Andover Gazette - December 2020

Community Magazines

Andover LOCAL DIRECTORY Easily nd local businesses & services COMMUNITY NEWS Rendezvous gets new use for rehabilitation and therapy High Sheriff Awards launch

REGULAR FEATURES

Councillor’s Column Quirky Facts about Hampshire

DEC

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IN THIS ISSUE...

December

Edition of your local Andover Gazette Community Magazine!

Stephen, myself, Tracey, Michael, Chris and Jannike would like to wish you a good Festive Season. At the time of this writing we are still on the second Lockdown and though it has been nowhere near as restricted as the first one, we do not know for sure how Christmas will be for us all. By the time you receive your magazine we will have that answer, I hope.

Our very loyal and reliable advertisers are so grateful for all your support this last year. Let’s face it, it has been a challenge for all of us. Our local trades and services have needed your calls and bookings like never before. You have delivered, and many, many of the companies inside these pages are in fact very happy to tell you they are busy and want to thank you sincerely for this. In return to say, ‘Thank You’, our centre pages contain our Christmas Sponsors this year with proceeds going to the Andover Food Bank. This is such a worthy cause we are delighted to support it.

Please continue to call our advertisers here and do say “Hello” from us! We are here to help. Right from my first magazine which I started all the way back in 2005, pushing Hayden around in his pram, my purpose was to bring good, local businesses to your doorstep as well as give you some local data to be able to back up your local community. As soon as more events start happening again, we will be able to shout all about it!

So, 2021 is just around the corner. Whatever you do this Christmas we wholeheartedly wish you all the Very Best. Keep well, stay safe and relax with a glass of mulled wine.

Debbie, Stephen and Tracey Debbie’s email: debbie@mlggazettes.co.uk Tracey’s mobile: 07500 592584 and email: tracey@mlggazettes.co.uk Emma’s email: emma@mlggazettes.co.uk

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Hundreds of thousands of pounds to support businesses Pub Quiz New rehabilitation and therapy use for Rendezvous Quirky Facts about Hampshire Councillor’s Column Famous Words The Adventures of Daichi Puzzle Answers Stargazing in Hampshire High Sheriff Community Awards Pets: Vomiting Dogs Monthly Walk: Fursey Gardens to Rufus Stone Harrow Way nominated a Music Mark school

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Supply your own artwork or use our inhouse design and brand expert.

To chat to Debbie or the sales team, give us a call on the number below...

01264 316499 Our magazines are printed in a factory that is FSC ® & ISO 14001 certified. Sustainable and environmentally friendly printing is part of our ethos. Using vegetable-based inks and recycling nearly 100% of our paper waste means you can be confident that this publication is not harming the planet.

MLG Magazines Ltd reserves the right to accept or reject any article or material supplied for publication or to edit material prior to publication. The opinions expressed or advice given in this publication are the views of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the publisher.

Every care is taken when compiling this magazine, however we cannot accept liability for misprints or mistakes. Dates and information quoted are believed correct at the time of going to press, but are subject to change and no responsibility can be taken for loss, damage or omission of material due to error. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they have permission to use any artwork which they supply to us or request for us to reproduce. Unless prior consent of the publisher is given, no part of this publication is to be reproduced.

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Andover BID has been supporting businesses in the town throughout the summer lockdown period and now again from early November and leading to the start of the Christmas trading period. Although a real challenge to all of us, not least the businesses, we are fortunate to have strong and quirky local businesses and a really loyal community and by pulling together and supporting Andover we look forward to coming out positively on the other side.

Stay safe and have a Totally Local Christmas - This festive BID challenges you to support businesses in your community by going local for your online Christmas shopping and to also rediscover your local high street, markets and all the quirky independent businesses that Andover boasts. Due to the latest Government announcement, you can now support many local businesses by ordering online and making use of any click and collect services they can operate. You could also consider purchasing gift vouchers from local businesses to help them over the coming weeks.

As part of its commitment to supporting local businesses, BID has launched two new initiatives, Shopsafe with the Alert App, and a Premises Improvement Scheme to support its businesses.

Shopsafe & Alert have been introduced to work alongside another BID launched in September, the Town Centre Ranger service. Aimed at supporting retailers in helping to reduce crime. BID introduced Alert in the spring, initially operating with pubs and the licensed trade. This has now been extended to retailers in the town through the establishment of Shopwatch an information sharing scheme using a daytime version of the Pubwatch scheme. The launch was aimed at the build up to Christmas.

The benefits of the App are to monitor shoplifters, ensuring that every store in the area is aware of which criminals are on the prowl, what they look like and where they are. It will work closely with the

