The Brockenhurst Guide - January/February 2015

The Brockenhurst

Guide

The independent directory of local businesses serving the residents of Brockenhurst

Delivered FREE around the village In this issue: Jubilee Wine Circle Ann Montini meets the Stars: Julio Iglesias Local Business Directory Win a meal for two at Bistro 26 Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Money Saving Tips from Martin Lewis National Trust in Hampshire Shorefield Holidays are cream of the crop

January/February 2015

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Criminal Law Employment Law Intellectual Property Commercial Property Conveyancing Divorce Civil Litigation Immigration Law Child Law Wills & Probate

Twynham House

64 High Street, Lymington Hampshire, SO41 9AL

0808 2500237260 I www.bcasol.co.uk 8065 9309

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OFFICES ACROSS THE NEW FOREST...

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01794 516613 ROMSEY@PENYARDS.COM

01489 890006 BISHOPSWALTHAM@PENYARDS.COM

The BrockenhurstWWW.MAYFAIR.COM Guide

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02380 284697 LYNDHURST@PENYARDS.COM

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Welcome...

The Brockenhurst Guide Edition 31

Published by:

Stephen & Debbie Corney at Hampshire Publications

Telephone:

023 8065 9309

Email:

info@brockenhurstguide.co.uk

Copy deadline for the March 2015 edition: 20th February 2015

Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

The Brockenhurst Guide does not officially endorse any advertising material included within the publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher.

Dear Brockenhurst, Beaulieu, Setley and East Boldre, Wow what a good Christmas and New Year we had this year! I do hope you were able to spend time with family and friends too. In addition to all those festivities I had my 50th Birthday (shh, don’t tell…) and celebrated that with all those I love the most. So yes, it was an unforgettable few weeks! Nellie, the campervan, took us to ‘Pull a Pine’ which was great fun and you can read all about that on pages 22 and 23.

So, here we are in a New Year, 2015. What were your New Year’s Resolutions? We have lots planned this year and have already booked our holidays, so hard work but lots of time off too. A good balance all round. One decision I made was to get the house sorted out. We have already started throwing away all those unwanted items. Hayden wants to try and sell some of his toys, so we may have fun visiting some car boot sales. Wish us luck with that one!

There are many advertisers in The Brockenhurst Guide who can help you in the house this year. Whether you want a new extension, better double glazing, the electrics updated, a new bedroom, bathroom, or a woodburning stove, there is a professional to help you. Please give them a call, they would love to hear from you and do mention The Brockenhurst Guide as this always makes our work worth while and is very much appreciated.

Stephen and I here at The Brockenhurst Guide, now delivered to all houses and businesses in the area every two months by Royal Mail, are looking for community groups and clubs to promote for free, so if you know of one, wanting more help and promotion please let them know of us. If you have a business and want to let the local people know all about you, then please give me a call too. We would love to help you.

Wishing you all a FANTASTIC 2015!

All the best,

Debbie & Stephen Corney

Useful Numbers Brockenhurst Police Southern Electricity Transco Gas Emergency Southampton Gen. Hosp.

0845 045 45 45 08457 708090 0800 111999 023 8077 7222

Train Enquires First Bus Company Wessex Water Lymington Library

023 8065 9309

08457 484950 023 8058 4321 01225 526000 01590 673050

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The Brockenhurst Guide

6

Wildlife News

Protecting our pollinators With all the flowers that populate our fields and gardens, it is easy to take them for granted. But our beloved plants such as daffodils, apples, foxgloves and oxeye daisies could not flourish without their pollen being spread by bees as well and other hundreds of species including hoverflies, wasps, moths, beetles and butterflies.

One third of the food we eat comes from crops which have been pollinated so these species are vital for our food industry. It is estimated that the value of these insects pollinating our crops and plants amounts to £100bn.

Many of these valued pollinators have started to decline from multiple pressures, such as intensive farming methods, development and climate change.

It is estimated that in England and Wales over 97% of the flower rich grasslands that are so important for pollinating insects have been lost over the last 50 to 60 years. Such losses have had a huge impact on our pollinators which are no longer able to find the food and shelter they need.

In order to reverse this worrying decline, the government has now taken action by announcing a 10 year National Pollination Strategy to revive pollinator populations. It aims to deliver across five areas to ensure that everything that relates to pollinators is covered. These areas are: 1. Supporting pollinators on farmland.

71% of the UK land area is farmed and consequently the way farmland is managed is very important for maintaining pollinator populations. The strategy sets out plans to work with farmers to support pollinators through farming and voluntary initiatives to provide food, shelter and nesting sites. It will also concentrate on reducing the risks and damage that pesticides have on pollinators. Alison Cross, Head of Conservation at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said:” it is only through working together that we can be confident about a better future for farmland wildlife including pollinating insects.”

