Forest Edge Gazette - August 2020

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Forest Edge CELEBRATING LOCAL LIFE & BUSINESSES LOCAL DIRECTORY Connect with businesses & service providers in your community COMMUNITY NEWS Totton Stroke Support Group World Record SUP Attempt REGULAR FEATURES Winsor Football Club News Quirky Facts about Hampshire

AUG

Welcome to the

August edition of your local Forest Edge Gazette community magazine.

How are you? Are you managing to get out and about again after a few months indoors? How very odd these times are.

Since many of us have had summer holidays abroad cancelled, are you (like us), looking at the house and garden to see what needs mending, improving or changing? Here in your local Modern Magazine, there are lots of local trades and services to help with all of that. Why not give them a ring to see how they can help you? The advertisers would love to hear from you and don’t forget to mention us.

Sixteen years on and I still love to hear that you are backing up our local trades and services. It is very appreciated and a win win situation all round! Our community thrives on helping each other. Especially in these times. If there are any trades you need and cannot find here please let me know. I may be able to help you.

We do hope things keep improving. We have done a fabulous job, I believe, in keeping as many people as well as possible. It has been team work on a huge scale! If we concentrate on the positive, we will get even more positive results. Stay alert, keep cleaning and we will get through.

Have a great month of August!

Debbie, Stephen and all the Team at the Gazettes

Contact us Debbie: 01264 316499, e: debbie@mlggazettes.co.uk Emma: e: emma@mlggazettes.co.uk Website: www.mlggazettes.co.uk Like us on Facebook: @mlggazettesnews Follow us on Twitter: @mlggazettesnews

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What’s inside...

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Totton Stroke Support Group Winsor United Football Club Puzzle Corner Quirky Facts on Hampshire Recipe: Mini Pizzas Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust: Taking the sting out of nettles Olivia Inspires Supports Disadvantaged Pupils World Record SUP Attempt Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Doctor takes on Everesting for charity The Adventures of Daichi Gardening: Hoarding Brendoncare Clubs News

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COPY DATE FOR NEXT ISSUE 10th August 2020

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Using vegetable-based inks and recycling nearly 100% of our paper waste means you can be confident that this publication isn’t harming the planet.

MLG Magazines Ltd reserve the right to accept or reject any article or material supplied for publication or to edit such 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.

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Community News

Totton Stroke Support Group The Totton Stroke Support Group named “Time to Talk” is primarily a group for people that have speech problems of varying degrees and suffer Aphasia.

We are a self-financing organization managed by trained volunteers and is a part of the Stroke Association. The Group meet every Wednesday afternoon at Totton Community Centre between 1:30 and 3:30pm.

We have a membership of forty plus not including the volunteers. It is a friendly and happy group. We organize a host of activities including games, quizzes, bingo, occasional interesting subject speakers and demonstrations. We have an I pad group and our own choir.

We also have seated exercise sessions hosted by one of the volunteers who is a retired physiotherapist. We like to arrange fun afternoons such as singalong’s and parties, fish and chip lunch, occasional trips out and of course a Christmas dinner.

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A weekly subscription includes tea or coffee and a weekly draw ticket. It is a very social group and more importantly all the members have had strokes. This is very reassuring for new members who may feel isolated after having their stroke.

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WINSOR UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE SEASON AHEAD

Like all other grassroots football clubs, last season was cut short and abandoned for all of our teams when the lockdown hit. This means that for all of our teams, the last time they have played a proper game of football was back in mid-March. Therefore, the new season which starts in September is eagerly anticipated and there is even more excitement about a new season than normal.

The club has 3 local venues where our teams play league matches and train throughout the year, Abbotswood Junior School, Redbridge Community School and Hounsdown School.

Winsor United are proud to announce a brand new 15 year partnership agreement with Hounsdown School, which builds upon the existing partnership agreement that we had in place with Hounsdown. As part of this agreement, both Hounsdown School and Winsor United have committed significant financial investment into improving pitch quality and to an annual pitch maintenance plan covering the life span of the partnership agreement. Here are some photos of the work in progress.

Since the beginning of June the club has been offering socially distanced football training every weekend at Abbotswood Junior School in Totton and from July this was extended to both Hounsdown School and Redbridge School across the weekend.

