Romsey & Wellow Gazette - June 2023

Romsey Festival 2023

1st to 16th July 2023

(see page 23 for details)

Welcome...

Dear Residents,

Has the weather finally turned, and will we get that delightful sunshine we all so desire over the summer? I do hope so, it makes such a difference to us all. Daichi visited Scotland last month and indeed the sun did shine, amongst some rain, but nevertheless it was not bad! We loved the trip and you can read all about it inside. Do you have a trip planned this summer or are you going to stay in our beautiful British Isles and enjoy some home comforts? We will be staying local, so let’s see where Daichi takes us next…

As always we have great trades and services inside your local magazine. They are all here for you, for advice and help and creating the space you want in your environment. Each would love to hear from you, so do pick up the phone or send an email. Stephen, myself and the girls who make the call, as well of course all the local trades and businesses really appreciate all that you do to keep our local economy and services going! Times are interesting and the more we can work together, the better we will all do. I am a big believer in that.

If there is anything you would like to read about or see here, please let me know. I would love to provide as much as possible within these pages.

All of us here at Modern Magazines wish you a Jolly June!

Debbie, Stephen & all the team at Modern Magazines

Romsey Rugby Club Hosts First Awards Presentation Evening at Ganger Farm

On Friday 5th May, Romsey Rugby Club celebrated their first awards presentation evening in their new home up at Ganger Farm. It coincided perfectly with kicking off the Coronation bank holiday weekend and was their inaugural event in their new Club lounge.

Guests enjoyed welcome drinks on the balcony while the sun shone over the rugby pitch and it certainly showed off the facilities at their best. The room had been dressed for the occasion and there was a buzz in the air as everyone looked forward to toasting the end of another season.

Superb catering was laid on by Ady Green Catering who served up a delicious sit-down dinner for over 100 guests. The waiting staff were players from the U15 & U16 teams who were very pleased to support the event from the sidelines. The U15’s even had

the largest round of applause for putting the first of many trophies into the new Clubhouse. A raffle and auction was held on the night and raised over £1,400 split between the Club and The Matt Hampson Foundation with many of the prizes being supplied by local companies. The evening finished off with a live band and dancing.

The evening heralded the start of a new era for the Club who are hoping that their Ganger Farm home not only allows the growth of the Club in terms of rugby provision for all but will expand to become a community asset. The stunning Clubhouse, incorporating a bar and kitchen will become a hub for people looking for a firstclass event venue.

For general information regarding Romsey Rugby Club, please contact: enquiries@romseyrugby.club

For events and hire, please contact: events@romseyrugby.club

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact: sponsorship@romseyrugby.club

Councillor’s Column

Thank you to everyone who voted in the local elections last month. Nationally, it was a tough night for my party but I’m glad we bucked the trend here in Test Valley and were re-elected with an increased majority. Although I was delighted with the result, it was also tinged with sadness that we lost some great colleagues. A special thank you to Tony Burley, Karen Hamilton, Tracey Tasker and Mike Maltby who I know worked extremely hard for Test Valley residents but didn’t quite make it over the line. Politics can be brutal, even at the local level. This is why I also want to pay tribute to everyone from all parties and none, who put their heads above the parapet and stood for election. It’s so important to give voters a proper choice and I look forward to welcoming the new councillors who will bring fresh insight to our work.

Now elections are over, it’s back to getting on with the job. That means continuing our plans to regenerate our town centres. In Andover, after delivering the new Riverside Park, more pop-up shops, the Second Sunday markets and restoring the Guildhall. I’m fully focussed on implementing the next stage of the Masterplan, uncovering the River Anton along Western Avenue, having allocated £6.5m to the project.

I’m also heavily lobbying central government for another chance to get

our hands on the levelling up cash that Andover so deserves. If successful, that would accelerate our plans to redevelop the Chantry Centre and relocate the theatre into the centre of town. We’re also fully focussed on delivery the south of town centre changes in Romsey. Our manifesto also committed to continuing our zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and illegal traveller incursions. We are the only council in Hampshire that relentlessly prosecute fly-tippers. Over 60 in the last 4 years. Resulting in tens of thousands in fines, prison sentences and driving bans. Deterring others from blighting our beautiful borough - and doesn’t it look stunning right now, where the Environmental Services team have curated flower beds in our parks, roundabouts and verges. With the hard work of both councillors and the dedication of Test Valley Borough Council staff, I hope we can continue to improve the quality of life for local people.

Phil North

Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council

Cllr.

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6. The skull is the strongest bone in the human body

7. Hawaiian pizza comes from Hawaii

8. The shortest war in history lasted for only 52 minutes

9. Dumbo is the shortest Disney Movie

10. While sleeping you cannot smell anything

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Just Jake

The work and the ways of Jake Gyllenhaal.

It would be hard to find a more serious and articulate observer of his profession than Jake Gyllenhaal. He goes about every role with deep consideration, flawless delivery and unparalleled commitment. Yet for the 42-year-old star of Brokeback Mountain, Southpaw, Donnie Darko, Spider-Man: Far From Home and Wildlife, the action is involuntary.

