LOOP Winter 2020 Edition issue 44

Networking in your local community...

In this issue: LOOP Magazine Supporting Business Health and Wellbeing Maritime -Discover Performance Boating Local Charity News Local Council Update Space Times UK News From the Royal Navy Local Rotary News Finance and Legal Whats On BBC Planet Earth II Live in Concert

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@LOOP.Magazine.Hampshire

Front Cover: Christmas experience Swanwick Premier Marina (page 17)

Issue 44 Winter Edition

MAGAZINE

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Reaching over 40,000 every month in our Local Community: Portsmouth - Southampton - Winchester contactus@loopmagazine.net Magazine 1 Hampshire and Isle of Wight

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Enquiries: Contactus@loopmagazine.net Editor: blake@loopmagazine.net Advertising and features: sarah@loopmagazine.net Space Times UK: Blake Hopley BSc (hons), MSc, MResSci Front Cover: Premier Marina Swanwick Production: LOOP Magazine Contributors: Chef Jay Geddes

No part of LOOP should be reproduced or used in any form, either whole or in part without express written permission. While every effort has been made to ensure information is accurate, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies contained within this publication or within advertisement featured in this publication.

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Contents

Page

4 – LOOP Magazine Supporting Business If you want to know what’s happening in 6 – Health and Wellbeing your local community – the places to go, 6 – Netley Court Care Home Cinnamon Care the events to visit, the shows to see 8 – Fareham Nomads swim into the dark 10 – Take your swimming skills to the next level - get in the LOOP! 12 – Hotpod Yoga Launches in Southampton 14 – Healthy Eating Made Simple Chef Jay Geddes If you want competitions, prizes, 16 – Maritime - Discover Performance Boating photos,articles, directories of local Exclusive Discount for LOOP Readers leisure and great discount offers at local 18 – 65 reasons to visit SS Sheildhall Steamship shops and restaurants 20 – Charity News – Wave 105 Cash for Kids - get in the LOOP! 22 – Food Banks supported by Regional Co-op 24 – Council Update – Winchester CC creates new If you want a magazine that’s your business units in Bishops Waltham indispensable one-stop shop for local 25 – Winchester CC Launches Free Wifi in the city news, information and listings 26 – Eastleigh Borough Council News and Info – get in the LOOP! 30 – Space Times UK – Limitless, the new bestselling Autobiography by astronaut Tim Peake and Penguin Business advertisers – if you want a 32 – Cosmic Calendar 2020/21 great response from your local 34 – UK Built rover landing on Martian surface moves community and a great return on your one giant fall closer – UK Space Agency 36 – News from the Royal Navy – HMS Collingwood investment – then ask about our special 44 – Caroline Nokes MP officially opens Longcroft competitive rates today Luxury Cat Hotel in Romsey – and get in THE LOOP! 48 – LOOP Art 52 – Unique COVID inspired artwork under the #GetinTheLoop be a part of your hammer for charity – Georgea Blakely community 58 – Local Rotary News – Rotary Club of Fareham www.loopmagazine.net 61 – Rotary Club of Locks Heath 64 – Bishops Waltham Rotary Club 66 – Finance and Legal – Funding boost for Zero Emissions Transport on the IOW 68 – Crowdfunder Solent relaunched to match fund small business 70 – Former Royal Butler lands job after handing out CV at railway station 74 – Hampshire Constabulary Crime Prevention Update 78 – What’s On – New Music Makers 79 – Metta Theatre 80 – Warsash Victory Hall Launches Lottery 82 – BBC Planet Earth II Live in concert rescheduled to March 2022 – Bournemouth Date Added 84 – SLADE announce December 2021 UK Tour! contactus@loopmagazine.net Magazine 3

#GetInTheLOOP www.loopmagazine.net CLICK ON THE LINKS http://bit.ly/2SSQKAw

LOOP Magazine - supporting business during these uncertain times. #GetintheLOOP Networking in your local community...

Covid19 has hit all publishers HARD and getting print magazines out the same way as normal is harder than ever, reducing the print and having it digitally also is a way to reach your readers but also attract new readers. This also means it is another avenue to advertise during these surreal times we find ourselves in, LOOP Magazine went fully digital during 2020, though we always have been online anyway! But then again we are #intheLOOP

At LOOP Magazine we understand during these uncertain times many people are moving to online digital magazines to keep up to date and also find out whats in the news.

Utilising an online version of LOOP magazine may be more beneficial to advertisers who are still open and needing their business to keep going.

We have clickable links for email and website address found in the digital LOOP to allow readers to go straight to your website.

Give it a try here -> http://bit.ly/2v3JCrS

Get in the LOOP and email us, we can help promote your business digitally!

Contactus@loopmagazine.net

Website -> http://bit.ly/2SSQKAw Facebook: -> http://bit.ly/2HKC1RS Twitter: -> http://bit.ly/37MtGaX Instagram: -> https://bit.ly/3psceT0

"Hi the LOOP , My Company ' The Double Glazing Doctor ' , has had a tremendous response from our last placed advert. Certainly a very professional and very well produced ad. Keep up the great work , and long may it continue. A very happy..... Paul Parkes. 0800 00 44 22"

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What our advertisers say...

Hampshire Search and Rescue

‘Thank you for the magazine the double page spread was excellent and we have already had some make contact to find out more about us with a view to joining.’

Thank you once again. Regards - Derek

Wickham Festival

We have just seen the online copy of the Loop, and have to say how very pleased we are with the very professional presentation of our Press release for the Taste of Wickham Festival.

It is a great page - really well laid out, and the use of the three photos around the text should attract and intrigue many readers - even in competition with (or perhaps helped by) Roger Taylor on the facing page! Thank you so much for your efforts.

- Wickham Music Festival

Music Festival

‘Very many thanks for the full page Ad for our Music Festival on July 2nd it does look good! I do find The Loop a very useful Magazine for finding out all our local events and for seeing which firms do what! Best wishes for your future. Jocelyn.’ contactus@loopmagazine.net

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Health and Wellbeing

Considering Care for a Loved One? Find the reassurance you need at Netley Court

Netley Court is an established care home combining superior facilities and design innovations with the very best 24-hour residential and dementia care together with the option of short stays. Situated in the delightful community of Netley with sensational views across Southampton Water, it is a special place where residents can continue to live life to the full, enjoy new experiences and make new friends.

Our experienced and qualified team strives to make each day special embracing every opportunity to tailor our care to the individual needs, preferences and values of our residents; a principle which is fundamental in everything we do.

Peace of mind Faced with the prospect of further restrictions on our everyday lives this winter, many families are choosing Netley Court to look after their loved ones; not only for the friendly environment and personalised care we provide but also for the reassurance, safety and companionship we can bring.

The Alzheimer’s Society reports that isolation and loneliness in lockdown has caused shocking levels of decline particularly for people living with dementia. We aim to create a stimulating atmosphere which is vital for the health of body and mind.

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Our innovative use of technology enables residents to keep in regular touch with family and friends, but we also understand that residents need to meet with their loved ones.

The dedicated Netley Court Visiting Suite means that this can take place in a safe and comfortable setting.

Reassurance & protection Our modern care home incorporates stateof-the-art infection control measures including the very latest ozone air purifying systems and the Netley Court team undergoes regular testing and enhanced infection control training to protect our residents and colleagues.

It is no wonder that the Care Quality Commission has rated Netley Court as ‘Outstanding’ and it is recognised as a Top 20 Most Recommended Care Home in the South East for two consecutive years by independent website ‘carehome.co.uk’.

To book your personalised tour of Netley Court, call Kathryn on 02380 450320 or email netley.haa@cinnamoncc.com.

Phone: 02380 450320 Email: netley.haa@cinnamoncc.com www.cinnamoncc.com/netley Netley Court Care Home, Victoria Road, Netley, Southampton , SO31 5DR

A care home with a difference Residents love it here at Netley Court. Combining spectacular views over Southampton Water and luxurious surroundings with genuinely caring people, Netley Court Care Home offers high quality person-centred care without compromise, every minute of every day, in a warm supportive atmosphere.

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At Netley Court, people always come first.

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AWARD

Residential Care I Dementia Care I Respite Breaks Luxury Care Home on Southampton Water Netley Court, Victoria Road, Southampton SO31 5DR t: 02380 450 320 e: https://bit.ly/2XlT0mC netley.haa@cinnamoncc.com w: cinnamoncc.com/netley contactus@loopmagazine.net Magazine

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Health and Wellbeing

Nomads swim into the dark to claim open water honours Fareham Nomads swimming club members tackled a gruelling evening swim in a lake to claim winning places.

Nomads Charlie Hoyler (aged 15) and Evie Rowsell (aged 16) came in first and second place in the individual event, both smashing the 10,000m distance. The relay teams of Nomads swimmers came in first, second, and third place, rounding off a successful evening.

The Swim Equinox event took place on Saturday the 26th September at Thorpe Lakes, Chertsey, where swimmers competed either solo, in pairs or teams of three to see who can complete the largest number of laps within a 3-hour limit. The first 2 hours are during daylight, with the final hour in the dark. Each lap is 1000m during the first 2 hours, reducing to 500m for the final hour.

The youngest swimmers completing for Nomads were Evie Medlow and Penny Worthy, both only 12 years old, they took 3rd place in the relay event with their teammate Belle Kennedy (aged 13). The girls showed amazing guts and determination in cold, windy

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weather to swim for 3 hours.

Other Nomads competing and finishing in medal positions included: Alice Rowsell (14), Emma Skelton (13) and Meg Fenwick (16).

John Molyneaux and Laura Molyneaux (both aged 32) from the Nomads Masters squad also achieved medals. Richard Pointon, Head Coach, said “I was pleased to see so many of our swimmers doing well in the Swim Equinox event, it is down to their hard work and determination. During lockdown we were not able to train in indoor pools, but once some restrictions were lifted our swimmers trained in lakes. Swimming in cold dirty water can be really challenging, especially when you are swimming with ducks and other wildlife next to you. Our swimming club ranges from young children learning to swim, up to mature masters returning to swimming. It is a great example to all our swimmers to see success either in the swimming pool or open water. We welcome new members of all ages to join our successful swimming club.�

Health and Wellbeing For more information on Fareham Nomads visit: https://bit.ly/3ke4fp4 www.farehamnomads.co.uk Details on Swim Equinox: https://bit.ly/3kGjTK1

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Health and Wellbeing

Take your swimming skills to the next level

Make a splash by joining Fareham Nomads Masters swimmers in their safe return to the swimming pool.

Whether you want to get fitter or faster, now has never been a better time to join this friendly adult swimming squad.

Nomads offers five sessions a week with fully-qualified coaches and Covid liaison officers in place to oversee the safety of all.

Mum-of-two Gemma Knipe, 39, added: “There’s options to get fit around any lifestyle, as well as great team spirit and encouragement. We always say that age is just a number, and it really is, it’s never too late for a comeback!”

Grandfather Alan Lowth, 66, said: “I plucked up the courage to join up, and really enjoyed

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it. The group consisted of all ages, and I was made very welcome.”

Fareham Nomads Masters offers training sessions for all ages and abilities - from those who love to race to those who want to lose weight or keep fit.

While there are no competitions in the pipeline, there are opportunities to set goals and take part in time trials during training sessions.

Coach Dominic Redpath said: “It’s a nice squad with great people to coach. It’s different to coaching age group swimmers and I’m really enjoying it.”

For more information on joining us, please email

headcoach@farehamnomads.co.uk.

Health and Wellbeing

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Health and Wellbeing

Hotpod Yoga Launches in Southampton

Europe’s largest yoga company is celebrating the launch of its new Southampton studio with free yoga classes.

Already established in over 50 locations around the world, Hotpod Yoga are on a mission to reinvent yoga for the modern world. Classes are held in fully immersive, 37-degree pods for a supercharged yoga experience like none other.

The warmth of the pod and the physicality of the flows work the body, while the dim lights, purple hues and immersive soundscapes calm the busy mind. Hotpod Yoga – arriving in Southampton.