BID rangers, security staff/and or police to know exactly what is happening and ensure criminals are tackled effectively with stolen goods still in their possession and with less risk of them running away or assaulting store staff. Linking with the BID RADIO Scheme. It is aimed at Andover become a place where crime doesn’t pay and where it becomes difficult for Shoplifting professionals to move around the town undetected. BID want to enforce a clear message that Andover is a SAFE, EASY & ENJOYABLE place to visit and shoplifting and other unacceptable behaviour is not welcomed in the town. Steve Godwin, manager of Andover BID says “Andover is generally a peaceful town and a SAFE place to shop and do business. We have become aware that a minority of people visiting the town use it as an opportunity to be badly behaved, to be anti-social and shop-lift from local businesses and this has got to stop. The introduction of the ALERT App will work alongside Pubwatch for the licensed trade with Shopwatch for retailers demonstrating to offenders that their behaviour in this town is unacceptable and will result in them being barred from premises, Chairman of Andover Pubwatch, Mark Leech, landlord of the town’s White Hart hotel, pub & restaurant says “We are delighted to have been using the BID Alert App. This is a nice town where a few people unfortunately spoil it for the majority. Pubs and venues come

together monthly through Pubwatch to ensure that they are united in their approach to offending on licensed premises. We have a total ban on people who repeatedly cause us problems and we meet monthly to establish who we don’t want in our venues”. This initiative is helping pubs, so we are delighted to see it being extended to retailers in the town” Pubwatch, Shopwatch and the Alert App are working alongside the BID Ranger service who carry a radio which links them to pubs, and shops and businesses enabling them to quickly attend when issues are occurring in the town.

Premises Improvement Scheme Grant - BID has launched a new town centre scheme aimed at helping businesses to improve their appearance, having been aware for some time that some premises and particularly those in the town centre have had a tough time during the summer and could do with some help and possibly some TLC to the fabric of their premises. We’ve allocated a sum of money that businesses can apply for as a grant, so it doesn’t need to be paid back. The type of improvement is down to the business to decide on but should generally be aimed at an improvement that will benefit the customer so this might include new or improved shop signage, improvements to the front of the premise, improved lighting, good window displays, perhaps better accessibility, the list is endless, it is down to the creativity of individual businesses. We are limiting the scheme to our BID members and request that the business completes an application with two quotes, and they must be from local companies as we want to support local businesses. We obviously don’t have a bottomless pit to draw from and are therefore prioritising the applications. Improvements can be external or internal but must demonstrate something that benefits the customer. We will pay up to 50% of an improvement and provide a ceiling of £500 per business to ensure that as many businesses as possible are able to benefit.

The other 50% must come from the business themselves or from another source but the aim is to support the improvement but not to pay for it all.

We are very proud of our town centre with it wide range of different and quirky businesses offering excellent choice and good customer services so the clear message this year is choosing to spend your money locally which will really make a difference in the recovery of the local economy. Stay safe and have a Totally Local Christmas!

ANDOVER BID PREMISES IMPROVEMENT GRANT UP TO £500 OF GRANT FUNDING FOR YOUR PREMISES ANDOVER BID IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE PREMISES IMPROVEMENT SCHEME This scheme provides match funding of up to £500 per premises improvement in the Andover BID area, Terms & Conditions apply (see grant application details) Applicants should ensure that premises improvements are consistent with the guidance when submitting applications.

Which sort of improvements qualify for a grant?

Any improvements to the actual property, whether internal or external. Examples include: new signage, replacing doors and windows, painting frontages, installing heating and electrical improvements, replacing ceilings and lighting, new flooring ETC. This is not an exhaustive list, if you are in any doubt as to eligibility or you would like to apply please contact Andover BID e-mail: andy@andoverbid.org.uk for more information

Hundreds of thousands of pounds to support businesses Test Valley Borough Council is set to begin processing hundreds of thousands of pounds of vital funds to businesses that have been forced to close during the Covid-19 national lockdown restrictions.

At the end of October, the government announced a new scheme for local authorities, where businesses who are required to close during the November lockdown, could apply for up to up to £3,000 which would be received every 28 days for the duration of the scheme.

Now, after incorporating the guidance from central government, businesses are being encouraged to check their eligibility for The Local Restrictions Support Grant and apply for the funding through the council’s website.

Depending on meeting eligibility criteria, businesses which were trading from a premises with a rateable value of £15,000 or less on 4 November will receive £1,334 per 28 days, with those of a rateable value of more than £15,000 but less than £51,000, receiving £2,000 over the same period.

Any business with a rateable value of £51,000 or more on their premises, will receive £3,000 over 28 days.

A list of eligibility criteria, further guidance and an application form can be found via testvalley.gov.uk/ businessgrant. Some businesses that the council believes may be eligible have been written to, but companies are encouraged to check the guidance and apply if they believe they meet the relevant criteria. As well as the

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support grant, the council is also looking to set up a discretionary grant to help those whose business and trade has been impacted by the lockdown, even if they have not been forced to close directly.

Finance portfolio holder, councillor Maureen Flood, said: “We have been working extremely hard to ensure that businesses can access this often vital funding as quickly and efficiently as possible. I know how difficult these times are for our local industries and we are determined to support local business.

“I would encourage anyone who thinks they may meet the criteria to apply for The Local Restrictions Support Grant, or get in touch with our officers if they have any queries at all. This is only the start of the financial support, and we will do all we can to help the Test Valley economy.”

Maureen Flood

@mlggazettesnews

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1. Where in the world would you expect to find a car with the vehicle registration code ‘V’?

5. Which was the first James Bond film to feature Roger Moore in the title role?

2. In which children’s book did a spider called Charlotte and a pig called Wilbur appear?

3. Which Mexican artist produced works entitled ‘The Broken Column’ and ‘Diego and I’?

6. How many sides has a heptadecagon?

7. ‘Suncrisp’, ‘Golden Russet’ and ‘Braeburn’ are all varieties of which fruit?