“I made a decision a while ago to push everything else aside and see acting as a craft… which sounds up there you know,” he laughs, “but if you look at any of the greats, they fully commit. And when you watch those fully committing, it’s inspiring, it’s moving.

“That’s a priority for me, because the way you grow as an individual is by forcing yourself to exit your comfort zone. For me, life is all about discovery and risk and exploring new aspects of yourself as well as the world in general.”

In over two decades of producing cinema of improbably high calibre, Gyllenhaal, who is the brother of actress Maggie, is keenly aware of the inflated status of actors in the context of modern celebrity culture.

“The thing that really drives me as an actor is my curiosity,” says Gyllenhaal. “I’m far less adventurous in my own life, and my work gives me the ability to exceed my normal boundaries and explore things about myself that I wouldn’t do otherwise.”

In the immediate foreground is Road House, a brilliant remake of the Patrick Swayze movie from 1989.

“I bulked up a bit for the movie, but generally speaking, have tried to keep my shape since doing the likes of Southpaw and Prisoners,” he says. “It’s been a process of looking after myself and taking satisfaction out of how I look and the power and focus being built gives me, so it wasn’t too difficult to get into the right mode for this one.

“Southpaw was a ‘six hours a

day’ dedication – I don’t think I could go through that again for any film!”

Road House puts Gyllenhaal back into box office central, although the actor is keen to state he is about much more than big-money productions. He is at a stage in his career when it seems he has little to prove… and if there is something, it’s purely to himself.

“I find that as an individual I learn so much from looking at the world differently when I work on a film. I constantly feel the need to challenge myself, and I make sure I listen to my instincts.

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The journey of lapwing nesting: a story of resilience and renewal in the natural world

Fifty years ago, wandering across the lightly tilled agricultural land of rural Hampshire, a lapwing circling across the vista would have been a typical site in early Spring. Nowadays it is somewhat rarer but no less spectacular.

Lapwings are ground nesting birds found across much of the UK. In Hampshire, your best bet of seeing a lapwing is at the coast, especially at a grazing marsh site like Farlington Marshes Nature Reserve. These are birds of wide-open spaces, liking nothing better than a view of the surrounding area, unhindered by scrub and trees, allowing predators to be quickly identified.

On a sunny late February day, you will see them enacting aerial displays, and summersaults accompanied by their unique call. Territories are formed where males vigorously attack any intruder.

Come the end of March, things are generally settled down and into April, you will see nests appearing. A female may be huddled down on three to four eggs. This is the most vulnerable stage for the young. Crows or buzzards are but a few birds that will take all the eggs within an afternoon. Foxes, badgers and even the cuddly hedgehog will make short work of the nest, so they are up against it.

That is not to say that they are helpless. Lapwings are some of the bravest parents going. Any sign of an intruder, they will take to the air and bombard the wannabe egg thief mercilessly until it is deterred. The more lapwings there are

with nests in the vicinity, the more likely it is that they will successfully see off a predator.

At the end of April and into May, the first chicks will arrive. These little fluff balls are immediately able to feed for themselves so the parents will take them to wet areas where they pick invertebrates off the surface of the mud. In these first few weeks of mobility, they are particularly vulnerable to avian predators. A crow flying over will exact a very specific alarm call from the adult. At this sound, the chicks will bolt for cover, whether that is a patch of rush or a hoof print in the mud, they are well camouflaged and if quick, may avoid detection.

Roughly four weeks later, the chicks will be taking flight and we breathe a sigh of relief as a few lucky birds make it to adulthood, hopefully returning in a few years to raise some young for themselves.

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

Photo Credit: Ian Cameron Reid

75 Years since Windrush

We look back and celebrate 75 years since the arrival of the SS Empire Windrush to Tilbury Dock in London, in June 1948 – a seminal moment in the immediate post-war rebuild, and beyond that in the evolution of the UK’s cultural path.

“That’s the extraordinary thing about this ship – it takes you into the currents of history… The Windrush sailed all the way through them.” –

The ship now commonly known as the Empire Windrush was originally built as a transatlantic cruiser by German-Jewish shipbuilders Blohm & Voss, and was christened the Monte Rosa, in 1930s Hamburg.

The vessel was captured by the British during World War II, and by 1948 was one of the most startling reinventions of freedom imaginable, as it delivered 492 migrants from the Caribbean, docking in Essex.

Many of the passengers were former servicemen who served their wartime in the country they had now travelled to. They represented the initial wave of desperately needed post-war labour designed to help get Britain back on its feet.

When its travellers eventually disembarked, around 230 were given accommodation in a deep air-raid shelter beneath Clapham Common, while the rest had already arranged work and a place to live upon their arrival.