2. Supporting pollinators across towns, cities and the countryside The strategy will work with large scale landowners to promote simple changes to land management, ensuring that good practice is in place to help pollinators. Several large organisations such as Network Rail, Highways Agency and the National Trust which manage more than 800,000 hectares of land in England have signed up to the strategy and pledged to take action such as planting more wild

flowers and allowing grass to grow longer. The public will be encouraged to take action in their outdoor spaces to make them pollinator friendly. They can access tips on how to do this at www.beesneeds. org.uk. Hosted by the Wildlife Trust and launched in July, Bees Needs gives helpful tips on how to manage gardens to attract pollinators. It includes case studies, information sheets and helpful tips on managing your land to help pollinators survive and thrive.

3. Enhancing the response to pest and disease risks Pest and disease risks to honey bees will be addressed, while improving beekeepers’ husbandry and management practices to strengthen the resilience of bee colonies. Monitoring will be carried out to track evidence of pest and disease risks associated with commercially produced pollinators used for high-value crop production.

4. Raising awareness of what pollinators need to survive and thrive Advice will be developed and disseminated to a wide range of land owners, managers and gardeners.

Efforts will also be made to improve the sharing of knowledge between scientists, conservation practitioners and non-government organisations to ensure actions taken to support pollinators are based on up to date evidence 5. Improving evidence on the status of pollinators and the service they provide A sustainable long term monitoring programme is planned to improve understanding of the causes of declines and what we can do to reverse them.

You can access the National Pollinator Strategy by visiting www.beesneeds.org.uk.

Kizzie Henderson, Hants & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

023 8065 9309

Leafcutter Bee by Wight Snapper

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Wishing all our clients, past and future, a Happy New Year!

Don’t wait till winter to fit your fireplace!

Ringwood Road Netley Marsh, Southampton Hampshire, SO40 7GY

Tel: 023 8042 4274 Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 10am to 4pm Closed Wednesday & Sunday

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The Brockenhurst Guide

Community News

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Shorefield Holidays crowned cream of the crop at The Beautiful South Awards Shorefield Holidays has been awarded a coveted Silver in the category: Holiday Park of The Year at the Beautiful South Awards 2014.

Held at the iconic Grand Brighton Hotel last month, the presentation evening celebrated the elite visitor experiences across the South and South East of England and recognised their outstanding contribution to the tourism industry.

Established over 20 years ago, The Beautiful South Awards help drive ambition and raise standards throughout the region rewarding excellence, quality, innovation and customer service. As a recipient of this prestigious accolade Shorefield Holidays is now invited to champion the South East at the national VisitEngland awards in 2015.

Commenting on the awards, Peter Colling, Managing Director of Tourism South East, said, “Every year the Beautiful South Awards are a reminder of the amazing wealth of fantastic tourism businesses and experiences South East of England has to offer. And this year the overall standard of entries was higher than ever making it extremely tough for the judges. The winners truly are the best of the best and a match for any in the country. We are now looking forward to our winners taking the

spoils at Visit England’s National Tourism Excellence Awards.”

Simon Pitman, Group Head of Marketing at Shorefield Holidays added, “We are thrilled to have scooped the Silver award for Holiday Park of the Year. We pride ourselves on offering a holiday experience that provides a range of accommodation, facilities, activities and local attractions across our six parks, and we’re very thankful to the judges for presenting us with this great award.”

“We aim to continue improving and increasing the appeal of Shorefield Holidays and hope to work towards more awards like this in the near future.”

The Shorefield Holidays team with their Silver Award

023 8065 9309

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Orders placed for installation up until 20th December 2014. Offer cannot be used in conjuction with any other offer.

Free appliances to the value of £1000 inc VAT. Offer applicable to Neff, Bosch or Siemens products only.

The Brockenhurst Guide

10

. . . s r a t S e h t s t e e m i Ann Montin

This month’s star is

Julio Iglesias Ann Montini caught up with singing legend Julio Iglesias at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

Ann – Julio Iglesias finally we meet?

Julio – “A pleasure, and always one, to come back to England, and appear and perform for my fans here. They have been so good to me over the years, we go back a long way.”

Ann – A new award too... what does that feel like?

Julio – “The award feels like for being alive to be honest, but seriously it’s for Sony Music’s ‘The Most Successful Latin Artist of All Time’ award, in recognition of my 46-year international career.

Amazing don’t you think?”

Ann – Truly amazing! You’re ageless though, what is your secret?

Julio – “Music and singing. No, truthfully I think if you have a passion you enjoy, then you should, you know embrace it and do it. I think this also keeps you young, and so you look better, but thank you for saying that.“ Ann – You have done so many things in your career though... Frank Sinatra ?

Julio – “My hero really, I have Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, to thank for us singing together though, as he told him about me, and well the rest is history, but what a star, what a legend.“ Ann – Your new album has gone gold all over the world... does the success still surprise you?

Julio – “Yes and no really, because I have wonderful fans, and I think that if you give them what they want then hopefully, they will enjoy it too, and so it goes on... I always like having number one albums though for sure.”