Hotpod Yoga Southampton owner Shennon Slade, was born and raised in Singapore, where her love for yoga began when accompanying her mum to classes at the local community hall. Shennon has spent most of her working life in the marketing industry while continuously practising yoga alongside her career, finally taking the plunge and qualifying as an instructor in 2011. Shennon has l ived and taught yoga all over the world, from the infamous Botanic Gardens in Singapore to the

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Isle of Wight. She had always wanted to work for herself but had never found the right thing until she experienced Hotpod Yoga, and she is now, finally, pursuing her passion for yoga full time!

Shennon says, “From the very first time I attended a Hotpod class I totally fell in love with it. It has transformed me physically, spiritually (cliche but so true!) and most importantly, it has helped maintain my mental health. I am so excited to share all the amazing benefits of Hotpod Yoga to the people of Southampton, show you all how it can subtly make you stronger and happier.”

Where?

47 Marlands Shopping Centre, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7SJ

Pricing: Try it out with an Intro Offer, just £18 for 3 yoga classes in 10 days!

Health and Wellbeing All bookings must be made in advance online at https://bit.ly/2IGtQdb or through the Hotpod Yoga app.

Max Henderson, co-founder of Hotpod Yoga, said of the venture, ‘'Shennon came to us with such a clear vision for what she wanted to achieve with Hotpod Yoga Southampton; to offer the people of Southampton the same mental & physical benefits that Hotpod have given to her. She is so full of passion and enthusiasm that we have no doubt her vision will soon be brought to l ife and the studio will be a massive success.�

Location : 47 Marlands Shopping Centre, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7SJ Founder : Shennon Slade Website : https://hotpodyoga.com/studios/ southampton/ https://bit.ly/2IGtQdb Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/hotpodyogasouthampton/ https://bit.ly/3f3c7IA Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/hotpodyogasouthampton/ https://bit.ly/2IEnbQA Latest brand assets can be issued on request.

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Health and Wellbeing

HEALTHY EATING MADE SIMPLE

Tired of having unhealthy takeaways?

Haven’t got the time or unsure how to eat healthier?

Healthy does NOT mean starving yourself EVER. Healthy means eating the right food in the right amount.

Eat Good Specialise in bringing you delicious, nutritionally balanced meals to your home or place of work‌"Ladies and gentlemen I'm super excited to announce the eat good club, A healthy calorie counted, weight management meal prep service that's delivered nationwide direct to your door FRESH twice a week, packed in professional insulated ice boxes." Said Jay Geddes.

The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison. We take all the hard work away from you with our brand new stunning website.

What you eat in private is what you wear in public, eat clean, look lean, create healthy habits, not restrictions

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Want to know more? Head to our current website https://bit.ly/2FBNSna

Health and Wellbeing

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Maritime

Discover performace boating with the Premier AGAPI Boat Club Based at Premier’s Swanwick Marina, the Premier Agapi Boat Club offers a smarter way for boaters to enjoy all the pleasures of performance boating – without the need to own a boat. The Club opened this summer and operates a subscription membership model with a variety of membership styles to allow customers to select a plan best suited to them and their style of boating.

Members who are new to boating can use the club to find out whether they and their family enjoy boating - in a supported environment, without the financial commitment of boat ownership or the hassle of boat maintenance.

Conversely, experienced boaters who no longer wish to own a boat, but love getting out on the water, can return to all the pleasures of ownership without the responsibilities. What’s also very exciting about this model is that members have access to a selection of Premier’s Solent based marinas with options for overnight stays and the opportunity to visit Agapi Clubs in Europe.

With a growing range of boat models, including two Agapi cabin RIBs that are both equipped with covers and heaters for winter excursions, the Club offers year round boating. At the top end of the range, the fleet includes the award-winning Agapi 950. Designed in Sweden

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and built to a high specification, this boat is supremely seaworthy and effortlessly delivers a thrilling and stable experience.

To celebrate its first Christmas, the Club is offering Loop readers the opportunity to purchase ‘a private gift experience aboard an Agapi boat’ for just £200 for two - with the option to add two further passengers at £50 per head.

The gift experience extends to half a day and includes a skipper, safety equipment and a gift certificate. Time on the water is estimated at 2.5 hours giving passengers the chance to soak up the sights of the Solent whilst travelling over the water at speed. Plus if guests really enjoy the experience, and want to join the Club for the year, the full cost of the gift can be rebated against an annual membership.

To find out more or to purchase an Agapi gift experience please email:

contact@premieragapiboatclub.co.uk

or call 01489 884076

Maritime

FOR CHRISTMAS GIVE THE GIFT OF A HIGH PERFORMANCE BOAT TRIP £200 FOR TW0

- BECAUSE THIS YEAR IT’LL TAKE MORE THAN SOCKS. Why not give the one you love something truly awesome for Christmas. Leaving from Swanwick Marina, the Premier Agapi Boat experience offers a private skippered trip on board a prestigious high performance boat and combines the sights of the Solent

RAIN OR SHINE OUR HEATERS AND COVERS MAKE BOATING A BREEZE

with all the exhilaration of a wave clipping adventure. But that’s not all. Priced at just £200 for one or two passengers, this trip can comfortably take three or four at £50 per additional head.

To purchase your gift or to find out more call 01489 884 076 www.agapiboating.com/experience

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Maritime

65 reasons to visit the Steamship Shieldhall website!

Steamship Shieldhall marked her 65th birthday this summer, but was unable to celebrate in style as planned with a trip to the Nab Tower. However, behind-the-scenes work on Shieldhall means that Southampton’s heritage steamship is in excellent condition, with volunteers looking forward to a full 2021 sailing programme. Earlier this month Shieldhall launched a new website, www.ss-shieldhall. co.uk, and has now unveiled her 2021 sailing programme.

Shieldhall’s 2021 sailing will commence in May and carry through to September, with a mixture of 2hr, 3 1/2hr, 4hr, 6hr and all day cruises.

Special trips held over from 2020 will be staged, including the sailing to the Nab Tower and a cruise to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first steamship to leave Southampton, the Prince of Cobourg, in 1820. Also included will be trips to view the Round the Island and Fastnet Races, and the Bournemouth Air Festival. There will be special themed cruises

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including a Titanic based cruise, and music cruises with tribute bands RU40, the Soulcatchers and Shieldhall’s house band the Stompers.

Initially, a limited number of tickets will be available as Shieldhall introduces COVIDcompliant measures on board during the autumn and winter. A Government Heritage Emergency Grant awarded during the summer has assisted Shieldhall’s volunteers in carrying out essential maintenance works on the ship and alongside, which continues in earnest. The new website offers passengers the chance to further support the Shieldhall Charity by becoming members (and entitled to a 10% saving on all tickets purchased) and to purchase Gift Tickets for Christmas, birthdays and other special occasions. Steam enthusiasts should look out for opportunities to purchase single day or two day ‘Steam Experiences’ on board, whilst two Heritage Adventure Training Days at Sea for youth groups will be staged,

Maritime

together with two ashes scatterings at sea. A popular outing for groups, Shieldhall has once again teamed up with SeaCity Museum, Solent Sky and the SEE Southampton tour guides to offer full day packages for parties of 10 or more on the themes of the Titanic, the Spitfire and the Mayflower. These will be available when coinciding with 2hr and 3 ½ hour sailings.

Lewis Folland of Shieldhall’s marketing team noted: ‘We have published next year’s programme earlier than ever. Many of our guests unable to sail with us this year have offered their support and encouragement by holding tickets over to 2021, and we cannot wait to welcome them and other passengers on board. The distinctive sound of Shieldhall’s siren and whistle may have been missing from Southampton Water and The Solent during 2020, but we look forward to once again becoming a regular site on this most historic stretch of water, keeping Shieldhall ‘Alive and Steaming.’

About Steamship Shieldhall

Steamship Shieldhall’s 2020 sailing programme was due to have commenced in May, but was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information on Shieldhall’s 2021 programme, please visit: https://bit.ly/32M0O2M Shieldhall is run entirely by volunteers, and for the past two years has been listed as the ‘Number One Thing to Do in Southampton’ on TripAdvisor.

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Charity News

Wave 105 Cash for Kids – 1000 Faces Appeal Relaunches for Autumn Have you missed us? This week, Wave 105 Cash for Kids is relaunching its 1000 Faces Appeal for the Autumn - six months after it originally launched!

Who We Help - Tom’s Story Imagine being Tom*, he is 12 years old.

Your mum relies on your help because she is by herself, recovering from a brain injury that happened over two years ago. You are just about managing and then Covid 19 strikes, a complete Lock Down begins and your world shrinks.

You can’t go to school, even though you were invited, because you don’t want to give your mum Covid 19.

So you carry on, except this time you don’t have anything else you can do except look after your mum and you struggle with your internet connection and an old computer whilst trying to do your school work.

You are still looking after your mum and helping around the house but who is helping you?

Then a ray of light shines into your world, the Young Carers Group that you belong to delivers some craft and modelling kits to your doorstep, thanks to a grant from Wave 105 Cash For Kids. This not only gives you something else to think about and do but it also makes you feel a whole lot better and life starts to look brighter.

Over 2,000 children helped over the past six months, Wave 105 Cash for Kids, helped 2,046 children, including boys like Tom who are living with financial hardship and have additional caring responsibilities.

Money donated meant that Wave 105 Cash for Kids was able to help thousands of local children in need, via charities and social services, who bought basic essentials such as nappies, baby milk and food, and educational / craft packs and delivered them really quickly.

Sadly, there are many more children in need and we want to help them too.

1000 Faces Appeal is back – it’s been far too long!

Just before Lock Down we had launched our 1000 Faces appeal, where we are inviting 1000 people or companies to support the charity -

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and over 270 people and organisations did just that. Then it went very, very quiet.

We are now relaunching for the autumn – and only have 230 places left to get us to the halfway mark.

Please help us to continue our work Can you raise a minimum of £35 by the end of November? £35 is the amount that Wave 105 Cash for Kids is giving out per child to help with basic essentials and school uniform and equipment.

It is the price of 10 cups of coffee, or money saved on commuting in a week.

Please Sign up Today – it takes just 2 minutes of your time. If you would like to support local children in need then please donate £35 by the end of November.

Please sign up at www.wave105com/faces https://bit.ly/3pvtTZZ Your help is very much appreciated We will say thank you to our new ‘Faces’ either on-air on Wave 105, or via our social media and you will receive a fundraising ‘Thank you’ certificate. You can also see your ‘Face’ on the fundraisers map on our website. *this is a true story however the name has been changed to protect his identity.

Charity News

About Wave 105 Cash for Kids

Card the mum sent to Wave 105 Cash for Kids with an excerpt of the letter

Wave 105 Cash for Kids is a grant-giving charity helping the children that need it most across the south. Our mission is to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in our communities who are affected by poverty, illness, neglect or have additional needs. We believe that all children should be able to express their individuality, achieve their potential and live life to the full.

We work with grassroots organisations that aim to make a difference to young lives, directly supporting families who often have nowhere else to go. Covid 19 has meant an increase in the number of families facing financial hardship and the charity has changed to accept urgent requests and get the money to families who need it really quickly.

Wave 105 Cash for Kids gave out grants for basic essentials, such as food and clothing. contactus@loopmagazine.net

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Charity News

Food banks across the south are set to benefit from a new fund set up by a regional co-operative.

Southern Co-op has made an initial donation of £5,000 to its Feed a Family Fund so local food banks can start applying for help straightaway.

The independent co-operative is also asking its customers and members to donate to its fund which will enable local groups to purchase essential equipment or cover running costs.

The micro grants of £200, which will be distributed via the online platform Neighbourly, will ensure the funding helps a wide number of food banks and reaches those who need it most.

Holly Bramble, Southern Co-op's Community and Campaign Co-ordinator, said: "Our customers, colleagues and members have been incredibly generous throughout the pandemic. They have been donating goods at all of our stores that have collection points and have helped thousands of people being supported by 44 different food banks. At the start of the pandemic, we also donated £100,000 to help a variety of local causes including FareShare - the UK's largest hunger fighting charity. But more needs to be done. There are pockets of poverty in a number of areas where we have colleagues working in retail stores, funeral care and coffee branches. We

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know this won't solve the crisis but we really hope this fund will help reduce the strain faced by so many families." Donations to the Feed a Family Fund can be made at the till in a Southern Co-op retail store or via https://bit.ly/3kzkGwb www.neighbourly.com/FeedAFamilyFund.