While some immediately flourished in their new surroundings, for others work was harder to find, despite many being overqualified for jobs. While the UK had owed a huge debt of gratitude to those who had joined its war effort, the conflict had cemented a feeling of self-preservation and selfprotection, and that extended to the jobs market where some employers only wanted to look after their own.

Over time, and as more arrived from foreign shores, a fair spread of job opportunities presented itself, not least because the country was powering behind a rebuild that required labourers in food, iron and steel production, coal, expansion of the capital’s public transport and, of course, the newly-formed NHS.

While the Windrush Generation made huge contributions to the society that already existed in Britain, many set about making waves of their own.

Wind forward and AfroCaribbean community has made an enormous contribution to British culture through music, sport, education, the arts, politics and, of course, culinary genius; and those influences on the very fabric of British life is now recognised every year in the form of Windrush Day, on June 22nd.

In 1948, the fallout from the conflict was a decimated economy, and a nation short of housing, industry and workers.

The arrival of that boat to a bleak and rather inhospitable Tilbury Docks signified not just a ray of sunshine for those on board, but the country as a whole.

Paul Arnott

A Design for Life… e Kevin McCloud Column

Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the affable architectural business owner talks about how to enrich and update your home, without the need to raise it to the ground.

If I were to make one criticism of the Grand Designs concept, it’s that everything starts from scratch… well, almost everything.

The concept across 23 series has often been to develop a basic, unremarkable plot of land into a dream home; yet in reality, 99 per cent of people never have that option. In short, we have to make the most of what we’re given, and that means taking an existing home and redeveloping it, and that means dealing with limitations as far as the freedom we have.

It’s not all bad news though. What you have with older properties is a build quality that is often significantly better than we have today. We’ve all been in old houses where the walls are several feet thick, or the overhanging beams, for all their ageing, are as rigid and secure as the day a couple of hundred years ago they were put in. Trust me, this stuff counts.

So if you have the opportunity to renovate rather than buy new, take it and embrace it. Sometimes, if we already have something on the canvas, so to speak, it can stimulate a whole plethora of ideas you would never have thought of previously.

most important of all, be brave in what you create.

What

I will say is give this creativity the respect it deserves.

Ensure to hire a reputable builder, use highquality materials, focus on energy efficiency – as well as saving the planet, it will save you money too! – consider sustainable building practices and,

Look at extreme detail as well as the big picture, think about what styles you’ll like in a year’s time, in five years’ time, in 10 years’ time, and drive ideas that fill you with energy and creativity… the like of which you would never achieve in a newbuild.

There is no place more important than our home –it is our inspiration, our salvation, and our sanity. It’s the place we thrive, and the place we protect those around us, so getting it right is essential, and sometimes reinvention – making use of some existing elements and working them into a new outcome – can be the golden nectar a space requires.

Man Ordered To Pay Nearly £2,000 After Being Caught FlyTipping by Covert Camera

A man caught fly-tipping on a rural lane near Romsey, by a hidden Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) camera, has been ordered to pay nearly £2,000.

On 29 September 2022, a hidden camera captured footage of a man removing garden waste from his vehicle and dumping it in a layby. The camera had been placed in that location, as the area has become a hot spot for fly-tipping.

The registration plate of the vehicle was clearly visible and led officers to Douglas Brent, of Percy Road, Southampton.

Brent, 60, attended an interview under caution and admitted to depositing the rubbish in the layby, stating that he had intended to

take it to the tip, but the smell was so bad that he had dumped it on his way to work.

Appearing at Southampton Magistrates on 5 May 2023, Brent was given a £1,000 fine and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £400 and costs of £576.60.

Portfolio holder for recycling and environmental services, councillor David Drew, said:

“I’m delighted to see such a large fine given in response to this incident, and I hope this approach by the courts will continue to serve as a deterrent. There are household waste recycling centres within the borough of Test Valley and most residents know how to use them. Displacing of rubbish responsibly saves us having to clear up the mess. Residents outside the borough have clearly not yet learnt this.”

Houghton Lodge Gardens Opens

New Oriental Garden During Its 230th Anniversary Year

During its 230th anniversary year Houghton Lodge Gardens near Stockbridge, will officially open its new Oriental Garden. Houghton Lodge is a Grade II* listed “Cottage Orné” surrounded by mature trees and lawns sweeping down to the banks of the famous River Test, arguably one of the most beautiful privately owned gardens to visit in Hampshire.

In the new Oriental Garden visitors can explore its cherry orchard, rose garden, and enjoy the exquisite joinery of the beautiful Torii Arch, Moon Gate and Nikko Bridge, as well as new water-loving marginal plants growing on the banks of the pond and island, and a moss garden on the bank of the stream. The Moon Gate provides a doorway between the new oriental garden and the old eighteenth century garden leading visitors to the acer walk which takes you into the park- abundant with cow parsley and the blue spires of camassia. Visitors can make a wish by tying a ribbon to the branches of the twisted willow - a popular Japanese custom.