Ann – Many duets, who stands out for you apart from Sinatra Julio – “So many, but of course Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, what a lady and such a great songwriter too... but I always enjoy looking at

new people... who knows maybe Lady Ga Ga would like to duet?”

Ann – Could there be a Julio musical like others have done?

Julio – “We have sort of done this in a way you know, but not around the world... I am not sure, do you think that would work... if you do Ann, maybe you sing with me on the show?”

Ann – I would love too! Is it true you actually wanted to be a professional footballer?

Julio – “It is and, I was a for a while with Real Madrid, but then I had some misfortune, but out of that came the gift of music, and so life goes on... You have to remain positive you know.“ Ann – You have also starred in films in the past... planning anymore?

Julio – “I was very young, but yes I would look at some options now and again, but I am guessing at my age, I won’t be playing the romantic lead... but hey a movie career again would be wonderful...”

Ann – So what is next for you then?

Julio – “I am performing sell out shows, a new album and picking up awards you know life could not be better actually Ann, so all I would ask is more of the same please.“

Ann and Julio at the Dorchester Hotel in London Photo: Maycon Pictures

023 8065 9309

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Congratulations to all at Bakehouse for winning the Best Bakery/Patisserie at the Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards 2014

Best Bakery / Patisserie

WINNER Tel: 01590 622 155 45 Brookley Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, SO42 7RB The Brockenhurst Guide

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023 8065 9309

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New Forest Home Improvements Ltd

Building Services Extensions & Alterations Kitchens, Bathrooms Garage & Loft Conversions

www.nfhi.co.uk norman@nfhi.co.uk

01590 673260

Do you want to act?

New Forest NEW FOREST LOGS Home Improvements Ltd

• LOGS FOR Double Glazing SALE & Aluminium doors & windows •PVCu Seasoned Composite & bi fold doors Dried Mixed Conservatories, Orangeries, Logs Lantern roofs • Very Competitive !

Rates • Kindling & Firelighters • Free Delivery www.nfhi.co.uk norman@nfhi.co.uk Tel: 023 8073 0314 405781 M: 07957 07739 972500

Two42 Theatre Company are branching out!

Are you aged between 12-16? Do you want to be part of a brand new Youth Theatre Group?

Easter holiday, week long, acting technique workshops with a performance for friends and family at the end of the week!

Monday 13th – Friday 17th April • Cost £120

Kemball Theatre, Brockenhurst College To book a place or receive more info contact: jo@two42theatre.co.uk or phone 01590 624511

All staff are CRB checked and have secondary/post 16 PGCE’s.

The Brockenhurst Guide

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Money Saving Tips

Martin

LEWIS Winter money saving Brrrr... The mercury has started to tumble, summer’s warmth seems a distant memory and the central heating is starting to kick into gear. As it'll only get colder, now's the time to ensure you're set up for winter to keep the cost down and the heat up. Here’s my checklist…

Find out where your stopcock is. Everyone should know where their mains water off switch is. Frozen pipe bursts create an average £7,000 of damage, made worse if you can't find the off switch as your home floods.

As Angie wrote on my Facebook page: "I know where mine is but only due to a burst pipe and collapsed floor a few years ago. Took us & the council 2hrs to find."

So find it now before you’ve problems. Mine is behind a kitchen cupboard, but you’ll also typically find yours in bathrooms, shared corridors in flats, boiler cupboards and more. To help locate yours there’s a nice Thames Water video at www.mse.me/stopcock.

Switch energy now and you could get £100s back. This is a great time to switch energy supplier if you pay by direct debit, as it's likely you're in credit after the low use summer months. Therefore switch now, and provided you ask for it – so ask - you'll likely be given cash too (switch after winter and you may be in debt).

Yet while the switch-over takes time, the work to compare and activate a switch doesn't. For fun, I put a stopwatch on four new members of my team trying to compare and switch - the quickest took 202 seconds, the longest 376 seconds. The average was 310 seconds with a £226 saving.

When comparing you may’ve heard of the recent scandal about ‘hiding top deals’ on some comparison sites. This is true – though my own www.cheapenergyclub.co.uk always shows all tariffs. Yet it means if you are using a different www.ofgem.gov.uk approved comparison site, when you get to the “Do you only want to see tariffs you can switch to today” question – say ‘no’ – that way all will display.

Switching isn't a big deal, it's the same pipes, gas, meter and safety scheme - the only difference is price and customer service. You can do it even if you're on a prepayment meter/ electricity only/ Eco 7.

Paying energy by monthly direct debit is cheaper. It discounts your bill by up to 6%. Firms then estimate your annual usage and divide it by 12 so you're likely to build up credit after summer and be a little in debt after winter. Always do regular meter readings for accuracy, as your bill is estimated. And if they try to push your direct debit up unfairly (eg, you're heavily in credit) you've a right for it to

be fair, just call and ask for it to be lowered.

Full service car breakdown cover £40. Breakdown is more likely at winter, and the consequences more severe. Yet policies can be very cheap.

