Romsey & Wellow Gazette - November 2020

SCAN ME

Community Magazines

Romsey & Wellow LOCAL DIRECTORY Easily nd local businesses & services COMMUNITY NEWS Councillor’s Column Test Valley Business Awards

NOV

Council is top dog for 7th year

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November

Edition of your local Romsey & Wellow Gazette Community Magazine!

We will look back on these confusing times wondering how we ever got through! It is vital right now to keep ourselves, our families and friends, safe and well, whilst trying to keep the economy afloat. What a job! More than ever the local trades and services here inside your community magazine need you. If we are sensible, protect ourselves, use face masks and wash our hands regularly, isolate if we are unwell, then we will be able to keep going. The companies here are all following the protocols required to continue to provide their services and keep their businesses alive. Stephen, myself and the team here all hope you are fit and well, and are continuing to find some things to smile about.

Future planning is good for us. It permits us a goal, takes us beyond the immediate stops and worries, and gives us something to look forward to. What are your plans? What would you like to do in just a year’s time? On a more immediate basis, can the advertisers here inside help you with that dream kitchen, bathroom, landscape garden or even help you plan to move house? We do hope we are able to help you with this future, and immediate planning. The index at the back of the magazine shows you all our loyal advertisers.

If there is someone or something you are looking for and they are not here, please give one of us a call. I am sure we can help you!

The lucky winner of the tickets to Marwell Zoo was Claire Stilwell. She is absolutely delighted and I am sure she will have a great family day out!

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In this issue

Quirky Facts about Hampshire

10 Test Valley Business Awards 12 Councillor’s Column 14 Romsey Foodbank News 16 Christmas Fair Trade Fayre 20 Council cracks on with

climate plan 22 Marine Masters of Disguise 26 Court successes against fly tipping residents 28 Former Air Ambulance patient

‘Braves the Shave’ to raise funds 30 Council is top dog again 34 Romsey Ramblers 38 Gardening Tips 42 The Royal British Legion

Advertise with us Take your business to new heights with our affordable advertising packages!

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

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

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

We wish you a good month of November. We have a special feature in this issue to commemorate our Royal British Legion. I think this month we can really appreciate all that was done so many years ago to keep our freedom. We salute those who lost their lives to save us.

Debbie, Stephen and Tracey E-mail us: enquiries@mlggazettes.co.uk

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

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

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More about your Country Consumables Country Consumables is a family owned business located in West Wellow and has been trading and growing for nearly 20 Years. We have a strong customer service ethos and a commitment to deliver the products and services that our customers request and require.

We have a wide range of products that includes Dog Food in Pouches, Tins, Dried and Frozen as well as Cat food, Small Animal and Bird Foods. We also have an extensive choice of Hardware, Gardening, Bicycle, Car and Household.

Added to that we stock Quality Greetings Cards, Stationary, Wrapping Paper, Postcards and packaging Materials.

A new addition to our products is a range of colour pigments to add to a basic white emulsion or gloss to enable

your creative and uniqueness to shine.

Now is the time to paint the shed or fence so we have bought in a good stock of fencing stain in several colours including the very modern Urban Grey.

Enjoy a cup of fresh brewed coff ee from a small roasters in Lymington or a delicious New Forest Ice Cream and Sorbets. Milkshakes made with any fl avour from our wide range are also on off er. A selection of takeaway Cakes and Sweets is also on off er to tantalize your taste buds.

We look forward to your visit and fulfi lling your needs – all within the current rules. Payment is contactless or cash with the option of payment over the phone and delivery. All enquires to Mike on 01794 324032

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7

QUIRKY

BY MICA BALE

It seems like almost no time at all has passed since Hampshire’s countryside was last scattered with the carpet of colours from the autumnal leaves. Although this might well prove to be one of the strangest autumns in history, Hampshire has had plenty of interesting chapters of its own in its tapestry of heritage. From an interesting piece of farming equipment to a vital role in the war effort, here are some more fascinating facts from around the county.

www.richardchubb.com

It is not a secret that Hampshire played an important role in World War II, interestingly however, Lepe Beach near Southampton, was especially vital to the war effort as it was used to build essential concrete caissons to form part of the portable Mulberry harbours which was a clever feat of engineering developed for use after in

connection with the D-Day landings. The construction of these concrete ‘chocolate blocks’, as they have been called, was to be of the utmost secrecy and so it was chosen that Lepe was the perfect location. After their completion, they were transported by the sea to form the Mulberry harbours.

Did you know that Jane Austen and John Constable were among the many visitors to Netley Abbey? Although it could be said that the now ruined abbey has had an existence that is as quiet as the landscape around it, it has been lauded as one of the best preserved medieval Cistercian monasteries in the southern counties and has this attracted much interest from visitors throughout the generations

Photo: Daryus Chandraa

Were you aware the pretty Hampshire town of Emsworth, on the nearby border with Sussex, has been home to so many national and international celebrities?

From actors such as Nicholas Lyndhurst and Albert Finney to P.G Wodehouse and Sir Peter James Blake who broke the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the world in 1994, Emsworth has always been a small town with an important role in the county. In fact, so important was the town in Queen Victoria’s reign that she herself visited in 1842 and loaned her name to some of Emsworth’s road names!

Photo: Richard Woollett

Did you know that it was in Hampshire that a well known piece of farming equipment was first developed? Today farming is often PHOTO: ROMAN GRAC associated with large tractors however in times gone by, it was the figures of ploughs and heavy horses that dotted the landscape.

