 hours of their time each year to causes

the keys will be handed over to Waitrose on 20 February. The

through the Waitrose Partner Volunteering programme.

Waitrose team will then refurbish the building into a new branch,

Jo Williamson, opening branch manager for Waitrose Locks Heath

which will provide customers with the full Waitrose offer. The store

said: “We’ve reached an exciting stage with work due to start to

will include meat, fish, cheese, delicatessen and bakery counters, as

fully refit the store and convert it into a modern new branch. We’ve

well as a new café. The Waitrose Delivery Service will also be avail-

created around 75 new jobs and have a fantastic team in place

able, providing shoppers with the option to have their purchases

ready to welcome our new customers in five weeks time.”

delivered to their homes at a convenient time.

The new store will be run by a team of 220 Partners, including the

During the refurbishment process, Waitrose would also like to notify people that it will be necessary to close the car park at the back

existing Co-op employees and approximately 75 new members of

of the store to carry out the works. The recycling unit will therefore

staff. Partners are each entitled to a say in how the business is run,

be relocated to a more convenient location. In addition, the petrol

as well as a share of the profits in the form of a yearly bonus, which

station will also need to be closed throughout the five-week refur-

last year, equated to nine weeks wages.

bishment. This is being converted from a Texaco to a Shell and will

When the store officially opens its doors, it will be launching a

be managed by Waitrose Partners when it reopens on 27 March.

Presentation in garden of remembrance Collingwood, accompanied by the Base Warrant Officer Matt Rowlinson, Chief Petty Officer Chip Miles and Leading Hand Tracy Wilson, travelled to the House and were met on arrival

by RNBT Chief Executive, Commander Stephen Farrington QGM Royal Navy.

The quartet received a welcome tour of the House and had the opportunity to meet with ex-serving military residents currently living there. Following the meeting with staff and residents, the group were presented with a plaque dedicated to HMS Collingwood for its fundraising efforts.

Tracy and Chip from the Mattapan Section within Victory Squadron (VS) held a “Bake Off” just before Christmas to raise awareness and support for the RNBT. Part of the £425 raised has gone towards the garden of remembrance at the house.

The plaque is to be laid in the pavement surrounding the garden and its inscription will carry the VS motto “Inspired by History, to Train for the Future.”

Leading Seaman (Communication Information Specialist) The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust (RNBT) invited a select few from HMS Collingwood to an intimate presentation at Pembroke House, Kent thanking them for their fundraising support recently.

Captain Steve Dainton CBE Royal Navy, Commanding Officer of HMS

32 | The LOOP www.loopmagazine.net

Tracy Wilson, Divisional Leading Hand at Victory Squadron remarked on the visit “It was a very worthwhile experience; we have done a lot of fundraising activities to support the RNBT. It’s been wonderful to talk to the residents here and be a military presence.”

SPACE TIMES The gravity loading countermeasure skinsuit

By Phil Carvil, UK Space Biomedical Association

Part of the advantage of belonging to such a diverse and integrated organisation like the UK Space Biomedical Association, are the opportunities for collaboration and development – both personal and project – it brings.

I’m a graduate of the MSc Space Physiology and Health course (20112012), at the Centre of Human Aerospace Research (C.H.A.P.S) department within Kings College London. One of the opportunities afforded to me was to collaborate on the development of a gravity loading suit designed to aid in facilitating longer duration stays in space by countering some of the negative aspects induced through the lack of gravity on the body.

The gravity loading countermeasure skinsuit (GLCS) utilises a lightweight, noncompressive, elastic weave to generate a calculated, staged, loading regime that mimics, with high resolution, the force or ‘pull’ of gravity (1G) on the musculoskeletal system. It does this by using these staged segments as a “belt” from which to graduate the load towards to foot.

This staging system is highly individualistic, in that each suit must be tailored to its wearer by taking circumferential measures every few centimetres up the body (from ankle to shoulder) and at key landmark areas (i.e. knee, hip etc) to calculate the material strain needed to create this high resolution loading. This required not only extremely willing participants but also an excellent relationship with the tailors at Costume

Works, Boston, USA and Dainese, Italy.

The suit has been tested extensively on Earth by several international, collaborating partners of this project of the European Space Agency (ESA), namely the Space Medicine Office of the European Astronaut Centre, Centre of Human and Aerospace Physiological Sciences, Kings College London, UK (KCL), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA (MIT) and recently, University College London. Its Principal Investigator is a UK/Australian citizen, Dr James Waldie.

We are currently exploring how the GLCS could also be used to alleviate lower back pain in space. The spine elongates as the compressive force between the disks is reduced which can result in a number of consequences such as lower back pain in astronauts. The hope of investigating this further is for discovery of further knowledge and possible terrestrial treatment of lower back pain through modifications to this technology.

