Roundabout Ringwood - February 2023

Dear Residents,

Where has the summer gone? Well, I believe Spring is just around the corner, so let’s hang on in there and take a deep breath until March! In the meantime, this cooler weather and rain gives us a chance to look at the house and see what is needed to upgrade or change a few things around. Maybe there are people here in your local magazine to help you? We have electricians, plumbers, solar panel experts, builders, roof specialists, carpet cleaners, oven cleaners, window cleaners, carpet fitters, window fitters… and much more! Each of our loyal and trusted trades people and services would love to hear from you. Now is a good chance to get the help you need, so please do mention us when making those all-important calls. I am always very happy to hear this as it makes all our work worthwhile. You get a local person to help with what you need, and the company keeps busy. It is what we are all about. It also keeps our local economy thriving which is good for us all. A win-win all round.

I also hope you enjoy reading the articles and local data inside. If there is anything you would like to see or any suggestions for making your useful magazine, more useful I would love to hear from you! Do give me a call or send an email.

For now, we wish you a good month of February. May you have fun with, or even find, your Valentine!

Best wishes, Debbie, Stephen & all of us

Printed on Carbon Balanced Paper by Pensord Press Ltd. Certified by the World Land Trust. Helping the planet one page at a time...

NOW and THEN

Article and photo kindly supplied by Mary Baldwin

Lamb Inn, Ringwood

1827 to Carter’s brewery in West Street. The opening of the railway in 1848 must have brought in much extra custom to the new Lamb; Victorian directories show the pub became named ‘The Lamb Inn and Railway Tavern’ to stress this attraction. However it then had to compete with two new nearby rivals, the Railway Hotel in Hightown Road and the Railway Arms in New Street.

The most notable difference between these two photographs is that in 1909 the entire frontage onto Christchurch Road was occupied by Greenfield & Son’s grocery shop. During most of the 20th century the Lamb Inn could only be reached through its Hightown Road entrance (now blocked off) or from the rear door.

It has often been remarked that the Lamb Inn resembled the Ringwood railway stationhouse which used to stand close by until it was demolished following the closure of the railway in 1967. Exactly when the present tall-storeyed Lamb was built has never been clearly established, but I would suggest it was erected about the same time as the station, circa 1847, possibly designed by the same architect. If so, it replaced an earlier inn of the same name which features in earlier records. This may even possibly have been the lower part of the building seen on the right of the photos.

In the early 19th century the old Lamb Inn was owned by Ringwood brewer Stephen Tunks whose brewery stood on the same site as today’s Ringwood Brewery. Following Tunks’s death the Lamb was sold off in

Following the closure of Carter’s brewery in 1923, the Lamb became owned by Strong’s of Romsey until Whitbread’s took over in1968. By the 1980s the shop facing onto Christchurch Road had become Dormer Press printers. The Lamb only occupied the entire premises when the pub was purchased by landlord Norman Shepherd in the 1990s.

Today the Lamb is privately owned by Austin Greenfield (no relation to the earlier family of grocers). Since September 2022 it is under new management which continues to provide bed & breakfast accommodation. Its front room, which previously housed a pool table, is now a steakhouse with old photographs of the inn and surrounding area decorating the walls.

Copyright © Mary Baldwin

A waxwing winter? –Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

Waxwings are perhaps one of the most beautiful birds imaginable.

Their buff colouration with flashes of yellow and red on the wings, elegant ‘eyeliner’ and silky large crest really make them stand out from the crowd.

Part of a family of three species, the Bohemian waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) is the species native to northern Europe. The bird’s English name refers to how they travel in large nomadic groups (bohemian) and the red tips to their secondary wing feathers that look like seal wax droplets (waxwing).

But it’s not all about the looks. Their trilling ‘sirrrrr’ call sounds like a small ringing bell – perhaps akin to Santa’s sleigh dashing overhead – as flocks of up to 100 birds move from tree to tree.

Bohemian waxwings breed within the northern parts of Europe’s coniferous belt, often in remote, damp, mossy mature forests nesting high in pines. In winter, they escape the numbing temperatures of north-eastern Europe and western Russia and head west in search of more temperate conditions, feeding on fruit-rich trees including apple, rowan and hawthorn. During winter, a relatively small number of these starling-sized birds travel to UK shores; first seen on the east coast before spreading west and south from there.

Waxwings are referred to as irruptive, which means on occasion large numbers of the birds migrate beyond their typical range. Some years, hundreds of thousands of waxwings will land in the UK, often labelled as a ‘waxwing winter’. But why does this happen?

Waxwings are pushed away from their

breeding grounds in search of food, and it’s the yield of fruit trees that determines how far afield waxwings must travel. Most fruit trees of the same, and of similar, species bear fruit at the same time. This can result in a bounty of fruits in some years, and practically none in others. During years of bad yields, large numbers of waxwings will migrate large distances. Recent reports of poor berry crops in Finland and Sweden suggest an irruption is possible this year!

In Hampshire, waxwings are not seen every year – they are a rare visitor. However, when they do turn up, it might not be where you’d expect. The ASDA supermarket in Totton and Whiteley shopping centre in Fareham are common hotspots. These commercial areas often feature car parks planted with aesthetically pleasing, berry-laden fruit trees – and these always prove popular with waxwings. The last irruption in Hampshire was in the winter of 2010 when over 2,000 birds arrived.

So, keep your eyes and ears open for these punk rock-looking winter birds over Christmas and New Year and you might just get lucky enough to spot one!

Find out more about local wildlife at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s website: www.hiwwt.org.uk

Image Credits: The aptly named Bohemian waxwing can often be found feeding on berry-laden fruit trees in supermarket car parks (c) JonHawkins_ SurreyHillsPhotography

Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Our expert local installers will fit your new door and they’ll take away the old one too, so there’s no mess.

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Extensive social care and activities offered by our experienced co-ordinator.