Says owner, Sophie Busk; “The inspiration for the new addition to our garden came from a visit to the Japanese garden at The Chateau de Courances, France in 2008 where the colours, shapes and sounds made a lasting impression on me. Too much time in lockdown made us restless and impatient for a new project! We think this is a fabulous addition to the garden at Houghton Lodge and unique to the Test valley, and we very much look forward to watching

it grow with our visitors.”

The Oriental Garden is designed by Richard Taylor from leading landscape designers Taylor Tripp. Charlie’s Gardens moulded the landscape and created the stream. Jon Dodson advised us on the many roses (over 100!) that have been planted. Andy Phillips has created the moss garden. Rodney Malcomber all the joinery-painted by Tony Marsh and Debbie Spiers. Artist Fred Clark has made the statues of the Goat and Deer. Kevin Barnett, Leslie Lloyd and Catherine Tarrant are doing an incredible job of maintaining the new garden with volunteers Jonathan Henton and Peter Hughes. Heavy moving of stone and statues has been done by Sean Waters and Kevin Leader, and finally Purbeck setts laid by Seth Crosswaite.

Events to mark the anniversary include a special version of Houghton Lodge’s ‘Music on the Test’, to take place on the stunning banks of the River Test, a Regency afternoon in the garden, and an Apple Day, celebrating Houghton’s wonderful heritage apples and pears.

The new Bloom Bloom Tea Room provides tasty light meals, snacks and drinks - a treat for all visitors, with seating in the walled garden or Orangery.

For more information visit www.houghtonlodge.co.uk

STAR GAZING

WRITTEN BY KATE EARL

kateearlastro@gmail.com

Welcome to the June Stargazing Page. Highlights this month include a very close encounter between the Moon and Antares, the star that ‘rivals Mars’.

International Space Station

For the final few days of June, the ISS is visible an hour or so before sunrise, low in the southeast. To establish exact timings please refer to www.heavens-above.com or a similar webpage for up-to-date information, remembering to set the location to your observing area.

Events

Midsummer, or the Summer Solstice (from the Latin for ‘the sun stands still’) occurs on June 21st. For the northern hemisphere, it marks the day when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky at noon (GMT). We experience this as the ‘longest day’ of the year (the longest amount of daylight and the shortest night).

Mercury

The innermost planet is too close to the Sun to be seen this month.

Venus

Venus is now sinking lower every evening but remains visible in our skies until just

before midnight. It appears close to Mars and the Moon on the 21st and 22nd around 11pm (see figure).

Mars

Mars is also getting dimmer and lower each night. Use Venus and the Moon as markers to try and spot it low on the western horizon on the 21st and 22nd. Binoculars will help bring out its red colouration.

Jupiter & Saturn

Jupiter is visible from around 3.30am low in the east, but is dazzling bright and for early risers it cannot be mistaken for anything else. Saturn appears earlier, around 3am.

Moon

June’s full moon occurs on the 4th. It is very close to the star Antares on the 3rd at 11.30pm (see figure). On this date, the Moon is pretty much full, so binoculars might be required to see Antares through its glare.

Star of the month

Antares, the brightest star in the constellation of the scorpion, Scorpius (note, not Scorpio), can be spotted low in the south during the month of June. Its name is derived from the Ancient Greek for ‘rival of Mars’, as it is often seen in the same part of the sky as the red planet, and is also coloured red, but for different reasons. Mars is red because its surface contains oxidised (rusted) iron, whereas Antares is classed as a red supergiant star, which has cooled to a temperature that gives off red-coloured light. In one version of Greek mythology, the scorpion was responsible for the downfall of the boastful hunter Orion, causing his death by a quick sting on the back of his foot. The whole star pattern of Scorpius can’t be seen from the UK, but if you travel farther south for your holidays this summer try and spot the scorpion in all its glory as it really is one of the most spectacular constellations.

Please canwe have trees added to the horizon as view isvery low to the south. Thanks

View south at 11.30pm on 3 June

Antares: ‘Rival of Mars’

Near full moon

Lasting Powers of Attorney –

Why it makes sense to appoint a professional

Many people very sensibly confer lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) on others so that their affairs can be properly managed in the event that they lose the ability to do so themselves. However, as a High Court ruling underlined, it often makes good sense to appoint a professional, rather than a loved one, as your attorney.

The case concerned a woman who, by her will, bequeathed her home equally to her four children. About two years prior to her death, aged 93, an LPA was registered in favour of her daughter. The daughter subsequently used the power conferred on her by the LPA to purportedly transfer the property, which was formerly owned solely by her mother, into her and her mother’s joint names, as tenants in common.

The result of the transfer was that, when the mother died, her daughter’s half share of the property fell outside her estate. That in turn meant that the inheritance of her other three children was significantly reduced. Acting as executor of her estate, her son challenged the transfer on the basis that the daughter had no power or authority to make it.