All of our teams are in great shape for the new season but like most youth football clubs it becomes difficult to recruit players into age groups when the format of the game changes and the number of players per team increases. This is always particularly tricky with the transition from Under 10’s to Under 11’s where the format drastically changes from playing a 7v7 mini soccer format at Under 10’s to a 9v9 format where the full laws of the game are adopted. Therefore we are constantly on the look out for players going into School Year 6 in September to bolster our Under 11 teams.

In addition, the transition from Under 12 to Under 13 is equally as problematical where the format of the game goes from 9v9 on a smaller pitch to 11v11 on a full size pitch and full size goals. This coincides with a lot of children dropping out of Sports as pressure with school work ramps up towards children taking their options later that year.

Therefore, we are also constantly looking out for players going into school year 8 in September to bolster our U13 teams. The club are really looking forward to the grassroots football season starting up again in September and to playing on the lovely pitches at Hounsdown School in particular. We are always looking out for new players to join our friendly club particularly in school years 6 and 8. Our core focus is on player development and having fun! 'Finally, Winsor United are looking to recruit girls in school years R,1,2,& 3 for its teams (please see below advert). Training is Saturday mornings at Abbotswood school and is completely free.

Want to play f r us?

Check us out online, visit www.winsorunited.co.uk

Contact: Paul Luman Vice Chairperson 07879 410247 admin@winsorunited.co.uk

Puzzle Corner 8

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QUIRKY

BY MICA BALE

As the year begins a new phase of life, Hampshire’s already fascinating history continues to write new chapters. From inspiring the mind of the literary genius who brought Lord of the Rings to millions of avid readers to an interesting connection with William the Conqueror, here’s five more quirky facts that have already been written in the county’s story.

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Did you know that William Gilbert Grace, arguably one of the most important and talented cricket players in history, once played a game in Appleshaw? The cricket legend was not only considered one of the very best players of the sport but was also fundamental in improving the game and applying different rules and even is said to have been one of the wealthiest cricket players despite being classed as an amateur.

Have you seen the statue of King Alfred in Winchester? Also known as Alfred the Great, the king of England played an important role in the early heritage of England and indeed of Hampshire. The statue was well placed in its home at Winchester, however despite the grandeur that is seen today, the structure had less than a kingly entrance. Rumour has it that as the grand pillar upon which King Alfred now stands was in fact placed upside down.

Some with eagle eyes have noticed that the pillar is noticeably wider at the top than at its base, adding belief that the pillar was indeed placed the wrong way.

Nevertheless, King Alfred still stands proud, no doubt fondly overlooking his old home of Winchester.

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KING ALFRED STATUE

As well as being a glorious Tudor mansion and former palace, the Vyne, located in Basingstoke, has a history of welcoming visitors whether they be royal guests or perhaps those with slightly humbler origins. One such visitor was J.R.R Tolkien who is said to have been inspired to write his famous Middle Earth stories by a particular Roman ring that had been uncovered in a field in the county. Tolkien had been welcomed to the house by the then current owner to comment on the find and its interesting inscription which spoke of a curse being put upon a man who had stolen the ring.

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THE VYNE Interestingly, Hampshire played a little-known role in the announcement that World War I had begun. The man who journeyed to the capital to make the memorable announcement was Sir Edward Grey and he had a country retreat at Itchen Abbas used predominantly for fishing. He would frequently visit Hampshire and was, in fact, a keen fisherman himself and even wrote a book on the subject, no doubt inspired by his experiences in Hampshire. It was at Itchen Abbas, in the beginning of August in 1914, that Sir Grey would spend the night prior to going to London to make what would be one of the most important announcements in British history.

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Another interesting snippet from Hampshire’s history comes from Fareham Creek. Aside from being one of the most picturesque areas in the town, it was

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FAREHAM CREEK

also said to have been the very site that William the Conqueror’s army landed and marched onwards to the important Saxon base in Winchester which was of course, then capital of the whole country. Of course the Saxons were noble and experienced warriors who had already endured much threat from invasion however, as the Norman conquest would testify, the rest is history.

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Wildlife News 14

Taking the sting out of nettles Thanks to their sting and vigorous growth, stinging nettles are muchmaligned by many gardeners and visitors to the countryside. But it has not always been this way.

Historically, nettles were an important source of food, and they were also put to a great variety of other uses. They were used as an analgesic, an animal feed supplement, dye, cloth, and food wrap for cheese, fish, and meat. Even today you can find nettle listed as a key ingredient on the supermarket shelves on anything from shampoo, to cheese, to beer!