Amazingly it was in the village of Abbot's Anne that the iron plough was first developed in the early 19th century by two brothers whose invention caused widespread demand and changed the course of farming.

Did you know? It has been said that Four Marks is reported to

be the only settlement to be called such? Four Marks is located in the east of the county and its original settlers were soldiers who had survived the Crimean War and had been given homes and more specifically land although the village had origins dating back to at least the 16th century.

Read more quirky facts in the next issue!

TEST VALLEY BUSINESS AWARDS 2020

Scirum announced as First Extra Mile Winner Scirum have collected the first Extra Mile Award from the Test Valley Business Awards (TVBA) sponsors courtesy of Gold Sponsor Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) recently.

Susanne from the Andover based business collected the award along with a bottle of champagne, kindly donated by Danebury Vineyards, from TVBC’s David Drew.

We are delighted to have won this award. It goes to the heart of what we stand for at Scirum – to support our community during this difficult time and to help many of the small businesses in the Test Valley.

Thank you!

The Extra Mile Award is an interim award celebrating Test Valley Businesses going the extra mile over the last 5 months during the coronavirus lockdown.

The Test Valley Business Awards will be formally relaunched in the Autumn.

You can nominate your own or another business. You can find out more on the website at www.tvbawards.org.uk/extramile

- Susanne (Scirum)

CONTACT US 01264 354174 info@tvbawards.org.uk

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COUNCILLORS COLUMN At the time of writing, the Prime Minister has just announced a new three tier system of Covid alerts. Whilst it’s good news that Test Valley is currently in the lowest tier, it is worrying that the virus seems to be picking up again right across the country. It would take a braver man than me to predict just where we we’ll be by the time this column gets published in early November but I hope I can reassure readers by saying that Test Valley Borough Council stands ready to, once again, support all of our communities if the situation deteriorates.

Our focus on building community resilience coupled with the dedication and commitment of local volunteers meant that we had groups operating in all parishes in Test Valley earlier this year, collecting prescriptions, doing shopping or running errands for those who were self-isolating.

We’re currently ensuring that we’re in a position to deploy that kind of council and community effort again if we need to. Our Test Valley Community Helpline – 0330 400 4116 – also remains open for anyone that needs additional support with food, medicines or even just a friendly voice to talk to.

Although the current pandemic is a great example of what can be achieved in our communities by strong and well-resourced voluntary groups. The Borough Council has always sought to work with and provide funding to the charity and voluntary sector that support so many Test Valley residents.

Our Revenue Grant programme currently provides a three-year cycle of funding for organisations which deliver high valued services. Due to the uncertainty of Covid, I took a report through Cabinet recently to extend that 3-year settlement for an additional year to give further stability through these tough times. That means that organisations like Unity, Test Valley Citizens Advice and Youth in Romsey can plan for next year with the certainty that they will receive an inflationary increase.

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Stay Safe Romsey Finally, thank you to the Romsey & District Society for organising the Autumn Stream Clean and Litter Pick again this year.

Due to coronavirus, we went out in smaller groups over the course of a week to ensure social distancing. I joined local MP, Caroline Nokes and my Deputy Leader, Nick Adams-King, focusing on the town centre. Romsonians being a largely law abiding and public-spirited lot, there wasn’t masses of litter but we still found a bit and did our bit to keep Romsey tidy.

Afterwards, it was great to enjoy a coffee at Josie’s, sitting outside and admiring the new market place.

@mlggazettesnews

Why Curves is more than just a gym At Curves we pride ourselves on providing an experience that you may not have in another facility. As well as providing a workout that is safe and eff ective, we also know how to make it fun. Our circuit is inclusive and many members love that feeling of exercising as part of a team as opposed to going it alone. Our coaches are there to motivate and correct where necessary ensuring you get the best from your workout. Not forgetting that when we exercise the body releases chemicals called endorphins that give you a lift and make you feel good- something that we all need at the moment.

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Romsey Foodbank - Referrals

At Romsey Foodbank, people can access us in many different ways. A large majority of our clients are helped through referral agencies where they are given online voucher codes or red vouchers so that they can visit us and get the supplies they need. We have really positive relationships with all of our referral agencies, Citizens Advice, Christians Against Poverty (CAP), Test Valley Housing, many schools in the local area and many more.

By having these referral agencies issuing vouchers to those who need support, it means that much of the assessment process has already taken place, this is especially useful at the moment where we have more restricted contact with people visiting the Foodbank. It also enables the Foodbank team to be ready for those 14

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who are coming and ensures we can reduce the amount of time people have to wait at the Foodbank to collect their food. People often ask ‘how do people know where to get help?’, but some don’t know that if they work with people in need of food support, they themselves can become a referral agency.

You can do this by contacting: info@romsey.foodbank.org.uk If you are experiencing food poverty and need some help, please contact Romsey Citizens advice for support:

01794 522137 or Citizens Advice Foodbank Referral Helpline on

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For the last 25 years we have held very successful annual fundraising Christmas coffee mornings, and this year it’s going to be a little bit different. Not a coffee ‘morning’, but a coffee ‘week’ you might say!

You can browse and choose some Christmas cards, decorations, wrapping paper, Advent calendars and candles, gifts, stocking llers, scarves, bamboo socks, unusual gifts, chocolates, home-made jams, jellies, chutneys and mincemeat and much more without having to brave the crowds.