Upholding his claim, the Court noted that the half share in the property was a gift to the daughter. Section 12 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 requires that an LPA

may generally only be used to make gifts of reasonable value to charity or to loved ones or other connections on customary occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries. Gifts that do not fall within those exceptions must be authorised by the Court of Protection.

Such authority having neither been sought nor granted, the High Court concluded that the transfer was void. The registration of the daughter’s half share in the property was therefore a mistake on the face of the Land Register. The Court ordered that the Register be rectified to the effect that the mother remained the property’s sole owner at the date of her death.

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

Bells are a specialist Wills, Probate and Conveyancing practice. The office opens five days a week Monday –Friday 9am – 5pm and home and hospital appointments can be arranged where appropriate. Our professional service is right on your doorstep.

Join us again next time for another legal insight!

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COVID-19 spring vaccines are available for those most at-risk of serious illness:

• Adults aged 75 years and over

• Residents in care homes for older adults

• Individuals aged five and over who have a weakened immune system

The level of protection we get from the COVID-19 vaccine can reduce over time, so it's important you attend for this spring dose when invited.

You may have been invited by your GP Practice, through the NHS App or by post, but you can also visit nhs.uk/CovidVaccination to book online.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Vaccination Helpline on 0300 561 0018 can help with booking an appointment or checking if you are eligible.

If you are yet to have any COVID-19 vaccines, it isn’t too late. Everyone aged five and over is eligible for two doses. You have until 30 June to get protected.

Getting vaccinated saves lives.

Viewfinders Of Romsey Camera Club

A member of the Southern Counties Photographic Federation affiliated to the PAGB

“Everyday Objects Photographed in an Interesting Way” and “Long Exposure” were the themes for this year’s Les Frederick Trophies competitions at Viewfinders of Romsey Camera Club. Forty-eight images were entered, giving the judge, Carl Reeve, a busy evening. The “Everyday Objects…” theme was for printed images and Stephen Cooper’s entry “Where’s my Keys?” was chosen as the winner. The judge said it was a really clever image and he loved the framing. Second place was awarded to Roy Lambeth DPAGB, EFIAP for his image “Perspectively Challenging” and third place went to “It’s Schwartz O’Clock” by Lizzie Dutfield.

In the projected digital image category on

the “Long Exposure” theme, Pete Robertson was awarded the trophy for his image “Loch Uidh na h-Iarna”. The judge said it was a really lovely image. Andy Louch’s images “Core Over Totem Pole” and “Across the Tees” were awarded second and third places respectively. Two Seals of Merit were awarded to Keith Rose LRPS and further Seals went to Terry Jamieson and Ali Johnston.

Viewfinders meets most Tuesdays at the Jubilee Hall, New Road, Timsbury and new members, regardless of photographic experience, are always welcome.

For more information, visit the club’s website at viewfinderscameraclub.org.uk or e-mail secretary@viewfinderscc.org.uk

Left (Cropped): “Where’s my Keys?” – Stephen Cooper, trophy winner in the print category

Right: “Loch Uidh na h-Iarna” – Pete Robertson, trophy winner in the PDI category

Bubble: Left to right: Pete Robertson, Carl Reeve (judge) and Stephen Cooper

The Adventures of Daichi The Modern Magazines Camper Van

As you know Daichi, our beloved Modern Magazines campervan, loves to travel. Well last month he did his longest journey yet and travelled all the way to the beautiful, stunning and inspiring Trossachs in Scotland. We decided to do the first journey in two parts. After a busy and fun Bank Holiday Monday in Wafflicious our ice-cream and waffle parlour, the three of us stepped into a rather packed Daichi and set off for ‘just north of Manchester’ where we would have a snooze. Daichi was in his element. This is exactly what he is made for. Family time, travel and adventure. After an overnight stay on the motorway, well not literally of course, we set off again all refreshed. I have to say that the service station at Tebay with its rather nice farm shop, good food and lovely scenery was a welcome break. It was designed and constructed after the motorway was planned to meander all the way through the farm itself. The owner took advantage of the situation and created this whole new business. What a brilliant idea. Instead of complaining and stopping the planned road, he thought with it, for the good of all. The whole trip was a lesson in this as you will read.

Tigh Mor is located on Loch Achray, near the famous Loch Katrine. It is so picturesque. The imposing Hotel did remind me of Hogwarts from Harry Potter, with its majestic turrets and high stone walls. It was all rather exciting, and I am led to believe that some guests have heard their name mysteriously called out when their partners were out. The views down to the Loch and across to Ben A’an and Ben Venue are awe inspiring. They calm the soul. Perfect for a relaxing break. We met with Stephen’s dad, Alan and his sister Rachel, so it was a time to catch up and make some memories too. Daichi, and me, were in our elements.