Young nettle tops (picked from early spring to early summer) really are delicious. Steamed or simmered, like any green vegetable, the taste and texture of cooked nettles is similar to spinach and they can be substituted for it in any recipe. Full of vitamins and minerals, particularly iron, nettles are a cheap and readily available “super-food”. True to the old adage, you just need a firm grip (or gloves!) to avoid the stinging hairs when you pick them, and the cooking process will do the rest so you can enjoy their taste and goodness without worrying.

You will need to pick a lot of leaves as, just like spinach, they reduce in volume when cooked. Only pick the young leaves at the top of the plant before it has gone to seed.

Stinging nettles support at least 40 different species of insect, including some of our favourite and familiar butterflies. Peacock, red admiral, small tortoiseshell, comma and painted lady butterflies all have caterpillars whose only, or main, source of food is the nettle.

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These caterpillars, along with the aphids and other insects that feed on nettles, sustain our woodland and garden birds throughout the spring and early summer.

Later in the year, small, seed-eating birds including chaffinches, bullfinches and house sparrows all benefit from the thousands of small seeds that each nettle plant produces. As well as giving these direct benefits to wildlife, nettles can be used by gardeners in the know to make their own nitrogen-rich nettle fertiliser. Simply half fill any watertight container with nettles, top it up with water, give it an occasional stir, and wait!

After a few days it will start “brewing” – try adding some rosemary to offset the offensive smell. After three or four weeks of bubbling, strain off the solids to the compost heap and dilute the remaining liquor at one part nettle fertiliser to ten parts water, and your garden plants will love it!

Find out more about your local wildlife at hiwwt.org.uk.

Alice Ashcroft

@mlggazettesnews

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Community News

Olivia Inspires Supports Disadvantaged Pupils in Lockdown New Forest charity, Olivia Inspires has stepped in to help disadvantaged students in the district’s schools during the coronavirus lockdown. The lockdown and the resulting school closures have had a disproportionate impact on the learning of disadvantaged pupils and have resulted in an increase in the already wide attainment gap between the richest and poorest pupils. Olivia Inspires is working with the schools to help redress the balance.

The charity has made a total of £15,750 available, £1,500 to each of the nine secondary schools in the New Forest district and £750 to each of the three non-mainstream schools (education centres and special schools).

Nigel Burt, Olivia’s father and a founder of the charity explained: “We know that lockdown has been very hard on all students, but particularly those who are most disadvantaged. We have offered the schools this funding to use in the way that they think will best help individual students.”

Many of the schools have used Olivia Inspires’ funds to provide laptops for pupils as so much learning has moved online during lockdown. The government has only provided laptops for disadvantaged students in Year 10, together with care leavers and those with social workers, so this means the majority of disadvantaged students have received no government help.

New Forest Academy in Holbury has opted to use the funds to provide one-to-one specialist maths tuition for Year 10 students. Whilst four students from Greenwood School in Hythe will be benefitting from Equine Assisted Learning (https://www.new-horizons-eal.co.uk/about-us/) thanks to the Olivia Inspires funding.

Priestland’s headteacher Peter Main said: “We are delighted that Olivia Inspires has agreed to support our students with laptops. This will not only make a huge difference to them in enabling them to access the work and tutorials being set online through lockdown but longer term it will also provide them with a resource to really enhance their home learning and independence.”

Ringwood School’s assistant headteacher, Heather Jolly echoed these thoughts saying: “Thanks to Olivia Inspires’

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generous donation, we have been able to buy seven laptops. These have gone to students who have worked exceptionally hard throughout these difficult last few months, despite having limited or no access to technology at home. This donation will mean they are able to access work from home, catch up on anything they have missed over the last few months, and continue to work hard towards their GCSEs and bright futures beyond. Thank you Olivia Inspires, you really are making such a difference in our local community.”

Nigel concluded: “We are delighted that through Olivia Inspires we have been able to help these young people at such a difficult time and wish them success in the future.

“It’s great to be able to help young people in this way because the applications for support from young people have dried up during lockdown. Like many charities the last few months have been difficult for us. There were a number of fundraising events planned and these have either been postponed or cancelled, so if anyone would like to do any fundraising for us that would be amazing. Now that things are starting to return to normal we would like to get the message out that we are here to support any young person who needs a helping hand in achieving their dreams and I would encourage them to apply.”

