Romsey & Wellow Gazette - January 2021

SCAN ME

Community Magazines

Romsey & Wellow LOCAL DIRECTORY Easily nd local businesses & services

IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE...

Councillor’s Column Successful court outcome over village water tower Pub Quiz, Wordsearch & Sudoku

JAN

2021

www.sofasmith.co.uk Your ideal sofa is closer than you think…

HUNTS FARM, RUDD LANE, UPPER TIMSBURY, ROMSEY, SO51 0NU • T: 01794 367898

*** New showroom now open! *** Wilton Shopping Village, Salisbury, SP2 0RS

Please call or check our website for opening hours • sofasmith.co.uk • hello@sofasmith.com

E XC EPTIO NAL C AR E I N YO U R OW N H O M E

“ All the visiting carers have been lovely and have treated my father with great care.

The whole team has been excellent and I would recommend them to anyone in our position.”

Andrew, son Audley Care customer

Care tailored to you

Audley Care Stanbridge Earls From companionship and general assistance to emergency, long-term and specialist care, our highly trained, discreet and friendly staff will help you with as little or as much as you want.

Care Community visits start from 30 minutes

Contact us to find out more

01794 338000 info@audleycare.co.uk www.audleycare.co.uk

2

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

@mlggazettesnews

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

3

In this issue

January

Edition of your local Romsey & Wellow Gazette Community Magazine!

Here at Modern Magazines we sincerely hope you had a good Christmas and were able to meet with some family and friends. We will certainly remember these times and really appreciate it when we have less restrictions and are able to go out and about more freely again. Inside your local community magazine Daichi, the Dashing Dude family Campervan, looks back at 2020 with some fond memories, despite all the setbacks. We made the most of the times we did have and are now looking forward to some new and exciting places to visit in 2021! Do you have any plans? You cannot go wrong with a good old British ‘staycation’ - no matter the weather.

Whilst it is still a bit chilly, why not sit by the fire and have a read of your local community magazine from cover to cover? There are things to do such as a wordsearch, a sudoku, a pub quiz and even a New Year’s Resolution’s page for you to fill in! There are also of course our wonderful local businesses and trades people. They really appreciate your calls.

2020 was a challenge let’s face it, so let’s make 2021 the year we help our local shops, trades and businesses thrive like never before! Here at Modern Magazines with your local Directory, we intend to do everything we can to help them. I know you are with me on this. I really appreciate all that you do to help keep our neighbourhood businesses alive.

We wish you a great 2021. May we move forward from this past year with new enthusiasm and a spirit of helping one another.

Very Best Wishes,

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

4

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

6 Successful court outcome over

village water tower 7 Raffle raises nearly £1000 for

Hampshire countryside 8 Wild Winter Larders 10 Pub Quiz 12 Councillor’s Column 16 Quirky Facts about Hampshire 18 Wordsearch 19-22 Romsey Town Council 24 Sudoku 26 The Adventures of Daichi 30 Puzzle Answers 32 Monthly Walk: Crowdhill 34 Gardening: Planning veg 35 Poetry: Road Not Taken

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.

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.

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @mlggazettesnews

@mlggazettesnews

DRIVE full workshop facilities mot testing petrol/diesel all makes and models serviced free local collection and delivery free fitting of tyres, exhausts and batteries

v 10% DISCOUNT WITH THIS VOUCHER v

Air Con Re-gas

£49.99

NORTH BADDESLEY SERVICE CENTRE

107 ROWNHAMS LANE, NORTH BADDESLEY

Call the Service Centre:

023 8073 2842 BOOK MOT AND SERVICE AT www.kingslakecars.co.uk

free bodywork repair quotes

Incorporating KINGSLAKE CARS QUALITY USED CARS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

courtesy car available

visit our website for full details: www.kingslakecars.co.uk FULL TRADE FACILITIES

023 8073 0122

GREATBRIDGE MOTOR SERVICES Reliable Garage Services in & around Romsey

NEXEN 4 Seasons tyres now in stock at offer prices – while stocks last.

Ready for the Winter!

• MoT Testing • Vehicle Servicing • Tyre Fitting

• Car Diagnostics • Batteries & Clutches

• Air Conditioning • Wheel Alignment

OPENING TIMES Mon-Fri - 8.30am to 5pm Sat-8.30am to 12.30pm Sun - Closed

70 GREATBRIDGE ROAD, ROMSEY, HAMPSHIRE, SO51 8FG

Tel: 01794 516398

www.greatbridgemotorservices.co.uk To advertise, advertise,please pleasecall call01264 01264316499 316499or oremail emailenquiries@mlggazettes.co.uk enquiries@mlggazettes.co.uk To

47 5

Successful Court Outcome Over Village Water Tower Test Valley Borough Council has won a legal battle to protect part of the countryside in Goodworth Clatford after enforcing a planning decision. In 2018, a tarmac scalping hardstanding was laid around the water tower in the village. Although the tower isn’t a listed building, it is considered to be an important landmark feature of Goodworth Clatford, having been erected in 1936 and sits among attractive countryside.

Upon discovering that this had been done without permissions, the council advised the applicant to remove the tarmacked ground, and that this was likely to be rejected by the council if a retrospective planning application was submitted. Despite this advice, the applicant chose to submit an application having already carried out the work, but this was then refused, and a planning enforcement notice given.

matters to come to this, but there were plenty of opportunities for this to have been put right earlier in the process.

“What this is about, is protecting our countryside. This water tower is in miles of beautiful fields and countryside, and works such as this causes considerable harm if it is not done right. I’m grateful for the work of our planning officers, enforcement team and legal service to see this through.”

For more information, Please contact Aaron Shaw Communications Officer

01264 368414

ashaw@testvalley.gov.uk

This refusal of planning permission and the issuing of an enforcement notice was then appealed, but the Planning Inspectorate found in the council’s favour earlier this year as it breached planning policies in the council’s Local Plan. Having been given three months to remove the tarmac and restore the land, the defendants failed to fully comply, and the council began a prosecution process, which resulted in a successful day in court last month.

The defendants, D C Li (Builders Ltd) were fined £400 and made to pay £750 in costs, and a £40 victim surcharge as well as being ordered to remove the unauthorised materials. Planning portfolio holder, and deputy leader, councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “Of course we are pleased with the result, but this matter isn’t necessarily about a successful prosecution. We don’t want for

6

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

The water tower, Goodworth Clatford, as of inspection in March 2018

@mlggazettesnews

Raffle raises almost £1000 for Hampshire countryside A raffle organised by volunteers at CPRE Hampshire, the countryside charity has raised almost £1,000 to help the local countryside to thrive.

Robert Jamieson from the charity’s South Downs & Central District Group and co-organiser of the quiz nights usually held in Itchen Abbas and East Meon, says: 'We sadly had to cancel our two quiz nights this year due to coronavirus restrictions, however, not to be outdone we came up with the idea of holding a raffle in its place.

The prize of a case of six Hampshire sparkling wines and the draw took place in November by our Chair, Dee Haas. As it was a raffle, we asked for a donation to enter. We're delighted to say that we sold 70 tickets and the raffle raised almost £1,000 to support our work helping the Hampshire countryside to thrive.’

Peter Lindon. The countryside charity depends entirely on public support and is currently running an appeal. There has been a surge of appreciation for the countryside and local green spaces during lockdown but with no events, this cannot be converted into much needed funds to support its work.