Flexible Day Care Service available.

Denewood House Care Home, 12/14 Denewood Road, West Moors, BH22 0LX

Telephone: 01202 892008

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Manager: Becky Wall

Highgrove Care Home, Stapehill Road, Stapehill, Wimborne, BH21 7NF

Telephone: 01202 875614

Email: highgrove@samilycare.co.uk

Manager: Janet Sheridan

Avatar...again

Never an actress who rushes to take up film scripts, Zoe Saldaña very often opts for the ‘less is more’ approach – thus, a string of colossal projects decorate a CV that is notable for gaps in between.

Certainly in terms of the film that set her on her way to a string of big-budget projects from where she rarely now strays, the influence of James Cameron’s groundbreaking Avatar has been present for well over a decade now.

So it is with no small amount of relief that, finally, a sequel has arrived… and not just one. In what may turn out to be the biggest box office series ever, production of four more Avatar movies is in motion, through to Avatar 5, due for release in 2028, no less.

“The project is huge, but it has to be,” says Saldaña. “You have a film that took $3billion at

the box office, and yet here we are 13 years on. Perhaps it’s only right we’re getting this many sequels done if it’s taken us this long up until now!”

On the eve of Avatar: The Way of Water, one of the most-anticipated sequels in film history, Zoe Saldaña is a woman with a lot of work to do. does just different… different.”

While details over Avatar 2, or The Way of Water to give it its official title, are sketchy, what’s clear is this is no rushed project, nor is Saldaña taking her return lightly.

“I was very nervous because sequels can be dangerous, and we were feeling the pressure. I think the first couple of days, we all had moments of, ‘Can we do this again? What was the secret ingredient?

Do you know, does anyone? Should we just leave it there, not mess with it?’ There were a lot of nerves. It has been a long while.

“Yet [director and writer] James Cameron is in charge and his vision is present and trustworthy. And the film is very different from the first, way different… different planet different.”

While we are now in a new era of film that feels a world away from the CGI-laden original, the appeal of welcoming a new generation of filmgoer to the mystery of Eurasia is one Saldaña is relishing.

“We still retain the curiosity and interest of the millions of people who went out to watch it first time around, but the continuation of this story will bring new eyes to the story, and that’s a thrill for me.”

The Property Protection Trust Will package is based around how you hold the ownership of your home. All good estate planning nowadays considers the difference between owning your home as joint tenants or as tenants in common.

If you own your home as Joint Tenants; when one of you dies the ownership of the home passes by the Law of Survivorship and not by your Will. Therefore, the surviving partner will automatically own 100% of the property. This sounds right to most people. BUT should the surviving partner need care in the future, the Local Authority can take everything they own (including their home) to pay for the care fees, leaving just £14,250 to be inherited by children and grandchildren.

There is an alternative.

Nowadays many couples choose to own their home as Tenants in Common where each partner will own 50% of the family home. This provides for many benefits. Firstly, it allows you to legally leave your share of the property in your Will to whoever you wish. A properly written Will can ensure that your half of your house will eventually pass to your children even if your widow re-marries.

Unmarried cohabiting couples or relatives living together can also use this means of ownership as a way of minimising their Inheritance Tax exposure.

It can also help with long-term care costs. If one of you is still living in your home the Local Authority can’t include its value in the means test if one of you has to go in to long-term care. This also applies if the husband or wife still living at home dies while the other is in care as their share will go into the trust.

Dorset and Wight are your local experts in Property Protection Trust Wills.

Increasing numbers of homeowners are choosing to hold their properties as tenants in common to reduce inheritance tax and help protect their share from care fees

Cleaning up our act

Keen to make your laundry routine as ecofriendly as possible? Well, we’ve got some simple and effective solutions for you.

1. Lessen the load

Sometimes the most obvious option is the best one, and in this case, that would be to simply do less washing.

Naturally, socks and pants can only be worn once before they need a clean, but perhaps you can at least strive to get a couple of days from the same pair of jeans or sweatshirt.

Going fewer days without doing a wash is also a good strategy: three larger loads a week is preferable to five smaller ones.

2. Curb the chemicals

Toxic detergents have a very negative impact on our local eco-systems – particularly marine life. Fortunately, there are numerous ecobrands on the market that are also effective and pleasantly fragrant.

Another good option is soap nuts - these are dried shells of berries from a tree native to the Himalayas. Entirely natural, chemical-free and gentle, these

nuts contain saponins, a soap-like chemical that foams when agitated in warm water. Soap nuts are also anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and an effective alternative to chemical cleaners.

3. Get some balls

Your favourite scented dryer sheet is singleuse, non-biodegradable and packed with toxic chemicals, so invest instead in some wool dryer balls.

Not only do they reduce static electricity and wrinkles, soften fabrics and encourage them to dry faster, they can also be used over and over again – far kinder to your pocket, too! And to go a step further, sprinkle with essential oils to give your clothes a dreamy scent.

4. Ditch the plastics

It’s no secret that single-use plastic is enemy number one to the environment. Why not seek out a local store that provides refillable stations, or consider a detergent alternative such as soap nuts or even just distilled white vinegar -

don’t worry, the vinegar smell naturally neutralises!

5.

Cool it down

Even though most washing machines offer the option of a 90-degree wash, it really is an unnecessary temperature to wash linens at. If you do have nasty stains, pop half-a-cup of baking soda in with your clothes to banish them.

Even your colour clothes wash can be dropped from 40 to 30 degrees thanks to better formulated detergents (even the eco brands), a small change that lessens both the impact on the planet and on your pocket.

Going Green...

So much is being said about the need to protect the planet and use more eco-friendly material, but it is the small steps that each of us can do that will really make the difference.

Take the EcoEgg Laundry Egg... the innovative laundry solution. It replaces laundry detergent and fabric conditioner, reducing both harmful chemicals used and also single-use plastic packaging.