To find out more, make an application for support or donate to the charity please visit www.oliviainspires.org.uk.

You can follow Olivia Inspires on Facebook @oliviainspires or Twitter @olivia_inspires.

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Continued support from Hampshire Mobility Services It’s clear that we have all had to make changes to the way we live, travel and interact with each other over the last few months. Adapting to a new normal for the foreseeable future so that we can continue to beat the virus.

From our experience maintaining independence for people with mobility problems is vital. Stairs are often the biggest obstacle faced whilst remaining at home during these difficult and challenging times, Stairlifts can be the answer for many.

Through the many years of engineering and technology advances, stairlifts are far more versatile on even the trickiest of staircases. We strive to provide the best products and advice face-to-face working with experienced stairlift manufactures, customising each lift on an individual basis. We have also adapted our surveying techniques to now include videocall type surveys, still giving a personal quotation based on the user’s needs not just the one brand they sell.

Hampshire Mobility Services are proud to be an independent stairlift company employing trusted experts in producing high quality stairlifts for many years to suit both straight and curved staircases. Our team of

engineers could provide a solution to solve straight stairs the next working day* and ensure some safety when moving up and downstairs.

Over these recent pressing times we have kept the shop open, carried out all the maintenance and installed many stairlifts to relieve the pressure in hospitals and bring clients home, we have safely delivered vital items to those who have shielded or were unable to make a visit to the shop during lockdown.

We are now in a position where we are returning to a more familiar place of work, We’d like to thank all of our supportive customers for maintaining your trust in us, because of this and in return we’d like to offer a summer promotion you or your family find useful.

Every new stairlift installed in August will have the standard 2-year warranty and servicing and we will add a 3rd service free of charge*. All new mobility scooters purchased in August will have 1 year’s free insurance.

We continue to have a wide range of mobility aids, rise and recline chairs, wheelchairs and walking aids on show in the shop, so please come and visit us for advise and guidance.

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Community News

World Record SUP Paddle Attempt

On the weekend of the 26th July 2020, Jordan Wylie (36) from Blackpool, Lancashire will attempt to be the first person in the world to Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) around Great Britain, a complete circumnavigation of over 2,000 miles of paddling.

This is a feat that has been attempted previously in recent years, but to date no person has been successful in achieving this highly ambitious endeavour, due to the extreme physical and psychological barriers, combined with the relentless and unpredictable British weather system all year round.

Jordan, who is no stranger to risk or danger, served in the British Army for 10 years, and ran through the 3 most dangerous countries in the world in 2018, which was also the subject of his latest book; Running For My Life. Last year he completed another world first when he rowed across the perilous Bab El Mandeb Straits, the gateway to the pirate infested Gulf of Aden, coined the most dangerous

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stretch of water on the planet.

This year he was scheduled to run marathons in the 10 coldest places on earth but having completed Siberia, Yukon, Alaska and Iceland, his plans came to a grinding hold on his way to the North Pole when the world went into lockdown as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Jordan will return to his polar running challenge in December by heading to Antarctica, however in the meantime he has come up with a new challenge in his mission to inspire young people around the world using the spirit of adventure in his role as the UK’s national ambassador for Army Cadets with The Great British Paddle.

Jordan, who is also one of the stars of Channel 4’s BAFTA nominated and award winning shows Hunted and Celebrity Hunted, is on a mission to inspire young people by building a school for refugees on the Horn of Africa that have been displaced by the conflicts in Yemen and Somalia. He hopes The Great British

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Paddle can contribute towards the £100,000+ he has already raised in the last 12 months to finish the school build which is now well underway.

The Great British Paddle will be supported by an experienced team of world class professionals including world record breaking sailor Alex Alley who will skipper the support boat and act as the overall project manager. Adventure psychologist and polar explorer Paula Reid will head up the onshore team and former military adventurer turned film maker James May will be documenting the official Guinness World Record attempt for the world to share in, as well as local Andover based business Mye Prints and Bear Behind who will be managing a website, social media and press enquiries.

This incredible British expedition has been kindly sponsored by Angel Call Handling, a local Andover based business which is where Jordan resides these days. The company, which is owned by Sarah and Angela, provide

professional business support services and have a reputation for excellence across Hampshire. Jordan stated “to work with Angela and Sarah is a real honour, these lovely ladies and their business have so much passion, positive energy and drive and these are all traits I will need to be successful in The Great British Paddle.”