Please visit: www.cprehampshire.org.uk/getinvolved/appeal-2020 to find out more about how you can help to protect the Hampshire countryside now and for generations to come.

The winning ticket belonged to CPRE Hampshire members, Hugh and Sue Sandars of Micheldever. Robert Jamieson adds: 'We intend to hold the quiz evenings again next year when we sincerely hope that all the current troubles will be behind us. It is always a great evening and enjoyed by everybody. We need to raise funds for CPRE Hampshire as it keeps the charity doing its job, protecting our countryside at these difficult times.'

CPRE Hampshire is very grateful to the quiz nights organising team - Robert Jamieson, Christopher Napier and

Dee Haas with Robert Jamieson drawing the raffle on a public bridleway in Ellisfield because of the current Covid rules

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

7

Wild Winter Larders, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust The sight of your fridge or cupboards full after a trip to the shops can be very satisfying, but did you know humans aren’t the only ones who like to keep a wellstocked larder over the winter months?

All sorts of animals have been seen hiding food away, ready to eat in the depths of winter when other food sources get scarce.

Under the ground: Perhaps more unexpectedly, some British subterranean species also keep food stores in winter.

Moles keep stores of earthworms at this time of year, in preparation for the ground freezing and becoming too hard for them to feed. A mole’s storage method is rather gruesome; they bite the heads of worms, immobilising them and then keep their meal in chambers off their tunnels. In areas where flooding is likely the moles might also store their prey in a ‘fortress’ above ground. Some worms have a lucky escape, if they haven’t been eaten by the time the weather warms up, they can heal their heads and tunnel their way out.

Helping wildlife stock up for winter can be really simple. Putting out food for birds and letting your garden grow wild, with log and rock piles provides food and places for wildlife to wait out the cold.

PHOTO BY DAVID WILLIAMS

In the woods: Some of the first animals that we might think of when we hear the words ‘winter larder’ are squirrels. These furry mammals hide high-fat food in a scattered fashion, either burying their hoard or stuffing it into hollows in trees. Their stash often includes nutritious meals like acorns and hazelnuts, but red squirrels have also been seen keeping fungi in dry spots between branches to eat later.

Squirrels hide so much food in preparation for winter that they inadvertently help woodlands to grow, with many of the forgotten seeds germinating in spring.

Looking to our feathered friends, acorns are also a firm favourite with jays. They cache their food in a similar way to squirrels, scattering it throughout the forest and often

forgetting some of the piles. If not buried or hidden well, their stores may be eaten by mice before the jays ever get the chance.

8

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

@mlggazettesnews

Experts in Commercial and Domestic Tree Surgery

FOLLOW US

G.E.HARDING & SONS LTD Inc

BOILERCARE • Boiler Servicing, Breakdowns and Repairs • Landlord Certificates • All Plumbing work • FREE QUOTATION on Boiler Replacement & Central Heating Installation • Worcester Bosch accredited installer • 10-12 year Guarantee on Worcester Boiler new Installation • Fully Qualified Gas Safe & ISO9001 Accredited Company

Tel: 02380 382830 Mob: 07917 816380 Email: info@geharding.co.uk

12887

Worcester • Vaillant • Glowworm • Baxi

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

9

?

1. Which famous English poet and novelist used the pen name Ellis Bell?

2. Over 99% of the world’s what comes from Hevea brasiliensis?

7. Before emptying into the Dead Sea, which sea does the River Jordan flow through?

8. How many types of chocolates would you find a box of Quality Street?

3. Which musical features the song ‘Memory’?

9. What is a mochachino?

10. Edward Teach is believed to be the real name of which famous pirate?

11. Can you name 2 American states consisting of only 4 letters in their name?

4. A work shift known as a ‘dog watch’ is related to which industry?

5. What does the German word ‘Meister’ mean?

6. Which famous Italian painted ‘The Last Supper’?

12. Which male artist performed ‘Somebody To Love’ at the Freddie Mercury Tribute concert at Wembley Stadium in 1992?

13. Who invented blue jeans alongside Jacob Davis?

14. In which ocean was the Mary Celeste discovered?

15. Which Jessie J song begins ‘It seems like everybody’s got a price, I wonder how they sleep at night?'

Want to see how you did? Answers on Page 30 10

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

@mlggazettesnews

Memorials Fully polished Granites Grey/Black Granite

24" high ÂŁ455 inc VAT

Black & Colours 30" high from ÂŁ555 inc VAT Prices include installation anywhere in England and Wales k

rials.co.u

ememo

www.th

Memorials refurbished and inscriptions added

Please ring for brochure & prices

Peter Thomas 023 8029 3197 or write to: 217 Woodlands Road, Woodlands, Hants. SO40 7GJ

RGR Memorials Limited

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

11

COUNCILLORS COLUMN

Happy New Year. I hope that with the ongoing rollout of the coronavirus vaccine, 2021 will bring much more normality to our lives. At the time of writing, we’ve just concluded discussions with our local Clinical Commissioning Groups to offer The Lights Theatre in Andover and the Crosfield Hall in Romsey as vaccination centres. These sizeable venues are needed, especially in the short term, as the early vaccines will need to be stored in fridges and administered to large numbers of people on a daily basis. To help with the process, we’re supporting our community services partner Unity to recruit and manage a network of volunteers to act as stewards at the centres. This support includes a grant of £10,000 to support the volunteer effort.

We’ve also agreed to provide free parking in both the West Street (Andover) and Crosfield Hall (Romsey) car parks for people receiving the vaccine and will provide free parking permits for those volunteering. It's astonishing that just 10 months after the first patient was infected in the UK, that a comprehensive vaccine programme is now rolling out to protect us from this ghastly disease. A huge thanks to all the scientists that developed the vaccine and to everyone who is now contributing to the rollout programme.

As we look ahead to 2021, Covid assistance aside, the regeneration of Andover and Romsey town centres remains our top priority. In Andover, the first phase of the masterplan will be complete with the creation of a new park at Town Mills. We’ve

12

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

reduced the service charges in the Chantry Centre for the second year in row since purchasing it and have encouraged more pop-up shops. We’re also working alongside the BID to put on a whole series of extra events in the town centre next year, boosting footfall. In Romsey, we will continue to progress the masterplan focussing on the South of the Town Centre and the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly. The outcome of the quick wins vote as to which of the improvements Romsey Future stakeholders wish to see carried out first was the improvement to Fishlake Stream. They’ll also be an opportunity this year for residents to have their say on the detail of a new multipurpose public hall to replace the Crosfield Hall.

Finally, in December I ‘Walked Home for Christmas’ with a small team from Test Valley Borough Council, including the Chief Executive and our Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Nick Matthews - to raise money for Walking with the Wounded. Our 12-mile trek took us from Inkpen through the Bourne Valley to Enham Alamein, the village of remembrance. Covid has created a new battlefield and mental health issues that particularly impact ex-soldiers and their families. I was honoured to walk alongside a veteran, who told me what the charity is doing to provide support and I’m pleased to report that our team raised over £2,000 for this most worthy of causes.

Cllr. Phil North Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council Member for Bourne Valley www.philnorth.org

@mlggazettesnews

Why Curves is more than just a gym

Your Year FI

T H E A LT H

ST

THIS MONTH

GET 30 DAYS

FREE!