Dermatest has rated it excellent for use on sensitive skin, giving a kinder wash on both your skin and your pocket.

The mineral pellets in the egg, which are refillable (saving even more money!), work together in the water to effectively draw dirt from your clothes and softens them by changing the pH. Therefore leaving your laundry clean and fresh.

EcoEggs are available in Fresh Linen, Spring Blossom and Fragrance Free.

Recently, they have also released the EcoEgg Dryer Egg, which can be used when tumble drying. They reduce the drying time by up to 28%, saving you both time and money.

“I’ve been using mine for over a month now and I absolutely love it. It saves money, there’s no mess from washing powders and liquids. Also easy to use, and is better for the environment. Helps cut down on single use plastic and doesn’t use harmful chemicals.” KD

If you would like to know more about these products and many more, please feel free to visit my website at debbiegoesgreen.uk or email me at hello@debbiegoesgreen.uk as I would love to hear from you. Let’s look after ourselves and our environment!

Debbie Corney

Turning the page

For February, four books that will weave a fictional spell.

The Angel Maker by Alex North

Haunted by the violent attack of her brother Chris years ago, Katie Shaw sees threats everywhere. When her brother disappears, Katie leaps into action to help him once more.

Meanwhile, Detective Laurence Page’s investigation of a brutal murder of a professor leads her to suspect the case is connected to Chris’s attack... and to a serial killer said to be able to predict the future.

Published by Celadon Books on February 28th

The Porcelain Moon by Janie Chang

At the end of the First World War, Pauline Deng runs away from her Chinese family in Paris to escape an arranged marriage back in Shanghai. In the French countryside, Pauline finds shelter with Camille, a French woman planning to escape her own abusive marriage, until Pauline finds out a terrible secret about Camille, forcing them to make a decision that will bind them together forever. Published by William Morrow on February 23rd

Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes

Globetrotting Nisha Cantor has the perfect life money can buy until her husband divorces her and cuts her off. Scrambling to hold on to her previous lifestyle, Nisha’s distress hits a peak when even her gym bag is stolen.

Meanwhile, Sam Kemp is desperately trying to keep her

family afloat. When she tries on a pair of expensive shoes from a gym bag she took by accident, the jolt of confidence inspires her to change her life.

This is a story of mix-ups, mess-ups and making the most of second chances. Published by Michael Joseph on February 2nd

The Worst Woman in London: A Victorian Romance by Julia Bennet

A defiant Victorian wife fights to escape a bad marriage but her love for a forbidden man jeopardises her chance at freedom.

James Standish knows how to play society’s game. He’ll follow the rules, marry a virginal debutante, and inherit a massive fortune. At least, that’s the plan until he meets Francesca Thorne. She’s not the sort of woman a respectable gentleman like James could ever marry… not least because, strictly speaking, she’s married already.

Francesca is determined to flout convention and divorce her philandering husband. When James sweet talks his way into her life tasked with convincing her to abandon her dream of freedom, she’s unprepared for the passion that flares between them.

James and Francesca must choose whether to keep chasing the lives they’ve always wanted or take a chance on a new and forbidden love. Published by Entangled on February 2nd

MUSIC FOR THE MIND

At St Michaels Church, Church Hill, Verwood BH31 6DZ. 4th Monday of the Month at 11.00am 12.30 excluding August. Singing meeting for people with memory problems. Aim is to give carer & cared for quality time together. FREE. For more info call Gwen on 01202 827800

RINGWOOD GOOD NEIGHBOURS

Helping people in the BH24 postcode area with transport for medical appointments and also has a BEFRIENDING service. Please contact us on 07933 202112. More drivers always welcome, please phone if you can spare a few hours a week.

GREYFRIARS FUN & FRIENDSHIP CLUB

Social club for the older community who meet on 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoons each month, 2pm – 4.15pm, in the Activities Hall, Greyfriars, Ringwood. Contact Sam Davies 01425 472613

COMPUTER CAFE

Meet in St Leonards & St Ives Village Hall every Friday morning from 9 until noon. Currently we operate in a socially distanced way so unfortunately we are unable to serve refreshments at present. But we are here to help you with any IT problems. Call 01425 476558 for info.

FORDINGBRIDGE BOWLING CLUB

Full programme of Leagues’ Bowls for both Ladies & Gents in the New Forest & B’mouth & District Leagues. Stuckton Road, Fordingbridge. Contact: Mr D C Jones 01425 657627

RINGWOOD FLY DRESSERS GUILD

We promote the art of Fly Dressing/Tying. Wednesday evenings at 7pm - 9:30pm at Poulner Junior School, North Poulner Road, Ringwood, BH24 3LA. New members always welcome Secretary Peter Wildash: 07587000223, mayoflycraft@talktalk.net

Visually impaired people meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday afternoon each month at Greyfriars Activities Centre, Ringwood

Contact Kate Henderson 01425 476568 / Russell Webb 01425 476618

EDMONDSHAM CIRCLE DANCERS

Traditional and contemporary folk dances from around the world. No partners needed. Meeting on 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month from 7:30 – 9:45 in Edmondsham Village Hall. Pay as you go. Contact Kirsteen McCormick on 01725 517807.

THE RINGWOOD AND BURLEY BAND Practice evening, each Friday at 8pm - 10pm. Ebenezer Hall, Greyfriars, Ringwood. NEW PLAYERS WELCOME! Jane Lashmar: ringwoodandburleyband@mail.com

WESSEX SUGARCRAFTERS

Meet 3rd Monday each month at 7pm at Radnor Hall, Bodenham. New members & visitors very welcome. £5 inc refreshments.