As well as Angel Call Handling, Jordan’s full time exclusive sponsors, Eton Harris and Chartercross Capital Management based in the UAE will be supporting the project after the COVID-19 pandemic delayed all the plans to head to colder climates throughout 2020. Jordan said “I am super grateful to the team at Eton Harris and Chartercross. They have been like a family to me and the fact I get to work with them every day is a real privilege. They are the reason I am able to visit so many schools, cadet units and youth organisations and share my experiences to help others. I will fly their flag proudly as always.”

There are many other companies and organisations that will be supporting the expedition through kit and equipment suppliers and even a support boat sponsor too. This is a challenge like no other and Jordan will be giving it his best shot as always.

To advertise, please call 01264 316499 or email enquiries@mlggazettes.co.uk

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Community News

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Doctor takes on Everesting cycle challenge for life-saving charity On Sunday 26th July, Doctor Jamie Plumb, a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) Critical Care Team, will be swapping rotary wings for bicycle wheels, as he gears up to cycle the height of Mount Everest in a single ride - over 250km - to raise money for the life-saving charity.

Doctor Plumb will be setting off on his Everesting challenge at 5.30am, departing from Northington and Swarraton Village Hall, Alresford, where he will be cycling up and down a 700-metre-high hill continuously, with an elevation gain of 49 metres, a total of 183 times.

Doctor Plumb has been flying on board the Air Ambulance since August 2019, working on the front line as a PreHospital Emergency Medicine Doctor, and as a Consultant Anaesthetist at University Hospital Southampton.

Doctor Plumb comments ‘When two of my young nephews completed very impressive lockdown challenges for charity, I knew I had to get involved myself. It’s going to be an incredibly testing day, but the support from my family and friends, who will be there to cheer me along the way, and the donations I have received, will keep me

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going through those mentally tough times, of which I am sure there will be plenty’.

Doctor Plumb adds ‘Having worked for HIOWAA for almost a year, I have seen first-hand the impact the service has on our community. Our patients and their families rely on us, and I am determined to raise as much money as possible to keep us on the front line, saving lives’.

To support Doctor Plumb on his Everesting challenge, please visit the HIOWAA website: www.hiowaa.org

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Adventures of Daichi

The Adventures of Daichi For anyone new to these pages, Daichi, The Dashing Dude is our beloved Campervan. He is fun loving and adventurous and passionate about steering us to new places, to take us out as a family, exploring the coast and the countryside. He loves England and drove all the way from Japan to be with us, where he had a new suit fitted including fridge, cupboards, table, bed and a great new roof that lifts perfectly, giving us plenty of headroom inside.

This month he was shaking with excitement. Daichi had heard of the ‘Mummy’s Curse’, so when Stephen’s sister suggested we meet at Beacon Hill and celebrate Grandpa’s Birthday with a walk and a picnic, Daichi (and us) was raring to go. Beacon Hill, near the village of Burghclere and

The grave of the 5th Earl of Carnavon

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Socially distanced group selfie... complete with lockdown hair! overlooking the glorious Highclere Castle, better known as Downton Abbey, houses the grave of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who died in 1923.

Highclere Castle has belonged to this family since 1679. The 5th Earl, an enthusiastic Egyptologist, is famous for his sponsorship which led to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. Howard Carter exposed the tomb which had lain silent for nearly 3000 years and was adorned with rich Egyptian artifacts. Carnarvon must have been delighted after years of donating, but the story goes that on arriving in Cairo he was fatally bitten by a mosquito, which became infected following a razer cut. Carnarvon died of blood poisoning. Thus started the famous and chilling tale of “The Mummy’s Curse” which has enraptured many a movie since. What do you think? To be fair Howard Carter lived until 1939 and died at the age of 64, but we rather like a good, scary tale. Daichi whole heartedly believes it. He loves those movies too!

Beacon Hill itself is pretty steep. Daichi took one look and gracefully declined, deciding he was better suited to the car park. I was pleased that during the

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Lockdown we had done many a walk around the forest, which meant I was much fitter than usual. Stephen’s sister and father are very keen walkers and Hayden and Stephen are far fitter than me. It is quite a hill. As the weather was dry it meant the ground was good for walking, but I would not recommend this on a wet day. The views are stunning. Glorious rolling hills, trees, blue sky and white / grey folded clouds.