Or visit the website to find out more information about applying for the grants.

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, said: "Small amounts can make a big difference for local causes, who have proved themselves to be some of the most innovative through the pandemic, and we need to make every effort to ensure that all at-risk people get the help they need as we continue to respond to and recover from this crisis."UK charities face a massive funding gap. If we can get immediate support to existing local causes, we'll go a long way to ensuring the resilience and recovery of our communities."

There are currently 75 stores with food bank collection points for product donations in Berkshire, Bristol, Devon, Dorset, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, London, Somerset, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire. To find out if a local store has a foodbank collection, visit https://bit.ly/3pu36NN

Charity News Existing product collection points

Alton Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; Andover Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; Appleford School on behalf of Salisbury Foodbank supported by the Trussell Trust; Basingstoke Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; Bath Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; Bognor Regis Foodbank at King's Church supported by The Trussell Trust; Bournemouth Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; Bradford on Avon's The Hub; Brighton based FareShare Sussex; Burgess Hill Community Food Bank; Chichester District Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; Eastbourne Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; Emsworth's Beacon Church; Exmouth Friends in Need; Fair Frome Foodbank; Faithworks Wessex; Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank; Farnham Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; Gillingham Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; Hart Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; Hayling Island's Bridge Church; Horndean Baptist Church; Horsham District Foodbank with Horsham Matters; Hove's Salvation Army; Isle of Wight Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust;

Just a Helping Hand in Runnymede, Elmbridge and Spelthorne; Lee on Solent FISH (Food, Information, Support & Hope); Liphook and Bramshott Foodbank; Lyndhurst and Emery Down Community Action Group; Meon Valley Food Bank; Nailsea Suport Group; Newbury Soup Kitchen; North Bristol Foodbank supported

by The Trussell Trust; Okehampton Food Bank; Petersfield Area Churches Together (PACT); Portchester Methodist Church food pantry; Portsmouth Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; Ringwood Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; Southampton's NHS Food Bank; Taunton Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; The Kingswood (East Bristol) Foodbank; West Berkshire Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; Wimbledon Foodbank supported by The Trussell Trust; Winchester Basics Bank; and Worthing Soup Kitchen.

To find out more about Southern Co-op's commitment to its communities, visit

https://bit.ly/35uU4Iq

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Council Update

Work begins on creating new business units in Bishop’s Waltham

Work has now started on transforming the former depot site in Bishop’s Waltham into new business units for light industrial us.

As part of Winchester City Council’s plans to support businesses in the southern parishes of the district, work to demolish the depot and create three new units started this month.

The units are part of the substantial investment on behalf of the council and will provide approx.

611 sq. m (6,576 sq. ft. ) of floor space.

Winchester City Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Asset Management,

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Cllr Kelsie Learney said: “This is not an easy time for many businesses but we are doing all we can to help, and the fact we are continuing with this scheme showcases how important we feel it is. Now work has begun, we are confident we can quickly let these units out and provide high quality space in one of our very popular market towns, and support local businesses.”

The scheme was approved at the start of the year and is expected to be completed by Autumn 2021.

Council Update

Free Wi-Fi launched in Winchester city centre

Shoppers, day-trippers and businesses can now stay connected in Winchester city centre using a new free Wi-Fi service.

Winchester City Council has launched the new service which will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, helping to support the city’s reopened businesses.

The Wi-Fi coverage includes Winchester Railway Station and all of the High Street, as well as The Broadway, King Alfred statue, Jewry Street and The Square, enabling residents and visitors alike to remain connected as they shop, eat and go about their day. Those who sign up will also be eligible to receive updates and special offers of interest.

How to log on To access the Wi-Fi search for the WinCityFree Wi-Fi network signal on your device and tap connect.

Registration is a couple of clicks and you will be online in no time at all and able to check your email, or visit your favourite websites without worrying about data charges.

Cabinet Member for Service Quality and Transformation, Cllr Martin Tod, said: “Free Wi-Fi won’t just be useful for visitors and residents but will be good for business too. It’s more and more common to need to book a table or a cinema ticket, or check opening times when you’re out and about in the city. And visitors often want to look up information on what’s on and where to go.

In today’s world, it’s so important to stay connected and access information quickly, so we’re delighted to be offering this free service and take away the worry of data charges. With coverage extending around the High Street, Wi-Fi will also help support businesses as they continue to welcome back customers.” contactus@loopmagazine.net

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Council Update

Council supports national ‘selfish parking’ campaign

Eastleigh Borough Council is supporting the national ‘Selfish Parking’ campaign and reminding local drivers to make sure they park properly and responsibly.

Organised by the British Parking Association and launched on 23 October, the Selfish Parking campaign is focused on tackling inconsiderate parking behaviour. The campaign highlights parking behaviours that have been identified in a nationwide survey and cause frustration for many of the public, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. In particular: • obstructing the pavement • on or blocking someone’s driveway • if the lines and signs say you can’t • in a designated bay you are not eligible to use • taking up more than one space Cabinet Lead for Transport Cllr David Airey said, “I would like to remind drivers of the issues that can be caused by inconsiderate or selfish parking such as stopping access for emergency vehicles or refuse vehicles to

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stopping wheelchairs, buggies and pedestrians using the pavements to annoying your neighbours. Complaints about poor parking ranks as one of the most frequent issues raised by residents with me.

I encourage everyone to park responsibly and considerately.”

Council Update

Virtual Youth Conference goes ahead to explore ‘Keeping Safe during COVID’ The Council funded the eleventh annual Youth Conference to bring students from schools and colleges together virtually to explore the timely theme of ‘Keeping Safe during COVID’.

The event took place Wednesday 11 November and normally takes place in a local college or public building. This year, with Coronavirus government guidelines, the conference organiser Stacey Miller Consultancy, was able to facilitate an online version of the conference.

Over 100 pupils and professionals were represented from all the schools and colleges and youth agencies operating in the Borough.

They discussed subjects such as mental health, online safety, relationships and drugs in workshops.

The conference received support from local organisations including Groundwork Solent, Solent Youth Action, No Limits, Yellow Door and Hampshire Isle of Wight Youth Commission.

Stacey Miller, of Stacey Miller Consultancy, said “More than ever, this event was important to

prioritise about taboo subjects like mental health and to keep our young people safe.”

Lorraine Barkshire, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Head of Year at The Hamble School, said “I have been attending the Youth Conference for a few years now, I love it, the students love it and we learn so much. I use the information and strategies I learn for my safeguarding role as well as my every day teaching role in school. Long may we have the Eastleigh Youth Conference.”

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Councillor Tonia Craig, said: “We are committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of young people is supported in the Borough.

An open and safe forum for young people to discuss and explore themes relevant to them is vital to ensure education and support is provided. Thank you to all the organisations who helped make this a successful event in a challenging year.”

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Council Update

Food waste recycling is back Eastleigh Borough Council’s popular food waste recycling service, which was temporarily suspended during lockdown to ensure health and safety, returns from 9 November.

In a change to the previous service, food waste will now be collected by smaller, lower emission vehicles. The new vehicles will also enable staff to socially distance as they will require less crew members in each vehicle.

Food waste will continue to be collected weekly, on the same day as residents’ usual bin collection. However, as it is now being collected by a separate vehicle, the brown food waste bin may not be collected at the same time as residents’ wheeled bin.

At the same time as food waste recycling collections return, The Council is also launching a new recycling pilot with around households across the Borough. Residents can find out more about the pilot and if their road is included on the Council’s recycling pilot webpage.

If the recycling pilot is successful, the new food waste vehicles will allow the Council to expand their recycling service to include fortnightly glass collections and food waste recycling for flats.

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The Council’s Cabinet lead for the Environment, Cllr Rupert Kyrle, said: “As the only council in Hampshire to operate a regular food waste recycling service, we are very happy to see the service returning.

The coronavirus pandemic presented the Council with some logistical barriers to getting the service back up and running whilst ensuring the safety of our crews.

However, by investing in the new vehicles, we are also opening up new and exciting recycling opportunities for the future as part of our commitment to the Climate Change and Environmental Emergency. Eastleigh residents are among the best recyclers in Hampshire and I’m sure they will welcome the opportunity to be able to recycle more.”

Council Update

Free parking introduced in Eastleigh town centre

Visitors to Eastleigh town centre can now benefit from free extra parking when they use the digital RingGo parking service on their smart phone for the rest of the year.

From Monday 5 October visitors will pay 1.50 for a one hour stay (plus 20p convenience fee as usual) and receive a two-hour stay instead so getting a free hours car parking i.e. getting two hours parking for the price of one hour -and it’s all contactless.

The free extra parking is valid in the four pay and display Council car parks in the town centre ; Wells Place car park, Hanns Way car park, Romsey Road car park and Leigh Road car park and the offer is initially valid every day of the week until 1 January 2021.

Alternatively, for those people who don’t have the RingGo app you can book via a phone call using the number that is provided at each parking location.

Chair of Eastleigh Local Area Committee Cllr Tina Campbell said, “We are committed to supporting our town centre through these difficult times and this is another way in which we to help encourage visitors into the town over the next few months and in the run up to the festive season.”

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SPACE TIMES UK

By Blake Hopley KJ, BSc (hons), MSc, MResSci, MInstP, MRi, RICR

Limitless: The Autobiography The bestselling story of Britain’s inspirational astronaut Tim Peake

From the #1 bestselling author of Hello, is this Planet Earth? and Ask an Astronaut Bestseller in the UK, Sunday Times, October 2020

'What surprised me was how entirely serene I felt. I was weightless, no forces exerting themselves on my body. To my left was the Space Station. Below me, gradually going into shadow, was the Earth. And over my right shoulder was the universe.'

In fascinating and personal detail, and drawing on exclusive diaries and audio recordings from his mission, astronaut Tim Peake takes readers closer than ever before to experience what life in space is really like: the sights, the smells, the fear, the sacrifice, the exhilaration and the deep and abiding wonder of the view.

Warm, inspiring and often funny, Tim also charts his surprising road to becoming an astronaut, from a shy and unassuming boy from Chichester who had a passion for flight, to a young British Army officer, Apache helicopter pilot, flight instructor and test pilot who served around the world. Tim's extensive eighteen-year career in the Army included the command of a platoon of soldiers in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, deployment in Bosnia, and operations in Afghanistan.

Full of life lessons for readers of all ages, Limitless is the story of how ordinary can become extraordinary.

Joe Wicks said: 'For someone who has literally been out of this world Tim's an incredibly down to earth guy and I think you'll be amazed at some of the things he has done ... it's so inspiring

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to know that even going into space didn't change him as much as being a parent did.'

Bear Grylls said: 'Tim is one of our nation's good guys - and his story is a testament to his courage, kindness and a never-give-up spirit.'

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SPACE TIMES UK Cosmic Calendar

Cosmic Calendar November 2020 November 29/30 – Penumbral Lunar Eclipse November this year will end with a penumbral eclipse of the Beaver Moon, this means 82% of the Moon will be shadowed by the earths lighter shadow turning parts of the moon slightly darker November 30th – Beaver Moon This full Moon is known as the Beaver Moon as it is in this time of the year Beavers build their dams.

December 2020 December 13/14th – Geminid Meteor Shower This is arguably one of the best meteor showers of the year. The peak of the Geminids occurs on the night of December 13th and early hours on the 14th 2020.

This shower will be visible from December 4th to the 16th and radiate from the Gemini Constellation.

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December 14th – Total Solar Eclipse This will be visible from some parts of Argentina and Chile, unfortunate for UK Star Gazers!

December 21st – Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.

This is a special occasion in the cosmic calendar. Jupiter and Saturn will meet in the sky.

They will be separated by just 0.1 degrees making it the closest conjunction in 397 years!

Not one to miss.

December 21st – December Solstice.

This will take place at 10:02 UTC. This is also known as the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In the summer solstice it is the longest day of the year and known as the Summer Solstice.