Info: Pat Jones 01258 452510 Doreen Simkins 01425 652085

VERWOOD TRAD JAZZ CLUB

Ringwood Conservative Club, 22 Christchurch Road, Ringwood. BH24 1DN on 3rd Thursday of the month. Good Food & Bar. Music from 7.30- 10pm. (Doors open from 6.30pm). No membership required. Contact Geoff 07798 721405 or 01202 822038

This full symphony orchestra rehearses 7.30 pm Wednesdays at St Peter’s Senior Catholic School, St Catherine’s Rd, Southbourne. Contact conductor Sam Newgarth 01258 473073. sam@newgarth.fsnet.co.uk www.baps -orch.co.uk

THE DORSET WOODTURNE RS ASSOCIATION

Want to try woodturning? Come and join us at St Leonards & St Ives Village Hall Braeside Road St Leonards Ringwood BH24 2PH 1st Wednesday each month 7.15pm -9.30pm. for more details

Contact: Nigel Lloyd Secretary on 07940 348776 or just come along

ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION

Fordingbridge & District Branch No. 1321. Meet every 4th Thursday in the Month at Scout Hall, Fordingbridge 7.30pm. Open to all ex RAF & friends.

GERMAN CONVERSATION GROUPS

Pub nights, Parent/toddler group, German church. Contact: Cass 01425 479101 email: cassscholz1@yahoo.co.uk www.krautsalat.org

RINGWOOD & FORDINGBRIDGE TALKING NEWS

Supplies audio transcripts of local newspapers and non -political and non-sectarian magazines free to sight impaired people. Welcomes donations & help to read & edit.

Contact: Peter Ansell 01425 475886

Join us to maintain footpaths and enjoy organised walks, social activities and winter evening meetings.

Membership Secretary: 01425 647499 www.rffs.org.uk

BRAESIDE BOWLING CLUB

Braeside Road St Leonards. A bowling club for ALL - participating in the Leagues, Friendlies & Internal competitions. Club sessions Mon & Fri afternoons. Beginners and established players welcome Secretary Brian Morrell 01202 828614

RINGWOOD COMMUNITY CHOIR, “SING FOR JOY”

Mixed choir, singing harmony songs from around the world -African, gospel, Taize, folk etc. No auditions, beginners as well as experienced singers age 10 upwards. Meet at Greyfriars Wednesdays, 7:30 – 9:30. Pay as you go. Contact Kirsteen McCormick 01725 517807

FORDINGBRIDGE CAMERA CLUB

Meet at Avonway Community Centre at 7.30 pm alternate Wednesdays for a mixture of talks by top photographers and members’ shows constructively judged by experienced professionals. 01725 518448 www.fordingbridgecameraclub.org.uk

NEW FOREST JAZZ WORKSHOPS

At Godshill Village Hall, final Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm for musicians, any ability, who want to learn jazz. £4 per session, inc tea & biscuits. Derek Ayling, 01425 650770 or Hippotrain@btinternet.com

HEATHERLANDS SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB

We bowl from 7.30pm to 10 pm every Wed & Sun at St. Leonards & St. Ives Village Hall, Braeside Road. A gentle sport suitable for ladies as well as men. Ring George on 07831224945

FORDINGBRIDGE & DISTRICT U3A

Every 3rd Wednesday 2-4pm ‘Avonway’ in Fordingbridge. Members also join activity groups according to interest. Info at u3asites.org.uk/ fordingbridge, Info packs in Fordingbridge library, or come to a meeting (£2 guest) Peter Woollett (memb. Sec) 01425 655490

RINGWOOD UNITARIANS

New group exploring and celebrating matters of spirituality, faith and conscience, asking you not telling you your faith. http://ringwoodunitarians.blogspot.co.uk or 07899 730181

GREYFRIARS PLAYREADING GROUP

Every Wednesday 2- 4pm in Greyfriars, Ringwood. The repertoire spans 19th and 20th century drama and we put ‘feeling’ into our parts just like BBC Radio productions. We are short of male readers and would like to see some new faces! Contact Russell Webb 01425 476618

CROWE HILL W.I.

Meet Monthly 2nd Thurs 2pm at Crowe Hill W.I. Hall, Crow Lane. Visitors welcome. Contact: christine.williams0@icloud.com

RINGWOOD MUSICAL & DRAMATIC SOCIETY & CHOIR. A friendly theatre group of all ages staging Musicals, Plays & Choir concerts. If you’d like to join us either on stage, behind the scenes or singing in the Choir, email our secretary jane.howell059@gmail.com. For our Choir contact Pamela Berry on 01425 402366.

RINGWOOD NWR

Small friendly women’s group looking for new members. Main meeting monthly weekdays at 7.30pm. Book group meet monthly on Mon after- noons. See nwr.org.uk or contact Josephine 01425 476052

RINGWOOD ART SOCIETY

Meets every 3 rd Monday of the month at 7 pm to 9.30 pm at Greyfriars Community Centre, Ringwood. Monthly demonstrations by professional artists, also workshops and pottery afternoons. New Members welcome. Contact David Lowe 01425 482602 or www.ringwoodartsociety.org

FORDINGBRIDGE EMBROIDERY CLUB

Meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month at The Methodist Hall, West Street, Fordingbridge. 2-4 pm. Novices & experts welcome. Valerie 01425 656052 or Mary 01425 471362

RINGWOOD & POULNER TREFOIL GUILD

Guiding for the 18 to 80+. Come and join our lively group who enjoy fun, food and fellowship. W e meet at the Trinity Centre, Ringwood 7-9pm 1st Thursday of the month for speak ers activities and fun. Transport available. Contact June Bentham 01425 474035

RINGWOOD & HANGERSLEY WI

Meet on the third Thursday of each month at Crow WI hall Crow 7 pm for 7 30 start. Visitors are always welcome for m ore information contact cecileyrt@tiscali.co.uk.