You can’t beat an English panoramic landscape. It inspires the soul. We did stop a couple of times to catch our breath. Looking at the views was indeed a good excuse!

We must have passed Beacon Hill on the A34 hundreds of times and had never thought to stop and look, let alone climb to the top. The hill is 261 metres high. My fit bit watch told me that I had climbed the equivalent of 37 flights of stairs. Not bad for my day’s exercise. The hill is actually the remains of an Iron Age Hill Fort, allegedly built in 1000 BC, housing 2000-3000 people. It is good to stand and imagine what it would have been like all those years ago and what families would have been doing and creating then. How times have changed. Now with all our gadgets,

Daichi does Downton!

Going down was far easier... cars, machines… and then with sickles, pruning hooks, ploughs and iron axes.

It was a pretty violent time too, so maybe there are benefits to our more modern age. All food for thought.

Talking of which, the picnic at the foot of the hill on the two conveniently placed picnic tables, provided wellearned refreshments. Rachel had baked some delicious sausage rolls as well as cupcakes, so we were very well catered for. A harmonious rendition (that maybe a bit generous) of “Happy Birthday” to Grandpa signalled the close of a wonderful walk. Daichi had kept the food perfectly cool in his little fridge… he also looked rather cool and contented with himself as we drove away all smiles. I wonder if there were any ‘Mummies’ lurking in the trees, watching us?

Before driving all the way home, we did stop off at Highclere Castle, also known as Downton Abbey. It was open! That is a trip for another day.

Daichi loves Downton, so there is a good chance he will take us. Will that be next month, or somewhere else?

You will see…

By Debbie Corney

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Gardening Tips

On Your Plot If all has gone to plan (that’s a big if!) then August should be a very sa sfying month on your plot, with your hard work being repaid by ample harvests of a good range of fruit and veg.

The reality tends to be that the excitement of seeing your crops grow and ripen is ini ally followed by much enjoyment of the first fruits of your labour which can soon be replaced by a panic stricken ‘What the heck do I do with all these’! Certain crops (courge es and tomatoes spring to mind) can almost guarantee this sequence of events!

Sharing with friends and neighbours is great but very o�en they will have a glut of exactly the same thing at just the same me. What is called for are some simple ideas for storing and preserving your produce. It may be a long me before you are harves ng fresh peas or raspberries again but that doesn’t mean that you can’t be enjoying your home grown produce throughout the winter - it just takes a li le planning and now is the me to do it.

Onions (and garlic) that have been li�ed and le� to dry can be plaited and hung in a cool, dry place. Net bags, or ghts, also work if you don’t fancy plai ng. Potatoes can be stored in boxes or papersize sacks in a dark, dry boon building you A good freezer is a real for but making should check themproduce. regularly,Blanching removingand any then that the most of your show signs of ro翿� ng. of vegetables. freezing works for loads A good size freezer is a real boon for making the most of your produce. Blanching and then It’s hard to remain excited when you’ve had courge e at every meal for a week, and marvellous though raspberries are there is a limit to just how many you can eat at once. Take a bit of me to store your harvest and you can be enjoying home grown right through the winter.

• Water regularly - try to water either in the evening or early mornings.

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Hoarding freezing works for loads of vegetables. Key to success is to cool quickly a�er blanching so have a bowl of cold water at the ready and don’t forget to label what you are freezing!

Another op on, and one that can work well for all those tomatoes, is to find a good recipe that you can cook, freeze and use later (how about a wonderful pasta sauce with your own tomatoes and home grown basil?). Even ‘difficult to freeze’ veg such as courge es can either be incorporated into a sauce, or blanched, frozen and then added to a stew at a later date.

Cooking and freezing can work well for fruit too - apple or rhubarb are good stewed and frozen all ready for use in a crumble or pie. If you have a truly wonderful fruit crop then why not arm yourself with a good recipe book and get started on some jam making? It’ll be delicious on your toast in the morning, and what be er gi� than a pot of homemade raspberry jam?

It’s amazing how many books there are that tell you how to grow your fruit and veg, but how li le informa on there is on just how to store it all! One wonderful li le book, that deals with just this ques on is ‘How to store your garden produce’ by Piers Warren. It’s packed. with informa on about how to store just about anything and a great addi on to any gardeners library.

Happy harvesting!

JOBS FOR AUGUST • If you are growing main crop potatoes, watch out for signs of blight. Brown patches on the tops and edges of leaves are usually a first sign.