8. In which country would you find the coastal resort of Lara Beach?

4. What was the name of the character played by John Travolta in the film ‘Pulp Fiction’?

9. In which century was the first ‘Grand National’ horse race?

10. The letters of the word ‘allergy’ can be rearranged to form three other sevenletter words. Can you find all three of them?

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Answers on Page 30 10

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New rehabilitation and therapy use for Rendezvous The Rendezvous building off Andover’s Union Street is set to be rented out to a charity which helps members of the public with therapy and rehabilitation.

The building, owned by Test Valley Borough Council, has been available for the public to book for some years as community space for hire. However, the number of bookings has been very low over the last three years and fell further before the current Covid-19 pandemic. In spite of very low hire charges, the building has stood empty and unused for most of the time, costing the council thousands of pounds each year.

As well as the number of bookings falling, more community space has now opened up across Andover since The Rendezvous was opened to the public, such as Augusta Park’s community centre and similar at Picket Twenty. The majority of groups which had first used The Rendezvous after it was opened as community space, have instead now been using the Upper Guildhall.

The building is set to be rented to Valley Leisure Ltd, subject to planning permission being granted for a change of use for the building, for their rehabilitation and therapy work as an I Can centre, which is currently located within the Salto centre in Charlton.

Finance portfolio holder, councillor Maureen Flood, said: “This is a decision that we have been considering for a long while, certainly before the pandemic.”

“Instead of letting the building sit empty for a vast majority of the time, it’s wonderful that Valley Leisure can make use of the premises for such a fantastic purpose, and with the George Yard car park being so close, it’s an ideal location for them. I hope that it will also boost footfall in the town centre.”

“With other community space around the town and the Upper Guildhall, we know that with the current usage of The Rendezvous, we can comfortably accommodate those who need that space, elsewhere.”

Chief Executive of Valley Leisure Ltd, Chris Attrill said: “The move to Union Street is ideal for this bespoke service. The team are looking forward to the move as it provides the perfect environment in which to create the warm, welcoming and friendly setting in which they can best encourage and enable customers to gain physical, mental and social benefit from the service in addition to combatting the impact of loneliness and isolation.

“We know that the I Can service in the town centre will also bring additional footfall and the fantastic parking facilities and ease of access that the locations brings, will help encourage more customers to engage with the service.”

“In the last full financial year before lockdown the Rendezvous was used by community organisations at a concessionary rate just 15 times. The vast majority of these bookings were for the Freedom Programme run by the Andover Crisis and Support Centre, who have now migrated to the Upper Guildhall. If you add in all the private bookings, it was still being hired out less than once a week.”

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QUIRKY

BY MICA BALE

From a vital role in the protection of birds of prey to an interesting connection to Apollo 15, Hampshire has long held an important standing in the scrolls of national and even international history. To celebrate the county as Hampshire faces what may prove to be another historical era, here are five more interesting facts from around the county.

One of Hampshire’s star attractions is surely the Hawk Conservancy Trust which works globally to protect birds of prey and provide vital education and programmes to aid numbers. Based in Amport, the Hawk Conservancy has been toiling to help these majesties of the skies for more than fifty years by means of caring for and rehabilitating injured, ill or orphaned birds of prey.

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Did you know that Cliddesden has often been used as a film and television location? The Hampshire village made a special appearance as ‘Buggleskelly’ in arguably one of Britain's best loved black and white films, Oh Mr Porter, starring Will Hay. The village scenes were shot at the railway station which had become disused a few years before production began on the film.

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Did you know that Hythe Pier railway is the longest continuously running public pier train in the entire world? Taking a train journey today to get to the seaside might well be a memory of the past and yet there is something quintessential about taking a train ride along the seafront. Amazingly, Hythe Pier railway has been in operation since it’s construction in1878 although there had been plans produced even before then.

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Admittedly he is one of Hampshire's most famous sons, but did you know that it is 150 years since the death of Charles Dickens? His birthplace in Portsmouth is now a museum which celebrates the author, his works and has some of his personal items, including his snubox and inkwell and even the couch upon which he died 150 years ago.

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In a perhaps small way, it could be said that Hampshire played a part in the Apollo 15 moon landings. American astronaut Al Warden spent a period of time working in Farnborough at the Empire Test Pilot School during the 1960s. Several years later in 1971, he was one of just a handful of men to land on the moon!

COUNCILLORS COLUMN By the time you’re reading this, I hope that the lockdown will have been lifted and that we can all get through the rest of winter with as few restrictions on our lives as possible. My thanks, once again, to all the community groups and volunteers that have been helping those self-isolating or clinically extremely vulnerable with access to food and medicines. Test Valley has also been busy paying out grants to support businesses who have been legally forced to close and setting up our discretionary fund to help those who have lost income because of the second lockdown. We also took an early decision to suspend parking charges again in all of the council’s car parks for the duration of lockdown. Removing charges ensured those collecting essential supplies for themselves or others could do so speedily and safely, whilst creating adequate parking for those that live in the town centre who are confined to their homes.

Despite the extension to furlough and the increased support via the government’s Self-Employment Scheme, the coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on people’s finances.

It’s, therefore, really important that we do everything we can to ensure that disadvantaged families are well supported, so every child will be warm and well fed this winter.