RONG

The 30-minute Curves workout is based on the principle of circuit exercises. If you do not know what it is, Circuit Training is a fi tness programme designed to train our body’s strength, endurance, mobility, and coordination. Circuit Training (CT) consists of a series of exercise-stations to be performed consecutively with recovery time in-between exercises.

JUMP START

Y

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.

The sequence of exercises is designed to train the upper body, lower body and core.

Exercising all muscle groups produces greater energy expenditure, resulting in weight loss and improved muscle strength.

That’s why Circuit Training is perfect for getting back in shape and achieving your fi tness goals in a short time!

In addition, CT can be adjusted for the needs of anyone, using high and low intensity exercises as appropriate. This ensures CT is suitable for any age or fi tness level: young, senior, professional or novice.

Call us to book an no obligation fi tness consultation and try out our equipment on 01794 516646.

LE A S

SCAN ME

Curves Romsey Station Approach, Romsey, SO51 8DU 01794 516646 @curvesromsey *Discount applies to the Service Fee. Offer valid on first visit enrolment for a 12-month membership. New members only. Not valid with any other promotions. Valid at participating locations during 04/01/2021 - 26/02/2021. © 2020 Curves International, Inc.

curves.eu/uk

BY DESIGN

We offer a wide selection of luxury, quality, traditional & contemporary design ideas & styles for your unique styled bathroom.

• The extensive upper showroom is a working showroom with: running water on taps, flushing toilets and working shower displays.

• Bathroom Installers, plumbing and heating engineers and renewables.

• The complete package or supply only.

Ocean Solar Ltd., Unit 18, Whaddon Business Park, Whaddon, Salisbury SP5 3HF

T 01722 711288

E sales@oceanbathroomsbydesign.co.uk W www.oceanbathroomsbydesign.co.uk

Luxury quality bathrooms, with design led, bathroom products from leading suppliers

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

13

Property Protection Trusts PPTs are by far one of the most common types of trusts included in wills.

The PPT is designed to take the deceased’s share in the home and give someone else (usually your spouse) a life interest in the property which will give them the protection of living in the property for the remainder of their lifetime or earlier if the trust specifi es i.e. until remarriage. It also ensures that if the survivor requires long term care, at least half the property is preserved for the benefi t of their benefi ciaries who are normally the deceased’s children.

These types of trusts are generally used for married couples or civil partners to ensure the share of the home will ultimately pass to your children at the end of the trust period whilst still ensuring the interests of the surviving spouse are protected.

For example, a married couple, who have not been married before want to leave their share of their house to their children. They currently own the house as joint tenants. Dorset and Wight would sever the tenancy on the property registering them each as 50% owners. They then have their wills written to represent that if one died, their half of the property

would be held on Trust for the benefi t of their children but allowing the survivor to live in their share of the property for life or a specifi ed period of time.

So, what is the point of a PPT? The main reason for a PPT is the protection it provides for the benefi ciaries i.e. your children, to ensure they are protected and ultimately receive a share of the home.

If the share of the home is simply gifted to your partner directly, this could cause a number of issues – the main one being that the whole value of the house could be assessed towards payment of care fees.

Another is sideways disinheritance i.e. the surviving partner remarries and the house passes to their new spouse under the Will. A PPT will enable the partner to stay in the home and will avoid the risk of the partner potentially disinheriting your children.

Dorset and Wight are your local trusted provider of aff ordable Lasting Power of Attorneys and professionally drafted Wills.

You have undoubtedly heard of us Now is the time: to call us.

Telephone 01264 252900 or 01983 623900 or visit: www.dorsetandwight.co.uk

T.A. Spacagna Ltd Tel: 01794 521677 www.tassromsey.co.uk

TELEVISION / AUDIO SALES / SERVICE • Television Repairs – LCD, LED & Plasma

Washing Machine, Dishwasher, Tumble Dryer, Fridge & Freezer, Cooler & Cooker Repair Specialists Call Outs available Monday-Friday Competitive Labour Rates

Tel: 01794 523599 www.taspacagna.co.uk

We ca n order, sup and fit ply new goods

• Hi-Fi & Audio Repairs • Workshop or House Call Repairs • Set Up & Install New Equipment & Tuition • VHS to DVD copying • Sales of Accessories (Remotes, Cables, etc.)

• Aerial & Satellite Work • Repair agent for the John Lewis Partnership

SERVICING THE AREA SINCE 1976

14

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

and most other makes…

@mlggazettesnews

Wills in Hampshire Your Local Experts in also providing Affordable

LASTING POWER of ATTORNEYS Probably the most important documents you will ever own.

Wills: £140 each - Single Power of Attorneys: £140 each

Special Offer 1: Both Lasting Power of Attorneys for a single person £270 (save £10)

Special Offer 2: All four Lasting Power of Attorneys for a couple £530 (save £30)

Special Offer 3: All four Lasting Power of Attorneys and two Wills for a couple £798 (save £42)

Special Offer 4: A complete Property Protection Trust, Wills and all four Lasting Power of Attorneys for a couple - Limited time offer £999 (save £350) Protect your property from paying for care fees and other third-party predators.

We are specialists in providing for the elderly or less mobile.

Everything is dealt with in the comfort of your own home.

CALL NOW TO ARRANGE A FREE COVID SAFE HOME VISIT Members of the Society of Will Writers and Estate Planning Practitioners.

Book your FREE home visit on 01202 065953, 01983 623900 or 01264 252900 Dorset, Isle of Wight and Hampshire

www.dorsetandwight.co.uk

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

15

QUIRKY

BY MICA BALE

As the new year gets underway. Hampshire begins another chapter in a great line of historical moments and events. From the marriage location of Henry VIII himself to a castle whose prisoners staged theatre shows, here are five more interesting facts from around the county.

It does not take a historian to appreciate Hampshire’s impressive history, in fact throughout the county are many hidden gems that provide snapshots into this treasure trove of heritage. The Fox Pub in Bramdean is one such gem. Dating back more than four hundred years, the pub has witnessed arguably one of the most significant battles of the Civil War and amazingly, the Prince of Wales, later to be George IV, once visited this Hampshire inn for refreshments for himself and his companions. Even more remarkably, the future king even allowed the pub to display his coat of arms, which remains proudly on display in the inn today.

TWO

Have you visited the Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum?

Believed to be the only Victorian steam-driven brickworks left in the UK, the brickworks date back to 1897 when the Ashby family saw the potential for a lucrative brick trade due to the rich supply of clay in Bursledon. Amazingly, just a few years later, in the early 20th century, more than twenty million bricks were being produced by this Hampshire enterprise! Through the years however, the brickworks saw less and less demand until 2015 when this slice of Hampshire’s industrial heritage was given a new lease of life as a museum open to the public.

Have you tried any of Hampshire’s own Gorilla Spirits? As well as producing a wide range of different spirits including gin, vodka, spiced rum and coffee liqueur, Gorilla Spirits, based in Upton Grey, also donates £1 from every bottle to the Gorilla Organisation which works to preserve endangered gorilla species for future generations. Founder Andy Daniel commented, “My vision for Gorilla Spirits Co. is to move with the market by creating a range of the highest quality spirits and liqueurs that people love to drink. Our commitment to donate £1 to the Gorilla Organization for every bottle that we sell lies at the heart of what we do but we look beyond this to find many other ways of making a positive contribution too”. That’s the ape-eal of Gorilla Spirits!