December 21/22nd – Ursid Meteor Shower These shooting stars are the last of the meteor showers of 2020. The Ursids peaks the night of December 21/22nd 2020.

December 30th – Cold moon This is 2020’s final Full Moon. It is known as the Cold Moon due to the low temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere.

January 2021 January 3/4th – Quadrantids Meteor showers.

This is the first meteor shower of 2021, and it peaks on the night of January 3rd and early hours of the 4th.

January 13th – New Moon The moon will come between the earth and the sun, and the illuminated side of the moon will face away from the Earth. It is almost impossible to see, even with the finest telescope.

28th January – Wolf Moon The first full moon of 2021 is known as the Wolf Moon in many northern cultures, this occurs when the sun and the moon are on opposite sides of the earth.

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UK-built rover landing on Martian surface moves one giant fall closer

The two parachutes that will safely deliver the UK’s first ever Mars vehicle to the Red Planet have completed their first full-scale high altitude drop test Once the European Space Agency (ESA) ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover reaches Mars, a dramatic 6-minute sequence will see a ‘descent module’ – carrying the rover – deploy two parachutes to rapidly slow it down ahead of its landing on the Martian surface.

Atmospheric drag will slow the module from around 21,000 kmph to 1,700 kmph at which point the first parachute will be deployed. Some 20 seconds later, at about 400 kmph, the second parachute will open. When the module is 1 kilometre above ground, the braking engines will kick into gear and safely deliver it to Mars’ surface.

The complete parachute descent system needs testing and verifying on Earth, which can only be done through high-altitude drop tests that replicate conditions of low atmospheric pressure on Mars. The test – which had been delayed since March due to COVID, wind and forest fires – took place over Oregon, U.S. on 9 November, with a drop test vehicle lofted to a height of 29 km in a stratospheric balloon.

The parachute extraction and deceleration proceeded as scientists in the mission had expected, with the test vehicle landing safely and parachutes recovered. There was minor ‘canopy damage’ on the two parachutes, occurring at the onset of inflation.

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Rosalind Franklin – a joint Europe and Russia mission – will try to detect life, past or present, on the Red Planet and is due for launch in 2022. Completion of the parachute test marks a critical milestone for the rover, which has been built in Stevenage by Airbus, and the team will now analyse test data to determine further improvements for the next tests. Sue Horne, Head of Space Exploration, said: Mars has been an object of our fascination and speculation for all recorded history, but we know that missions to the Red Planet are no easy ride.

A total of 20 probes, from countries and agencies around the world, have all had their share of crashing on their way to the Red Planet. They’ve crashed on take-off, crashed on landing, conked out of power.

Parachute tests are vital in helping us get the technology exactly right and making sure that the Rosalind Franklin rover lifts off with the most advanced and reliable equipment possible.

Following failed tests of the parachute last year, the first main parachute had an upgraded parachute bag and a Kevlar reinforcement around the vent hem, aka the natural vent hole in the middle of the parachute. The second main parachute had several reinforcement rings and an upgraded parachute bag, but not reinforced parachute lines, which are also planned.

Once safely in the Oxia Planum region of Mars in June 2023, the Rosalind Franklin rover will drive off the platform and begin its science mission. It will seek out geologically interesting sites to drill below the surface, to determine if life ever existed on our neighbour planet.

UK company, Vorticity Ltd is technical consultant for the parachute system and is responsible for the high altitude drop tests of the parachutes. Vorticity designed and manufactured the parachute test vehicles and then performed the test along with their US subcontractor, Near Space Corporation.

John Underwood, Principal Engineer at Vorticity, said: This is an enormously challenging programme involving the development of the largest parachute ever sent to Mars.

Huge improvements have been made to the system since the tests last year and we are confident that the last issues will be ironed out before the mission launch in 2022.

Vorticity is a privately owned UK SME which operates as a centre of excellence for aerospace systems engineering consultancy and space systems development.

ExoMars Programme Team Leader Francois Spoto, said: Landing on Mars is extremely difficult, with

no room for error. The latest test was a good step forward but is not yet the perfect outcome we are seeking. Therefore, we will use the extensive test data we have acquired to refine our approach, plan further tests and keep on track for our launch in September 2022.

In July this year, NASA launched its Perseverance mission, blazing a trail ahead of the launch of the UK-built Rosalind Franklin rover. Perseverance has several science goals for its mission, and is carrying instruments geared to search for the carbon building blocks of life and other microbes and to reconstruct the geological history of the Red Planet.

The idea is that by investigating the presence and history of water on Mars we can begin to consider the question of whether or not life existed there; which in turn would provide powerful evidence of the probability that life exists elsewhere in the Universe.

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Local Children come together to help HMS Collingwood Remember

It’s true to say that 2020 has thrown up some challenges, not least in the way important events are commemorated but HMS Collingwood recently received some unexpected help.

Armistice Day is an important occasion for the training base near Fareham and is usually commemorated with a service to which all staff, military and civilian are invited.

However, due to COVID-19 and government restrictions, this year’s service will be a much pared-down version. Luckily, local children have stepped in to ensure everyone working at the Base have a focus to remember the Fallen.

Alex Watts is a Families Pastoral Worker for Aggies, a charity that supports sailors, marines and their families and, in her role, Alex would normally go out into the naval community to work in small groups of families of serving personnel. This has also had to be curtailed in recent times due to COVID but the children she would normally visit were determined that this contact would be maintained virtually. To this

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end, they produced some beautiful and moving artwork on the theme of Remembrance and delivered it to the Chaplaincy at HMS Collingwood which works closely with Alex.

The staff there passed the artwork to the Corporate Comms Team based in Atlantic Building who combined the children’s excellent artwork with archive photos to create a moving display illustrating the theme of “We Will Remember Them”.

Alex explained “The Naval Chaplaincy team and Aggies work together to support serving personnel and their families especially in such challenging times and are always available to offer help. I would just like to say thank you to the families who used half term to create something so special.”

Photo (Right) courtesy of Kelly Eaton.

The children’s artwork takes pride of place in the HMS Collingwood display.

Photo (Below) courtesy Royal Navy

Royal Navy

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Royal Navy

Grandfather inspires HMS Collingwood Sailor to help appeal

Cryptographic Technician Rhys Edkins, aged 20 from Newtown in Powys, has helped HMS Collingwood launch its Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2020.

Due to the challenges of COVID-19, this year’s Appeal will be very different from previous years but Rhys was keen to inspire people across the establishment to wear their poppies with pride and remember those in whose footsteps he and his colleagues are following. One of Rhys’ inspirations is his grandfather, Robert Hemming, who served in the Royal Air Force during World War 2 and who passed away in 2014.

Robert was an Aircraft Engineer who helped design and build the swinging gun turret on the Avro Lancaster Bomber, giving this iconic heavy bomber impressive defence capabilities.

Originally planning to join the RAF, Rhys was tempted by the prospect of worldwide travel and instead opted for the Royal Navy, where a love of languages led him into military Cryptology, a vital intelligence-gathering role onboard ship.

As the only member of his year at Oswestry School to join the Royal Navy, Rhys has already proved himself aboard HMS Lancaster but is also hoping to take his skills shore-based, perhaps in the United States, in the future.

Remembering his grandfather as he launched this year’s Poppy Appeal, Rhys said, “I think he would have been so proud to see me

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today, even though I didn’t follow him into the RAF! The Poppy Appeal is important across all the Forces because it’s vital to remember those who sacrificed their lives so we can live our lives today. I’m really happy and proud to be involved.”

Royal Navy

Photographs courtesy of Keith Woodland, Crown Copyright. Photograph 1: Photo of Robert Hemming, Rhys’ grandfather, who was in the RAF taken during World War 2.

Photograph 2: CT Rhys Edkins reflects on his grandfather’s service during the launch of the Poppy Appeal.

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Royal Navy

HMS Collingwood Veteran and his team pushed to the limit for charity There was exhaustion and elation in equal measures as HMS Collingwood’s Environment and Energy Manager, Mark “Cozy” Powell completed a gruelling cycle challenge recently.

Cozy and three friends Keith Clark, Steve Vaughan and Spencer Drain decided to cycle the 180 miles from the Bullring in Birmingham to Havant Ex-Serviceman’s Club, near Portsmouth to raise money to help Macmillan Cancer Support nurses, despite none of them having attempted such a challenge before.

The team had practised for the event by building up their daily number of miles but repeating this for four consecutive days proved extremely challenging for the entire team, with every day seeing them pushed closer to their absolute limit. Despite the physical challenges, the men were cheered and inspired not only by the scenery, history and nature around them but also by the kindness and generosity of strangers they met along the route.

Despite repeated punctures and an accident on day three, the team pushed on and on the final day they received a much-needed boost when they crested a hill to see a steam train from the Mid-Hants Railway framed by the beautiful Meon Valley countryside. This sight lifted their spirits enough to take them over the finishing line where they were met by their friends, relatives and supporters.

Speaking after finishing Cozy said, “The ride was extremely challenging especially for Spencer, who despite suffering from a brain tumour was able to ride the entire leg unaided from Basingstoke to Portsmouth which is an amazing achievement by anyone’s standards. None of us are as young as we once were and it took us over a week to regain from the tiredness, but I can tell you we feel very proud of our once in a lifetime achievement. What we suffered is a small price to pay to support the excellent work these dedicated nurses do every single day and every penny raised will go directly to make their lives just a little easier.”

The team had originally planned to raise £2000 but soon smashed their target, raising over £3700. Their Justgiving page is still live and to

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donate to this very worthy cause, please visit https://bit.ly/32mHuJE Photographs courtesy of Mark “Cozy” Powell Photograph 1: Keith and Spencer take inspiration from the sights of the beautiful Meon Valley.

Photograph 2: The veterans paid their respects along the route.

Photograph 3: The full team with the support vehicle crew, Brandon, Cozy, Steve, Spencer, Keith and Ellie, showing their pride in their achievement as a crowd of onlookers supported their arrival from a distance.

Royal Navy

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Royal Navy

HMS Collingwood Celebrates 80 years of training

A special ceremony has just taken place at HMS Collingwood to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its commissioning.

It is fair to say that the largest naval training establishment has not managed to celebrate this achievement in the way it had planned, and a variety of commemorative events had to be changed or cancelled due to COVID-19. One such event was a 'wholeship' birthday party with a ceremonial birthday cake cutting which was planned for May ahead of the very popular Open Day and Field Gun Competition. That said, considering all PHE and Government advice and observing social distancing

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measures, an event was able to take place today. The event saw Rear Admiral Phil Hally, Director People & Training, and 17-year-old Engineering Technician Brendan Overal, the youngest sailor, cut the cake in the presence of Captain Catherine Jordan, Commanding Officer of the establishment.

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, Collingwood were also present and played ‘Happy Birthday’ throughout. On completion the Band marched around the establishment to allow all personnel the opportunity to enjoy their music and feel part of this special event. They also used this opportunity to launch a

Royal Navy

competition to all RM Bands, the challenge being to create a commemorative march for this 80th anniversary.

With the ceremonial cake cutting complete, the cake was taken away, cut into small pieces and distributed to all personnel across the site, marking this special occasion. A selection of cupcakes was also available.

Trainees first entered HMS Collingwood’s gates on 10th January 1940 after Britain recognised the importance of training sailors for front line service during World War 2. From the original wooden huts built on marshland, HMS Collingwood has since grown into the modern training establishment it is today.

Captain Catherine Jordan said of the event, “I am delighted that we have been able to hold this special ‘Birthday’ celebration today, marking an historic event in the establishment’s history while we work to modernise training further and put Collingwood and the Maritime Warfare School on a sustainable footing for another 80 years to continue to deliver first class sailors to front line operations. To be able to share this across the whole workforce with

this amazing cake made by Collingwood’s own chefs Ryan Hopper of ESS and Navy Chef Matthew Montgomery, and with the support of the very professional RM Band is a very special moment in this commemorative year.”

Photographs courtesy of Keith Woodland, Crown Copyright.

Photograph 1: The cake.

Photographs 2: Rear Admiral Hally and ET Overal cutting the cake.