Hayden was only staying for a couple of days as the King had decided to have a Coronation (even more excitement – what a week!) and Hayden needed to get back to work in his beloved Icecream parlour with Coronation Specials. The first day we planned a boat trip on Loch Katrine. What a beautiful location. What I did not know is that Loch Katrine is famous and actually the very reason this area is now so frequented and loved. Sir Walter Scott had written the novel “The Lady of the Lake” published in 1810. Prior to this Scotland was seen as a dangerous, inhospitable place with fierce warriors, outlaws (that is my maiden name by the way… honestly!), thieves, wolves, ferocious birds of prey and

Daichi at “An Tigh Mor Trossachs”

I got to steer the boat on Loch Katrine!

savage stags. Sir Walter’s novel, portrayed a rather different picture. It is a romance after all with much adventure. I have not read it yet but am getting my copy for sure. This is a story of turning a whole view around and creating good, where once there was only bad. After the great adventures in Lady of the Lake had been published, with heroes, heroines, myths and legends, hundreds of visitors arrived to witness the sheer beauty and delights of this alluring area – but there was nowhere for these people to stay! Arriving in luxurious carriages these gentry slept on straw in barns and wherever they could lay down. One intelligent and thoughtful man, James Stuart, started renting out rooms, albeit the stale bread and rough whiskey he provided was little to be desired. The local landowners then built a hotel with all the luxuries of a London dwelling to accommodate the increasing numbers of high guests all pouring in. The Trossachs Hotel it was called. Now known as Tigh Mor, having gone through many owners and changes over the years, this is where we were staying. How exciting. Daichi may not be a horse drawn carriage, but the setting is such that you almost feel this is how you arrived! History is fascinating, don’t you think?

The following day we visited Doune Castle. Another famous place now, due to the filming of the recent series Outlander and previously Monty Python and the Holy Grail. We love castles and this did not disappoint. The high curtain walls in the courtyard that would once have been the height of activity with a thriving community, the Great Hall still showing its splendour, the

Gate house, the spiral staircases up to the chambers, the magnificent views across River Teith, it was all very thought provoking. Built in the late 1300’s by Robert Stewart, the 1st Duke of Albany and the renown “uncrowned King” who ruled Scotland without ever being given the title to actually do so. Lots of intrigue with the real heir imprisoned in England. History at its best. Another fabulous day was had by all.

Hayden took his train from Glasgow to London and then onto Weymouth, while we continued to enjoy our stay. We watched the Coronation with the backdrop of Ben A’an behind the TV, gorgeous.

A visit to Loch Lomond was an absolute must and with beautiful sunshine it was just gorgeous. One day Stephen took me on a mystery tour and we visited Nick Nairn’s Restaurant, at Port of Menteith. We had to stop for coffee and cake of course! We met Julia, Nick’s lovely wife in her delightful shop full of quality kitchen ware and house furnishings. Nick was the youngest Scottish chef to win a Michelin star in the early 1990’s. More fame to be experienced this trip. All these accolades and acclaims are getting to Daichi’s head! A lovely setting, good coffee and delicious desserts were enjoyed by all.

A visit to Stirling to see our niece, meals out, strolls alongside Lochs, wonderful Daichi tours around the “Three Lochs Drive”, and picnics by the glistening waters, what more could we want. Daichi was extremely happy and so were we. Thank you to Grandpa for an amazing week! Where will Daichi take us next… I wonder?

By Debbie Corney

Our view of Loch Achray

The Curtain Walls at Doune Castle

World Land Trust’s video with Sir David Attenborough

Sir David Attenborough’s message to World Land Trust (WLT) supporters WLT has long recognised the role that conservation can play in locking up carbon from the atmosphere and has over the past 30 years, been pioneering projects to protect tropical ecosystems, particularly forests, which are a primary defence against climate change. But these ecosystems are struggling to survive when faced with the rapidly rising world temperature. Evolution cannot keep up, leaving many of the planet’s animals and plants on the precipice of extinction. So something drastic must happen.

Sir David is under no illusion –there isn’t an easy way forward, and people’s lifestyles will need to change. But he also believes that

failing to tackle climate change will bring social unrest and more social migration as a result of the climate impacts.

You can make a difference and help tackle climate change by contributing to World Land Trust appeals. Our Carbon Balanced programme enables you to calculate and offset your emissions, reducing your impact on the natural world.

You can find a link to the video at: modernmagazines.co.uk/WLT

For the last 6 months, we have been printing our magazines on 65gsm carbon balanced paper stock.

Here are the figures, based on 23.24 tonnes of carbon emissions reduced:

78622 Car miles neutralised

6.55

Equivalent average amount of petrol cars taken off the road each year

15.72 Driving round Britain’s coastline this many times

9.79

Number of passenger return flights from London - New York

Green ngers… the Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses an array of wildlife we may not expect to see in our gardens over the summer months.

Think of our gardens in summer and you can probably come up with the same old things that make those outside spaces such pleasurable places to spend time in. There are flowers such as roses, lavender, foxgloves, delphiniums; there’s all that lush green grass that offers visual magnificence with an aroma that is as unique as it is unmistakable. Beyond that, there’s the beauty of climbing plants such as ivy, clematis and honeysuckle. And of course, the odd bat.