• Pinch out the tops of runner bean stems that are outgrowing their supports.

• Sow turnips and oriental salad plants such as Pak Choi and Chinese Cabbage • Strawberry runners that were po ed up in June to produce new plants can be planted out now.

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Plant of the month Aster

Looking a lot like a giant daisy, an aster springs forth with a starry shaped head providing colour in late summer and autumn when many of the other blooms may have already faded away.

These plants can grow up to 8ft in height depending on the variety chosen so they’re a great choice for many gardens given their flexibility. Make sure that you don’t plant the annual varieties in the same place each year in order to prevent plant disease such as Aster wilt.

Nature lovers take note – these flowers attract butterflies so you’ll be able to enjoy watching new wildlife too.

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25

Garden Lighting by RG Electrix Creative lighting can transform a garden space into a beautiful area to relax in during the evening. Here are our top tips to make the best of your garden space with some effective lighting: 1. The key to successful landscape lighting is flexibility. Consider being able to switch your light on and off remotely for convenience and also having the ability to add additional lights as and when required.

2. Recessed lights in your decking steps can give a real wow factor and can also be helpful from a safety perspective too. This simple and very effective idea reduces the risk of tripping and also helps to create the perfect atmosphere for outdoor gatherings.

Alternatively, for an instant garden lighting effect use night lights in small glass holders which provide a pretty way to emphasise a staircase or low level wall.

3. Water features are a wonderful medium to light as the movement and refraction creates patterns which reflect on the surrounding area. Use a simple underwater spotlight under a water flow to create a magical effect.

4. Lighting up key features such as statues or key large trees ensures the focus is still on them at night. Similarly to inside, it can draw your eye beyond your vista. Lighting up a pergola can be extremely effective at night.

5. Consider how your approach to your house or front garden will look at night. This is the first impression that visitors have when they arrive so it sets the scene. Light up key

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features such as trees, shrubs or the facade to create a warm welcome.

Avoid security lights if possible which can provide a glare and will wash the space with too much harsh light.

With people spending a lot of time in their gardens recently, we’ve seen a surge (no pun intended!) of requests for garden lighting. Most recently, we are now installing wireless switch systems

by Quinetic. This technology is perfect for those who may have previously had constraints with wiring location in their gardens. The technology works remotely allowing you to switch your lights on and off from a distance.

Be the envy of your neighbours with a garden lighting transformation that will create the ideal space to relax in.

RG Electrix is a family run business based in the heart of the New Forest. We value our primary principles and strive to ensure we always deliver the highest standard of service to you, with each and every job.

Don’t just take our word for it – check out our TrustPilot reviews from many happy satisfied customers, many who come back to us time and time again.

Give Richard or Hollie a call at RG Electrix – 01794 840008 for a no obligation quote.

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Answers Did you get it right? Check out the answers below!

1) Jet ski & extra letter ‘D’ 4) Windsurfing & extra letter ‘I’ 2) Paragliding & extra letter ‘I’ 5) Volleyball & extra letter ‘N’ 3) Banana Boat & extra letter ‘V’ 6) Snorkelling & extra letter ‘G’ Extra word: Diving

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27

Community News

Brendoncare Clubs receives a grant from the National Emergencies Trust (NET) Brendoncare Clubs, run by Winchester based charity, The Brendoncare Foundation, is delighted to announce that they have received a £10,000 grant from The National Emergencies Trust (NET), in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Fund (HIWCF). The grant will help to continue the contact and support service to Hampshire Club members and volunteers which has been operating whilst the physical clubs are temporarily closed.

The contact and support service is helping to maintain the positive connections and friendships Brendoncare Club members and volunteers usually enjoy through their regular clubs. Contact is being made through telephone and written communications to all 1,700 members and volunteers via a team of over 100 Brendoncare staff and volunteers.

Following a recent telephone call, a club member commented, “Thank you for calling us the other day to see if we needed anything - we are 100% OK luckily, but you calling was a great boost knowing there was someone there if needed. We are so pleased we joined the Kurling club.”

Some of the Brendoncare Clubs are also meeting up virtually, via Zoom, which is helping to maintain routine and contact for members and volunteers. There are virtual choirs, ukulele sessions, music and book reviews, exercises and games, and also a weekly online video of

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Brendoncare’s ever popular cooking for one session. There is always time for a laugh, natter and a cuppa! Internet sim cards and tablets are being provided for some members who do not have access to the technology to ensure they can join in too.