Photograph 3. The RM Band marching around the establishment.

Photograph 4: Rear Admiral Hally taking the salute.

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Caroline Nokes MP officially opens luxury cat hotel in Lockerley, Romsey

The guests were smiling, the sun was shining and the pussycats were purring, for the grand opening of Romsey’s new Luxury Cat Hotel on Sunday 20th September 2020. Caroline Nokes MP was delighted to cut the ribbon at the official opening of the 23rd Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel in the UK. Proud owners Georgie Taylor-Darke and her husband, small animal vet, Chris Darke, showed off the new state-ofthe-art feline accommodation to customers and friends, whose attendance was staggered throughout the day to enable responsible social distancing. Guests, who enjoyed Longcroft cupcakes and Prosecco, commented on the idyllic setting on beautiful New Barn Farm, Lockerley - the purrrrfect location for cats to holiday while their owners are away!

Caroline Nokes MP said “I was very impressed with the Longcroft Cat Hotel in Lockerley, and have to say next time I go away I will definitely book Ollie in for a quick holiday! I do not think I have ever seen anywhere so luxurious and am sure the entire experience is a proper 5 Star stay in the individually designed suites.

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“It is great to see local entrepreneurs having the courage to invest even during covid, and I am sure this new facility will be very popular with both cat owners and their pets.

It was a real privilege to get to cut the ribbon and declare the hotel officially open for business.”

Owner Georgie was delighted to welcome Caroline Nokes MP and other guests to her official opening: “A huge thank you to Caroline Nokes and all of our guests who attended the Grand Opening of our lovely new luxury cat hotel. This is such an exciting venture for me as an animal lover and my husband Chris, who is also a small animal vet. We love pussycats and are already thrilled to have a number of gorgeous feline guests who have settled in happily at Longcroft Romsey. We are living in uncertain times at the moment but are lucky enough to have received lots of bookings from cat owners looking for the highest quality of accommodation and care for their beloved pussy cats when they

are away. And I just can’t wait to get to know them all!”

Longcroft founder, Abi Purser, was also pleased to attend the opening and was struck by the fantastic location for the latest addition to the UK’s only luxury hotel chain for cats: “Longcroft Romsey is really fabulous – the same high Longcroft standards as you’ll find at any of our hotels, but with the added benefit of a truly beautiful and restful setting for our feline guests. Pussycats can enjoy fresh air and country views while relaxing in the lap of luxury under the attentive care of the lovely Georgie and with the expertise of vet Chris.”

Longcroft Romsey is rated ‘5 star’ by Test Valley council and customers alike, and opened its doors mid August 2020. It includes seven luxury suites, each built to the same exacting standards as those of all Longcroft’s hotels.

Every suite has its own climate-controlled bedroom, leading to a private, safe, garden play area, complete with multi-storey viewing platforms for feline guests to play or relax. The unique and tranquil location of Longcroft Romsey at beautiful 10-acre New Barn Farm,

affords feline guests views over a natural meadow and surrounding farmland. The farm is located close to the historic market town of Romsey, Hampshire, and is conveniently near to Southampton, Winchester and Salisbury.

The hotel is accessed via a quiet country lane and with a peaceful backdrop of birdsong, making it ideal for a kitty pampering break.

The Longcroft ethos focusses on animal welfare, treating every guest as if they were Georgie and Chris’s own beloved pets. Georgie and Chris’s story began when they met in South Africa, where Chris was working as a small animal vet and Georgie worked in corporate marketing and customer service before running her own swim school franchise. The couple moved back to the UK together and brought with them their two beloved Burmese cats, Vida and Tito, who live with them at New Barn Farm, which is Georgie’s childhood home.

Longcroft is the UK’s only luxury hotel group for cats. It was founded in 2010 by Abi Purser, who opened the very first hotel in Welwyn Garden City and still successfully runs the hotel some 10 years later. Longcroft has been successful and grown rapidly thanks to its

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detailed and expert approach to cat boarding, placing animal welfare at its heart. Longcroft offers peace of mind to all cat owners when they go away, by providing an expert, tailored, homefrom-home experience for its feline guests. To make a booking or to view Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel Romsey, please contact Georgie on 01794 341782 or email romsey@longcroftcathotel.co.uk For further information please visit www.longcroftcathotel.co.uk https://bit.ly/3nrDHm8

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Images 1. Cutting_the_ribbon: Caroline Nokes MP cuts the ribbon to officially open Longcroft Romsey. Left to right: one of the hotel’s new customers, Longcroft Founder Abi Purser, Caroline Nokes MP, hotel owners Georgie Taylor-Darke and Chris Darke.

2. A feline guest relaxing in their suite.

3. Abi_Caroline_Georgie: Longcroft Founder Abi Purser, Caroline Nokes MP, hotel owner Georgie Taylor-Darke.

3. Longcroft Hospitality: Prosecco and Longcroft cupcakes.

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LOOP Art

Redbridge Flyover: Collagraph.

Edition of 10. 20 x 20cm by New Forest printmaker Su Eaton.

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To find out more click here http://su-eaton.co.uk/ https://bit.ly/3ppf2QK

http://bit.ly/2v3JCrS

#GetInTheLOOP www.loopmagazine.net email: contactus@loopmagazine.net

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LOOP Art

Paintings by Hampshire artist Mike Hall from Tadley are literally flying off the walls.

The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle (a Creative Coverage introduction), wanted more of his work so that has been posted this morning.

"It seems that affluent people are wanting to buy something nice to cheer themselves up during these grim times," says Tim Saunders, co-founder of Creative Coverage in Locks Heath, Hampshire.

"We are seeing more and more people investing in art while interest rates are at an all time low. Recently we have experienced our best ever sales in our own online gallery; a collaboration with Artfinder.

So far we have made 9 sales in 6 weeks of mainly bronze sculptures and glass, which

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compares very favourably to physical exhibitions we have held in the past and which continue to be cancelled due to Covid-19."

Mike Hall is artist of the month at Beaulieu Fine Art in November. https://bit.ly/3eZEdVc Tel. 01489 808621 Images: A typical Mike Hall painting Maelstrom, a glass sculpture by Roberta Mason, MA Royal College of Art and Creative Coverage member. This piece was sold in the Creative Coverage Artfinder gallery last weekend for ÂŁ395. The customer from Belgium who bought it has previously bought two of Roberta's more expensive pieces in our gallery.

LOOP Art

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LOOP Art

Unique COVID-inspired artwork under the hammer for charity

AN esteemed Hampshire animal portrait artist whose anticipated London exhibition was closed down by COVID-19, is pledging to raise money for charity with the auction of one of her unique pieces.

Georgea Blakey’s pandemic-inspired Political Animal uses a deer skull sourced from a junk shop as the basis for the artwork adorned with newspaper headlines and Corona bottle labels displayed in a curiosity cabinet. It is among several of the artist’s animal pieces which were commissioned for a show called Empties Into Art at Soho Sanctum in May, sponsored by Bombay Sapphire.

But she’s now hoping it will raise money for Fauna & Flora International, the world’s oldest international wildlife conservation organisation and biodiversity champions.

Georgea, from Passfield, said: “As a reaction to feeling boxed in and caged up like animals I produced my very own ‘memento mori’ -a traditional style of artwork designed to remind the viewer of their mortality and of the shortness and fragility of human life.

“Having felt bombarded by news and salacious headlines I felt it was important to produce a piece of art that reflected my reaction but also comical take on the pandemic. I took the concept of the pun Political Animal and turned it into a physical piece of art to commemorate the turbulent times in which we live but with my usual humorous twist.

“I tore up pieces of paper with some of the most alarming headlines and buzz words of our time, mixed in with some Corona labels, using a papier maché technique and then sealed the whole thing in resin and mounted the finished sculpture in a Perspex box. I like the synergy between us being penned in with the animal trapped in a cage by politics.”

Georgea, 49, added: “I’d been working for a year on all the collages and then lockdown hit and that was it. We can’t reschedule the exhibition because no one can predict

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what’s going to happen, so I’ve got these pieces here stuck at home. It was a huge anti-climax after a whole year of work.”

Georgea, who was was a Senior Art Scholar at St Pauls Girls School and graduated from Chelsea College of Art, has staged celebrated exhibitions across the country and has many illustrious clients from the worlds of the British aristocracy, international show business, media and sport.

Among her more unique projects was the immortalisation on canvas of the Prince of Wales with his polo pony. And her long list of high-profile and celebrity clients has earned her the distinction of High Society's Number One Choice for Animal Portraiture.

LOOP Art

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LOOP Art But she admits, had it not been for a serious accident resulting in half her left wrist being removed when she was younger, her future career would have panned out very differently.

She explained: “I worked as a groom on a polo ranch in Argentina when I was 20 because I got a bit side-tracked by ponies for six months.

“While I was out there I did have quite a serious injury. I got hit in the wrist with a polo mallet so couldn’t work there anymore, and that’s when I started drawing pictures of the polo ponies instead and selling them.

Instead of singing for my supper I was painting for it, if you like!

“I underwent several operations over several years and eventually decided to come back to England to study at Chelsea College of Art – while wearing a sling. I couldn’t make up my own canvasses so the teacher had to stretch them for me. I still can’t stretch them to this day.

“I knew then that I was never going to be able to play guitar anymore. Without the injury I wouldn’t be painting now, I’d be in a rock group in Los Angeles or acting or doing something ridiculous!”

She added: “Ever since I was little I have always exchanged pictures for accommodation or payment, like Van Gogh used to do when he handed over one of his paintings in restaurants to cover his bar bill.”

But Georgea’s come a long way since selling her first work to a school friend for just 10p nearly 40 years ago.

Her latest art style is as a result of lockdown – when she became inspired by everyday objects around her including discarded alcohol labels.

Many of her pieces are now also available in a range of décor and gifts.

“At the point of lockdown I had to kind of start again. That’s when I started doing these collages using drinks labels. I don’t like to think of myself as just a pet portrait artist. I want to elevate the animal and make it so incredibly beautiful, using unusual materials to bring out its character. And sometimes alcohol labels are really striking,” said Georgea.

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“The collages were like a release for me by adding a bit of wit and humour to bring them together.”

In fact wit plays a huge role in inspiring Georgea’s art, but never more so than through her alter-ego, stand-up comedienne Chenille Steele. Chenille’s musical and Victoria Wood-inspired one-woman shows will be familiar to the London comedy circuit.

She said: “I was always going to be either an actress or an artist and I actually got into the Old Vic musical theatre course but I couldn’t do it because of my wrist. Even though I had to choose art because of my injury, I never lost that yearning deep down to perform.

“My whimsy comes out in these collages.

It’s such a wonderful release.”

Art and humour - have proved huge sources of comfort for Georgea in a life’s journey that’s thrown up a series of huge health challenges, including breaking her back in a horse riding accident, a broken shoulder in a skiing accident and surgery to remove her coccyx.

But it was whilst living in America that Georgea and husband Jamie faced their darkest time when two-year-old daughter Romilly was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, eventually leading them to resettle in Britain to be nearer family.

LOOP Art

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LOOP Art She recalls: “Every time we drove over the Golden Gate Bridge it wasn’t exciting like it is for most people, it was a time of anxiety because we knew we were on our way to hospital. The bridge actually became like the gates of hell for us daily,” said Georgea.

“Our time in America, which should have been this incredible new life for us, wasn’t, and after everything we’d been through, we decided to go back to England because we had a better support network there.”

Romilly is now seven years cancer-free and her mum is determined to focus on a brighter future beyond the pandemic.

support. The donation is my way of helping a charity that stops waste and promotes recycling and protecting animals. It is about creativity beyond consumption and is fitting because I use people’s rubbish to help portray animals. Flora and Fauna is all about the environment saving those very same animals I am recycling and upcycling.”

Bids for Political Animal, which has a reserve price of £2,000, can be made to: georgeablakey@gmail.com by December 31st 2020.

Half the proceeds will be passed on to

Georgea, who cites 19th-century animal artist the foundation.