For breakdown, home start and onward travel www.autoaidbreakdown.co.uk is £40 a year, though it’s a ‘pay and claim’ policy so here it sends a local pick-up truck that you have to pay, then you can reclaim the cash later. Feedback and call out times are good, though you need to remember to claim.

If you’ve got cover and are at renewal, then HAGGLE - 90% of AA customers and 78% with the RAC lowered their rates by bartering. For more deals see www.mse.me/breakdown.

Cut boiler costs by £100s - you don't need your energy firm's cover. Many energy firms use our fear of losing heating to charge hefty insurance costs. They also want us to think there's some link between our energy provider and our boiler cover. There isn't - you're not locked in. In short… a) Renters usually don't need it, as their landlord's likely responsible. Check. b) Ensure you know what cover you need, choose between boiler-only, or central heating cover. c) To find the cheapest compare via www.uswitch.com and if you have more time add www.energyhelpline.com and www.moneysupermarket.com for a wider comparison.

More help in www.mse.me/boilercover.

Are you entitled to any extra winter help. Winter is a tough time for many as the cold sets in. Therefore there are some funds which may help... a) Winter fuel payments. If anyone in your house was born on or before 6 Jul 1952 and gets a state pension, pension credit or jobseekers allowance you automatically get the up to £300 winter fuel payment (providing you met this qualifying criteria by 21 Sept 2014). Some on other benefits may be eligible too, but will need to claim if new to it. b) Cold weather payments. Anyone on specific income support/jobseeker's allowance/pension credit gets £25 for every 7 days it's sub-zero. It's paid automatically from 1 Nov 2014. c) Choosing between heating and eating? If you're seriously behind, or in general financial hardship, you may be eligible for special tariffs/help. Try the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99.

023 8065 9309

@MoneySavingExpert

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enquiries@heppenstalls.co.uk www.heppenstalls.co.uk

Are your affairs in order?

We can advise on...

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Contact us on 01425 610078 or by email enquiries@heppenstalls.co.uk

The Brockenhurst Guide

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Community News

Introducing the Jubilee Wine Circle Having spent too much on booze at Christmas and New Year do you wish you could save money by making your own wine and beer?

Do you want to know more about what you are drinking and try out new drinks? If so, come along to the Jubilee Wine Circle. We meet on the first Friday of every month at the Stapehill Village Hall and have a variety of evenings mostly centred on wine, it’s production and consumption. We often have tastings of different wines and you can see how your palate compares to other people’s and have more of an idea of what you like and dislike.

We have two qualified judges in the circle as well as a host of members who have been making wine for years so if you fancy making wine there are lots of people who can help. Recently we have had tremendous success at the Dorset

Federation Show where Jubilee carried off the trophy for circle with most points. The circle also has it’s own competitions and there is support for entering other competitions such as the Wales & West competition which is very large.

Recently we celebrated American wines on 4th July and had a wine based ‘Call My Bluff’ evening. In 2015 we will be having competitions, a tasting of local beers and a ‘Spot The Commercial’ wine evening where we try some home made wine against a commercial of the same type. So if you like the idea of a sociable evening with a general focus on wine then please contact the Chairman using the details below and you’ll be made very welcome.

Chairman: Neil Barton Tel: 01202 861077 Email: neillbarton@gmail.com

023 8065 9309

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When the family pieces no longer fit, you may need our help

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The Brockenhurst Guide

During difficult times, you need clear and constructive professional advice.

At Scott Bailey, we have a team of highly qualified solicitors dedicated to all aspects of family breakdown.

For further information, contact Sue Sutherland, Sarah Unsworth, Dinshaw Printer or Ann Herd.

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Motoring

auto

BIOGRAPHIES Volvo S60

By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Writer

www.carwriteups.co.uk

@carwriteups

Volvo has never had the same appeal as its German executive cousins. It has never looked as aggressive as Audi, nor as brutal as BMW or as mean as Mercedes-Benz. But that is a good thing.

You see, the Swedish marque does things its own way and that’s at the very heart of why motorists opt for Volvo – even though they could, for the same money, afford something a little sexier.

Take the S60; it’s very much a thinking man’s car. And that’s not to say that German motors don’t attract intelligent people.

It offers some of the most restful, supportive and sumptuous seats on the automotive market. Chairs you can imagine a college professor sinking into before lighting his pipe and mulling over the day’s events. It’s the kind of car he’ll then cruise back home in while listening to Classic FM. Do you see where I’m going here?

The S60 is by no means boring though; it can still satisfy your pleasure sensors. Let’s face it, Scandinavian design is generally pleasing. This is evident in the redesigned interior and exterior of the latest S60.

Step inside, and materials, such as wood and leather and the easy-to-use controls, contribute to an ‘in-command’ driving experience. The overall effect is warm and cosy, like being in a Swedish house on a cold night. The car’s colour themes correspond beautifully with the backlit white controls in the dash and elsewhere in the vehicle.