Hang on, did I just say that?!

Well I did, and it’s true. Bats in the summer in our gardens

are common, albeit not the first thing you would immediately think of.

And while you’re there, have a look for grass snakes, stag beetles, slow worms, glow-worms, foxes, and even rare amphibians such as the great crested newt. And what about the humble hedgehog, or the sparky sparrowhawk?

Few of these animals we would confidently associate with summer gardens, but they are there, they are present, and if we seek them out, they can truly enrich our admiration for this wonderful habitat and where life – beyond flowers and plants – is shown to flourish.

So while the summer months typically enable us to sit back, relax and enjoy the immediate visual beauty of our gardens, the truth is there is so much more going on behind the scenes. You’ll see all this if you delve a bit deeper into your outside space, and can attract the wonderful visitors – all the while supporting local

biodiversity – by ensuring you are planting native species, by providing water sources, as well as creating habitats like log piles or compost heaps.

The fact is, while we look on our gardens primarily as places that stimulate our senses so spectacularly, it’s worth remembering they are habitats for all manner of wonderful little creatures and critters, and we are all, at times, guilty of forgetting their existence.

My recommendation this year is to give a bit more back to animal life – even if that means keeping the grass a bit longer than you usually would – because you’ll be surprised at just how much more your garden evolves.

The challenges of Twinning

By Alex Baxter

Back in January, my regular column (Romsey Loves…) focused on the topic of “Twinning” - the symbolic and sometimes productive coupling of towns and cities that are countries apart. In it I explained the concept, history, and who Romsey’s own Twinning partners are today. The article was well received, and consequently, Romsey Twinning Association’s chairman, Roland Matthews, reached out to make me aware of the challenges the group faces at keeping the town’s European friendships alive.

To give some context, Romsey is paired with the French, German, and Italian towns of Paimpol, Battenberg, and Treviglio. Mr Matthews has been chairman of RTA since 2017, which to date has 67 members - all of whom self-fund the group. No financial support is provided from any public body, and participation and organisation is solely voluntary. Despite this, they continue to play a big role in representing Romsey on the world stage; hosting and sending delegates on trips to Twin hosted events and festivals. Activities still fairly unknown to most Romsonians… until now.

Through a chat over Zoom, we discussed the behind the scenes running of Romsey Twinning, as

well as the ongoing challenges to its survival. I bring to you that full conversation, exclusively for the Gazette.

It’s nice to meet you Roland. Tell me, what are the responsibilities of RTA?

Hello Alex. We do a whole range of duties to maintain active friendships on behalf of Romsey. We organise alternating trips: sending and receiving delegates between each twin. Usually to attend festivals as invited guests. In addition to the twinning exchanges, we normally hold an annual dinner in a local restaurant, an AGM and an annual quiz night, with occasionally other social and fund-raising activities.

What are the challenges facing Romsey Twinning today?

Ageing members and a lack of new blood is our number one concern, which is why it is important we raise awareness and attract new members. Admittedly we do need to improve our online media presence because the closure of Romseynet has hindered our outreach. So we are developing a new website.

The obvious challenge we faced previously was covid, which restricted our in-person contact with our friends in Paimpol, Battenberg, and Treviglio. Post covid, there are those who are still apprehensive about foreign travel. Plus with social media, people are less incentivized to travel when they can communicate online with ease.

What strategies and ideas does the association have to combat these challenges?

While online contact has helped keep the relationships steady, including for members who have cultivated their own friendships with twinning members abroad, we want to get back to interacting in-person. E-twinning is complimentary, but not a replacement. So we really want to focus on creating more opportunities for physical meets. For example, we do have ambitions to timetable more sporting fixtures as we have done in the past between Romsey teams and our partners local teams.

What would you argue are the benefits of Romsey having Twins?

It’s a great thing to have! It shows Romsey is outward looking. And it safeguards educational values and the celebration of other cultures. Experiencing different sounds, smells, tastes. It looks impressive to outsiders as a lively and cultured place to be, which encourages tourism. It still has relevance to businesses and those who appreciate the tradition. Plus it is cost effective.

We are not a financial drain on the public because we fund ourselves, but our activities do benefit the community.

Are the relationships with our twins stable today?

Yes. There have been periods of silence in communication that has been worrying. But we are adamant to keep going as long as there is interest from both sides.

Are there any plans to retry Twinfest?

Not currently. Calling it off in 2021 was disappointing as it would have been the first time all three twins would have been here together. It was originally conceived to celebrate 60 years of friendship with Paimpol. However, a theatre troupe from Treviglio will participate in Beggars Fair this summer with stilt performers as you may remember them doing before. They will also be at the Plaza for 3 days for the Romsey Festival.

We have to tread lightly with any hopes to organise big events as it requires a tremendous amount of logistics. And again we need townwide interest and members to help make them happen.

Thank you for your time.

To find out more about Romsey Twinning and how to get involved, contact their email: romseytwinning@ gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.