Edwin Landseer as a source of inspiration, said: “My ambition is to see one of my paintings Her website can be found at: hang in The National Gallery and have my own TV show where I paint portraits of peohttp://georgeablakeyart.com/ ple’s animals. There’s so many cookery and https://bit.ly/3proMu1 DIY shows and I’d love to do Animal Artist of the Year or something like that.

“In the meantime I wanted to do create and her Etsy shop can be found something to mark these historic times we’re living through as well as offer practical at: https://etsy.me/32LB8mJ

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LOOP Art

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Local Rotary News

ROTARY CLUB OF FAREHAM Badgers, Foxes AND children supported at Stubbington Study Centre!

Each year the incoming Rotary President chooses a particular local charity or community initiative to support and, for 2020/21, President Mike Hurley selected the Stubbington Study Centre.

If you live locally you probably know about this interesting outdoor education venue which is proven to have a significant and lasting impact on children’s learning and well-being. In the current times these experiences are needed even more and, with Rotary’s help, a number of children will be able to benefit who might not otherwise have been able to do go.

James Scarborough, Head of Stubbington Study Centre, said “For over 85 years, generations of Hampshire children have been given the opportunity to enjoy our 14-acre seaside site. Many of the children are on their first trip away from home with school and make huge gains in resilience and self-confidence while learning about the world around them.”

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Service above Self

Local Rotary News

“Stubbington Study Centre offers hands-on, practical activities exploring nature and the environment, local culture, teambuilding and problem solving in such a way that learners of all abilities can succeed and have fun”, said President of the Rotary Club of Fareham Mike Hurley. “That is why I chose the Centre and I hope, with everyone’s help, we can make a positive difference.”

classmates.”

The Rotary Club of Fareham will carry out fundraising for Stubbington Study Centre throughout Mike Hurley’s Presidential year and looks forward to the help of the generous people in the Fareham area to help with this community project.

Photo show (1) children at the Study Centre exploring a rock pool.

Fareham Shopping Centre is lending a hand too (2) Fareham Shopping Centre Wishing Well and Mike Taylor, Centre Manager, is providing with L-R Mike Taylor, James Scarborough the space for the Rotary Wishing Well which is (Head of Stubbington Study Centre), President now the Club’s collection point for Stubbington Mike Hurley & Rotarian Lyndon Palmer.

Study Centre. As Mike said “I am happy that (3) L-R pond dipping with L-R President Mike we support them, knowing that funds raised Hurley, James Scarborough, a friendly badger will help children whose family situation may and Mike Taylor from Fareham Shopping mean that they could not otherwise join their Centre.

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Local Rotary News

Who mentioned Christmas?!

We know it’s a long way before Christmas but the Rotary Club of Fareham, along with other Rotarians across the UK, are actively involved in sending presents to disadvantaged children many miles away.

This year, with the virus problems worldwide, these children particularly need an extra hand from caring people at Christmas.

Children in Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Romania will receive shoeboxes from us and YOU can help. Either make up the gift yourself in a shoebox for a boy or girl in one of four age groups, and the contents should be new. You can include items such as hats, gloves, scarves, socks, flannel, toothbrush and paste, soap, hairbrush and maybe a soft toy or educational book or game. A leaflet explaining everything is available for download, on our website https://bit.ly/38LmHTu As international lead for the Rotary Club of Fareham, Jon Richards, says “You don’t have to include all the items listed. Our aim is

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to put a smile on the faces of children who might not otherwise receive any presents this Christmas. We need to send them out early to be in time for the festive season.”

If you can’t make up shoeboxes you can still help by donating £17 per box and we will buy the contents and make up boxes for you. If £17 is too much, just donate what you feel, and we’ll consolidate with other donations. Please send your donation to JustGiving (search Rotary Club of Fareham) allowing Gift Aid, if you can, and we will do the rest.

Time is of the essence so that we can get the shoeboxes sent out to arrive for Christmas and your help is greatly appreciated. Any queries email Jon Richards on farehamrotary.shoeboxes@gmail.com Photos show children receiving their gifts and also our Wheel House which supports our local community and is one of the venues receiving your shoeboxes.

Local Rotary News Locks Heath Rotary helps Africa region to be wild Polio Free!

Locks Heath Rotary has played a role in a significant global public health achievement, as the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Africa region has officially been certified wild polio-free. Polio is a debilitating disease mainly affecting children, which can cause paralysis and even death.

This incredible milestone is the result of decades of effort from volunteer members of Rotary clubs around the world, who have fundraised, campaigned and worked tirelessly since Rotary pledged to rid the world of polio more than 30 years ago.

Locks Heath Rotary has played their part by fundraising through local street collections supporting World Polio day on the 24th October each year, sale of purple crocus and rotary umbrellas together with fun fundraising events including wine and cheese tasting evenings.

President John Murray said, “This is a terrific landmark in the world’s battle to eradicate polio. Although it has been many years since polio has been present in the UK and Ireland, we are proud to have contributed to the global efforts to eliminate the disease for good.”

“We remain committed to making the final, challenging steps towards making a polio free world a reality.”

“If we don’t finish the job, it is estimated

that, within 10 years, as many as 200,000 children annually all over the world could succumb to polio, including here in the UK. The virus can literally be a plane ride away so vaccination is so important.”

Despite this significant milestone being reached, the job to fully rid the world of polio goes on, as the virus continues to circulate in parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Rotary has directly contributed more than US$2 billion to ending polio since 1985.

In order to sustain this progress, vaccination programmes must continue to protect every last child and strengthen routine immunisation to keep immunity levels high, so the virus does not return to Africa or other parts of the world, including the UK. You can donate via our web-site https://www.locksheathrotary.org.uk https://facebook.com/LocksHeathRotary/ To get involved in Rotary and make a difference in your community and around the world, visit https://www.locksheathrotary.org.uk

ABOUT Locks Heath Rotary

Locks Heath Rotary has been serving the community of Fareham West for 48 years.

The club currently has 20 members and meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 7.00pm https://www.locksheathrotary.org.uk https://facebook.com/LocksHeathRotary/ https://twitter.com/lh_rotary Below, Locks Heath Rotary Banner on the International Space Station

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Local Rotary News

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Local Rotary News Bishop’s Waltham Rotary Club News…End Polio Now

There was exciting news on 25th August when the World Health Organisation declared that the whole continent of Africa had been free of the wild Polio Virus for more than 3 years. Bishops Waltham Rotary has been contributing to the End Polio Now project since the club’s formation in 1989. The project was started by Rotary in 1985, when there were 350,000 cases of wild polio in 125 Countries every year.

Rotary has been partnered by UNICEF and more recently the Bill Gates Foundation to advocate the benefits of the eradication of the virus which can cause severe disabilities, with children under 5 most vulnerable to infection.

The announcement that Africa is wild polio free means that there are only two countries in the world where transmission of the wild virus has never been stopped these are Afghanistan and Pakistan. Rotary works with all the agencies in those countries to deliver vaccine to all children under 5, often struggling against the climate and communities that do not understand the benefits of immunisation despite this there have only been 102 cases of wild virus infection worldwide this year.

The United Nations have established a World Polio Day on 25th October every year. As part of the awareness campaign Bishops Waltham Rotary will be planting 4000 purple crocus corms around the area during October. Look out

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for the purple blooms in February/March 2021.

Street collection in aid of those affected by the explosion in Beirut Many of you would have been shocked, like us, to have seen the footage of the major explosion that shook Beirut in August, the sheer scale of the devastation and the numbers affected.

We were very keen to help out by organising a street collection, but we were mindful of ensuring that any funds we sent would reach the right people, plus there were the practicalities of trying to do such a collection in the post lock down environment we find ourselves in.

After a bit of careful research we made contact with a Rotary Club in Beirut, who were already running a food bank out there and were ideally suited to provide support where appropriate.

Plus, with a bit of ingenuity involving screwing collecting buckets to workbenches so that we could be suitably distanced from any prospective donators, a lot of hand gel and some disinfectant wipes we managed to mount a street collection in early September.

At this point in time we do not know exactly how successful the collection was because the money raised is in quarantine for 72 hours, but we are confident that several hundred pounds was raised.

Like our Facebook page or take a look at our

Local Rotary News website for updates on the funds raised for Beirut, the fight against Polio, what is going on, what we have been up to and how you can help us help others!

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Finance and Legal

Funding boost for zero emissions community transport on Isle of Wight

A project to provide zero emissions electricity to power a fleet of electric minibuses on the Isle of Wight has secured over £26,000 of grant funding.

The Hero for Zero project, run by Wight Community Access was awarded the grant by the South West Energy Hub working with the Solent Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The funding will enable Wight Community Access to develop detailed technical and business plans to generate green electricity for a fleet of minibuses on the island. The Hero for Zero project is supported by Isle of Wight council and the local parish councils.

Wight Community Access is a charity that runs bus services and community transport in the west of the Isle of Wight with a fleet of five minibuses. Their team of 50 active volunteers were awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2016.

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They aim to convert their fleet of diesel minibuses to electric and generate their own green electricity to run the fleet. A hybrid of solar PV (photo-voltaic) panels and wind turbines would generate 80-100kWh of green electricity per day to power the fleet, with the possibility of the surplus being offered to other local charitable organisations for their electric vehicles.

The South West Energy Hub works with organisations and communities across the region to identify, develop and implement low carbon energy projects. It is funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and hosted by the West of England Combined Authority.

Michael Craig, Wight Community Access director, said: “Our goal is clear – to keep our fleet relevant and attractive to our communities in the medium term whilst protecting our beautiful local environment.

Finance and Legal Many residents in our area rely on us to get to local retail, health and social amenities and the full support we have from our councils encourages us to see this project through.

“Although we have some expertise amongst our volunteers, we are most grateful for the help we have received from South West Energy Hub and Solent LEP which, through the professional support they provide, will give us the confidence to progress this vital project”.

Anne-Marie Mountifield Chief Executive and Board Director for Solent LEP said: “The transition to sustainable low carbon renewable energy solutions is a key priority for the region. This innovative project is a fantastic example of how this can be achieved through the community working in partnership with local organisations and businesses.”

“Promoting a clean, green recovery lies at the heart of the government’s strategy to rebuild Britain and fuel economic recovery across the country, and in our economic recovery plan we renew our commitment to securing the shift to a net zero carbon economy and the Hero for Zero project is an excellent example of a community leading the way on developing innovative solutions on the island”.

Jon Rattenbury, Programme Manager for South West Energy Hub said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to award grant funding to a scheme that has the potential to bring such positive benefits to the environment, residents and businesses. We hope the ambition seen on the Isle of Wight will inspire more communities across the South West Energy Hub region to develop their own green energy projects”.

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Finance and Legal

'Crowdfunder Solent' relaunched to match-fund small businesses

With Covid-19 forcing micro and small businesses to close their premises once again, we're relaunching our Crowdfunder Solent scheme so these businesses can access essential cash now.

Micro and small businesses make up 98% of the Solent’s economy, and we're ensuring that they have access to match-funding through Crowdfunder Solent to enable them to keep trading. The Solent Crowdfunder scheme was highly popular during the spring and summer before lockdown restrictions were lifted, when we were able to provide £186k to 84 businesses from across the Solent region.

Innovative solutions were found by a wide range of businesses to ensure they were able to trade online, and increase cash flow with commitments of goods and services to customers at a later date.

The funds have been reviewed and opened up to ensure businesses can apply for money

to help them trade throughout lockdown. This might be for an e-commerce enabled website or other costs to help businesses continue to operate.

How does Crowdfund Solent work?

1.

Someone who is self-employed, a micro or small business can set-up a Crowdfunder campaign 2.

Once set-up the person or business can sell their goods or services, request donations and diversify their offer to engage existing customers and potentially reach new customers as well.

3.

The business sets a financial target to meet. Throughout the process, coaching is offered by Crowdfunder to support the person/ small business to meet their target.

4.

If an application is approved, once the financial target is met we will release the match-funding.

5.

The total sum of the money is then released to the person/small business.

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Finance and Legal

Solent LEP launches SME Restart and Recovery, and Kickstarting Tourism Grant Fund The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership is inviting applications from small businesses for Restart and Recovery & Kickstarting Tourism Grants.