GREYFRIARS BRIDGE CLUB

Meet at Greyfriars Wednesday pm for Rubber Bri dge (1.30pm) and Fri day eves for Duplicate Bridge (6.45pm). New members & visitors welcome. Phil 01202 379297

AVON VALLEY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Meet at The Ann Rose Hall, Greyfri ars, Ringwood 1st Wednes day each month at 7.30pm,Septem ber to May. www.avas.org.uk Cont act Mark Vincent 01425 473677

RINGWOOD CAMERA CLUB

A very friendly club that meet on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month at Ringwood Conservative Club. We welcome visitors and have a beginner's section www.ringwoodcameraclub.co.uk or 01425 4826 636

THE BRACKEN CO. OF ARCHERS.

We are found on the grounds of Cranborne Middle School in E Dorset. We shoot on Sunday am, Tues day & Thursday eve’s in the summer. In the winter, we also shoot indoors. www. dor setarchery.co.uk

BRAESIDE BRIDGE CLUB

Duplicate Bridge played on Tuesday evenings 6.45 to 10pm at All Saints Church Hall, St Leonards. New members and visitors welcome. Mrs Marion Paris 01425 478241 or Jill Rix 01425 482747

FORDINGBRIDGE CHORAL SOCIETY

Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings in term time from 7.30pm9pm in the URC, Salisbury Street. New singers welcome. Cont act our Secretary on: 01425 654372

ROTARY CLUB OF FORDINGBRIDGE

We m eet at 6.30pm/7pm on Tues days every week at Avonway We like to make a differ ence to the lives of others. For information on joining us call: Colin Ritchie on 01425 655877

BISTERNE VILLAGE HALL FOR HIRE charity no. 301747

Refurbished and available for hire for private parties, Clubs, Meetings, Organised functions. Entertainment Licence for 100 people. Hire c har ges are from £7 per hour. Call: 01425 476703

RINGWOOD CHESS CLUB

Meets Monday evenings at Original White Hart, High St., Ri ngwood ,BH24 1AW. Teams in B our nemouth & Southampton Leagues Cont act : malcolmd@m4me.co.uk 01425 838009

RINGWOOD ANTIQUES CLUB

Greyfri ars Comm unity Centre, 4th Wednes day of the month at 7.00pm for 7.30pm. New mem bers & visitors welcome Membership and programme details 01425 471348

RINGWOOD & FORDINGBRIDGE LIONS CLUB

Meet on the 2nd Thursday each month at 7.45 for 8pm at The Elm Tree pub, Hightown Road, Ringwood. Contact Lion Martin Riseam at: martin.riseam@mac.com –01425 472181 www.ringwoodandfordingbridgelions.org.uk

AVON W I

Meet on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7pm at United Reformed Church Hall, Salisbury Street. (No m eeti ngs in August) Monthly speaker/activities/discussions. Contact Anne on 01425 655192

RINGWOOD AND DISTRICT

EX-TABLERS CLUB.

An active and friendly group of ex-Round Tablers (41-Clubbers).We have a busy and varied Social Programme with a monthly dinner meeting on the third Tuesday. For m ore info call Ian Stockdale on 07930 340624 or visit www.ringwood- extablers.org

ASHLEY HEATH WI

Meet monthly 2nd Tuesday at Braeside Village Hall at 2.30pm-4pm. Contact: Elizabeth Layet President 01425 478884 or Geraldine Bowles Secretary 01202 871251

TRADITIONAL AIKIDO CLUB

Hyde,Fordingbridge

Thurs day 8 - 10.30pm, Sat 9-1pm Also Salisbury Tues eve - Sun am. Physicalandspiritualdevel opment. Selfdefenceandweapons training. 20yrsexp.4thdanQualified instructor.All ages. ContactJohn01425655194 www.takemusu.co.uk

FREEDOM YOUTH CLUB

Friday's (1st

FRIENDS OF FORDINGBRIDGE HOSPITAL

A Design for Life… e Kevin McCloud Column

Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the affable architectural business owner talks about the concept of space.

During lockdown, our understanding and appreciation of space was something that was challenged in ways we w had probably never expected.

Not only was even outside space challenged and conditioned to be accessed and used in very specific ways, but when at home, our rooms suddenly became multifunctional when they were never designed for such a purpose – our kitchen tables were work desks; our little creative nooks and crannies were filled with children and other imposters!

One of the positive take-outs many of us took from lockdown

was versatility, yet in my own life I’m keen to get back a certain amount of separation, because I find it absolutely essential for organising my mind and staying creative.

It’s for that reason that I actually have different work areas, spaces and locations for different types of jobs. By that, I mean I will do all my creative television thinking in a little bale- and stone-walled hut I have, called The Straw Bale.

It has a roof, some furniture in there, and serves as a studio away from prying eyes and everyday interruptions you would usually encounter in the house.

I felt I needed this little space because with a show such as Grand Designs I am pretty much on-location the whole time. That means there is no set base by which I can connect myself to a project and get in that headspace… unless I make one.

I have an office within the main part of the house, but that is used for much more menial matters, such as answering emails and firing off angry letters to all and sundry!

The concept of space is one that isn’t always objective – it can be

subjective as well. For instance, just because you have a big area with which to express yourself, it doesn’t mean it will actually feel big, or spacious. Similarly, very small rooms can be made to feel much larger than they are with clever techniques and smart aesthetics. I talk around this idea a lot when I mention high ceilings, uplighting and an abundance of floor space, utilising tables and chairs with legs, that guide the eye and light through the space.

In essence, it’s all about how we marry together space and comfort. If done well, you have the first building blocks for somewhere, home or office, that truly inspires you and brings happiness.

People notice hearing loss, not hearing aids

One of the very common obstructions to people taking action on their hearing loss is the misconception that people will notice that they are wearing hearing aids. Our experience is very much different. Today’s hearing devices are extremely compact, to the point that they are very dif cult for anyone to see they are being worn. What is much more obvious, however, is when people mishear what is being said or are frequently asking for things to be repeated.