On the outside, the S60's road presence has been increased by a new front design. The more focused and determinedlooking headlamps help create an expressive face. The car’s horizontal lines at both the front and rear have been emphasised. Together with details such as a wider grille, daylight running lights and LED tail lamps, they give the S60

a handsome, road-hugging presence. The Volvo saloon has a beauty that appears rooted in the natural world. The clean surfaces and contours give it a very classy feel.

Enhancements for the S60 include ‘Sensus’. This is the name Volvo uses for all its HMI (Human Machine Interface) functionality and the all-new Sensus Connected Touch accessory is the latest addition. It enables connectivity and Internet in the car and turns the seven-inch display into a state-of-the-art infrared, beam-scanned touch screen that can be used even when wearing gloves - a world first in cars and handy in winter.

Connection is made either via a car-mounted 3G/4G dongle or your mobile phone. It allows you access to full Internet browsing (except when driving), Internet streaming of music, on-line Google Map and Search, weather information, an App Store for new functions and updates as well as a Volvo service locator. It is also possible to share a WiFi network with everyone in the car.

Volvo is certainly pushing at the technological boundaries now – and that’s including one very important area of motoring: fuel efficiency. The fuel consumption of the S60 D2 diesel, on test here with a manual gearbox, has been improved to a class-leading 72.4 mpg, translating into CO2 emissions of only 103 g/km.

With environmental credentials like these, any selfrespecting, Volvo driving, college professor will have to put his pipe out now.

FAST FACTS PROS ‘N’ CONS Comfort √  Max speed: 121mph Emissions √ 0-62 mph: 10.9 secs  Economy √  Combined mpg: 72.4 Cabin √  Engine: 1560cc 4 cylinder 8 valve Image X turbo diesel

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Max. power (bhp): 113 at 3600 rpm

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CO2: 103 g/km

Max. torque (Ib/�): 199 at 1750 rpm Price: £26,545 on the road

023 8065 9309

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Places to visit

National

TRUST

It’s snowdrop time in Sussex & Hampshire Snowdrops traditionally herald the end of winter and provide welcome assurance that the brighter days of spring are on their way.

For that first glimpse of spring in Sussex and Hampshire from late January to early March, beautiful displays of snowdrops start to appear at Nymans, Petworth House and Park, Mottisfont, Hinton Ampner and The Vyne. These delicate white flowers are always popular with visitors, particularly children, who love the miniature plants.

Stephen Herrington, head gardener at Nymans: “It’s always a joy when the first snowdrops break through the frozen ground. Along with aconites and primroses, they are the harbingers of spring. They are best seen in half-light and, of course, amidst the winter snow; on mild, late winter days, they are beloved by honey bees.”

Here are the special National Trust places in Sussex and Hampshire to enjoy snowdrops: Nymans, Handcross, West Sussex This twentieth-century garden is famed for its amazing collection of rare and important plants. At the start of spring, spot wonderful displays of snowdrops as well as camellias and magnolias underplanted with a host of daffodils and grape hyacinths. The bulb meadow in the walled garden is full of snowdrops and early narcissus and there are rare hellebores all around the garden. By Valentine’s Day, over 150 different types of plant are flowering at Nymans and the snowdrop clusters offer cool contrasts to fiery witch hazel oranges and the rich red stems of the dogwoods.

Nymans winter interest walk with the Head Gardener, 30 January, 11am – 12pm Take in the seasonal highlights of the garden and Arboretum with an exclusive guided tour with the Head Gardener at Nymans. Find out what is at its best in winter and what to look forward to in the following months. Hear about the garden projects and practises and have your gardening questions answered. After exploring the grounds, finish off your walk with a warming beverage in the cafe.

Price: £5 (normal admission fee applies) For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ nymans or call 01444 405250.

The National Trust is an independent charity and all profits generated by visits help to pay for the care and conservation of some of the country’s most beautiful and historic places. For further information about days out with the National Trust, please see: www.nationaltrust.org.uk Guided snowdrop walks at Mottisfont: 7, 8, 14, 15 February, 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2pm, free upon normal admission charge, no booking required.

For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ mottisfont or call 01794 340757.

Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, Hampshire You’ll find hundreds of delicate snowdrops dotted across the lawn beside the house at Hinton Ampner, which is full of scent and colour even in the depths of winter.

Hinton’s previous owner, Ralph Dutton, designed the East Lawn of this garden around the tiny parish church in the grounds. He knew that even in the colder months, the church’s congregation would gather on the grass after the Sunday service, so he planted the lawn with fragrant winter flowers such as daphnes, which have a zingy lime scent and tiny pink flowers. The church border is hedged with sweet box Sarococcas, which fills the air with a heady honey scent.

You’ll also discover delicate winter aconites and colourful crocuses.

For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hintonampner or call 01962 771305.