To be eligible for the fund, you must be an existing SME with at least one year’s trading history. All funds will be allocated on a competitive basis, providing the strongest bids with funding.

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) eligible small The deadline for applications for this funding is businesses that have been negatively impacted 11.59 pm on 23 November 2020. by the Covid-19 pandemic in the visitor economy and wider economy can access grants of between £1,000 - £3,000 (and up to £5,000 in exceptional circumstances).

The money can be used to cover 100% of the cost of professional services and, in some instances, to purchase minor equipment or adopt new technology to diversify.

The announcement follows the success of the first round of the fund, which saw close to £100,000 allocated to small businesses across the Solent area, and the Solent LEP has now broadened the criteria to ensure more businesses are able to apply.

https://bit.ly/3ly254J

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Finance and Legal

Former royal butler lands job after handing out CVs at railway station

A 63-year-old former royal butler whose job search made headlines across the world after he handed out his CV at a railway station has finally landed a new job.

Cruise restaurant manager Trevor Walford, from Keighley, North Yorkshire, resorted to the novel recruitment tactic at Leeds train station, and others in the area, after sending out 700 job applications with little success.

Having started his profession in hospitality as a trainee butler at Buckingham Palace, Walford went on to a highly-successful career working in hotels throughout the UK and Caribbean, including The Ritz Hotel in London, before joining his last employer, a cruise line, in 2006.

But in March, as the coronavirus pandemic reached its peak, he received an email from the company saying he was out of a job. Unsure what the future held and with no support from the cruise ship company, Walford posted a 'try before you buy' offer of his services on social media platform LinkedIn. His post garnered a lot of interest from recruiters, but no concrete job offers. So he donned his best suit (and face mask), drew up a handwritten sign and printed off 100s of CVs, before heading to local train stations in a last-ditch bid to find work.

Walford’s story clearly touched a nerve as his trials to land a job ended up going global – from Yorkshire to France and far-flung places such as the US, Australia and South Africa.

The stunt proved to be the winning ticket when his train station CV handout caught the attention of Rob Campbell, Group CEO of Churrasco. Walford was invited for an interview and got the job.

He has now been appointed training development manager for hospitality group, Churrasco Group, where he will oversee the customer service training of 337 employees across their 10 northern England venues.

"I'm chuffed t' bits, as we say in Yorkshire," Walford said about his new role. "I certainly wasn't ready to be washed up just yet."

Speaking of Walford's appointment, Campbell said: "Of course I empathised with Trevor's situation, but when we met him, his professionalism and wealth of knowledge

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across the industry is exactly what our operation needs."

With a lot of the hospitality sector on a knifeedge, he explained: "We are bringing Trevor in at a critical time of our expansion and we are determined to navigate our way through and our venues recognised for their top-level service and fantastic food and atmosphere. Trevor is an integral part of our growth plans for the next 12 months.”

Churrasco Group consists of 3 brands, Estábulo Bar & Grill, Casa Peri Peri, and Fleur Café. The hospitality group was established in 2016 with the first restaurant in Leeds. Two new venues are due to open by the end of December 2020, creating further employment opportunities across the north of England.

Estábulo is a Brazilian Style operation bringing the traditional way of cutting the meat on a skewer at the table, Casa Peri Peri specialises in chicken dishes and Fleur Café is offers daytime cake and coffee and an Italian a la carte menu in the evening.

Finance and Legal

Neil Palmer from Vintage Roots becomes honorary member of the Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is currently in the process of recognising the leadership figures who have helped keep the country running during this unprecedented period in our history. To that end, Neil Palmer from Vintage Roots was today made an honorary member of the Leaders Council. Palmer has pledged to adhere to the Leaders Council's Charter of Principles (https://www.leaderscouncil.co.uk/charter) and to do everything possible to help aid our nation's recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Commenting on this achievement, Neil Palmer, Director and Founder of Vintage Roots said: "It’s fantastic to receive recognition for doing your job, especially during a pandemic when times have been more uncertain. Since the outbreak of Covid-19, work has been very intense, operating with a smaller team has made everyday tasks more challenging while keeping everyone safe has been at the top of our agenda. Support, flexibility and the hard graft from all the team at Vintage Roots has been crucial, making this recognition possible."

Commenting on this nationwide push torecognise leaders such as Palmer, Lord Blunkett, chairman of The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland said, ‘Keeping an organisation in operation during this period is no small feat and it is our belief that the thousands of leadership figures across the country deserve a greater level of recognition. It is inspiring to see so many of them sign our Charter of Principles. We are very fortunate to have so many dedicated leaders in this country and this is our small way of recognising them and the contribution they make.’

The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was set up to support and champion leadership in all its forms. The Charter of Principles can be signed by any leadership figure who wishes to do so but anyone found flouting the principles is removed.

The aim is to ensure that the nation's recovery is built on the strongest possible foundations.

You can read more about Vintage Roots and the Leaders Council's Charter of Principles here: https://bit.ly/2Uwqjk9

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Finance and Legal

Lakeside North Harbour Wellbeing Week supports Portsmouth business community

Portsmouth’s premier business destination, Lakeside North Harbour, is supporting local communities across the city and beyond by hosting a Wellbeing Week, with free webinars and classes, in celebration of National Work Life Week from 12 - 16 October.

Keen to support as many people as possible, Lakeside is focused on using its unique position as a community hub to help those who work across the campus every day, as well as the wider Portsmouth business community that has been affected throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. All classes were free to attend, and are designed support emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. The sessions will cover a range of topics, from mindfulness and sleep hygiene, to the benefits of interacting with nature and understanding emotional intelligence. Lakeside North Harbour has partnered with a range of expert local businesses, including the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and the Solent Apprenticeship Hub, to deliver the sessions.

Simon Bateman, Lakeside North Harbour Asset Manager, said: “Lakeside has always been focused on wellbeing, and providing an experience for our occupiers that goes far beyond the office. The last six months has been challenging for everyone, so we want to take the opportunity to support our

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occupiers, and the wider Portsmouth community, and encourage people to take the time to establish a good work life balance, and look after their mental health.

“Our jam-packed week of digital activities aims to support a healthier, happier workforce, particularly during these difficult times. But we’re also focused on delivering sessions that will enable us to support our wider community – from the importance of skills and apprenticeships to the impact we have on wildlife.” Simon adds: “The week is an extension of our existing commitments to health and wellbeing, and using a digital format means we can reach more people than ever before. Lakeside is home to local, national and multinational businesses, and no matter where we are all currently based, we want to proudly fly the community flag – we are all in this together.”

About Lakeside North Harbour: Lakeside North Harbour is a 130-acre business campus in Portsmouth, home to a variety of international and local companies, including Babcock, Wiggle, Lead Forensics, Coffin Mew Solicitors, Virgin Media and Handelsbanken.

Lakeside North Harbour boasts an impressive environment and amenities, alongside flexible office space. www.lakesidenorthharbour.com https://bit.ly/2Kc7DEn

Finance and Legal

Quantuma appoints new director to Southampton team

Business advisory firm Quantuma has bolstered its Southampton team with the appointment of director, Kelly Semke (nee Mitchell).

Semke has over 20 years’ worth of experience in the business recovery and insolvency industry, having worked her way up the ranks at RSM Tenon to form part of the firm’s National Insolvency Practice management team. In 2013 Semke joined Quantuma as a founding partner where she headed up the Southampton office and played an instrumental role in the firm’s rapid growth.

After spending two years as a consultant at Neil Taylor Insolvency Semke spent four years in the marine sector as finance director for Osprey Technical Consulting Limited, where she combined her finance qualifications and operational experience, to undertake a leading role in the management and growth of a thriving young business.

In her new role, Semke will support a broad range of businesses across Southampton and the South coast, while developing specialisms in the marine, manufacturing and retail sectors.

Quantuma’s Southampton team has seen several key appointments and promotions this year, including Philippa Robinson, as director in the firm’s Corporate Finance team, and promotion of Simon Campbell to a managing director role in April.

Kelly Semke, director at Quantuma commented: “Businesses across all sectors are experiencing a huge amount of turmoil and uncertainty as the impact of the Covid-19 continues to unfold. Quantuma is a growing advisory firm that is well-placed to support those businesses, and I am delighted to be re-joining the firm to offer my skills and experience to clients and assist them in working their way through the crisis.”

Carl Jackson, CEO at Quantuma added: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Kelly back to Quantuma. Her experience as a restructuring professional and specialist knowledge and experience will be invaluable to the firm as we continue to grow in Southampton and provide crucial advisory support to businesses.”

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Finance and Legal

Update from the Force Crime Prevention Team

Bonfire Night and Fireworks

Test and Trace Scams The new NHS COVID-19 app is the only official contact tracing app for England and Wales.

Criminals may call claiming to be from Test and Trace to obtain personal information or ask for payments to send out tests. Find out more at covid19.nhs.uk

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Edition 21, Oct 2020

Finance and Legal Lights On as the nights are getting darker Thieves can target homes that look empty, don’t make an empty home easier to find when it’s dark outside.

For improved home security, consider the following: 

Leave lights on to make your home look occupied



Invest in timers that automatically switch lamps and devices on and off



Gadgets are available that turn your main lights on and off



Help lower your bills with energy saving light bulbs



Thieves target homes that look empty



Shut and lock all windows and doors when going out



Only tell people you trust when going away



Now you’ve protected your home, share the advice with family and friends

Keeping children safe on Netflix Netflix have collaborated with the internet safety charity SWGfl and the UK Safer Internet Centre to create a checklist of parental controls which include:      

How to set up children’s accounts How to add maturity ratings How to block shows How to lock profiles How to turn autoplays on and off How to access viewing history

Take a moment to look at the guide and ensure appropriate parental controls have been added.

Email Scams Action Fraud have had an increase in reports of various email scams from seemingly trusted organisations, these could be from: 

DVLA – claiming that your vehicle is no longer taxed



HMRC – either offering financial support as a result of coronavirus or claiming that you are entitled to a tax refund



Amazon – claiming there is an issue with your account

Do not click on any links within a suspicious email. Your bank, or other official organisation, won’t ask you to share personal information over email. If you need to check it is genuine, call them directly on a number obtained from their official website (do not follow any links to their website from the email).

You can also forward on any suspicious emails to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) Report@phising.gov.uk For further Crime Prevention advice please visit www.hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

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Finance and Legal

Update from the Force Crime Prevention Advisor

Edition 20, Sept 2020

Catalytic Converter: theft prevention advice Thieves steal catalytic converters for the valuable metals they can contain. Vehicles with a higher chassis are often targeted, as are hybrid vehicles. To keep yours safe, ask your car dealer if they can give you any advice on locks, cages or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer.

To further protect your vehicle: 

Park your car in a locked garage where possible, but if this isn’t an option, then park in a well-lit and wellpopulated area.



If using a public car park, park alongside other cars and face your bonnet towards a wall where possible.



Avoid parking half on the pavement, which makes the underside of your vehicle more accessible.



If your catalytic converter is ‘bolted on’ you can have the bolts welded shut.



Identify/etch your converter with a unique reference number and register it at www.immobilise.com



Installing security lighting and CCTV on your drive can act as a deterrent. Look for approved CCTV installers in your area who are members of a recognised inspecting body e.g. United Kingdom Accreditation Service.

If you see someone acting suspiciously under a vehicle, report it to the police. Obtain as much information as possible, including any vehicle registrations.

National Trading Standards highlight Covid-19 Scams Criminals are adapting as the coronavirus pandemic develops. NTS have listed seven l

likely scams to watch out for: 1. Price gouging - when traders over-inflate products that are likely to be in high demand, such as Covid-19 testing kits.

2. Online fraud - where websites, apps and social media are used to sell counterfeit products as more shoppers are buying online.

3. Copycat websites - on which criminals pose as people delivering legitimate government initiatives.

4. Claims of miracle cures - including fake coronavirus treatments.

5. Misrepresented home viewings - as virtual property viewings are now more common, there are risks of buyers or renters not getting the true picture of a home.

6. Fake refund websites - offering "assistance" in claiming refunds which, at the least, is advice that charities offer for free.