Additionally the loading provided by the suit is of particular interest in populations of reduced mobility, physical capacity and neurological conditions where it could provide a means to stimulate and maintain the musculoskeletal system and even act as a training/ conditioning tool. It could therefore also potentially be used to provide an extra stimulus to athletic populations specifically strength based sports.

As a group there are specific areas that each focuses on; Kings College

London has been testing the validity, viability and tolerability of the suit. This means assessing the amount of loading it produces, how it affects movement, safety issues, thermal output and comfort and whether it can be integrated with other countermeasures in space including different types of exercise.

MIT has been assessing what materials are best utilized for the suit now and in the future – how it could also be integrated into countermeasures, as well as advising on the future designs of the suit due their particular expertise in space suit design.

ESA will be performing further operational tests of the suit, with KCL and MIT to improve its long term comfort, refine the design and assess its capacity in ground based studies before the suit is planned to go into space in 2015 with Andreas Mogensen. Whilst in space, In addition to the suits primary operation test, Andreas will be performing several tests, created by UCL to investigate the microbial aspects of the suit and its wearer whilst in space; as the properties of bacteria and microbes are extremely different.

It truly is fantastic to be part of such a diverse and integrated team. I still remember a very wise professor at King’s once said to me: “Sharing knowledge, ideas and collaboration is the key; you can work hard, horde your ideas and still be a good scientist, or you can choose to be a great scientist, share your ideas, learn together and see the possibilities you never knew existed.”

contactus@loopmagazine.net The LOOP | 33

All in all a great dining experience

Heather Clarke reviews Rancho’s new restaurant in Fareham the large dining area to the back. The décor too is reminiscent of the Southern states, with faux cow hide on the walls and a cosy, earthy feel. The tables in the main dining area are closely packed, but there are some set to the sides should you require a little more privacy.

Despite how busy it was the staff were friendly and attentive, and kept those with a wait for their food updated on its progress. The menu itself is, as you would expect, largely cuts of beef and steak, with ribs, seafood and a few other options for Ranchos Steak House in Fareham is,

variety. If you’re dining with a veggie or

were massive, and other starters included

in their own words, the little sister of

are one yourself then this may not be the

a half rack of ribs and empanadas – all of

the already established branches in

best place for you as options are limited to

which will satisfy a modest appetite alone.

Portsmouth, Poole and Southampton.

one. If you are carnivorous, however, then

A quick look around confirmed that the

you’ll be in heaven. If in doubt about any

main would be on a similar scale – and we

10 January and has so far duplicated the

of the cuts or dishes on the menu, the staff

weren’t disappointed when they arrived.

successes of its older siblings and will no

are more than happy to explain and make

The steak and ribs were huge, with the

doubt soon have a similar great reputation.

recommendations. There is also a dessert

steak resting on the ribs like a meaty plate,

board, a choice of starters and a good wine

and the gambas that came as part of

list – a great accompaniment of red meat.

the surf and turf were sizeable too. Most

The latest edition to the family opened on

I visited Ranchos on a Tuesday evening, which I assumed would be fairly quiet, perhaps not giving me the real feel of the

We had the prawn cocktail for starters,

importantly it was all delicious. You have a

restaurant. As it transpired I need not have

which as a twist on the classic dish had a

choice of sides with most dishes, including

worried as there was barely a spare table in

whiskey and garlic sauce. If I’m honest, had

three different types of chips. The food was

sight, and there was plenty of atmosphere

it been a lunch time this would have been

obviously fresh, well sourced and very tasty.

to enjoy with a few large parties and many

enough of a meal by itself. The portions

I couldn’t manage dessert so opted for a

other smaller tables all full.

coffee, of which there was a great

For such a new venue it was

selection including Irish, but my

great to see so many people

other half had the chocolate cake

on a typically quiet night for

that he said was divine.

restaurant dining.

The entrance to the restaurant

I have no doubt that the Fareham branch of Ranchos

is much like you would see in

will become just as popular as

American Steakhouses with a

its other eateries. The food is

bar front and smaller tables that

delicious, the staff friendly and

are ideal for a quick lunch, and

the space works really well – all in

a door to the side concealing

all a great dining experience.

34 | The LOOP www.loopmagazine.net

IN FAREHAM NOW OPEN

“PROBABLY THE BEST STEAK HOUSE ON THE SOUTH COAST”

h Luncncho n at Rdakitche worFlareham ALL N E P O DAY

NEW TO FAREHAM

Tel: 01329 286315

www.ranchosteakhousefareham.co.uk

www.ranchosteakhouse.co.uk