To that end, I recently signed an urgent decision to provide £89k of funding to organisations in Test Valley that help those most in need with access to food.

As a result of that decision both Andover and Romsey foodbanks have received an additional £9k plus to meet increased demand. The Romsey Community

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School, which runs a multifaceted programme across the entire borough, including sessions on cooking on a budget, providing subsidised food to families in need, expanding delivery of food parcels for rural areas and setting up community fridges in rural schools received £30k.

Money was also distributed to St Mary’s Church in Andover, YMCA and the Yellow Brick Road. We have also set aside a further £20K to use flexibly to help families that are struggling.

Understandably, many people may also be experiencing worries about their council tax at the moment. Please, do pick up the phone and speak to us if you’re concerned. We’re around on 01264 368000 (Andover) or 01794 527700 (Romsey).

I know this year’s been really tough, but I’d like to wish all MLG Gazette readers a very Merry Christmas - and with the prospect of a working vaccine on the horizon, it’s my profound hope that 2021 brings much more normality to our lives.

Cllr. Phil North Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council

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UNITY NEWS - COVID19 HELPLINE UPDATE When the National Lockdown was announced in March, the people of Test Valley demonstrated the strength and breadth of this amazing community by volunteering support for those in need in huge numbers.

A Covid-19 helpline was rapidly launched by Unity to support people in most need in the community. The Helpline supported shielded and vulnerable people who had emergency needs for prescriptions, shopping and other essential activities. To deliver this support, Unity connected with and helped co-ordinate local community groups and volunteers.

Test Valley Borough Council became a partner and supported with resources, volunteers and administrative as well as linking into other strategic partners both locally and nationally. TVBC's support has been invaluable.

about going out as she was classed as vulnerable under the guidelines.

As well as receiving ongoing emotional support to ease her anxieties, she was also given practical advice and contacts to overcome issues with her home and transport problems that gave her the confidence to take her first steps back into community life. This shows how a little bit of support at the right time can make all the difference to our communities.

Lesley Shenton, Unity General Manager said: 'I have been overwhelmed at the way the community has responded to help those who are vulnerable at this difficult time. The people of Test Valley are truly fantastic and I know that those people who have received their help think this too'

The helpline has responded to over 4,000 calls for help, the majority being for assistance with collecting essential medicines, but also including help with shopping, dog walking and advice on how to keep safe.

A befriending/welfare telephone service was also incorporated by several groups including Unity to provide ongoing support to those who were suffering because of social isolation or other issues.

An example of how this Helpline has helped people in the community is demonstrated by one lady, at home with a young family, who was feeling very isolated and anxious

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Famous Words

Do you know who uttered these famous words?

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If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor.

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.

5 Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people's thinking.

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"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."

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Who said it?

“If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough.”

8 7 The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.

"When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on."

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Here at the Gazettes, with our very loyal advertisers we would like to thank you for your support of our wonderful magazines. To say “Thank you” in return we are donating 25% of the proceeds from these pages to our hard-working Andover Food Bank. We are grateful to the many volunteers who help this great cause!

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27

The Adventures of Daichi

The My Local Gazettes Camper Van What incredible times. We do hope you are safe, well and are still smiling despite anything that maybe happening around you. Daichi highly recommends switching the news off for a whole week and doing things that make you happy.

Here, the intention is to make you smile, give you ideas of places to visit (if we can now…), and things to do, that are simple, honest family fun.

Hopefully, it is a light relief. So here we go…

Daichi managed to sneak us back to that coastal village I so wanted to see when we were in Devon in the summer. This time it was October half term, so just before the second Lockdown. In August we had stayed in Bovisand on the other side of The Sound, that deep inlet of sea near Plymouth. While we were there, I looked daily across the blue expanse of water to a curious, small village with a beach. I was fascinated and told Daichi that was where I wanted to go next.

He was straight on the case and found a little cottage in Kingsand perfect for the three of us: myself, Stephen and Hayden our son. I have to say I was not sure if Hayden would come this time. He had plans with friends and now at the grand old age of nearly seventeen I feel very privileged that he still likes to get away as much as we do and enjoy our English ‘escapes’. Off we set. Daichi was certainly all smiles, engine roaring and lights aglow.

Volcanic rock formations at Kingsand

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Cawsand beach Cawsand and Kingsand are twin villages situated in Cornwall, right on the border with Devon. It is difficult to know where one village ends and the other one starts. For me they are idyllic.

Crashing waves literally hit the walls of the houses which line the streets on one side and the beach immediately on the other. Situated on the Rame Peninsula with a very small population I could definitely live there. Not only are there terrific sea views, but the villages are nestled in Mount Edgcumbe Country Park with 865 acres of beautiful forestry and parkland, ideal for walking.

It is a haven for dog lovers, walkers, children and simple adults like us. I am not so sure about rather large campervans in brightly coloured Kimonos though! Boy did Daichi have to breath in when navigating those cobbled, winding lanes.

Sharp bends and stone walls, which look amazing, are not necessarily good for metal bodies. Daichi was lucky and decided to spend his time in the very safe car park.

We had taken the chain ferry at Torpoint at the mouth of the River Tamar to get there. These crossings started right back in 1790 and now have 3 ferries running every day of the year, including Christmas Day. There is nothing like going on a ferry to know you are really going away! Some of us may have missed holidays abroad recently, but you can’t beat a good old English get-away.