We will ensure all current Covid safety and hygiene guidelines are in place, and no more than 5 guests attend at a time. Please book your hour slot in advance by phoning 01794 340993, and include friends who would like to attend with you. We will need to record names and details for track and trace.

All proceeds will be shared between Lockerley church and Traidcraft exchange, and the event also supports Oasis, Romsey who kindly supply us with goods.

From Monday 9th through to Friday 13th Daily from from 10 – 6pm and Saturday 14th November 9.30 – 12.30

Coffee and individually wrapped homemade cookies available.

Entrance £2 includes a draw ticket!

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Council cracks on with climate plan Test Valley Borough Council has slashed its paper consumption, is driving down its energy use and is continuing to increase its fleet of electric vehicles in a bid to become carbonneutral. The authority declared a climate emergency in September 2019 and since then it has been pushing forward plans to dramatically cut its carbon emissions. Members of various political parties came together to help produce a Climate Emergency Action Plan, which was approved by the council in June 2020. The authority’s overview and scrutiny committee (OSCOM) will receive an update on progress every six months.

Figures included in an OSCOM update in September 2020 showed that between October 2019 and July 2020 the council reduced the number of pages printed by around 100,000, halving the number of trees consumed and hammering down costs by more than half a million pounds. The authority has also ordered three refuse collection vehicles with electrically operated bin lifts, which are each expected to save around 2,000kg of carbon dioxide per year. In addition, it is reviewing the potential for renewable and low carbon energy sources in the borough to help inform future planning policies.

The council has also now switched to an electricity tariff that uses renewable energy, meaning that it will use electricity generated from non-fossil fuel sources. The update also considered the impact of Covid restrictions on the council’s progress against the action plan, observing that the pandemic has meant that quicker progress has been made on certain aspects, including the use of video conferencing and live streaming council meetings to the public.

The lockdown also highlighted the importance of providing good quality open spaces to support people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

The council is continuing to work on improving the biodiversity across the borough and has also recently launched a Green Spaces Strategy

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consultation to hear from residents on how best the environment can be protected and enhanced between now and 2030.

Environmental Portfolio Holder, Councillor Alison Johnston, said: “We were already driving forward our climate emergency plans when coronavirus hit. Covid19 has, understandably, taken the lion’s share of the news coverage over the past few months. But the climate emergency is still very much at the forefront of our minds and green recovery will continue to be at the core of our response to the pandemic.

Indeed, the impact of lockdown has accelerated a move towards more energy efficient ways of working. We remain keen to explore all options to help reduce our carbon footprint, with a view to achieving carbon neutrality as quickly as possible and certainly before the government target of 2050. Some of the changes we implement will have a relatively small impact but this is about seeking to reduce our CO2 emissions wherever we are able to do so.

Residents and businesses continue to play their part, with an ever-increasing number of council tax bills and business rate bills now issued electronically. The council continues to encourage residents to sign up to its e-billing service to help reduce the amount of paper that is used.”

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Wildlife News

Now You See Me: Marine Masters of Disguise In the world of wildlife, the word ‘camoufl age’ can mean a lot of things. It sometimes refers to mimicry, which means being seen but incorrectly identifi ed - think grasshoppers pretending to be dead leaves. The attributes we associate most with camoufl age, however, are things which make animals hard to see at all; this is known as crypsis.

Spiny Spider Crab

Photo: Paul Naylor marinephoto.co.uk

A clear advantage Invisibility may sound like the stuff of fantasy, but it’s surprisingly common in our seas. True transparency is tricky to achieve - any food eaten will be visible, and eyes must be opaque in order to function. But partial transparency can still be useful, especially in shallower waters where light is plentiful.

Even the stealthiest animals are visible from above by the shadow they cast on the seabed, and from below by their silhouette. Since more light can pass through their bodies, transparent species have a diff use outline from both angles, which makes it harder for predators and prey to identify them.

Local examples of this superpower include the common shrimp, the moon jellyfi sh, and the aptly named transparent goby. Eels also have a glass-like developmental stage which is thought to help them survive the long trip from their birthplaces at sea to the rivers where they mature into adults.

Colourful characters If transparency isn’t an option then clever use of colour could be the answer. Sardines, herrings, and sea bass are all darker along their spines, which is called countershading.

In natural lighting the tops of objects are illuminated while their undersides fall into shadow. These fi sh are darker on top and lighter underneath, creating an optical illusion that helps them blend into their environment.

Seahorses, and fl atfi sh like plaice, go one step

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further: they use pigment-fi lled skin cells called chromatophores to match the colour and pattern of their surroundings. Cuttlefi sh are masters of this trick thanks to additional control over cells called papillae, which they can raise to alter the texture of their skin too.

Dress to impress Some of our marine species get crafty and enhance their natural camoufl age with items from their environment. Dahlia anemones have sticky warts on their bodies which pick up pieces of shell, sand, and gravel. When their tentacles are retracted the anemones can be almost entirely obscured by these pieces of debris.

Several species of spider crab are called ‘decorators’ due to their love of accessorising.

The great spider crab, for instance, has a shell with a rough and knobbly surface; this acts like velcro, allowing the crab to disguise itself with pieces of seaweed and sponge. Over time, these decorations can become a home for tiny animals like hydroids, making each crab a walking habitat.