7. Exploiting the vulnerable – not a new tactic, but will become more prominent.

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Finance and Legal Romance Fraud: Don’t fall for a #fauxmance Criminals are quick to use online dating websites/apps, social media platforms or gaming sites to gain your trust and form a relationship with you. They will invent reasons to ask for your help in sending them money or providing them with a loan. Always consider the possibility that this could be a scam.

Keep your money and information safe by checking their profile photos are not associated with another name. You can do this by uploading the picture of the person you’re talking to into Google Images. If you’re asked to send them money, take a loan out for them or allow them access to your bank account, stop and Take Five to Stop Fraud.

Courier Fraud #StopChallengeProtect Criminals pretend to be from your bank or the police and often do their research first to find out information about your personal and financial details.

Remember: Your bank or the police will NEVER call and offer to pick up your card & PIN by courier if they suspect fraud or notice suspicious transactions on your account.

Do not feel pressured to do something you’re not comfortable with. It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore requests. #TakeFive and speak to someone you trust.

Victim Care Service for child to parent violence If you need help and support but do not want to talk to the police about your child, the Victim Care Service can help. They offer free support to anyone affected by crime in Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

Call free on 0808 178 1641 or Email: hub.hiow@victimsupport.org.uk

hub.hiow@victimsupport

For further Crime Prevention advice please visit www.hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

.org.uk

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Whats On

NEW MUSIC MAKERS

The New Music Makers choir have been remarkably busy during the summer of 2020, despite the Coronavirus pandemic. Weekly zoom meetings kept choir members in touch, with entertainment and chat rooms for everyone to get together as best they could socially in a challenging time. General knowledge and music quizzes proved a hit as did recitals and ditties organised by members.

They have been back to full, online rehearsals for a while now, rehearsing ‘The Best of Bond ’medley and ‘Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat’. ‘Joseph’ was the first piece sung by the New Music Makers 50 years ago, so to sing it 50 years on is a wonderful tribute to this choir’s longevity!

‘With a little help from their friends’ many

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members mastered the technology to record as a ‘Virtual Choir’ and the result was the joy of seeing and hearing themselves singing together once more. Produced by both their very talented Musical Director Lillian Sediles and pianist Chris Allison, this is now on YouTube so do take a look! The beautiful song ‘You Raise Me Up’ which was voted as most popular by the members themselves, is currently being recorded and edited and will be on YouTube as well shortly for you all to enjoy.

With Christmas on the horizon, the choir have begun rehearsing and working hard on perfecting harmonies in readiness for a ‘Virtual Christmas Concert’ more details to follow or visit our website: www.newmusicmakers.com https://bit.ly/3lB1FdX

Whats On

Hagan, HouseFire explores the threat of the

global climate and ecological crisis via a band of endangered animals who protest and spread their message through song.

A trio of endangered animals form a band to protest the climate and ecological crisis.

Just because they’re animals doesn’t mean this is Disney. Leo the Snow Leopard lead singer is raging against the annihilation of their world, Ginger the Orangutan on keys has her own tale to tell about how deforestation has destroyed her family, while Alan the Elephant is keeping time on the drums. But their newly formed band ‘HouseFire’ is under threat from their corporate capitalist manager who wants them to pander to the capitalist system they are so keen to destabilize. On the face of it entering Britain's Got Talent seems like a great way to reach more people with their message, although it puts a strain on the already fractious relationships between them, and is it all just too little too late...P Burton-Morgan, who earlier this year won the Writers Guild of Great Britain Award for musical theatre book writing for In the Willows – The Hip Hop musical (which toured the UK in 2019), said “It's a beast of a subject matter - the climate and ecological crisis - and the potential for descending into earnest preaching is very real. But I hope we have created a rare thing; combining the painful urgency of the crisis with the political complexities, all wrapped up in epic banging tunes to rock out to. Plus it wouldn't be a Metta show if we didn't end with hope! So there's also hope. Always.”

Eleanor Kane performs on the album as ‘Ginger the Orangutan’, Robin Simoes da Silva as ‘Leo the Snow Leopard’ and Lemuel Knights as ‘Alan the Elephant’.

Full track listing is as follows: Not The New Normal, Miles and Miles, Do Less, Don’t Push The World Away, Now We Start

Award-winning Metta Theatre is one of the UK’s leading mid-scale touring companies – making exceptional theatre and opera that represents and celebrates the diversity of our world. They are known for combining emotionally powerful performances with imaginative theatricality and striking visual style. After their smash hit street-dance Jungle Book (Theatre Royal Windsor & UK tour), circus-musical Little Mermaid (Theatre By The Lake & UK tour) and In The Willows (Exeter Northcott & UK tour) Metta Theatre bring you another original British musical, following the release of the cast album of The Rhythmics in July 2020. Other productions include Mouthful (Trafalgar Studios) and Arab Nights (Soho Theatre & UK tour).

Artistic Director and theatre designer Will Reynolds has a MSC in Electrical Engineering from Oxford University. He trained with the Carbon Literacy project and sits on the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Climate & Ecological Emergency Commission.

Award-winning writer and Artistic Director P Burton-Morgan has a degree in Politics, Philosophy & Economics from Oxford University, and is a celebrated director and an inspirational public speaker and workshop facilitator. In 2019 Metta founded the Sustainable Touring Group as part of the inaugural cohort of the Arts Council England & Julie's Bicycle Accelerator Programme for Creative Climate Leadership, was an early supporter of Climate Declares Emergency and is a pioneer of sustainability in the UK theatre sector.

www.mettatheatre.co.uk https://bit.ly/2UsUYPp

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Whats On

Warsash Victory Hall launches Lottery

“Many of you will be aware that The Warsash Victory Hall faced a crisis 3 or 4 years ago with surveys confirming the parlous state of the roof, walls and doors. It is no exaggeration to say that it would have been faced with closure in a few years without intervention. Thanks to the generosity of both Hampshire County Council and Fareham Borough Council, their £190.000 grants secured the hall for the local community for many years to come.

The Hall are now undertaking a programme of internal refurbishment and the next two priorities are the kitchen and provision of a disabled loo in the lobby area.

Solent Embroiderers Guild Working through difficult times Meeting on line Come and join the textile fun Programme planed for 2021 Welcome new and accomplished stitchers

Contact solentsec@embroiderersguild.co.uk

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The hall is a registered charity whose only source of income (these grants excepted) comes from the hire of it’s rooms, so fund raising remains key. In order to further this, the hall has launched a weekly lottery in conjunction with One Lottery. Fantastic cash and other prizes can be won and we simply ask that you visit www.onelottery.co.uk and follow ‘The Victory Hal’l tab. As little a commitment as a single ticket a week (£1 / ticket) can be made and the good news is that the Victory Hall receive back, 50p from every ticket purchased for the hall.

Every little really does help and I thank you in anticipation.”

Whats On

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Whats On

Planet Earth II Live in Concert UK & Ireland Arena Tour Re All Previously Purchased Tickets Valid For New Dates. All Under 14’s Tickets, £10 Discount.

BBC Studios and concert promoter FKP Scorpio UK have announced a further update to their previously rescheduled Planet Earth II Live In Concert arena tour of the UK & Ireland.

The original 2020 tour was previously postponed twice and rescheduled to March 2021 following government advice and the closure of venues across the UK, as part of the nationwide effort to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Due to the continuing uncertainty regarding the unlocking of mass gatherings for arena events in the entertainment sector, it has been decided to reschedule the shows again to March 2022, a touring period which will provide greater optimism and safety for a return to normality. The health and safety of audiences is absolutely paramount.

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Barry Campbell, the MD of promoter FKP Scorpio UK commented, “Due to the continuing uncertainty around indoor arena mass gatherings, we felt it was necessary to move our Planet Earth II Live In Concert tour once again to March 2022. We make these changes with a heavy heart but it is very important to us that the public should feel safe and be able to attend the shows without any safety worries. We promise it will be a fantastic tour well worth waiting for and thank all ticket purchasers for their patience and understanding in these most difficult times”.

These spectacular live concerts will be hosted by science and natural history TV presenter Liz Bonnin, with behind the scenes insights from Mike Gunton, the executive producer of the BAFTA and EMMY® award-winning BBC television series.

Whats On

escheduled To March 2022 - New Bournemouth Date Added Featuring breath taking specially-selected footage shown in 4K ultra high-definition on a gigantic LED screen, the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Matthew Freeman, will perform the remarkable music

by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea & Jasha Klebe for Bleeding Fingers Music.

Says host Liz Bonnin "2020 has been incredibly difficult for everyone and we are reeling from the impact of this pandemic.

Our hope is that, once we begin to recover from this extraordinary situation, our tour can play a small part in offering joy, healing and optimism. It will be an uplifting experience, celebrating the majesty of life and all the beauty and wonder that Mother Earth has to offer. I'm all the more excited to be able to share it with you.”

All previously purchased tickets remain valid for these rescheduled dates.

The rescheduled 2022 tour dates are as follows: Mar 18th Mar 19th

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena Bournemouth International Centre Mar 20th London The O2 Matinee & Evening Performances Mar 22nd Dublin 3 Arena Mar 24th Leeds First Direct Arena Mar 25th Manchester AO Arena Mar 26th Birmingham Resorts World Arena Mar 27th Glasgow SSE Hydro All children under 14 entitled to a £10 discount per ticket (Excluding London Evening and Dublin show). £5 discount per ticket for group bookings of 10 or more.

For further ticket information go to

www.planetearth2live.uk

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Whats On - Music

SLADE announce December 2021 – UK Tour!

SLADE - Without doubt one of the most exciting bands to come out of Great Britain in the past 50 years. With their unique blend of perfect pop rock'n'roll, outrageous flamboyance and pure fun, and no less than 23 Top-20 singles of which 6 were No-1 smash hits...plus 6 smash albums, Slade have become a firm favourite in the hearts of pop fans all over the world.

SLADE'S chart career has spanned 6 decades and their enduring songs “Far Far Away”, "Cum On Feel The Noize" and "Coz I Luv You" are still featured today in TV commercials for some of the World’s biggest companies.

SLADE first hit the road in 1966, touring throughout Great Britain and Europe and becoming a regular concert attraction. Joining forces with the former Animals bass guitarist and Jimi Hendrix Experience manager, Chas Chandler, Slade achieved their first chart hit in May 1971 with the Bobby Marchan song "Get Down And Get With It" then, released in October of the same year "Coz I Luv You" was the band’s first No-1 and a huge hit across Europe.

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Throughout the seventies, Slade became one of Europe's biggest bands, touring and recording continually and making regular trips to America, Japan and other parts of the world.

Slade's catalogue of hits are synonymous with the era:- "Take Me Bak 'Ome", "Mama We'er All Crazee Now", "Cum On Feel The Noize", "Gudbye T' Jane", along with the many others provided a soundtrack to the Glam Generation and are still today, heavily featured on any retrospective of the time.

At the beginning of the eighties, Slade were invited to appear at the Reading Rock Festival, a massive annual event which attracted over 100,000 people. They literally stole the show, giving some of the world’s biggest rock bands a serious run for their money whilst kindling new interest from a whole new audience. As a result, the band signed a new record deal and unleashed the anthem "We'll Bring The House Down", which reached the Top-10 in the UK in January 1981. Slade were back!

Not content to rest on their Glam laurels, Slade began forging a new path through the hugely

SLADE TOUR DATES UPDATE FOR 2021

It is with great sadness, we have had to make the decision to postpone their Christmas 2020 tour until 2021.

When we announced the tour 4 months ago there was a positive outlook for Christmas 2020. Devastatingly, this is not going to be the case.

The health and safety of our fans, the band, crew, and venue staff is our upmost priority, so we hope you will understand this decision.

The good news is we’re pleased to confirm new dates for 2021. All tickets will be automatically transferred, so if you are able to attend in 2021, no action is needed. If for any reason you are not able to join us in 2021, tickets can be refunded at your point of purchase. Ticket agents will be in touch within the next 14 days.

We look forward to seeing you in 2021, but for now, stay safe, healthy, and look after yourselves and each other.

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