The Vyne, near Basingstoke, Hampshire One of the first sights to meet visitors in early February is a pretty ribbon of pearly white snowdrops that appears at the entrance to these gardens. Further snowdrop displays can be found in the Wild Garden, mingling with yellow-petalled winter aconites.

Look out also for floral gems such as yellow winter aconites and candy-pink viburnum, and if you peer upwards into the trees you’ll see great clusters of mistletoe covered with pearly berries. Winter is also a great time to indulge the olfactory senses – seek out the delicious fragrance of flowering daphne and mahonia.

For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ vyne or call 01256 883858

Mottisfont, near Romsey, Hampshire Drifts of snowdrops appear along the banks of the Font stream of this ancient former priory, where the warmer water creates its own microclimate. Elsewhere, the open acres of the river garden are magically transformed by drifts of purest white. In February, you can enjoy a guided walk through the grounds of Mottisfont and witness the beauty of its wild snowdrops.

023 8065 9309

w i n n e rs

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2014 has been another amazing year for NGPS and its customers.

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CONTACT US TODAY We offer no nonsense advice - and an end to rising energy bills.

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The Brockenhurst Guide

Adventures of Nellie

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The Adventures of Nellie

The Hampshire Publications Camper Van Well really! Do you honestly think that Nellie would be a thief? She doesn’t possess a balaclava for one. Well this is what some friends thought when I proudly told them that Nellie took us to Arne in the Purbecks last month to cut down our own Christmas tree.

Their immediate reaction was to burst out laughing and ask “Is that legal!?”

I was shocked. Of course it is legal I declared indignantly! It was all rather funny really. I mean can you imagine us trying to disguise Nellie, running into the heathland in camouflage, cutting down a Christmas tree and sneaking it into the back? Well... maybe you can!

For those who do not know, our heathland is very special. In fact did you know that the heathland habitat is rarer than tropical rain forest? Rob Farrington of the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) tells us, “Heathland is not wasteland – it may look barren and bare but it is the most biodiverse habitat in the UK. That is, more species of wildlife call heathland home

Sammy and Hayden pull a pine each!

Porting our pulled pines than any other type of environment.” So you see, Nellie was doing a good deed!

Clearing away the small pines allows the heathland to survive... I just want to set the records straight.

It was a great day, the weather was glorious. Cool but sunny. We met a friend there with his young son. Everyone was in great spirits and there was not a drop of alcohol in sight. We had been to Arne to ‘pull a pine’ a few years ago but had not managed to get there since. I was amazed at the amount of people. There were literally hundreds of cars parked with many people walking with trees over their backs, smiling, laughing and generally enjoying our wonderful country, seaside air. The whole activity is a win win situation, as we save the RSPB in the region of £25,000 and over two years of work, leaving that money to be spent on other useful projects. All the volunteers get to take home a free Christmas tree and we save our heathland at the same time. Result! The views from this area are stunning as you can see in our photos.

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Nellie prepares for a pine-full load There is nothing like the fresh air, family time and a project to do. The boys just loved using the loppers to cut the small trees down. The only problem is finding the tree for your front room. It is worse than choosing new curtains! Do we want this one, or this one, or will this one look better? Is this the right shape, too tall, too small?? There is such a variety, in the end you just have to say, “We will take that one!” We actually took two...one for the lounge and one for the front garden that we decorated with lights. There is something quite magical, knowing you cut the tree yourself. I have never had a Christmas tree lit up in the garden before so I was quite taken with that.

Nellie was very happy to bring the trees home. It was all a little squished in the back for Hayden, but we managed all the

Second tree welcomes visitors in front garden

The Brockenhurst Guide

Our tree, fully decked out, with the presents same. Travelling down the country lane we saw many different trees on car roof tops, being pulled in the trailer behind, or sat next to a contented and cheerful passenger inside.

I highly recommend ‘Pull a Pine’ at Arne. We even bought Mum a year’s membership to the RSPB as a Christmas present. Mum loves watching the birds, so this was an excellent present for her.

We already have a membership ourselves and are looking forward to, can you believe it, a ‘spider finding tour’ in the spring! If you want to know more about this organisation you can find them on line at www.rspb.org.uk or call general enquiries on 01767 680551.

Nellie thoroughly enjoyed her Christmas trip, was happy not to meet any policemen on the way home and is really looking forward to more exciting excursions in 2015! Where will she go next...?

By Debbie Corney

Community News

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NEW FOREST

We get together on every third Thursday in the month at Boldre War Memorial Hall, Pilley Street, Pilley between 2pm - 4.30pm.

Support and information is available to people with Parkinson’s, their carers, family & friends.

All are very welcome.

Contemporary Cuisine in Brockenhurst, the heart of the New Forest 15% off food w ith

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Rhinefield Probus Club

The Rhinefield Probus Club meets every third Wednesday at 10:00am at the Forest Park Hotel, Rhinefield Road, Brockenhurst.

We have a wide variety of entertaining speakers followed by lunch.

New members and guests are always welcome.