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BELBINS GARAGE CARS & LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES * MOTs WHILE YOU WAIT * SERVICE AND REPAIRS * ALL MAKES AND MODELS * Now part of the EURO REPAR NETWORK * AIR CONDITIONING * DIAGNOSTIC * CLUTCHES * LOCAL COLLECTION AND DELIVERY * FREE COURTESY CAR Unit 4, Belbins Business Park, Cupernham Lane, Romsey, SO51 7JF

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Court successes to the tune of almost £3,000 Two fly-tippers have been ordered to pay almost £3,000 after a thorough and successful investigation by Test Valley Borough Council.

On Friday, October 16, both Richard Whittaker and Adam Whitcher pleaded guilty to illegally dumping their waste in two separate incidents that took place around Romsey.

During lockdown, officers from the council's environmental service and legal service continued to investigate cases of fly-tippers and had enough evidence to take both defendants to court.

Mr Whittaker, of North Baddesley, admitted fly-tipping wood from a guinea pig hutch in a layby along Lee Lane on 17 April 2019. He was also prosecuted for failing to produce his waste carrier licence when asked to do so by the council.

At Southampton Magistrates Court, he was fined £750 for the fly-tipping offence and failing to produce his carrier licence, ordered to pay £961 in costs and a £75 victim surcharge.

incredibly lazy and very selfish. What makes these cases even more so, is that everyone was doing their best to during a difficult few months, and for others to feel it's okay to simply throw their rubbish away with no consequences, is horrendous.

“My sincere thanks go to the environmental service officers who continued to work hard during the pandemic to investigate these cases, and for the legal officers who secured the right result in court. I'm also very grateful for those residents who tried their absolute best to find alternative ways of utilising their waste during the pandemic, whether it's composting, or just trying to throw away as little as possible.

“Fly-tipping will never be acceptable, and in Test Valley, we will search until we have enough evidence to prosecute. If you have any concerns, please contact us on 01794 527700 or 01264 368000, and remember, always ask to see a waste carrier's licence – as your waste is your responsibility.”

Mr Whitcher, of Totton, admitted to flytipping after concrete blocks were thrown out of his car window along Toothill Road when he was driving to the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Romsey in August last year.

He was fined £500, ordered to pay £1,126.70 in costs and £65 in compensation.

Environmental portfolio holder, councillor Alison Johnston, said: “Fly-tipping is

26

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Every scar tells a story: Former Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance patient ‘Braving the Shave’ to help future patients

On 22 October 2014, Claire was walking with her husband and two young daughters when she was struck by a motorbike that had mounted the kerb.

Falling backwards, Claire landed on her head fracturing her skull. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Critical Care Team were called out to attend to Claire and her life-threatening injuries.

Claire was treated and airlifted to University Hospital Southampton where she underwent emergency surgery.

She added: “I would like to shave my hair to bare my scars, tell my story and show my appreciation of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Without them I would not be telling my story today. My aim is to raise enough money that will help benefit those who may need this vital service in the future.”

Fast forward to 22 October 2020, exactly six years to the day of her incident, Claire, 40, shaved her hair to show the scars she bares as a result of her injuries and the hours of surgery.

Claire said: “With blood flowing from my head my husband and children feared the worst: I would die lying on the path. From that moment, I was completely unconscious. I don’t remember feeling anything physically or emotionally and have no memory of the event at all. Had it not been for the Air Ambulance taking me from Basingstoke to University Hospital Southampton, I would have died due to the pressure and bleed on my brain.”

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Can my Will be witnessed by video?

Here at Bells we have been able to continue to provide our will service to you throughout the pandemic. Making a will is an important step, and sadly, in some situations may be urgent, particularly in the context of the present uncertainties arising from the pandemic.

An amendment to The Wills Act 1837 has been made on 7th September 2020 which confi rms that requirements for the presence of witnesses can be satisfi ed by either physical presence, or by virtual means (video-conferencing).

Whilst we welcome the amendment to the law in certain situations we would, however, caution against witnessing a will via video-technology, we are living in a time where the number of contested wills is increasing signifi cantly. There is no doubt that some dissatisfi ed with their inheritance (or lack thereof) will look very closely at how the will was witnessed to test its validity. Furthermore, there are concerns that those who are vulnerable or lack capacity may be taken advantage through the use of video witnessing.

The Government seem to be aware of this, alongside the potential for fraud and undue infl uence.

The Government has confi rmed that existing law allows for the following physically distant scenarios: • Witnessing through a window or open door of a house or a vehicle.

• Witnessing from a corridor or adjacent room into a room with the door open.

• Witnessing outdoors from a short distance, for example in a garden, as long as the will maker and witnesses all have a clear line of sight and the other rules of the wills act 1837 are adhered to.

This is helpful confi rmation that what has already been happening during the pandemic is valid under the law as it already exists. Bearing in mind that witnesses’ physical presence will always be the best means of executing a will.

This is intended for general guidance only. In all cases specifi c advice should be sought.

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COUNCIL TOP DOG FOR 7TH YEAR RUNNING The RSPCA has awarded the council its highest award for the continued dedication to animal welfare. For the seventh year running, Test Valley has been awarded a Gold PawPrints award, which celebrates the authority’s work in ensuring the highest quality of animal welfare around the borough. This includes our work with kennels, licensing, breeders and other animals who call Test Valley their home. This is the seventh consecutive year that TVBC has received the award. Last year, the council was also given a special Platinum Stray Dogs Footprint to celebrate the awards’ tenth anniversary. The council won the prize alongside other local authorities and organisations, such as housing providers.