FOUR

3

Marwell Zoo is home to more than one thousand animals, from zebras and giraffes to snow leopards and pygmy hippos.

Interestingly, as well as helping with vital conservation work, the site of the zoo is itself an historic area. Rumour has it that the Marwell Estate which dates back to the 14th century, was the actual site where King Henry VIII married Jane Seymour whose family then owned Marwell Hall.

5

As one of the county’s greatest strongholds, Portchester Castle has been a beacon of fortitude since the times of the Romans and has played an important role in many fascinating eras of history. A large section of Portchester’s story includes acting as a gaol for various prisoners of war, most notably in the Napoleonic skirmishes, often holding thousands of foreign prisoners at a time. Amazingly, in 1810, Portchester was transformed into a theatre when French prisoners decided to amuse themselves by redecorating one of the castle’s many rooms and staging shows for fellow inmates and locals who would pay to see these shows!

Winter Word Search Can you find all 20 words?

Hint: Horizontal, vertical, diagonal and backwards words makeup this winter word search.

C O L D A H E B D S N M X I C S S B U L L E W G

G A H M R K N S R T E K N A L B Z N G A X H A B

M R N M H C E H V A E G U N E R A O U A O R I B G T S C O G X P N C H N O C E W K V R I A I Y B

A H A G Z T D I B Y X G G A E Z E E R F M V F T

N D D R X T E F W O Q Z W R V O O N A F V A J Z

Y K A Y Y B B R O N E E X F R L I I Z O V N N L

I I N L I K V B N Q P T B O C C T I C I C L E V

Z K C B R S M O S R W S N O W F L A K E E C G E

E S S E A C H I B E R N A T E Y U K E T E A O A

F B C E I R J Q Y C M V U T D J B E F Y A G V N

V R A M V S G W H T F N U K O B J I G L M B C M E D T X E E Z L I Q I C K E J U S W K Z A N P L

L T R Y N U P L U H R Z P X Y I K A N W E Y L B

A A Y V R J N I Y D L H F E L D H Z N N A N B J

A R D C J K Q Z S R M A O K Q I A K K L T N P C

M H C L X G P Z S E V O L G N Z A W Z R E N I U

K P B T I B D A K S A L E T U M K O R W R S G O

L P I N I Y U R D R L S V N A B H X Y T I U F J

Y S N T N C G D H Z W E O I R O Q R B L D V D B

H V M E S I Z M M X M Q H N Z S C Z V Z G K S B

S M K M I O Z K K X T Q B I U V Q J I B Y R N R

Arctic • Blanket • Blizzard • Coat • Cold • Fire • Freeze • Frost Gloves • Heater • Hibernate • Ice • Icicle • Scarf • Season • Ski Snow • Snowboard • Snowflake • Snowman 18

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

@mlggazettesnews

Q V E P L B O M S V C R R N G F A V E I M N Y H X N T C F F C I B N M O O Y N G I X N Q O W G B

ROMSEY TOWN COUNCIL

NEWSLETTER WINTER 2021

MAYORS WINTER MESSAGE Dear Romsey Resident Well I certainly did not expect to be writing this! As you know due to Covid19 it was agreed that I would continue as Mayor until May 2021 in line with the TVBC Mayor. 2020 has been a year none us could ever have imagined and the situation is going to continue until 2021 – the news of a vaccine gives so much hope to all of us.

One thing I have always said about Romsey is how strong the community spirit is, this has certainly been evident this year. I want to give my very grateful thanks to the support given to the charities and good causes working in Romsey to help those who are currently suffering in many ways. Social media has been full of offers of help and support and ways of easing the pressures of lockdown.

Even with all the restrictions, during the summer months Romsey was buzzing, the markets, ukulele band and the buskers made Romsey the place to be on a summer's Sunday afternoon.

The local retailers and cafes need your support

GRANTS

Since the last Newsletter grants have been awarded to the following: Romsey Charities Fair Green Buttercup Freedom Matters/Romsey Foodbank Romsey Robins Victim Support Halterworth Primary School Green Team Romsey Town Council

£150 £200 £250 £150 £100 £250

more than ever now. I am using the local pubs for takeaways and can highly recommend them. I enjoyed doing my Christmas shopping in Romsey, which was a social event in its own right – we have so many wonderful retailers.

I have been doing a lot of walking in and around Romsey these past few months as have many of us and everyone I have come across has respected the need to social distance and always with a smile and a few words of greeting. Just little things like this make Romsey what it is, a special place.

Christmas in Romsey – not quite the Christmas we were hoping for – but as always, the lights in Romsey shone out for us to help bring some cheer into our lives – a beacon of hope for a better 2021 for all of us.

Keep safe everyone and my best wishes for you and your family for 2021.

Janet Burnage Romsey Town Mayor

The Office of Dmitrijs Meiksans MYP Romsey Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society

£250 £250

If you would like to apply for a grant for your organisation please visit our website www. romseytc.org.uk/grants where you can view application criteria and download the grant application form.

www.romseytc.org.uk

Winter Newsletter 2021

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

19

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Hundred Closure During the first lockdown of 2020 Cllr Nik Daas and Cllr Sandra Gidley hand delivered a survey to businesses in Romsey. The councillors asked the owners/managers how they were faring as a result of the Lockdown and Closure of The Hundred.

There was a phenomenal response rate to the business survey and it indicated the desire businesses had for a champion for them in these difficult times.

In the survey the question of footfall was asked on how it had affected income and what could be done to help businesses “bounce back”. People made some very detailed proposals and there is some support for the permanent closure of The Hundred to traffic. From the surveys, the consensus is that the closure did not negatively impact businesses. Instead businesses could see the reasoning behind losing The Hundred so the two metre distance could be adhered to.

As a result of the business survey Nik and Sandra have championed the views of businesses at all levels of local council and are ensuring that Romsey’s businesses are heard as decisions are made.

Following the second lockdown, the councillors reached out to the businesses again to offer their support in any way possible.

Cllr Nik Daas Abbey Ward

Sunlight and Shadow Humans learnt long ago how to use the energy in rivers via damns and water wheels. We are only just starting in our ability to do the same re sunlight. The energy used by the world’s entire human population in a year is equivalent to about two hours’ worth of the energy reaching the earth from the sun. So as we get better at using sunlight (and the winds that it drives) then massive amounts of cheap, clean energy will be ours for the taking. The fact that this will soon be more profitable than fossil fuels means the momentum for this change is set to rocket.

volunteers and Test Valley Borough Council this looks to help rewild appropriate parts of our lovely town and surroundings, including increasing both tree cover and other carbon capture areas like wetlands and bogs.

Cllr Neil Gwynne Cupernaham Ward

So why was I so keen to become the LibDem lead on the Climate Emergency Action Plan for Test Valley? Because there are some shadows that we will need to get through for this generation and the next, before we reach that sunny upland! How bad it gets over the next 50+ years is the issue for me – beyond that, I am optimistic.

And much of the action we need to take for the next 50+ years has an important by-product, namely using the natural environment to repair some of the damage we have done to the climate. This has the added benefit of improving the quality of our own lives whilst addressing that other emergency of our times – the crash in biodiversity.

Hence my other role as lead of Romsey Future’s Natural Environment and Sustainability workstream, from which has come an initiative that will (I hope) become increasingly obvious to, and supported by, the people of Romsey, namely the Wilder Romsey project. With support from

We still have quite a few tickets that have yet to be refunded for performances that were cancelled during 2020.