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The weather of course was very mixed (it was late October after all) with some wind and rain and then one day of a wonderful, mysterious sea-roke which enveloped the cliffs and the houses. Long thick fingers of fog and mist creeping around everything in its midst. I was brought up in the North, so this is very real to me and I love a bit of atmosphere. I think Daichi was ok in his safe place, the car park…

Mid-week we took a trip to Whitsand Bay. What incredible chalets there are here! Scattered literally all over the cliffs from the bottom of the bay almost on the beach, right to the top of the overhanging cliffs. What fantastic views over a never-ending expanse of dramatic looking waters.

Speaking to the owner of the very welcoming Cliff Top Café, we were told that the chalets had once, and not that long ago, cost £20,000 each but now sell for over £350,000! We wished we had seen them earlier… They are not large and some look more modern than others, but I think you are paying for the ‘pitch’! The day we arrived the sea was totally white. Torrenting waves were pounding on the beach and the unforgiving rocks.

We took a walk right down to the front where the RNLI Lifeguards had a station, ready for any problems. We took many photos and videos of the thundering waves and the spectacular scenery. All smiling. Nature really is beautiful and there is something which excites the soul on mesmerizing days like this.

After all that excitement we needed a meal and a drink to calm us down and take in the night sea air. Our favourite café had become The Bay, Bar & Restaurant in Cawsand. Right on the sea

Waves crashing against the shore

Chalet overlooking Whitsand Bay front it was perfect for a coffee and a piece of cake, or indeed a full candle-lit evening meal. One lunchtime I had a whole mackerel (head and all) on a bed of salad. You really can tell I am from the North, can’t you? I am definitely my father’s daughter, even if I have lived in the South since I was twenty two… just a “couple” of years ago.

Now now…

The whole week was really relaxing. One day walking along The South West Coast Path (we did not quite manage all 630 miles of it…) we discovered Pier Cellars, the old torpedo development and testing station. Steeped in history and built in 1888/1889 it had a certain ‘mood’ about it. It is not open to the public, now owned by the MOD and used by HMS Raleigh for training purposes, but looking through the wire fencing I don’t think I wanted to take it any further anyway… Great to see and a bit of our history to set the old ‘grey matter’ thinking. I was pleased to get back to the luscious greenery and still blue waters from on high, on the hills this day.

There’s lots more I can say but I am limited with space – you may be relieved. The pink rocks on the beach at Kingsand were fascinating. I am no geologist, but this is volcanic lava apparently! How exciting is that?

So Daichi, another great family trip. Hayden did not quite manage to get his board out this time, though you carried it all the way to Cornwall for him, just in case. It just wasn’t quite the weather this time, but boy did we enjoy watching those gigantean waves thrashing the shores. Where will Daichi take us next… I wonder?

By Debbie Corney

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Answers Page PUB QUIZ 1. Vatican City 2. Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White 3. Frida Kahlo 4. 17 5. Vincent Vega 6. Live and Let Die (1973) 7. Apple 8. Turkey 9. 19th century (1839) 10. Gallery, largely and regally WHO SAID IT 1. Nelson Mandela 2. Eleanor Roosevelt 3. Mother Theresa 4. John Lennon 5. Steve Jobs 6. Oprah Winfrey 7. Walt Disney

8 4 2 3 9 1 7 6 5

9 1 6 5 7 2 4 3 8

7 5 3 6 4 8 9 2 1

2 9 7 4 1 6 5 8 3

6 8 4 7 3 5 1 9 2

1 3 5 8 2 9 6 4 7

3 7 1 2 6 4 8 5 9

5 6 9 1 8 3 2 7 4

4 2 8 9 5 7 3 1 6

9 7 3 6 2 4 1 8 5

1 2 5 9 8 3 4 6 7

6 4 8 5 7 1 2 3 9

2 9 7 3 1 5 6 4 8

3 8 4 7 6 9 5 1 2

5 6 1 2 4 8 7 9 3

7 1 9 4 3 2 8 5 6

4 3 2 8 5 6 9 7 1

8 5 6 1 9 7 3 2 4

Be sure to check out the next issue for more game pages!

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Let’s Sudoku!

Do you love numbers? Enjoy 2 new Sudoku challenges in every issue!

8 1 2 6

2 7 4 3

2 6 8 3 6 7 4 1 6 7 8 2 1 4 3 2 8 9 1 6 2 8 4 7 1 2 7

4 2

7 1 6

1 2 5 2 4 9 8 5 8 7 1 2 6 5 3 2 8 2 7 1 3 1 5 8 2 6 2 6 7 8 8 1 5 9 2 3 1

Answers on Page 30

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8 5 1 9

2

Not everything is negative and frustrating during these diďŹƒcult times At Forces Re-Engineered there is a lot of positive and good going on!!!

Loyal customers, the generosity of the general public and all the volunteers behind the scenes, keeps the team and the business of Forces Re-Engineered going. For the veterans it is vital that the company is ourishing. They are not depending on charity. The feeling of actually positively contributing to the company is very important to them. Working through the Lockdown, having been keyworkers for the Ambulance service gave them the really good feeling that they were giving something back to the community. The knowledge of acquiring new skills, with the aim of becoming a fully qualified vehicle technician, earning their keep, knowing that they are not a burden to society, fills the veterans with pride. It feels positive and good to give back, taking pride in what they are doing and achieving.