Animal welfare officer at Test Valley Borough Council, Rod Mason, said: “This has been a very difficult year, but work to ensure the animals in Test Valley have the highest quality care and welfare has not stopped.

We all have a duty to ensure we give our animals the best quality of life and I’m very pleased that the RSPCA has again recognised our efforts. “New challenges have presented themselves during the pandemic as many people look for a new companion.

We’ll continue to work hard in managing this and would of course encourage people to do their research and contact us if they’re in any doubt!”

Housing and environmental portfolio holder, councillor Phil Bundy, said: “It’s really important for us to keep up our efforts in ensuring quality welfare for the animals of Test Valley. It’s wonderful to know that the RSPCA has taken note of how much work goes into looking after the welfare of our animals, and I know that Rod is doing a fantastic job. “I’m sure next year, we’ll be doing all we can to make sure we’re celebrating another year.”

The council’s animal welfare ofcer, Rod Mason, who is instrumental to the authority’s animal welfare work.

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FRESH START FOR CHARGING POINTS NEXT MONTH The new electric vehicle charging points put in place in car parks across Test Valley last year are to begin charging customers from last month after an introductory free period.

The machines had been free to use from their installation as an introductory offer from TVBC and the providers of the charging points, Joju Solar. As of Monday October 5, this free period came to an end after almost a year of free energy on the go for drivers of electric vehicles in Test Valley.

Information stickers have been placed on the machines to inform customers of the upcoming changes, with those using the charging points to pay for their energy via a new APP, to be provided by Grønn Kontakt (GK), a subsidiary of the Norwegian state electricity supplier, Statkraft, available via this link. Users of the chargers will also be able to pay by accessing the Grønn Kontakt website and paying by debit or credit card. Currently, there are 18 fast charging points in the borough’s car parks in Andover and Romsey, each capable of supplying 22kW of charge.

The existing rapid charger at Romsey Rapids car park already charges for use and is therefore not affected by these changes. All of the charge points are powered by 100 per cent renewable energy.

Planning and transport portfolio holder, councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “While it’s been fantastic to be able to offer free energy for those driving environmentally-friendly electric vehicles, sadly this introductory period wasn’t sustainable forever.

Photo: pesmedia.com

system is quick, easy and we hope will encourage drivers to know that the infrastructure is there in our borough. As we all face the impact of climate change, these charging points are a small step, but a very important one.”

Joju’s Commercial Director, Joe Michaels, added: “We’re looking forward to working with Test Valley Borough Council and Grønn Kontakt to provide EV drivers with a reliable, straightforward charging experience.”

Grønn Kontakt’s Anthony Hinde, said: “Please download the Gronn Kontakt App on your smartphone or follow the instructions on the charger and look out for our rebrand coming early in the New Year.”

Go green, drive electric!

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Romsey Ramblers look forward to

about 1km fork left towards Winterslow. The car park is signposted to the left about 600m further along. Take car on the access track to the car park - it is a pot-holed forest track. (SP5 1JP, SU258291) . Woodland tracks and paths, open farmland and farm tracks. Possibility of seeing herds of deer in Bentey Wood. Map OS Explorer 131. Map: OS Explorer 131.

Contact: Les M, 07880 500764, ljmildon@tiscali.co.uk THU, 12 NOV 2020 10:00AM • Moderate walk

As the seasons move from summer to autumn, Romsey Ramblers have been enjoying the autumn colours as the leaves change in the woodlands from green to reds, yellows and browns. It has started to get a little damper under foot, but the weather has been excellent for walking. In November, the Ramblers are looking forward to getting out of stuffy indoor rooms and walking in fresh air.

THU, 05 NOV 2020 09:30AM • Moderate walk

6.6 miles/10.6 km - Finishes 13:15 approx.

Alresford circular via Abbotstone and the Wayfarers Walk About the walk: Meet at 08:45 at Romsey Rapids car park adjacent to Romsey Town FC for possible car share to starting point - depending on personal choices. (SO51 8AF, SU359209) Starts at 09:30: Arlebury Park and recreation Centre car park, The Avenue, Alresford. Coming from Winchester, towards the end of The Avenue, on the left after Arlebury Park House.

Costs £1.20 for 4 hours. (SO24 9BZ, SU583325) Paths, tracks and open country. Magnificent views and river scenes. Picnic lunch at the end of the walk. Map: OS Explorer OL32.

Contact: Steve Irish, 07966 186987, steveirish1@me.com SAT, 07 NOV 2020 10:10AM • Leisurely walk

5.5 miles/8.9 km - Finishes 13:00 approx.

Bentley Wood through West Dean and Frenchmoor About the walk: Meet at 09:30: Romsey Rapids car park adjacent to Romsey Town FC for possible car share to starting point - depending on personal choices. (SO51 8AF, SU359209) Starts at 10:10: Bentley Wood car park Directions - travel north out of West Dean. After

8.9 miles/14.3 km Medstead to Bentworth About the walk: Meet at 09:15: Romsey Rapids car park adjacent to Romsey Town FC for possible car share to starting point - depending on personal choices. (SO51 8AF, SU359209) Starts at 10:00: Chawton Park Wood car park, Boyneswood Road, Medstead. (GU34 5EA, SU672360) . Taking in woodlands, open farmland and rural tracks. A number of stiles but all dog-friendly. Picnic lunch at Bentworth.