You can collect your Romsey Community Cinema refund from the Romsey Town Council office which is open Monday to Friday 9am – 3pm. For purchases made via Ticketsource, you will have already received your refund directly from them.

We look forward to sharing films with you again very soon.

Official opening of sports facilities at Abbotswood After patiently waiting for many months the wonderful new sports facilities at Abbotswood became available for residents use recently. Many groups have taken the opportunity to use them for different sporting activities including a football pitch, basketball court, changing rooms, and an inside space that can be used for yoga and pilates.

Together with the sports facilities soon to open at Ganger Farm, this sees a welcome increase in the facilities available within Cupernham ward.

Cllr Dorothy Baverstock Cupernham Ward

RTC Mayor Janet Burnage, RTC Cllr Neil Gwynne and TVBC Cllr Ian Jeffrey with TVBC ground staff and venue users

Romsey Community Emergency Plan

Romsey area. In the event a whole organisation sprang up engaging Unity, Romsey Town Council, TVBC, the surgeries, various community groups and individual volunteers. Unity provided the necessary guidance to ensure appropriate safeguarding and data protection procedures were put in place.

We have been developing the Romsey Community Emergency Plan (RCEP) in response to the floods in 2014.

The objective is for the local community to be prepared to respond to any type of emergency as soon as it occurs in support of the emergency and statutory services. We looked at a whole range of emergency events and set up some generic responses including identifying rest centres and organisations that we could call on for support. The one type of emergency we did not examine was a public health pandemic.

Once we knew that we had a health emergency I convened a meeting of the RCEP co-ordinators group to plan how we were going to respond. What immediately became clear was that most of the members of the voluntary organisations we had lined up to help in an emergency were over 70 years of age and were, therefore, being advised stay at home. We had a plan but no resources.

RCEP identified a shortfall in the provision of reliable local information. A Facebook page was set up where information was posted and then shared to other Facebook groups such as Romsey News and Information. The posts from RCEP became a trusted source of information. Since then RCEP has expanded its information coverage to include flood and weather warnings. Once we get near to normal, we will conduct a lessons learned exercise and update the thinking behind the plan to cope more flexibly with any future emergency.

Cllr John Parker Tadburn Ward

Fortunately, Unity was able to step up to the mark and organise a hotline and mobilise volunteers for the

A view from Romsey Town Centre In Hampshire, we are so lucky to have a fantastic variety of village, town and cityscapes. From the historic city of Winchester through to Portsmouth with its naval history and Southampton with its port that has acted as a gateway to the world, more especially as it was 400 years ago that the Pilgrims departed from Southampton in the Mayflower on 15th August 1620.

After the cities, Hampshire can also boast an abundance of market towns such as Romsey. Romsey has all the hallmarks of a quintessential market town that includes its historic buildings, a wide variety of businesses and community groups together with a strong sense of belonging from its residents. It still hosts a number of market events throughout the year in its historic

Cornmarket and revamped Market Place. Its original market town purpose of serving the surrounding countryside communities and villages still holds good, even though considerable new housing has been built and further development is planned on the eastern outskirts of Romsey.

Even before Covid pandemic began its rampage across the world earlier in the year, our town centres were undergoing change, as they have done over the years but this time it is as a result of a move to on-line sales. Is this change any different or significant to others that have taken place before that saw things like the move from small independent shops to supermarkets? It doesn’t seem that long ago when a petrol filling station just sold

fuel. The 1980’s saw the growth of out of town retail with acres of free parking that had a significant impact on city and town centres.

The arrival of Covid and the March lockdown hastened the move to on-line retailing. According to the Office of National Statistics, in March 2012, 9% of retail sales were on-line; on-line retail sales rose to 31% in June of this year.

My arrival as the Romsey Town Centre Manager in September had seen Romsey begin to recover from the ravages of the first March lockdown and its huge impact of many of the town’s businesses. The second lockdown and Covid wave saw once again the physical closure of non-essential businesses. However, this time round many businesses established alternative trading channels such as click and collect together with an on-line presence.

My background is in property in that I am a Chartered Surveyor and have my own specialist property consultancy. I consider that my detailed knowledge of the workings of the property and business sectors will enable me to bring additional facets to my part-time role as Romsey Town Centre Manager, more especially with the recent approval of the South of Romsey Town Centre Masterplan.

My business ethos is to remember that we have two ears and one mouth, whereby I see my role as listening to the many interested parties who have a stake in ensuring that Romsey remains a vibrant place to live, work and visit, more especially in the aftermath of Covid and changing town centre uses.

As a resident of Romsey for 15 years, I know that there are many competing interests, which have to be considered and resolved. Going forward, town centres will have to offer more than just a retail experience to survive. The advancement of evening and night time economies can conflict with the desire to introduce more people to live and reside in town centres. Even the need for early morning deliveries and service vehicles in mixed use residential and commercial developments requires careful planning and design to ensure a peaceful co-existence between differing uses.

Along with others, whether they be businesses, community groups, elected representatives or residents, I want to be part of the team that steers Romsey’s to a bright and successful future.

Lisa Mortimer Romsey Town Centre Manager Romsey Town Council

Romsey Town Hall

HELP US TO HELP YOU Do you run a charitable group or plan events in Romsey? If so, then please let us know. We can then include this information on our Community noticeboards along with spreading the word on our Twitter account @destinationroms

Our beautiful Council Chamber is the perfect setting for your intimate wedding or civil partnership.

22

For more details please visit www.romseytc.org.uk or contact our Events Manager on 01794 512837

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

Romsey Chief Officer can be contacted by phone: 01794 512837 or email: chiefofficer@romseytc.org.uk www.romseytc.org.uk RTC Newsletter layout by The Studio, Romsey 1 Dukes Mill, Broadwater Road SO51 8PJ www.thestudioromsey.co.uk 01794 511800

@mlggazettesnews

Don’t leave it too late to put your affairs in order People often talk about putting their aff airs in order, but then sit on their hands until it is too late. The serious consequences of delay in seeking legal advice were underlined by a case in which a woman waited until she was a resident in a hospice, terminally ill with cancer, before instructing a solicitor to prepare her will.

The woman signed her will 10 days before her death. Her main asset was a house she jointly owned with hew mother, who survived her by about four years. An issue of great signifi cance, however, later arose as to whether they owned the property as joint tenants or as tenants in common.

If they held the property as joint tenants, the principle of survivorship applied, and on the woman’s death, her half share passed automatically to her mother. In that event, the property formed part of the mother’s estate when she died and the entirety of the proceeds of its sale - more than £400,000 - fell to be distributed in accordance with her will.

If, on the other hand, they held the property as tenants in common, the woman’s share of the property fell into her own estate.

On the same day that the woman made her will, she signed a notice which purported to sever her and her mother’s

joint tenancy, thereby converting it into a tenancy in common. A letter containing the notice was sent to her mother by registered post. A few days after the woman died, however, the letter was returned undelivered.

Against the background of those unfortunate events, the executor of the mother’s estate launched proceedings. Half the proceeds of the property’s sale were held in a solicitors’ account pending a judicial resolution of the matter.

The High Court noted that the non-delivery of the letter meant that the mother had not been served with the notice. That defi cit had not been cured by a letter sent to the mother by the Land Registry four days before her daughter died. The joint tenancy had therefore not been validly severed and the Court ruled that the entirety of the proceeds of sale formed part of the mother’s estate.