Being accepted as a valued, respected company, due to their quality of workmanship is a true confidence builder. Being accepted and respected without hesitation (physical disabilities and PTSD or not) is such a good feeling for them all.

On that note, best wishes to Pauline, one of their volunteers, who has resigned. A huge thank you to her from the team for all her efforts and hard work she has put in for the company.

The whole team of Forces Re-Engineered wishes every hard working and loyal volunteer, every loyal customer and supporter as well as the general public

A Very Merry Christmas, All The Best And Positive Wishes For An Extremely Happy New Year And A Successful 2021 AND A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!!!!!!

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33

A flurry of new members helps Hampshire conservation charity In a difficult year for everyone, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) has been delighted by the response to its call for new members to support their work. In July, the Fordingbridge-based charity launched its 500 Club, a proactive move to boost membership and make up for some of the loss of voluntary donations and income estimated to be in the region of £1.4million for 2020. Today, there are fewer than 100 spaces available in this unique club of people adding their support in a time of need.

Their membership supports work nationwide, but this includes important work in the region. The recent LIFE Waders for Real project saw the GWCT working with local land managers to increase the number of lapwing in the Avon Valley between Salisbury and Christchurch. Their hard work saw them rise from 61 pairs in 2015 to 105 in 2019. Prior to the project, lapwing productivity had dropped as low as 0.4 young per pair. By 2019, the figure was 0.96, safely exceeding the critical level for sustainability. The project has also seen remarkable success with the redshank population. Redshank have increased from 19 pairs in 2015 to 35 in 2019.

Asked why they were lending their support to the GWCT, one new member noted “To be perfectly honest, I should have been a member long ago.

The more I found myself using your research for reference I felt it wrong that I was not contributing towards the ‘pot’!”

they sign up for the new Syndicate Membership, saving 30% of the cost of membership for syndicates of eight or more, and enjoy all the benefits of Syndicate membership and the 500 Club.

Elizabeth Cook, who joined in July, is eager for others to follow her lead. She notes: “I joined the GWCT because of its commitment to scientific research around game and conservation. In uncertain times we need to back up our beliefs in the rightness of our actions with facts, proof of those facts and good analysis. We also need to challenge tradition and keep a constant check if we are doing both the right and the best things for our environment. Good scientific research helps us make our world a better place”.

Members’ support, through subscriptions and donations, goes towards the GWCT’s leading research, practical advice for land managers and the GWCT’s policy input at government level. Research that has increased global understanding of woodcock, pheasants and partridges, that informs the future of our national agriculture policy and that puts facts at the forefront of decisions made about the countryside.

Those wishing to show their support can join online at www.gwct.org.uk/join or by calling 01425 651024.

Other new members referenced the GWCT’s “ability to present hard facts and indisputable scientific evidence” and simply that “I have for a long time admired and appreciated the work done by the GWCT to promote both the interests of shooting and the wildlife with which we share the environment … it is beholden on all of us who enjoy our sport to support the work of the GWCT.” The 500 Club is open to those deciding to support the GWCT through one of their main membership types*, who make a single annual payment and who are not already a member (or were one in the last 12 months). New members who are part of a shooting syndicate can also join the 500 Club when

34

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Ringing a lapwing chick

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35

WRITTEN WRITTENBY BYKATE KATEEARL EARL

STAR GAZING Welcome Welcometo tothe theDecember DecemberStargazing StargazingPage.

Page.Each Eachmonth monthI’ll I’llbe bedescribing describing astronomical astronomicalevents eventsthat thatare arehappening happeningoverhead overheadin inour ourbeautiful beautifulnight night skies. skies.The Themajority majorityof ofevents eventsare areviewable viewablejust justby bystepping steppingoutside outsideon onaa cloudless cloudlessnight nightand andlooking lookingup, up,but butsome somemay mayrequire requireaaparticular particularvantage vantage point pointe.g. e.g.aaclear clearview viewto tothe thewest. west.Occasionally, Occasionally,events eventswill willbenefit benefitfrom fromthe the use useof ofbinoculars binocularsor oraasmall smalltelescope telescopeififavailable, available,but butall allcan canbe beenjoyed enjoyed without withouteither. either.Warm Warmshoes, shoes,layers layersof ofclothes, clothes,and andaaflask flaskof ofhot hottea teaare are recommended recommendedduring duringwinter winterviewing! viewing!

Interna Interna onal onal Space Space Sta Sta on on Due Dueto tothe thechangeable changeablenature natureof ofthe theISS, ISS,timings timingspublished publishedhere hereare are unfortunately unfortunatelyoften ofteninaccurate. inaccurate.From Fromhereon hereonin, in,only onlydates, dates,which whichare arelikely likely to toremain remaincorrect, correct,will willbe belisted. listed.To Toestablish establishexact exacttimings timingsplease pleasevisit visit www.heavens-above.com www.heavens-above.comor oraasimilar similarwebpage webpagefor forup-to-date up-to-dateinformation, information, remembering rememberingto toset setthe thelocation locationto toAndover.

Andover.The TheISS ISSwill willbe bevisible, visible,often often twice twiceduring duringthe thenight, night,in inour ourearly earlyevening eveningskies skiesbetween between1st 1st––10th 10th December.