Possible drinks stop also at Bentworth (Covid 19 and pub capacity dependent) . Sturdy footwear advised. Map: OS Explorer OL32 and Explorer 144 Contact: Les M, 07880 500764, ljmildon@tiscali.co.uk THU, 19 NOV 2020 09:45AM • Moderate walk

7.5 miles/12.1 km - Finishes 12:15 approx.

Rownhams to Chilworth circular About the walk: Meet at 09:30: Romsey Rapids car park adjacent to Romsey Town FC for possible car share to starting point - depending on personal choices. (SO51 8AF, SU359209) Starts at 09:45: Car Park of St John's Church, Horns Drove, Rownhams (SO16 8AH, SU384169) Morning walk from Rownhams through the Lordshill Woods and the sports centre to Chilworth. One stile. Can be muddy in wet weather. Map: OS Explorer OL22.

Contact: Claire, 07950 060338, mrsct@live.co.uk

SAT, 21 NOV 2020 09:50AM • Easy walk

5 miles/8 km - Finishes 12:45 approx.

New Forest ponds and pools About the walk: Meet at 09:20: Romsey Rapids car park adjacent to Romsey Town FC for possible car share to starting point - depending on personal choices. (SO51 8AF, SU359209) Starts at 09:50: Car park at Janesmoor Pond which is about 1/2 ml from the turn off to Fritham when coming from Brook. Please note that the post code is about 1/2 ml from the start.

(SO43 7HH, SU247136) . New Forest circular from Janesmoor Pond by way of Cadman's Pool and Ocknell Pond. Map: OS Explorer OL22.

Contact: Tom, 02380 731279 or 07866 493333 on the day

About the walk: Starts at 10:00: Avington Country Park car park. Meet the walk leader at the start. (Su528321). A continuation of the Kings Worthy to Itchen Abbas walk on 1st November. Mixed scenery of ancient riverside and downland walk, including Three Castles Path and Wayfarer’s Walk and St Swithun's Way. Lunch at the Plough, Itchen Abbas (To book 01962 779 191) or bring picnic. Map: OS Explorer OL32.

Contact: Pat Bo & Steve Co, 02380 276309 or 07943 666596 on the day, boultingp@gmail.com

THU, 26 NOV 2020 10:00AM • Easy walk

5.5 miles/8.8 km Titchfield & Hill Head circular About the walk: Meet at 09:00: Romsey Rapids car park adjacent to Romsey Town FC for possible car share to starting point - depending on personal choices. (SO51 8AF, SU359209) Starts at 10:00: Public car park by Bridge Street, Titchfield at the east of the bridge over the River Meon. Because of restricted turnings, it is better appoached from Titchfield - unless coming from Stubbington (PO14 3QL, SU542054) . A circular seaside walk from Titchfield along the Titchfield Canal to Titchfield Haven, then by the coast to a footpath that runs across country back to Titchfield. Picnic lunch at the end. Map: OS Explorer OL3.

Contact: Sue and Paul, 01794 278634 or 07802 210481 SUN, 29 NOV 2020 10:00AM • Moderate walk

7.5 miles/12.1 km Avington Country Park circular

The walk leader may, at their discretion, restrict numbers on a walk.

If you are intending to go on the walk, please inform the walk contact beforehand.

You will be required to provide the walk leader with your name and contact details.

Members of the public can join up to 3 walks without becoming a member but because of Coronavirus regulations.

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Gardening Tips

On Your Plot Feeling Fruity

Few flavours compare with that of fruit freshly picked from the garden. Much of the fruit available in the shops (particularly the supermarkets) has been grown for it’s ability to travel well rather than it’s flavour and may have been picked well before it’s arrival on the shelf. If you fancy apples from your own tree, or a bowl of raspberries fresh from the garden, now is the time to act.

Jobs for November :-

• Start to harvest parsnips after the first frosts.

• Tidy up your greenhouse or polytunnel, wash out pots and seed trays before storing ready for the Spring • Sow hardy peas or broad beans ready for an early crop next year.

• Use netting or chicken wire to protect your broccoli and cabbages from hungry pigeons.

• If you haven’t already done so, plant garlic and shallots.

• If your rhubarb is taking over, lift and divide the crowns before replanting.

If you are anything like me you will spend ages drooling over pictures of bushes dripping with blackcurrants or gooseberries, trees laden with apples, or bowls full of luscious raspberries but struggle to get to grips with the realities of production on your own plot!

Patience is a virtue that is definitely required for growing your own, and this is particularly so with fruit trees and bushes. I have to confess to having an inclination to move on with anything that requires more than a few months to give a decent crop, but with most fruit you just have to force yourself to take the long term view and now being the proud owner of a 2 year old gooseberry bush and raspberry canes I can assure you that the waiting is worthwhile!

Think carefully about where you will grow your fruit. Trees require lots of space (but are a wonderfully attractive addition to your plot) while bushes may be incorporated in your borders, but will probably need some protection if you aren’t going to loose a lot of fruit to the birds.