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

Bells are a specialist Wills, Probate, Residential and Commercial Conveyancing Practice. The offi ce is open fi ve days a week: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm (prearranged appointments only). Our professional service is right on your doorstep. Call us on 01794 513328.

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

23

JS Building Services Covering a comprehensive range of construction services, from the largest to the smallest of jobs considered, including but not limited to:• • • • •

EXTENSIONS LOFT CONVERSIONS FREE RENOVATION WORKS co ns ultation KITCHEN FITTING and quotation GARDEN GYMS / at competitive GARDEN OFFICES prices • PATIOS • BRICKWORK AND FENCING • ELECTRICS AND PLUMBING With 30 years experience we can help you with ideas and planning in order to achieve your requirements Contact JAMES:Email: jsbs1972@gmail.com Mobile: 07870 606905 Home: 02381 227652

Double Glazing Repair UK ...For a clearer outlook

• Windows, doors & conservatories supplied & installed • Foggy, misted, broken double glazed units • Door & window locks • Hinges & handles • Upgrade to energy efficient glass • Fire escape hinges

• Security advice & upgrades • Draught & leaks • Perished window & door rubber gaskets • Patio rollers • Cat flaps & letter plates • Local family business • Fully insured

Technician: Iain Frampton Email: doubleglazingrepairuk@gmail.com Mobile: 0790 965 4025 Telephone: 023 8073 1884 Web: www.doubleglazingrepairuk.com www.doubleglazinguk.org Double Glazing Repair UK are proud members of

Conservatory Erectors

Let’s Sudoku!

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

5

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

9

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

2 5 1 8 9 4 8 5 9 4 1

9 8 4 2 6

Answers on Page 30

24

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

@mlggazettesnews

3

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

25

The Adventures of Daichi The Modern Magazines Camper Van Daichi the Dashing Dude, our wonderful, playful campervan has been looking back at 2020 and where he managed to take us, despite all the restrictions, lockdowns and worries of this last, unprecedented year.

Yes, it certainly was a year of uncertainties.

Daichi did not take us out every month, as the Government said, “No, there is a pandemic, protect the NHS, stay at home, save lives.”

So, we all did. We sat at home, we did a lot of gardening, Netfl ix has never been so popular, Disney Plus made a fortune, Zoom calls to friends, family and business associates became the new ‘normal’ and Amazon, one of the biggest companies on the planet got bigger.

Small, local shops closed. What a year.

Well, Daichi is not to be beaten. Nine out of the twelve months of the year he took us to new and exciting places. We started at ‘Slop Bog’ in Ferndown, Dorset. It was a cool, damp day, but the walk was very relaxing. White cows, a curious calf, trees, shrubs, birds and time to chill out and have a chat while taking in our wonderful British countryside. Totally free.

Daichi likes to see how many diff erent types of places he can visit. England has such a wealth of historical sites, it would be amiss

Daichi basks in the sun at Lepe Beach

26

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

Daichi on the ferry to the Isle of Wight to not see a British Castle! The old medieval Wardour Castle in Wiltshire was a great day out, all the way back in February 2020. Castles are inspiring places to visit and I am sure we will fi nd another this bright New Year to show Daichi some of our memorable British history.

A fi rm favourite of mine is the Isle of Wight.

This time the weather was cold, wet and very windy so the wooden house on the cliff top was both a delight and a ‘haunt’. Waking up in the middle of the night to pitch black, then sudden outside lights appearing, was daunting, but the trip itself was pure family fun and crazy golf. Amazing views with such changing skies.

We could have been abroad, but no, we were on a wonderful British ‘staycation’. There is so much to see that is right on our doorstep, or at least not that far away. Osborne House and Queen Victoria’s beach were truly uplifting.

The New Forest and Lepe Beach was our fi rst drive out after the fi rst Lockdown. Boy, wild horses were not going to stop Daichi from getting out of that driveway! He was raring to go and beamed from wheel to wheel at all the ponies, horses, foals and cattle along the way.

He was in his element. Lepe Beach and the ice cream van after months of not getting out were

@mlggazettesnews

a sight for sore eyes and we all beamed from ear to ear at this! Delicious. It was a simple trip with coff ee and a picnic but most enjoyable.

We were free again and that was intoxicating!

A Treasure Trail was our next adventure. You can buy these online or at Information Centres and some local shops. The one we chose took us all around the Isle of Purbeck where there are Ball Clay Mines. These trails give clues and directions to fi nd out ‘who dun it?’ and where?

The stories are fi ctional, but the clues take you from one location to another around the area you have chosen. This one was a drive and walk trail so Daichi literally took part as he drove us over hills and winding roads, through beautiful Purbeck villages and even passed the house where the family lived that inspired the James Bond movies. Fantastic, long ranging views of greenery and perfect countryside, whilst educating us along the way. Daichi highly recommends Treasure Trails.

Beacon Hill on the A34 may not seem like an exciting day out, but the views from this very steep hill and 360 degrees of pure space are breath-taking. The sheer exhilaration of climbing the 261 metre incline and then seeing the sheer expanse of hills, trees and the beautiful Highclere Castle, otherwise known as Downton Abbey, in the distance were worth every eff ort. Again, learning about our history and the ‘Mummy’s Curse’ when the 5th Earl of Carnarvon was bitten by a fatal mosquito after funding the expedition which fi nally discovered

Daichi admires the sea at Bovisand

Daichi looks over the Isle of Purbeck Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. This story has evoked many a movie since! The Earl’s tomb can be seen at the top of the hill.

Taking my Mum and Dad to Docklow Pools was a real treat. Poor Dad, who is 85 now and Mum’s carer had managed on his own during the lockdown, so fi shing at his favourite retreat was a delight for us all. A holiday to remember… and we are hoping to make it again this year!

Finally, our year ended with two fantastic trips, one to Devon and one to Cornwall. Bovisand in Devon with spectacular sea views over Plymouth Sound and the following month a trip to Kingsand and Cawsand literally opposite, across the large expanse of water.

We loved this whole area and Daichi skipped his way around the winding lanes with gorgeous beaches, watching crashing waves on the shores.

It may have been a year of ‘can’t do’ and many inhibitions but in between these trying times of being careful and protecting ourselves, Daichi still found time to take us out, when it was allowed, and have some family fun. His philosophy is very much what can be done, keep a positive view, get some space, get out and about and the world suddenly seems a better place. We hope you have plans to get out and about this year. We certainly have!

Where will Daichi take us in 2021?

By Debbie Corney

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

27

Computer Repair • • • • • • • • • •

PC & Mac Repairs/Upgrades Tablet/Mobile Device Set Up Home Visits/Networks Hardware/Software Repairs Friendly, Personal Service Virus/Malware Removal Laptop Screen Replacements Fix Slow Running Computers Hard Disk/Data Recovery Business Support

Est. 1999

IF IT ALL GOES WRONG

COME TO THE BEST!