December.Those Thosehoping hopingto tospot spot‘Santa’ ‘Santa’on onthe the24th 24thor or25th 25thwill willneed needto to wake wakeup upearly earlyin inthe themorning, morning,with withpre-dawn pre-dawnsightings sightingsvisible visibleon onboth both mornings. mornings.

Events Events The TheWinter WinterSolstice Solsticeoccurs occurson on21st 21stDecember Decemberthis thisyear, year,and andmarks marksthe theday day when whenthe theSun Sunreaches reachesits itslowest lowestpoint pointin inthe thesky, sky,as asseen seenfrom fromthe theNorthern Northern Hemisphere.

Hemisphere.This Thisin inturn turncorresponds correspondsto tothe theshortest shortestday, day,and andlongest longestnight night (all (allthe thebetter betterfor fordoing doingastronomy). astronomy).

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The Thesolar solarsystem’s system’ssmallest smallestplanet planetisislost lostin inthe theSun’s Sun’sglare glarethis thismonth. month.

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The Thetwo twoplanets planetswere werelast lastthis thisclose closein inGalileo’s Galileo’stime timein in1623 1623CE. CE.IfIfthe thesky skyisis clear clearthis thiswill willbe beaatruly trulyspectacular spectacularsight. sight.There Thereisisonly onlyaasmall smallwindow windowof of opportunity opportunityto tosee seethis thisevent eventas asthe theplanets planetsare arelow lowin inthe thesky, sky,close closeto tothe the horizon, horizon,but buttry trylooking lookingafter aftersunset, sunset,between between4.45 4.45––5.30p.m 5.30p.mtowards towardsthe the southwest. southwest.

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25 25

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VIEW VIEW SW SW WITH WITH OPTICAL OPTICAL AID AID 21 21 DECEMBER DECEMBER 4.45-5.30PM 4.45-5.30PM

High Sheriff Community Awards Launched The High Sheriff of Hampshire 202021 Rev Sue Colman is calling for public servants, individuals, volunteers, charities and community organisations to submit their nominations for the High Sheriff Community Awards, to celebrate the good work of those making Hampshire a safer place for all residents.

The High Sheriff, Rev Sue Colman, said: “The awards honour those who deserve special recognition for their good work in the field of law and order.

It is important that we take the time to celebrate those who enhance safety and cohesion and go beyond the call of duty in their everyday activities to make Hampshire a better and safer place to live and work, particularly this year with Covid-19 impacting on all of our lives. I would particularly like to honour organisations and individuals who, during this time of pandemic, have adapted their practices and innovated news ways of working to ensure others have remained safe and supported. This is an integral part of the High Sheriff’s role and I very much look forward to honouring the unsung heroes that achieve so much across our Hampshire communities.”

to make a nomination for any person or organisation working in the area of law and order that has gone above and beyond expectation. Every year, we are inspired by the great work of those receiving an award, which has included police constables, probation officers, street pastors, search and rescue dog handlers, stalking services and domestic abuse centres. The Community Awards enable us to appreciate the efforts of those that have made a real difference to the lives of local people, many of whom have experienced very difficult times.”

The awards will be presented by the High Sheriff at a ceremony on Thursday 18th March 2021, subject to Covid-19 restrictions. More information and contact details for the High Sheriff can be found on www. hampshirehighsheriff.org.uk High Sheriff of Hampshire, Rev Sue Colman

Nomination forms can be downloaded from www.hiwcf.com/high-sheriffcommunity-awards-2020-21/ and should be returned by email to marketing@hiwcf.com before 6pm on 29th January 2021.

Grant Cornwell MBE, Chief Executive at HIWCF commented “HIWCF is delighted to be partnering the High Sheriff of Hampshire Rev Sue Colman in administering these annual honours and we urge Hampshire residents

38

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39

Vomiting Dogs In the Christmas period, dietary indiscretion is quite fresh in our minds.

We sometimes see so many vomiting cases it looks as if there is an outbreak of a gut virus – while this may be true on occasion, the truth is usually far more prosaic- if there is a sudden change in diet then, just like us, the gut may be upset. Also with the mild wet weather dead bodies of wild animals may putrefy- besides dogs’ eating habits on walks, puddles of water may be contaminated. More worryingly, there are also a lot of strange objects(decorations, semi-deflated balloons, etc) in the house that seem like a dog treat, but can form a lifethreatening gut obstruction.

In most cases, the consequences are quite minor (though may require lots of cleaning!). Most dogs will vomit for a day and with dietary management will get over it. In these cases we normally recommend restricting food for a day and just giving little-and-often cooled boiled water (it is important to allow the dog to drink lots, though you must avoid allowing them to drink large volumes of cold water in one go – it will usually come straight back up) If they stop vomiting in this time, then introduce small quantities of boiled rice/ potato (and maybe a little leftover turkey!) – again, feed little and often for a few days before gradually changing back to the normal diet In some cases you will need to seek veterinary advice: • If vomiting doesn’t stop during/ after restricting food

by John Chitty - Anton Vets BVetMed CertZoo Med MRCVS

• If the dog is on pre-existing medication (or has any other concurrent illness) If your dog becomes weak and/or shivery then veterinary attention should be sought as a matter of urgency – these signs may indicate dehydration and/or loss of electrolytes In these cases, most do really well with anti-vomiting drugs and antibiotics.