38

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Late autumn is an ideal time to add fruit to your plot as trees and bushes will be entering their dormant period. It is important to buy healthy plants and to ensure that they are dormant as they will transplant more successfully. If you are ordering from a reputable mail order nursery they are likely to arrange delivery to coincide with the best time for planting. You should also get instruction on how to plant and care for your new tree or bush.

Trees such as apple or plum may be grafted onto a variety of different rootstocks - this sounds complicated but all you really need to know is what effect this will have on the final size of the tree. If you have limited space it is possible to buy dwarf varieties some of which can even be suitable for container growing. Pollination is also an important consideration, some varieties are self-fertile and do not need a pollinator, while others may require another variety planted close by to act as a pollinator. When planting your tree out it may benefit from staking and protection around the base.

One ‘fruit’ that is a little different and very easy to grow is Rhubarb. Rhubarb is actually classified as a vegetable, but certainly tastes good used like a fruit in crumbles and pies. November is the perfect time to plant out dormant crowns.

Although these can be bought from nurseries Rhubarb tends to spread well when established and needs to be divided every few years so it is often possible to obtain surplus crowns from friends or neighbours. Plant your crown with the buds just above the soil and water well the first year. Once the plants have become established you can look forward to harvesting a good crop of delicious pink stems from Spring onwards very welcome as the first ‘fruit’ of the year.

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The Royal British Legion has been supporting Service men and women, ex-serving personnel and their families since 1921. And we're not going anywhere. The British Legion was formed on 15 May 1921, bringing together four national organisations of ex-Servicemen that had established themselves after the First World War: The National Association of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers The British National Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Soldiers The Comrades of The Great War The OďŹƒcers' Association The amalgamation of these diverse bodies can be attributed largely to two men: Field Marshal Earl Haig and Tom Lister of The Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Soldiers.

Lord Haig served as the President of The Royal British Legion until his death.

As a result of the war, Britain's economy plummeted and in 1921 there were two million people unemployed. Over six million men had served in the war. Of those who came back, 1.75 million had suered some kind of disability and half of these were permanently disabled.

The Royal British Legion

Visit rbl.org.uk

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Then there were those who depended on those who had gone to war – the wives and children, widows, and orphans, as well as the parents who had lost sons in the war, on whom they were often financially dependent. The Legion was established to care for those who had suffered as a result of service during the First World War. And we've been helping the Armed Forces community and their families ever since. Today we're at the heart of a national network looking after our Armed Forces community. The Legion is here to help serving and ex-serving personnel all year round, every day of the week. Our support starts after seven days of service and continues through life, long after service is over.

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WRITTEN WRITTENBY BYKATE KATEEARL EARL

SS TT A A RR G GA A ZZ II N NG G Welcome Welcome to to the the November November Stargazing Stargazing Page.

Page. Each Each month month I’ll I’ll be be describing describing astronomical astronomicalevents eventsthat thatare arehappening happeningoverhead overheadininour ourbeau beauful fulnight nightskies. skies.The The majority majorityof ofevents eventsare areviewable viewablejust justby bystepping steppingoutside outsideon onaacloudless cloudlessnight nightand and looking lookingup, up,but butsome somemay mayrequire requireaapar parcular cularvantage vantagepoint pointe.g. e.g.aaclear clearview viewto tothe the west. west. Occasionally, Occasionally,viewings viewings will will benefit benefit from from the the use use of of binoculars binoculars or or aa small small telescope telescopeififavailable, available,but butall allcan canbe beenjoyed enjoyedwithout withouteither. either.

International InternationalSpace SpaceStation Station All Allsightings sightingsfor forearly earlyNovember Novemberoccur occurbetween betweenthe thechilly chillyhours hoursof of4a.m.

4a.m.and and 6a.m.

6a.m.After AfterNovember November20th 20ththe theISS ISSisisvisible visibleevery everyevening eveningafter after5p.m., 5p.m.,often often twice twiceininone onenight. night.Some Someof ofthe thebrightest brightestpasses passesare arearound around5.40p.m.

5.40p.m.on onthe the 23rd, 23rd,25th, 25th,27th 27thand and29th 29thNovember, November,all allrising risingfrom fromthe thewest westor orsouthwest. southwest.

Please Pleasenote notetimings timingsare aresubject subjectto tochange, change,therefore thereforeI Irecommend recommendchecking checking www.heavens-above.com www.heavens-above.comfor forup-to-date up-to-dateinformation, information,remembering rememberingto toset set the thelocation locationto toRomsey.

Romsey.

Those Thoseof ofyou youhoping hopingto touse usethe thepredicted predictedtimes timesfor forISS ISSoverhead overheadpasses passesinin September Septembermay mayhave havenoticed noticedthey theyweren’t weren’taccurate. accurate.This Thiswas wasbecause becausethe the astronauts astronautson onboard boardhad hadto toperform performaalast-minute last-minute‘avoidance ‘avoidancemanoeuvre’ manoeuvre’to to ensure ensurethat thatthey theywere werenot nothit hitby byaalarge largepiece pieceof ofspace spacedebris debrisleft leftover overfrom fromaa 2018 2018Japanese Japaneserocket. rocket.The Theprocedure procedurewas wascarried carriedout outeffectively effectivelyand andno no damage damagewas wassustained sustainedto tothe thespace spacestation stationor orthe thecrew. crew.

See Seeall alleight eightplanets planetsof ofthe theSolar SolarSystem Systemin inone oneday! day!