Not taking action on a hearing loss simply makes life more challenging and frustrating for both the person with the loss and for those who need to communicate with them.

So many times we are told by our new clients that they wish they had taken action

sooner. They often report that even their closest family members hadn’t spotted that they were wearing new hearing aids but that they have noticed that conversations have become more relaxed.

We had a great time last year helping many people to hear more clearly. We love our job and we nd it very rewarding to know that we have made a positive difference to the quality of the lives of our clients.

We are often able to offer a ‘Try before you buy’ option at no cost. This gives you the opportunity to experience the difference that wearing hearing aids can make to allow you to make an informed decision about the bene t to you personally. Take the rst step to clearer hearing today and call us on 01202 985500 to arrange a free hearing consultation.

Understanding Investments: End of tax year investment planning

The end of the current tax year is April 5th 2023. There are some tax changes coming up in 2023 which mean more consideration is needed in advance. Generally tax reliefs are being reduced and tax rates increased.

1 - Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs):

There are no changes to the £20,000 allowance per adult (plus £9,000 for Junior ISAs). However for the past 14 years interest has been negligible on cash. That has now changed with rising interest rates and it’s possible to earn over 2% on accessible cash and 4% on 1 and 2 year cash bonds. Using your annual ISA allowance for either Cash ISAs or Stocks and Shares ISAs has become more important as any interest, dividends or capital gains are exempt from tax within an ISA.

2 - Capital Gains Tax:

The annual personal exemption is reducing from £12,300 to £6,000 in April 2023 and then again to £3,000 in April 2024. The Trust exemption is a maximum of 50% of these so also reduces accordingly. Utilising annual exemptions can be important to reduce potential future tax charges. It may also be worth reviewing investment portfolios and crystallising losses in certain scenarios.

3 - Pension Contributions:

Making personal pension contributions can be very tax efficient. You obtain tax relief on the contribution at your marginal tax rate. In addition contributions can reduce your taxable income and can affect other allowances such as Child Benefit and your personal tax free allowance.

One of the criteria to receive Child Benefit without clawback as a result of the Child Benefit Tax Charge is that you or your partner’s adjusted net income isn’t above £50,000 per annum. If exceeded, a High Income Tax Charge is applied, meaning that Child Benefit is fully clawed back once income reaches £60,000.

The personal tax free allowance of £12,570 is tapered if adjusted net income exceeds £100,000. The effective tax rate between £100,000 and £125,140 is 60%!

Additional rate tax of 45% will be applied to earnings above £125,140 after April 5th 2023 (currently £150,000). Pension contributions reduce your adjusted net income so can be a powerful tool in reducing the tax you pay.

The annual pension allowance for total pension funding is £40,000 although it is possible to go back 3 tax years and “carryforward” unused allowances, subject to certain criteria. Personal tax-relievable contributions are limited to 100% of earnings or £3,600 or annum if more.

Finally, it is possible to make a pension contribution on behalf of another individual and the tax benefit will apply to that individual personally. So for example a retired parent who is a basic rate taxpayer could make a pension contribution for a working adult child who is a higher or additional rate taxpayer and the parent would make the payment net of basic rate tax relief and the adult child would receive any higher/additional tax relief, claiming this from HMRC.

4 - Corporation Tax:

If you own a limited company corporation tax rates are increasing from April 1st 2023. You should seek advice from your accountant regarding the effect this may have on your business and any required planning. As you can see, it is important to keep up to date on tax changes and how they may impact your planning. In addition, it has been a challenging year for many investors so reviewing your investment portfolios to ensure they are suitably diversified and well-positioned for the future will be important as the economic cycle changes.

If you’d like to discuss your personal financial situation and planning, my colleague Stewart SimsHandcock and I are available for a free initial, no obligation chat.

Howard Goodship is an Independent Financial Adviser with Lonsdale Wealth Management, 5 Fridays Court, Ringwood. Tel: 01425 208490 www.lonsdaleservices.co.uk

The value of an investment and the income from it could go down as well as up. The return at the end of the investment period is not guaranteed and you may get back less than you originally invested. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and do not constitute individual advice.

Howard Goodship

Ringwood Twinning Association

After the restrictions and challenges of the past two years come and meet new friends at the RINGWOOD TWINNING ASSOCIATION.

We have been twinned with Pont-Audemer in Normandy since 1986. Visits between the two towns take place every year with a very interesting programme of events organised by the host town. The only cost of participation is the ferry to France.

Note : You do not have to speak French in order to participate in one of these visits, but just a

smattering certainly helps the ‘entente cordiale’.

We hold various social functions during the year, including concerts, wine tasting, barbecues and quizzes, some of which are for members only.

Membership is just £20 per annum

For more information about Ringwood Twinning Association call June on : 07779997879

We are a friendly group and look forward to meeting you.

Couple Goals

Want to put your best foot forward with your better half? These fashion tips on how to maximise your power couple status – while not looking too matchy matchy – cover every occasion from a gym outing to a super slick soiree.

Here are our top tips for ensuring you are the sartorial king and queen of wherever you roam.

Casual date

Want to show your one and only you have eyes for them? Then consider looking similar in the subtlest of ways.

Matching outerwear in the form of camel coats or bomber jackets; white trainers with jeans or a sweatshirt in a similar hue to her dress, can be touching without overbearing.

As with so much in fashion, the trick is to keep it subtle for maximum effect.

Gym hangout

Matching lycra is obviously a no-no unless you fancy channelling Barbie and Ken, but gym-based couple selfies surely demand a little liaising with your betrothed.

Donning the same sportswear brand or t-shirts with a similar font and style will give an effortless sense of cohesion, as will matching sports bags.

Similarly, you can also team up with matching post-workout protein shakes, but that really is one for the dedicated.

Wedding

Just remember that white and black dresses are generally a no no.