For further details please visit our website: www.rhinefieldprobus.org.uk Or contact the Secretary at: secretaryrhinefieldprobus@hotmail.com

26 Lyndhurst Road Brockenhurst Hampshire SO42 7RL Tel: 01590 622459 bistro-26.co.uk

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The Brockenhurst Guide Prize Wordsearch

N O I T U L O S E R C N C A J

O C V X G W B I Y K Z Z Z A T

I O M J O I D N L I O C R S S

A L V M X N E Y Y U P G O N K

Y D O K H T A F E F F R I S V

S A Q Q R E M Y B R F H S I W

T F D R O R U R R N P V J Y N

A X X Z J X Q F A L S B T M S

R W W J Y F I Q E R W B H W V

T Q T K U U Z Q Y Z R J K L W

S J C T D Y A E P H H L Q X O

D X U P D N L U A S L M P G N

Y R A U C T Z D E L L I G T S

E I M R F T B W L Q L V N G T

T O N O I T A R B E L E C M Z

SNOW FROST COLD LEAP YEAR WISH CELEBRATION START RESOLUTION WINTER FUTURE

This month, the prize is a meal for two at Bistro 26 in Brockenhurst, so please complete this page by 15th February and send to: January Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ The Brockenhurst Guide, Address: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, BH22 0JR Telephone: ______________________

The Brockenhurst Guide

Food & Drink

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Naturally good...

ROASTED ACORN SQUASH Ingredients for 4 servings: 1 large acorn squash ½ tsp smoked paprika 2 cloves garlic (minced) Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper ½ tsp mustard powder ¼ tsp onion powder 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp unsalted butter ½ red onion 1 tbsp olive oil 2 oz (60 g) soft goats cheese Small handful fresh mint Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 400F/200c 2. Cut the squash into 6 wedges leaving the skin on.

Remove the seeds and place onto a baking sheet skin side down with the flesh facing up. Drizzle the wedges with olive oil and add the butter then sprinkle over the paprika, garlic, mustard and onion powder and season well.

3. Cover the tray with foil and make sure that it is pressed down well so that the wedges are sealed in. Place the tray into the oven to bake for 45 minutes; they will actually be steaming in their own juices at this point.

4. Meanwhile slice the onion and place into a frying pan with the olive oil, gently sauté the onion slices on a medium low heat until they are caramelized, set to one side.

5. After 45 minutes of cooking remove the squash from the oven and remove the foil cover, place back into the oven for 10 minutes to roast, after ten minutes top each wedge with caramelized onions and some crumbled goats cheese and place back into the oven for a further 5 to 10 minutes until golden brown.

6. Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with freshly chopped mint and serve.

Ryan Turner, real food and low-carb chef - www.thefoodbible.com

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You’re a winner!

Mr & Mrs Shah of Avenue Road in Brockenhurst with their hamper from Appetite for Adventure

The Brockenhurst Guide

Gardening Tips

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Grass Roots

So what does the presence of moss tell you? It tells you a number of important bits of information about the site and the soil.

THE PLANT DOESN’T LIE

Your garden is like an open book, if you know how to read it because the plants that grow there can tell you so much about the underlying soil conditions. It’s these conditions that will determine whether your garden is an enjoyable place to be in or if it becomes a mess and burden.

There are several ways of determining what is happening underground in your garden but the most accurate involves sending a sample to a soil analysis laboratory who will test for fertility, minerals, drainage capacity and the pH (‘possible Hydrogen’), which is whether the soil is acidic, neutral or alkaline. They take time, cost money and you do have to have some scientific knowledge to interpret the results so a much easier, quicker and sometimes more relevant way to find out what is to spend a little time in the garden with your eyes open.

What you are looking for is the plant that has naturalized successfully and you will recognize it because it is the most plentiful. It is probably small, unobtrusive and be low on the ground. There might also be more than one because individual plants are always part of bigger colonies but just start with one until you get the hang of the process.

Take this plant and find out what it is, by looking on the internet or asking someone. Once you know what it is, find out, in as much detail as possible, what conditions it likes to thrive in because those are the ones you currently have in your garden. Sometimes that particular environment is just the one you want but more often you will find that you need to change something to improve the growing conditions.

A good example to give you is moss. Moss is much berated when it starts to take over your lawn but it is there because the conditions within the lawn encourage it to be there. There are many products on the market for getting rid of the moss from your lawn but until you change the underlying conditions, the moss will always come back – without fail. Moss only moves in because it can.

Its too shady for the grass to thrive.

The soil pH is too acidic The soil is too wet The soil is most likely to be compacted.

All these conditions will weaken the growth of the grass and favour the growth of moss so it should be no surprise to find it there.

You now have an idea as to what needs to be done and it is surprising how easy and straightforward some of the remedial actions are. Observing your garden in this way may seem time consuming and laborious at first but once you get the hang of it, you will be amazed how much more you will begin to see. In fact, you will wonder how you missed it in the first place.