12 Months of Tech

The major advancements in everyday tech we can expect over the next year.

The rate of technological advancement shows little sign of abating. We are in a rich period of innovation where developments that seemed impossible one or two years ago are now supercharging their way into the mainstream.

With that in mind then, here are five key trends that are set to dominate the tech industry over the next 12 months and, as a result, make our lives significantly easier, safer, healthier, or simply better informed.

1. Biotechnology

Gene editing technologies have recently opened up new possibilities in medicine and agriculture. In 2024, the anticipation is that the application of one of these, named CRISPR, which extends into gene therapies and genetically modified organisms, could play a crucial role in addressing food shortages and climate change by creating drought-resistant and highyield crops.

2.

AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) has had an unprecedented level of advancement in 2023, moving from the domain of Silicon Valley tech-heads into the consumer mainstream.

The use of this in language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning is set to be at the pinnacle of

advancements in 2024, with the technology looking to further its understanding and interaction with the world.

Industries such as healthcare, finance, transportation and manufacturing are expected to benefit most from improved AI-driven solutions.

3. 5G The rollout of 5G networks will continue to expand in 2024, offering faster connectivity, reduced latency, and improved network capacity.

These advancements will further the idea of smart cities and autonomous vehicles, as well as laying the groundwork for 6G technology, promising even more dramatic improvements in communication and connectivity in the years to come.

4. Energy storage and renewable energy

As the world moves towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, advancements in energy storage and

renewable energy technologies will be critical.

Over the coming months, we can expect significant progress in battery technology, with higher-capacity, fastercharging, and longer-lasting batteries becoming more commonplace. This will make electric vehicles more competitive, facilitating the large-scale adoption of renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

5. Space exploration and colonisation

Space exploration is always noted as a gamechanger in ‘what to expect’ circles, yet as 2024 unfolds, the advancements of private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin should push the boundaries of space travel to never-before seen places… literally.

We should expect more ambitious missions, including the possibility of humans returning to the Moon, as well as significant advances in satellite technology from Earth.

Alison Roman’s Birthday Cake

Whether you’ve got a big celebration coming up or just fancy making a really moist, beautiful cake, this classic birthday recipe from American baking superstar Alison Roman will make even the most ordinary day feel special.

Ingredients

(10 to 12 servings)

• Non-stick spray or butter for the pan

• 225g unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 470g all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1½ tsp salt

• 1½ tsp baking soda

• 360ml buttermilk

• 180ml vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 400g granulated sugar

• 110g lightly packed light brown sugar

• 5 large eggs

• 3 large egg yolks

For the Chocolate frosting

• 340g bittersweet chocolate, chopped (chocolate chips are fine)

• 225g sour cream, room temperature

• 225g unsalted butter, room temperature

• 185g icing sugar

• Generous pinch of salt

• Lots of sprinkles

Method

1. Heat the oven to 180°C. Spray three 9-inch cake pans with non-stick spray or grease with softened butter.

2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda together. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil and vanilla extract.

3. In another bowl, combine the butter, sugar and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat everything until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and egg yolks one at a time. Beat until combined.

4. Add a quarter of the flour mixture. Before fully combined, add in half of the buttermilk mixture. Repeat with remaining flour and buttermilk until everything is blended.

5. Divide the batter equally among the pans. Bake for 35-40mins, rotating the pan halfway through baking. The cakes are done when they are golden brown and pulling away from the sides of the pan.

6. Melt the chocolate. Add half the sour cream to the chocolate and combine. Repeat with another half. The chocolate will

Top Tip

It is essential to ensure the cake layers are properly cooled before frosting them

Top Tip

• For a pro effect, apply a ‘crumb layer’ first whereby you apply a thin layer of icing on the outside of the cake and then place it in the fridge to set. Once chilled, you can apply the rest of the frosting over this layer for a flawless effect.

stiffen a bit as you add the sour cream.

7. In a bowl, combine the butter, sugar and salt using an electric mixer on low speed at first. Beat until everything is almost pure. Slowly add in the chocolate mixture and beat until combined.

8. Assemble the cake with frosting between each layer and use the last of the frosting to cover the entire cake. Decorate with sprinkles and serve.

Sarah Stokes

MSSCh Dip Pod Med MBChA

Member of the British Chiropody & Podiatry Association

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Puzzle Page Answers

Quick Crossword Solution #028

Answers:

Across: 5. Nutbutter, 8. Step, 9. Renminbi,

10. Bestrew, 11. Neume, 13. Major, 15. Evident, 18. Actuator, 19. City, 20. Landslide. Down: 1. Output, 2. Aborted, 3. Stint,

4. Derive, 6. Utterance, 7. Abominate, 12. Overall, 14. Ocular, 16. Decade, 17. Etude. 1.

True or False Trivia Answers

7. False – It comes from Canada created in 1962

8. False – it was between 38-45: The Anglo-Zanzibar War

9. True – it is 64 minutes long

10. True