Corporate event

If the event is semi-casual, then the guy can wear a black jacket paired with pitch black jeans and loafers. His partner can stick to the little black dress. If it’s a formal event, then adhere to the same rules as for a wedding.

Summer Soiree

her

When it comes to complementary fashion looks, it’s often about the smaller details… for example, his tie matching her dress. It’s a little nod to the one you love without going overboard.

Generally, a dark to mid-grey suit pairs well with a formal cocktail dress in a colour palette agreeing to the theme and time of the wedding.

You want to look and feel relaxed, so definitely choose breathable fabrics and cuts. Loose cotton shirts and lightcoloured chinos with loafers or boat shoes for him, and a flowing, elegant dress for her.

Once again, your outfit synergy comes from the accents. The gentleman’s shoes may be similar to the lady’s dress, or her nail polish may match his shirt. These details not only make you look well put together as a couple, they also show your hosts that you’ve made the effort for their event too.

The Adventures of Daichi

The Modern Magazines Camper Van

Daichi, The Dashing Dude, our wonderful, spirited Campervan is always ready to cheer us up, to take us on family adventures both near and far and generally take us away from any stresses or strains of everyday life. He doesn’t believe in watching the news or letting woes and worries get him down. He is all about living life, seeing friends and family and making the most of our beautiful British Isles. It is a great attitude to have. Christmas seems a long way away already, but at that time we have two important Birthdays (well I think so…), my own and Stephen’s. You see I was born 3 days before Christmas and Stephen was born on Boxing Day. It is a busy time of year! Daichi’s story this month is how very different we can spend our Birthdays and how we all enjoyed both of them!

Daichi drove us all the way to Hull for my Birthday… where I was born and lived until I was 18 years old. The family are still there and what I wanted was to see them all with my Mum and Dad. It gets to a certain time in your life, when, I don’t know about you, but you wonder if this Christmas could be the last, with certain people. I had this going on in my jumbled head for some time, so Daichi was very accommodating and drove myself and Stephen all the way to Hull. We arrived late on December 21st. What my Dad did not know

was that I had already been in contact with our 22 family members there, and each were coming to his humble abode the following evening. Dad worries a lot, and at 87 now and though still very fit and able to drive all the way down South, Daichi did not want to stress him out. A Mum with dementia is not at all easy and situations can never be predicted, but I managed to get her up and dressed and ready to go to a local garden centre the morning of my Birthday. For anyone with this problem, I had bought mum a gorgeous doll and it worked like a treat. This “baby” was a saving grace on many occasions this Christmas. It is very sad to watch in many ways, but believe me, Mum lit up like a Christmas tree when she saw her, and hardly let go the whole time we were with them. The people in the garden centre were marvellous too, mum had many smiles and hello’s, and I was very touched by all their gracious looks and helpful comments as Mum wandered around holding carefully her pretty baby. Daichi was all smiles too. What a great idea that worked a treat, for everyone’s benefit. During lunch I approached Dad and told him my Birthday plan. A little taken aback, but he knows me well, the next step of the plan was set. Shopping! The boys would do the shopping,

Debbie and mum in the garden centre

while I kept mum entertained at the garden centre. It worked! Daichi took the boys to the supermarket… and I lost Mum several times walking around the Christmas decorations! All good fun.

Seeing all my cousins and family members was what I had wanted. We don’t get together too often and when we do it is always good. I was particularly interested in the younger members… now in their twenties and thirties (I am showing my age now…). One cousin is buying her first house. Another cousin had gotten married and gone to Disney for three weeks. An aunt is planning a new life for herself. I loved it. Lots of life, living and forward thinking. It was a great way to spend my Birthday.

Mum and Dad came back with us for Christmas and spent a week with my sister over at their farmhouse in Margaret Marsh, near Shaftesbury. We spent a quiet Christmas Day with them in the countryside. Gorgeous. Log fire, wind whistling around the walls and windows and Christmas dinner…mmm…. From Hull to Margaret Marsh, and then to Weymouth for Stephen’s Birthday on 26th. Variety is the spice of life I have heard it said!

As you know we do love living in Weymouth with our sea views. The last two years, Boxing Day has been glorious! Really, sunny and blue skies. It has become Stephen’s day for a brisk swim in the sea with Hayden, our son, to

Stephen after a bracing dip on Boxing Day

celebrate his big day. They do have wetsuits, but nevertheless this is a brave move I would say! I, well, I take the photographs… Afterall someone has to do it! This year they stayed in the water a good 15 minutes all the while playing ball and diving in and out of the water. It is fun to watch, though people passing by gave us a few sympathetic looks… I think Stephen likes the challenge of it all. There I am bringing the family members together for my day, and Stephen absolutely backs me up with all of that, but on his day a bracing challenge and a full ‘alive feeling’ is what he wants. After a Birthday lunch, including ice-cream of course at our wonderful “Wafflicious” ice-cream parlour, “Avatar 2” was next on the menu! All within walking distance of where we live, the cinema, just around the corner was the perfect way to end a great day. The film is brilliant. Defense of the family is at the core of this adventure. Quite apt really. A three-hour movie, well worth it with gorgeous graphics and we were well entertained the whole time. An exhilarating end to a fabulous day!

So, how did you spend your Birthday? Daichi would love to know. Why not email him at debbie@modernmagazines.co.uk. Maybe we could add some of your Birthday photos in the magazine and Daichi will send you his Best Wishes? Birthdays are a great excuse to do what YOU want to do! Where will Daichi take us next, I wonder?

By Debbie Corney

Game on

Why Emilia Clarke’s progression from Game of Thrones is there for all to see.

It says a lot for Emilia Clarke that between the filming of the eight seasons of Game of Thrones, the actress additionally managed to squeeze in appearances in two of the biggest movie franchises of all time. She played the role of Sarah Connor opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator Genisys in 2015, before starring as Qi’ra in the Star Wars spin-off Solo: A Star Wars Story three years later.