November Novemberprovides providesaarare rareopportunity opportunityto tosee seeall alleight eightplanets planetswithin within24 24hours, hours, with withsuggested suggestedviewing viewingtimings timingsof of6a.m., 6a.m.,6p.m.

6p.m.and and9p.m.

9p.m.Binoculars Binocularsor oraasmall small telescope telescopewill willbe berequired requiredto tospot spotUranus Uranusand andNeptune.

Neptune.To Toprevent preventmoonlight moonlight from fromwashing washingout outthe thefainter fainterplanets, planets,viewing viewingon onaacloudless cloudlessnight nightbetween between88–– 20th 20thNovember Novemberisisrecommended. recommended.

Mercury Mercuryand andVenus Venus andthe thebest besttime time Mercury Mercuryand andVenus Venusare arecurrently currentlyvisible visibleininthe theearly earlymorning morningand to tospot spotthem themisisaround around6a.m.

6a.m.early earlyininthe themonth, month,and and6.15a.m.

6.15a.m.later laterininthe the month. month.Mercury Mercurywill willbe bequite quiteclose closeto tothe theSun Sunand andhard hardto tospot spotas asdawn dawnbreaks, breaks, and andititwill willalso alsobe bequite quitelow lowon onthe thehorizon, horizon,therefore thereforeaaclear clearview vieweast, east,or oran an elevated elevatedposition position(such (suchas asaafirst-floor first-floorbalcony balconyor oropen openwindow) window)isisessential. essential.

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AAskychart skychartor orapp appmay maybe behelpful helpfulto toprevent preventconfusing confusingititwith withthe thenearby nearbystar, star, Spica.

Spica.Venus Venuswon’t won’tbe beconfused confusedwith withanything anythingas asit’s it’sthe thebrightest brightestthing thingininthe the sky skyafter afterthe theSun, Sun,Moon Moonand andISS! ISS!Be Bemindful mindfulto tofinish finishobserving observingbefore beforesunrise sunrise (around (around7a.m.)

7a.m.)and andalways alwaysavoid avoidlooking lookingdirectly directlyat atthe theSun. Sun. Earth Earth Just Justlook lookdown! down!

Mars Mars Mars Marsisisrapidly rapidlymoving movingaway awayfrom fromus usnow, now,but butisisstill stillaadistinguishable distinguishableredredorange orangeobject objectininthe theconstellation constellationof ofPisces, Pisces,aapart partof ofthe thesky skywith withfew fewbright bright stars, stars,so soit’s it’shard hardto tomiss. miss.Look Lookhigh highininthe thesky skytowards towardsthe thesouth southat at9p.m.

9p.m.

Jupiter Jupiter&&Saturn Saturn Still Stillhanging hangingon onininour ourdarkening darkeningautumnal autumnalskies, skies,the thegas gasgiants giantsare arebest bestviewed viewed ininthe thesouthwest southwestaround around6.p.m.

6.p.m.before beforethey theysink sinkbelow belowthe thehorizon. horizon.Saturn Saturnisis the thedimmer dimmerobject objecton onthe theupper upperleft leftof ofthe thebright, bright,yellowish yellowishJupiter.

Jupiter.As Asan anadded added bonus, bonus,Pluto, Pluto,the theex-ninth ex-ninthplanet planetisiscurrently currentlylocated locatedvery veryclose closeto toJupiter Jupiteras as seen seenfrom fromour ourline-of-sight line-of-sighton onEarth.

Earth.ItItisisdifficult difficultto tospot, spot,looking lookinglike likeaafaint faint background backgroundstar stareven evenwith withaagood goodtelescope. telescope.However, However,ififyou youare arelooking lookingininthe the direction directionof ofJupiter, Jupiter,you youare arealso alsolooking lookingininthe thedirection directionof ofPluto, Pluto,so soyou youcan cansort sort of oftick tickititoff offthe thelist! list!

Uranus Uranusand andNeptune Neptune Both Boththe theice icegiants giantslook looklike likeblue-green-grey blue-green-greydiscs discsininaapair pairof ofbinoculars. binoculars.They They are arebest bestviewed viewedwhen whenlooking lookingfor forMars Marsaround around9p.m.

9p.m.Uranus Uranusisissituated situatedwithin within Aries Ariesand andisispositioned positionedleft leftof ofMars, Mars,whilst whilstNeptune NeptuneisisininAquarius Aquariusto tothe theright rightof of Mars.

Mars.As Asthey theyare arevery veryhard hardto tolocate locateititisisrecommended recommendedthat thatkeen keenobservers observers look lookup uppositioning positioningcharts chartsthat thatare arefreely freelyavailable availableon onthe theinternet. internet.

Moon Moon November’s November’sFull FullMoon Moonfalls fallson onthe the30th, 30th,and andhas hasaanumber numberof ofnames. names.In InNorth North America Americaititisisknown knownas asthe theBeaver Beaveror orFrost FrostMoon; Moon;to tothe theancient ancientCelts Celtsititwas wasthe the Dark DarkMoon; Moon;and andto toMedieval Medievalpeoples peoplesititwas wascalled calledthe theSnow SnowMoon.

Moon.

VENUS VENUS

URANUS URANUS MARS MARS

NEPTUNE NEPTUNE View ViewSouth Southwith withbinoculars: binoculars:9pm 9pm Mid-November Mid-November

MERCURY MERCURY

EE

6am 6amMid-November Mid-November

SE SE

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