Sue Dee, Brendoncare Fleet and Crookham Club Volunteer, commented, “It has been so good to be able to keep in touch with our club members during these difficult times. We have shared a lot of laughs and I have been very impressed to see how quickly they have embraced the new technology.”

Sam Agnew, Head of Brendoncare Clubs, said, “Thank you very much to NET and HIWCF for this second grant.

It means we can continue with the vital contact and support service to our members and volunteers. We have had such a positive response from everyone and it is making a huge difference to people’s lives.”

Jonathan Cheshire OBE, HIWCF Chairman, commented, “We are delighted to be able to support Brendoncare Clubs in their work to help those in need in the local community. Local charities, community groups and voluntary organisations are providing a lifeline to those less fortunate, and it is heartening to see that these organisations can react so quickly and be so resourceful in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. The vital services that these organisations provide are more crucial now than ever

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before but are under threat more than at any other time. HIWCF is continuing to raise funding for charities across our region, for which donations can be made to the ‘We’re All Together’ Fund: virginmoneygiving.com/fund/ AllTogether. ”

weekend. The clubs are temporarily closed at present, but when running they provide a friendly, fun, relaxed and supportive environment where older people can meet other club members, make friends and develop strong peer support networks.

Brendoncare Clubs is a well established and trusted community service, offering a vital lifeline in Hampshire and Dorset, through the 94 clubs across 40 locations during the week and over the

To learn more about Brendoncare Clubs please call 01962 857099.

E: clubs@brendoncare.org.uk www.brendoncare.org.uk/clubs.

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Index of advertisers

Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Directory...

Bathrooms Ocean Bathrooms................................. 13 Builders A & M Contractors................................ 25 Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras............................. 27 Community News Brendoncare Clubs receives a grant from the National Emergencies Trust......... 28 Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance doctor takes on cycle challenge for charity................. 20 Olivia Inspires Supports Disadvantaged Pupils in Lockdown............................. 16 Totton Stroke Support Group................ 4 Winsor United Football Club News....... 6 World record SUP paddle attempt........ 18 Driveways County Block Paving............................. 5 Electricians RG Electrix............................................ 27 Features Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust: Taking the sting out of nettles........... 14 On Your Plot: Hoarding......................... 24 Quirky Facts about Hampshire............. 10 Recipe: Mini Pizzas............................... 12 The Adventures of Daichi...................... 22 30

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Garage Doors Garolla.................................................. 21 Skandoor............................................... 15 Garden Services Wayne & Sons...................................... 13 Jewellers Christopher Stephens............................ 15 Mobility Products & Services Hampshire Mobility Services................ 17 Painters & Decorators Trevor Jerams....................................... 25 Plumbers G.E. Harding......................................... 21 No1 PHD............................................... 31 Puzzles Puzzle Corner........................................ 8 Solicitors CGM Solicitors...................................... 5 The Waring Partnership........................ 32 Stonemasons Allstone Memorials............................... 15 Lockerley Stone & Masonry.................. 21 Peter Thomas........................................ 25 Windows, Doors & Conservatories Cloudy2Clear Windows......................... 9 Entire Group Home............................... 27 GS Windows......................................... 3 @mlggazettesnews

CALL 023 8124 3285 To advertise, please call 01264 316499 or email enquiries@mlggazettes.co.uk

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M OV I N G F O RWA R D WI T H T H E WA R I N G PA RT N E R S H I P

It’s been a very unusual few months for the UK and, as the country begins to find its feet once more, The Waring Partnership is here to support you.

We want to ensure that when you talk to us you can do so in the manner that suits your circumstances. You can still phone or email us, as always, but we’re also happy to consult with you over Skype or Zoom.

If you need to come into the office we have taken practical steps to keep you safe.

Regardless of the method of communication, you can expect a professional, warm and friendly service from our dedicated and experienced staff. Whether you’re moving house, need help with family issues, or require assistance with a will or probate, you can rely on The Waring Partnership.

Celebrating 10 years

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C o n v e y a n c i n g

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W i l l s

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info@the-waring-partnership.com www.the-waring-partnership.com

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P r o b a t e

15 Water Lane, Totton Tel: 023 8066 0010

@mlggazettesnews The www.mlggazettes.co.uk Forest Edge Gazette • www.mlggazettes.co.uk