However, some do need to be admitted to go onto a drip or may need further investigation (there’s always a chance that your dog may not be the same as the others and may have a Christmas foreign body!)

As in most things, if you are in doubt it is always safest to contact your vet for advice… and make sure you have their emergency number on hand!

antonvets.co.uk

• If the dog becomes unwell

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41

A fresh walk from Furzey Gardens to

The Rufus Stone Wrien by Malcolm Price

Start here This month’s walk heads South once again, just outside the environs of the Test Valley, to the edge of The New Forest, with the chosen host location of Furzey Gardens, School Lane, Minstead, Lyndhurst, SO43 7GL.

Should you wish to visit the Gardens as well as taking in the walk, then it is requested that visitors pre book prior to arrival, if possible. The walk covers approximately 4.5 miles (7km) and is likely to take the regular walker around 90 minutes. The middle section can get a little boggy in Winter but in no way hazardous and precludes an extended climb afterwards. Please remember that the Forest is shared with donkeys, ponies and cattle so should a dog be your companion for the walk then be aware of their location.

Leaving the car park we must escape by the top corner with the signs ‘No Exit’ and ‘No access to the A31’. These refer to vehicles and not walkers, who form a large number of visitors to this area. The track is a good quality gravel road that goes very slightly upwards for around 600 metres, passing a couple of houses on the left and onwards for a further 150 metres past a gravel turning on the right. We are aiming right at the single bar gate with a National Cycleway arrow, where we now go underneath the dual carriageway of the A31

Once up on the open heath we must turn right picking up the trail along the grass path that becomes a gravel track very shortly, as it joins a fresh road taking us to the right. We now continue as far as the metalled road and turn left down the hill.

This is a fairly quiet road with no footpath, so we need to keep up to or along the grass verge, but not for long as we join the

clearing that houses the Rufus Stone and commemorative Oak Tree (photo 4). The original stone was erected at the spot where King William II (Rufus) was shot and fatally wounded by an arrow intended for a stag, but was deflected away and shot the King on 2nd August 1100. The marksman, Sir Walter Tyrrell , hot footed away to Normandy before any repercussions could be created, but few tears were shed for the unpopular King, and his brother Henry took the throne within three days. A little further down the road is the aptly named pub, the Sir Walter Tyrrell

which could easily provide a watering hole on the way round. Directly opposite the pub is Canterton Glen, which is our next destination. Keeping the pub directly behind us we now aim down the middle of the moorland, with numerous often flooded ditches and ultimately a full on stream (with stepping stones) along with a generous muddy surround. After clearing the stream at about 500 metres from the pub we commence a steady climb., always following the well worn track for another kilometre, including joining a concrete road that leads up to Longbeech Campsite

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks” - John Muir

This section is nicely sheltered, but once off this forest road and turning left along Stoney Cross, we are in a much more exposed location. This area was taken over by the UK and USA air forces in 1943 to help with World War II offensive plans and much of the runways are still evident today. In fact we must turn left directly off the road to take one of these runways that runs parallel with the road some 50 metres away (heading South) and continue along this path for around 1.2 kilometres. It is very popular with walkers and riders, as well as the Forest Ponies themselves and so it is well trodden. As we approach the A31 once again the path joins a left option just beyond a single bar gate (photo 6) which is our next target. This is a very obvious gravel road that weaves it’s way along beside the sometimes noisy A31 for almost 2 kilometres until it meets the original open green, from an hour ago, and drops down right back underneath the main road. We are now very much on the homeward run. Turning left at the single bar gate and working our way back down the gravel road the 600 metre stretch back to the clearing and car park. The cafe at Furzey Gardens is likely to be open only at weekends and school holidays, during the Winter months, but it is worth checking as their cakes are delicious and just reward for the Forest outing.

Finish here

Harrow Way nominated a Music Mark School Harrow Way Community School’s commitment to music has been recognised

by Music Mark, a national organisation which supports and promotes the highest quality music education for all children and young people. Harrow Way was nominated for this special status by Hampshire Music Service, for the value they place on music and their broad and balanced musical curriculum.

Commenting on becoming a Music Mark School for the current academic year, Emily Massiah, Music Teacher said: “We work very hard at Harrow Way to ensure we deliver an enriching music curriculum. It is therefore great to have this recognised and acknowledge by Music Mark, an organisation which works to lobby for, and champion, a government supported, high-quality, music education provision for all school aged children. Music plays such an important role in all our lives, both professionally and personally, and is something which we like to enjoy and celebrate here at the school.�

Harrow Way has long been renowned for

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its music and performing arts provision, each year putting on spectacular performances and concerts. The school has had a long association with Hampshire Music Service, one of the largest music services in the country, which provides musical tuition to students. Harrow Way is also a musical hub for the local community with Hampshire Music Service running a junior orchestra at the school as a local after school activity.

The Music Mark School nomination system allows music hubs and services across the UK to nominate schools who they believe have shown a commitment to providing high-quality music education. This means different things for different schools from incorporating more music into the curriculum to starting an extra-curricular music group.

For more information about Harrow Way, please go to www.harrowway.hants.sch.uk/ and more information regarding Music Mark can be found at www.musicmark.org.uk/

@mlggazettesnews

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