WELL EQUIPPED WORKSHOP WITH CAR PARKING

Support Agents for The John Lewis Partnership

01794 521100 l www.widenet.co.uk

Widenet

Computer Services

Crown House, 28 Winchester Road, Romsey, SO51 8AA

D&D Plumbing Services Reliable and local • Fully insured • FREE estimates No Job to small • No call out charges • Special OAP rates • • Bathroom and shower design and installation • Toilet repairs • Outside taps • Overflows • Loft tanks • Sink replacements • Tap repairs or replacement • Washing machine and dishwasher installation • Radiator valves and radiator replacement, or re location

Call Dave The Plumber on 07793 592045 or 01794 501686 Email: davedennis11@msn.com

Find our reviews on:

CAMERAS & BINOCULARS WANTED

By Private Collector ANY Age, Format, Quantity or Quality - Collections Of ANY Size - Lenses Of All Types - Clockwork Cine ALSO Wanted 8mm, 16mm, 35mm - BEST PRICES PAID - WILL COLLECT - ANY DISTANCE CONSIDERED Please Call Keith On

01202 862886 • COVID-19 SAFE COLLECTIONS •

pcc

Premier Car Care Units 11 & 12 Wynford Industrial Park Romsey, SO51 0PW

MOT Testing Station

MOT & Full Garage Services

We are pleased to announce that we are the only garage in the Romsey area who can offer the award winning EDT Automotive Engine Decontamination Treatment.

Clean right to the heart of your car.

Tel: 01794 367852

MOT only £40 with this advert.

Sarah Stokes

MSSCh Dip Pod Med MBChA Member of the British Chiropody & Podiatry Association

Medical Pedicures For hard skin & corns, or just to be pampered, for a home visit call on:

07941 090363

Appointments available Monday - Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm

28

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

@mlggazettesnews

A5 landscape advert_Layout 1 20/04/2018 15:15 Page 1

Family Owned Funeral Directors Serving Romsey and district for over 100 years, and through three generations of the Peace family

122 The Hundred, Romsey Email: peace@ahcheater.co.uk www.ahcheater.co.uk

Tel: 01794 513393

Personal attention from Simon & Michael Peace and their experienced team

5 Rownhams Road North Baddesley Email: northbaddesley@ahcheater.co.uk www.ahcheater.co.uk

Tel: 02382 358860 of

Fu

a l D ir e

ct

MASTERS IN BLOCK PAVING AND TARMAC

County Block Paving & Surfacing Ltd SINCE 1990

 Block Paving  Tarmacadam

ner

or

Private Chapel of Rest 24 Hour Service

s

Personal attention from Graham Lusty

 Resin  Patios

All work fully guaranteed

•

 Walls  Fencing etc.

No deposits

90% of our work comes from customer recommendations Office: 01794 878 241 Mobile: 07437 476 732 Email: countyblockpaving@hotmail.com www.countyblockpaving.co.uk

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

29

Answers Page PUB QUIZ 1. Emily Bronte 2. Rubber 3. Cats 4. Maritime 5. Master 6. Leonardo da Vinci 7. The Sea of Galilee 8. 13 9. A drink made with coee and chocolate 10. Blackbeard 11. Ohio, Utah, Iowa 12. George Michael 13. Levi Strauss 14. The Atlantic Ocean 15. Price Tag

2 4 3 5 9 7 1 6 8

5 7 6 8 2 1 4 3 9

1 8 9 6 4 3 5 2 7

4 9 8 2 1 5 3 7 6

3 1 5 9 7 6 8 4 2

6 2 7 3 8 4 9 1 5

9 6 2 4 3 8 7 5 1

7 5 4 1 6 9 2 8 3

8 3 1 7 5 2 6 9 4

9 7 2 6 5 3 8 1 4

8 3 4 1 2 9 6 5 7

6 1 5 8 4 7 3 9 2

4 5 8 9 1 6 2 7 3

3 9 1 2 7 4 5 6 8

2 6 7 3 8 5 9 4 1

5 8 3 7 9 1 4 2 6

1 4 6 5 3 2 7 8 9

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

30

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

@mlggazettesnews

7 2 9 4 6 8 1 3 5

SALE OFF

ER

29% off • •

Space saving Fully insulated Fully automatic No maintenance Reduced draughts So simple to operate Simple key fob operation All doors fitted with bottom safety edge system in compliance with trading standards regulations

Full range of colours Single/Double doors all made in our Bishops Waltham factory

WE SURVEY WE MANUFACTURE WE INSTALL NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED Covering Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire & Dorset

01962 600777

info@skandoor.co.uk | www.skandoor.co.uk

Do your carpets & sofas need a refresh?

FREE

Like Magic Dry Foam Cleaner AND X-Mist All Round Sanitiser with every clean

RRP £14.95

for both products!

What we do :

Deep cleaning & sanitisation for your carpets & upholstery

Dry carpet cleaning Upholstery cleaning Leather cleaning Hard floor cleaning Wooden floor cleaning Ultra Guard protection

zerodrytime.com @zdtringwood

Call John & Debby

0800 180 4052

ROMSEY STUMP GRINDING, LANDSCAPING &

TREE SURGERY • Topping • Pruning & Felling • Hedge Trimming • Turfing and All Garden Work • Logs • Fencing • Patios • Mulch/Oak Chip • Old Sheds Taken Down • Rubbish Clearance • Ground Clearance • Patios Jet Washed • Groundworks • General Building Works Undertaken • NPTC Registered • Fully Insured • Free Quotes

01794 501772 or 07712 069544

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

31

A fresh walk from

Crowdhill & Fair Oak Start here This months walk heads out Eastwards of the Test Valley and treads brand new ground around the area of Fair Oak. The recommended parking and start point is from The Fox and Hounds, 3 Winchester Road, Crowdhill, SO50 7GD.

This is a walk of around 5 miles with complete variety of terrain and surroundings, but it is worth recording that the early sections are likely to be muddy, so that a time to complete the outing of roughly 1 hour 40 minutes could be acceptable. Thus, starting out from the car park we take the footpath immediately to the left of the pub, aiming down the gentle slope for about 300 metres; up to a T junction where we must turn right along a nice, wide gravel path, but only for 200 metres as far as the sharp left turn, where we go straight ahead into the woods (Upper Barn Copse).

Instead of aiming down the main bridleway we should veer slightly right here, at 45 degrees, up into the woods for just a short distance to join the perimeter path that runs on the edge of the woods, always keeping the wide open fields in view on the right. This path twists and turns regularly but continues on for some 800 metres before swinging right (still maintaining fields over to the right) and joining a switchback of a trail that includes crossing a truly rustic footbridge before climbing up and out onto a farm gravel track where we turn right.

Once away along the farm track we are weaving a path towards Stoke Park Farm, a thriving dairy farm, and we thread between a food silo and barns,

first turning left, then once beyond the barns, turning right (the blue footpath arrows on the telegraph poles confirm the correct route) and ultimately pitching up along a fully metalled tarmac road going right away from the farm. We are now

aiming towards a new housing estate some 600 metres away, but not before we pass the Carp Fishery Hatchery on the right, then climb a rise and through the houses that are spread lightly around. Once past the far side of this housing we pass Bishopstoke Cemetery on the left then shortly after we take the left turn through a metal gate that leads back into Stoke Park.

always following the central trail. This feature track, drops down hill, does a shimmy, then returns uphill again until reaching another boundary metal gate (the North Eastern Entrance). We exit the park and aim directly up the unmade road for a further 200 metres, join the road and in about 150 metres turn left opposite the Truck and Trailer Factory.

Just after the wooden marker post we need to turn right at 45 degrees to arc round for 300 metres as far as the main entrance to the Park in Stoke Park Road.