In more recent times, the Brit has been swaying her influence around dramatic material of a rather more grounded nature, from an extended theatre turn in Anya Reiss’s adaptation of Harold Pinter’s The Seagull, to voiceover excellence in animated adventure, The Amazing Maurice. And in 2023 she takes her first steps into executive producer responsibilities in The Pod Generation.

It all adds up to a slew of work that belies her 36 years,

although in recent times she sees her progression both professionally, and personally – Clarke has recovered from two brain aneurisms and says she is in the best health of her life –as a marker to a renewed zeal for her craft, that is carrying her forward with genuine momentum.

“Firstly, I think it was important for me to move away from that tight stricture of Game of Thrones,” she begins. “Although it was an evolving storyline and it captivated minds and hearts for so long, ultimately you are kept in a restricted place. Certainly, as far as characterisation goes, there is very little movement, and actors need to keep flexing their muscles on a variety of different things in order to stay fresh.”

Clarke admits she was always slightly at odds with her character Dany’s brazen fearlessness in Game of Thrones. “I do feel I learned a lot from her - I have taken on some of her security and have tried to embrace that wonderful fearlessness she has, but deep down that’s not my nature.

“I have a very easy-going and vulnerable side and that will always be who I am.”

Indeed, while Clarke is in many ways pleased to see the back of Thrones, you sense she may be lured back; after all, so much of her adult life has been centred around the story - she was just 23 when filming for the first scenes began.

“I think as an actor there is always a strong sensation of not wanting to be left out, and not wanting to miss out,” she admits, rather candidly. “That could be for Thrones or any other project, to be honest… so we’ll see!”

Greenfingers…

The Alan Titchmarsh Column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and allround horticultural inspiration. is month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses how to keep motivation for your garden going.

e back might ache more than it used to and there’s more than a hint of a painful creak in the knees, but most days I still feel the urge to get out there and do my bit… and even when I don’t feel the urge, I always find it important to push on. A er all, my faithful beds and trellises rely on it!

It’s also worth remembering how beneficial the everyday rigours of flowering and weeding, pruning and digging are. It comes with the territory when you get to my sort of age, but I always remind myself that by the very nature of gardening you are outdoors, filling the lungs with oxygen and experiencing what it is to be around plants, trees and flowers. If that isn’t good for the soul, I don’t know what is!

I think what should motivate us to garden, even on those days when we would rather be in the pub, is the fact there is something unique about every outside space, and it changes on each occasion you set foot out into it. ere is always something that’s di erent, and special, and always ready to enchant you… always something you perhaps hadn’t noticed before!

It’s important to remember that although your garden is a wild space, you have, in e ect, tamed a lot of it; so like a pet or a child, it relies on you to keep doing the things you invested in it in the first place. It’s sort of saying, ‘you’ve started now, you can’t just stop!’

Remember too, it was you who had the vision, the idea, the perception of what this space should look like; so press on with those jobs and keep making your garden your own personal space – it’s an expression of who you are, and just like we get up in the

mornings and have a wash, comb our hair, so too do we owe that to our gardens.

So in summing up, of course the work can be hard and tiring and there are days when the body seems to be telling me to stop, but I am happy and healthy and have a loving family so things could be far worse. And what would I do anyway? Okay, yes… head to the pub!

Lisa Faulkner’s Choux Hearts with Berries

Having met her now husband, John Torode, on the 2010 series of Celebrity MasterChef –on which he was a judge and she a contestant – Lisa Faulkner knows full well that food is the language of love. So, what better way to woo your beloved on Valentine’s Day than with these stunning choux hearts?

Ingredients

(makes 8 hearts)

For the choux pastry

• 90g butter

• 360ml water

• pinch salt

• pinch sugar

• 110g plain flour, sifted

• 3 whole eggs, beaten well

To serve:

• 500ml double cream

• 400g mixed fresh berries

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Put the butter and water in a medium saucepan, add the salt and sugar, and bring to the boil. Ensure the butter is melted. Remove from the heat, add the sifted flour all at once and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes away from the sides of the pan. Return to the heat and cook for 2 minutes until the paste is pale. Cool a little.

2. Add the beaten eggs, a little at a time, incorporating fully with a wooden spoon after each addition. The mixture will go glossy then back to dull. Add the eggs until the mixture is shiny again and it just drops off the wooden spoon. Cool the mixture for about 10 minutes. Put in a piping bag and pipe heart shapes on to a baking sheet dampened with a little water.

3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes then reduce the temperature to 160°C, gas mark 3, and bake for a further 15-20 minutes until golden.

4. Pour the cream into a chilled bowl and whisk, either by hand or with a hand mixer, until stiff peaks form. This may take a few minutes.

5. When cooked, turn the hearts over and pop back into the oven for 2 minutes to dry out a little. Split each heart in

Top Tips

Be careful not to overwhip your cream. As soon as you have firm peaks (you should be able to hold the bowl over your head without it spilling out!) you should stop.

If berries aren’t your thing use whatever fruit you prefer… mango and passion fruit, for example.

half horizontally and then spoon or pipe the whipped cream on the base. Top with the other half and fill the centre with the fruit. Serve immediately.

Ringwood/Fordingbridge Police Stations 101

Police, Fire & AmbulanceEmergency 999

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Community Centres

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Local

Councils & Agencies

New Forest District Council 023 8028 5000

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Information

Ringwood & Fordingbridge Libraries 0300 555 1387

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Floodline (warnings& advice) 0345 988 11 88 -Fordingbridge 01425 654560

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Sun: 10-1

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Trickets Cross Mon - Fri: 9-7, Sat: 8.30-1, 2-5.30, Sun: 10-4

Ringwood Foodbank

The Wesley Centre, Christchurch Road, Ringwood. 01425 600134 Mon, Wed, Fri,11.30am—1.30pm www.ringwood.foodbank.org.uk