This is an extract from Sally Tierney's forthcoming book ‘Your Enjoyable Garden - The 3 essential steps to start and keep a garden that is always enjoyable and beautiful’, available January 2015.

Written by Sally Tierney MSGD BSc (Hons),. She specializes in making the most of the space in small to medium sized gardens through the use of good design and the right plants. She passionately believes that no garden should become a burden on its owners and so she goes to great lengths to design a garden that fits in with the client’s life style, not the other way round. You can see pictures of successful gardens on her website here www.yorkshiregardendesigner.co.uk

023 8065 9309

29 Bournemouth Investments was established

by Steve Chislett in 2001 and we cover an area within 130 miles of Bournemouth. Our clients are from all age groups, with over £75,000 of investable money (including pension funds), and also entrepreneurs looking for assistance and quality planning as they build their wealth through their business going forward.

Typical clients would be those that are retired and need to obtain additional income or capital growth from their savings, rather than leaving it in the bank or building society, thereby losing the real value of their funds through inflation.

We use a specialist technology system for client’s investments and pension funds and our clients benefit from monthly reporting either by email or post for suggested fund

changes. At this time, we are the only firm south of London, that uses this process. The system enhances returns over the medium term and reduces volatility. This means that we are in contact with you regularly, rather than waiting for an annual meeting to make necessary changes.

Many clients in our area will be subject to inheritance tax on their estate if it is over £325,000 single or £650,000 joint (2013/14).

We can assist with family trusts and other specialised tax planning to minimise the amount payable on death. We also advise on long term care costs.

We would be pleased to meet you for a 30 minute consultation at our expense to see whether we can be of real long term benefit to you. So do give us a call on 01202 891852 to make an appointment.

Bournemouth Investments Ltd Certified Financial Planners

• We work with financially focused families and business owners. We help them to clarify and achieve their financial goals and they in turn, trust us to be with them during their own journey through life.

• We are known for taking the complexity and jargon out of the financial planning process and specialise in investments, pensions and estate planning.

• Our major clients receive monthly reporting for fund switching to maximise performance and reduce volatility in their portfolios.

• If your bank or building society has left you without ongoing advice, we are able to help.

If you would like to meet with us:

Contact Steve Chislett on 01202 891852 www.bournemouthinvestments.com Bournemouth Investments Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (584293).

Registered address: 7 Laburnum Close, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9TX

The Brockenhurst Guide

30

Index of advertisers

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

Acting Courses Two Forty Two Theatre Company.....................13

Funeral Directors R Hallum...........................................................17

Bakeries Bakehouse........................................................11

Garage Services New Milton Motor Services..............................19

Bedrooms The Kitchen & Bedroom Showroom.................. 9

Hearing Aids & Services Kellear Hearing................................................. 7

Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds..................................................... 5

Hotels & Restaurants The Cloud Hotel................................................15

Builders & Carpenters New Forest Home Improvements.....................13

Kitchens The Kitchen & Bedroom Showroom.................. 9

Catering Services Amuse Bouche.................................................. 7

Logs New Forest Logs...............................................11

Community News Adventures of Nellie............................................22 Ann Montini meets the Stars: Julio Iglesias........10 Grass Roots: The plant doesn’t lie....................28 Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust: Pollinators............ 6 Jubilee Wine Circle............................................16 Martin Lewis: Winter Money Saving................14 Motoring: Volvo S60.........................................18 National Trust: Snowdrops...............................20 Naturally Good: Roasted Acorn Squash............26 Parkinsons UK: New Forest Branch...................27 Rhinefield Probus..............................................27 Sensai Says: Bullying.........................................24 Shorefield Holidays cream of the crop.............. 8

Opticians Specsavers........................................................31

Computer Services K W Computers................................................. 5

Plasterers Absolutely Plastered.........................................19 Puzzles & Competitions Kids page..........................................................12 Prize Wordsearch..............................................25 Renewable Energy Solutions Nick Good Property Services.............................21 Roofing Forest Park Roofing.......................................... 5

Electricians Dorset Electrical & Fire Alarms.........................19

Solicitors Bernard Chill Axtell........................................... 2 Heppenstalls.....................................................15 Scott Bailey.......................................................17

Estate Agents Penyards........................................................... 3 Spencers of the New Forest..............................32

Stamps, Coins, Postcards and Collectibles Rushstamps of Lyndhurst..................................27

Financial Services Bournemouth Investments...............................29

Windows, Doors & Conservatories New Forest Home Improvements.....................13

Fireplaces Stoves & Fireplaces........................................... 7

Woodburning Stoves Stoves & Fireplaces........................................... 7

023 8065 9309

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The Brockenhurst Guide

Letting your property is

Plain sailing‌

Peace of mind for landlords Spencers Premier Management Service takes the stress out of letting your property.

1 The Old Print Works, High Street, Lymington SO41 9AN

01590 624814

www.spencersnewforest.com

The Brockenhurst Guide

1 Moorlands Rise, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0JR