Stoke Park is an area of 512 acres that was purchased by the Forestry Commission in 1948, but can trace it’s history back to 1205 when King John used it for deer hunting.

There are still deer living around the woods but they are now safe from hunting. We are now on the main through trail that defines the entire park, by turning left we are joining the regular walkers going uphill, past a large stack of stored logs, and onwards

We are now commencing the finale of the walk, with a gentle 600 metre stroll beside new house on the left and woods on the right, passing a Children’s Nursery, crossing a local road and passing the entrance into Crowdhill Copse on the left, before arriving at our very first turning (now on the right) in 50 metres. The last 300 metres back to the car is the reverse of the start of our walk some time earlier; with the car park appearing above on the right. A welcome rest and refreshment will always be available at The Fox and Hounds after another well earned outing.

Wrien by Malcolm Price

Finish here

Gardening Tips

On Your Plot Planning veg for the year ahead If you’re new to veggie growing then this is the ideal time to start planning for the year ahead. Think about what space you have available for your crops and plan what you would like to grow and where.

Jobs for January:-

• Plan your crops • Protect crops against the cold and from pests such as pigeons • Sew lettuces indoors • Start rhubarb crowns Gardening may be the last thing on your mind in the cold weather but this is the perfect time to plan what to grow and where this season.

It’s easy to get carried away when looking at catalogues or impressive displays of seed packets - but remember that it only makes sense to grow what you are likely to eat! If that still leaves you with a list that exceeds the space available then it may be wise to trim back on crops that take up a lot of space or are easily and cheaply available from local sources (potatoes perhaps?). Think about concentrating on plants that will crop quickly allowing the space to be used again. Remember also that you can use patio containers and grow bags to add extra growing space.

Once you have your list split your available space into 3 (or 4) areas and then group your crops together by family so that they can be rotated around the areas in a 3 or 4 year cycle.

Group the cabbage family together, then the onion family along with the pea and bean family, and finally potatoes, tomatoes and the carrot family.

This is a great time of year to seriously consider making some raised beds, if you don’t already have them. Make sure that they are not too wide for you to easily reach the middle from either side and that there is sufficient room

34

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

for easy access all the way around. The deeper you can make them the better and higher beds will mean less bending when you are planting out seedlings, harvesting or weeding.

If you have large areas of bare soil, awaiting planting, then you may like to think about covering them with black plastic, or cardboard, to protect the soil against the harsh January weather. Crops still growing, such as purple sprouting broccoli, will benefit from protection against hungry pigeons - try covering with wire mesh, fleece, or some homemade bird scarers (try stringing up some old CD’s).

For those who are keen to get sowing, you can try a few lettuces. Start off on a bright, sunny windowsill, thinning down when they are large enough to handle. Grow on in frost free conditions such as a shed, or polytonal before finishing off under cloches. If you haven’t already planted shallots then it’s not too late to think about it, but don’t put them in when the ground is too wet or they may rot.

Start saving empty egg boxes ready to chit your seed potatoes before planting. Just pop them into the egg boxes, sprout end up in a cool but frost free place and wait for the shoots to appear. You’ll also find the boxes useful for starting tiny seedlings off in months to come as they grow they can be planted straight out with no disruption as the box will simply rot down.

And finally, if you have space, you may like to think about starting off some new rhubarb crowns towards the end of January.

@mlggazettesnews

POETRY PAGE

The Road Not Taken

BY ROBERT FROST

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

Source: poetryfoundation.org

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

35

Resolutions for the New Year 2021 More of this...

Less of this...

Things I will achieve...

I will try...

36

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

I will learn...

I will visit...

@mlggazettesnews

PROOF PROOF PROOF

Romsey Rotavating ~ ALL AREAS COVERED ~

Paddock Topping / Rotavating / Rolling Chain Harrowing with Small Tractor Small Digger and Driver Hedge Cutting / Allotments Rotavated Fully Insured • Free Quotes

01794 501772 or 07712 069544 Andover

Andov 01264 337711

The Repair Specialists Andover

Tel: 01264 316499

enquiries@modernmagazines.co.uk

o.uk c . r o o rage d a g y fix m

Andover

01264 337711 Winchester

01962 715200

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

37

Index of advertisers

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

Appliance Repairs T.A. Spacagna.................................................... 14 Bathrooms Ocean Bathrooms.............................................. 13 Builders JS Building Services............................................ 24

Health & Wellbeing Curves Romsey.................................................. 13 Sarah Stokes...................................................... 28

Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras.......................................... 28

Home Care Audley Care: Stanbridge Earls........................... 2

Carpentry & Joinery Input Joinery...................................................... 32 Tucker Joinery.................................................... 24

Hotels & Restaurants The White Horse Romsey................................... 25

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Zero Dry Time New Forest................................. 31

Plumbers D&D Plumbing Services..................................... 28 G.E. Harding...................................................... 9

Cleaning Services Green Clean....................................................... 11 Computer Services Widenet............................................................. 28 Driveways County Block Paving.......................................... 29 Electricians RG Electrix......................................................... 9 Funeral Directors A.H. Cheater...................................................... 29 Furniture Sofa Smith......................................................... 1 Swan Systems Furniture.................................... 39 Garage Doors Fix My Garage Door.......................................... 37 Garolla............................................................... 37 Skandoor............................................................ 31 Garage Services Greatbridge Motor Services.............................. 5 Premier Car Care............................................... 28

38

Garden Services Barker & Geary.................................................. 5 Romsey Rotavating............................................ 37 Romsey Stump Grinding.................................... 31

www.mlggazettes.co.uk

Property Maintenance SB Renovations.................................................. 18 Solicitors Bells................................................................... 23 Stonemasons Lockerley Stone & Masonry.............................. 28 RGR Memorials.................................................. 11 Tree Surgeons Langley Arb....................................................... 9 TV Sales & Repairs TASS Romsey...................................................... 14 Waste Services SES Environmental Services............................... 11 Will Writing Services Dorset & Wight Wills......................................... 15 Windows, Doors & Conservatories Double Glazing Repairs UK................................ 24 GS Windows...................................................... 3 Outlook Windows.............................................. 40

@mlggazettesnews

FANTASTIC

NEW YE AR SALE

INCREDIBLY

LOW PRICES

10% OFF

EVERYTHING Finance credit options | Free design service Southampton showroom open 7 days

Swan Systems Furniture 01329 843636 | www.swansystems.co.uk South Coast Specialists with over 30 Years experience. Showrooms in Southampton & Fareham

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

39

O

The sign of quality, service and satisfaction

utlook Established over 35 years

WINDOW SYSTEMS LIMITED

TEL: 023 8073 7866

www.outlookwindows.co.uk

20% ofOfWS &

WIND ORS DO

 Tailored-made orangeries, conservatories, windows and doors to suit all properties

 We provide a full service including all building works, floor tiling, electrics and planning when necessary

 Full 10 year insurancebacked guarantee

Unit 5/6/7, Baddesley Park Industrial Estate, Botley Road, North Baddesley, Southampton, SO52 9NW Email: enquiries@outlookwindows.co.uk OPENING HOURS: Mon - Fri • 9am - 5pm / Sat - by appointment / Sun - closed

40

Reg No 16450

www.mlggazettes.co.uk @mlggazettesnews The Romsey & Wellow Gazette • www.mlggazettes.co.uk