The Brockenhurst Guide - November 2013

The Brockenhurst

Guide

The independent directory of local businesses serving the residents of Brockenhurst

Delivered FREE around the village In this issue: Win a bottle of bubbly!

Local Business Directory Local choir sings to raise money for cancer care New trail opens at Moors Valley Country Park Rhinefield Probus Club Short Story: The Angel of Mottisfont

November/December 2013

2

Letting... where you are

66 Brookley Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7RA

Phone: 08453 054109 Email: info@penyards.co.uk Website: www.penyards.co.uk

023 8065 9309

3

If you want a house speak with an estate agent...

If you want a lifestyle speak with us!

www.penyards.com

The Brockenhurst www.mayfair.com Guide

www.equestrianandrural.com

4

Dear Brockenhurst, I cannot quite believe it is November already!

We certainly have been pretty lucky with the Edition 24 weather except the recent storm which I hope you coped with and had no major problems.

We didn’t go camping this month, but we did have a day out at Avon Heath Country Park.

We went with a friend and his two boys on a bright crisp day. You can read all about it on pages 20 and 21. Fun was had by all!

So, this is the month to start thinking about Published by: Christmas, planning who is going where, who Stephen & Debbie Corney to buy presents for and generally getting at Hampshire Publications even busier than usual. The local trades and Telephone: service men and women in The Brockenhurst 023 8065 9309 Guide are here to help you. They can make Email: this time of year a little easier by providing info@brockenhurstguide.co.uk what you need and help make this Christmas Copy deadline for the a successful one for you. We have a full array January 2014 edition: of local businesses inside. We also have an 20th December 2013 extra crossword and a sudoku for you this Disclaimer: Whilst every care has month, as well as the prize wordsearch. The been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, the last lucky winner was Stephanie Bray. Well publisher cannot accept any liability done to you! Do fill in this month’s – you to any party to loss or damage could be the one to get that winner’s call! caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident There is also a very real and witty short story or any other cause. on pages 28 and 29. I am sure you will have The Brockenhurst Guide does not reality with the author… officially endorse any advertising material included within the Stephen and myself hope you have a good publication. No part of this November and do manage to plan ahead and publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or save yourself some stress next month transmitted in any form, without Very best wishes, prior permission of the publisher.

The Brockenhurst Guide

Cover Photo: Autumn stump Courtesy of Richard Lock Photography

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

5

1 - 1 & & & ',1 1 -& -, . / & , ', &,# 1 - / / , / . - / , / %,#

% $ " "

% ("

, ,

& & , '- , , . , -

/// , -

, & . 1 -& & &,1 1 -,, &/ & ',1 ' & , ' ' , & , 1 -& . - , ', , / , ' , , & $ , ,% 1 , , ' , & & '' ' . & & ,, , $' ,1 , &% , & , & ' , & & ' &' / & 1 , '' ', / , . &1, & ' & -&, ' , . - & & , ( / / / & / , 1 & & ',1 -, ' ( $ 0 ', -& ' ' & ', &, & ' / , , & ' & & , & , ',1 ' &' , & & ' , & , ( $ - "- ' $ " % " & " ( " $" "

%

"

$" ( $ % " &

$ % " ( "

" "" " " " "

-& -' ' , '

The Brockenhurst Guide

6

Singing for Marie Curie at Forest Arts Local choir Voices of the Forest is hoping to raise even more funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care at a concert at Forest Arts in New Milton this November.

The choir, which meets weekly in Emery Down, has so far raised £896 for Marie Curie Cancer Care through its performances throughout the New Forest. This month the choir performed at Forest Arts Centre in New Milton on Saturday November 9th and hopes to reach its fundraising target of £2000 by the end of the year.

Voices of the Forest is also asking local businesses if they would be willing to sponsor their concerts to help with reaching the target.

The Forest Arts concert, Songs of Magic and Power, featured songs from around the world as well as the songs and words from Saga, a musical theatre piece based on JR Tolkein’s interpretation of Norse mythology.

The evening also included a performance from lively Scandinavian and English folk act the Shimmering Bees. The profits from the concert went to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The choir will also perform a Christmas repertoire from around the world in a series of December concerts. These include an evening Christmas Concert in Romsey Abbey on Thursday December 5th and a performance at the Festival of the Tree at St Michael’s Church Lyndhurst on Saturday December 14th.

The dramatic and evocative songs and music for Saga were written by the choir’s musical director Fabian Lochner, an accomplished musician who teaches music and drama at the Sheiling School in Ringwood.

Choir committee chairman Cathy Sherrin said she hoped as many people as possible would support the choir’s concerts in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

“We’ve worked hard to make the concerts inspiring and entertaining,” said Cathy. “We sing a wide range of songs, from the dramatic and stirring and uplifting to the beautiful, haunting and poignant. We welcome new members, so if you want to see what we’re about be sure to come and see us.”

Voices of the Forest has around 40 members from all over the New Forest and is a mainly unaccompanied choir that sings in four-part harmony. The repertoire takes in classical, jazz and opera but focuses mainly on world music.

Voices of the Forest has just produced its first CD, World of Song, and has a new website at www.voicesoftheforest.co.uk, where you can buy the CD, find out about forthcoming events and hear examples of the songs.

Saga is an exciting musical theatre piece consisting of dramatic songs and storytelling inspired by J.R.R.Tolkien’s retelling of the Norse cycle. Tolkien’s version includes an account of the hero Sigurd who slays the terrible dragon Fafnir but is then treacherously killed by his kinsmen, the effect of an ancient cursed ring in the dragon’s possession.

023 8065 9309

Voices of the Forest with Fabian Lochner

7

The Brockenhurst Guide

8

New Forest Home Improvements Ltd

New Forest Home Improvements Ltd

Building Services

Double Glazing

Extensions & Alterations

PVCu & Aluminium doors & windows Composite & bi fold doors Conservatories, Orangeries, Lantern roofs

Kitchens, Bathrooms Garage & Loft Conversions

!

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

01590 673260

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

023 8065 9309

07957 405781

9

Would you smile if you could enjoy all life has to offer with complete peace of mind?

Would a regular full or part-time income make a difference to your life?

R

We’ve got it covered

Custom Made Blinds & Shutters

Smile

We are a £43m UK company, with an impeccable 20 year track record. Currently expanding due to unprecedented growth within the organic health & wellness sector, we offer flexibility, a great lifestyle and a substantial income, alongside your existing commitments.

If you are honest, ethical & hardworking, then we would like to hear from you.

Full training & ongoing Investor in People support provided.

To find out more contact:

Diana on 07825 288931

4 FOR 3 ON BLINDS AND SHUTTERS* *Exclusions apply the lowest priced item is FREE.

Offer ends 30th November.

Showroom: 3&4 South Parade Salisbury Road, Totton SO40 3PY

Tel: (02380) 669972 13 showrooms across the south – see our website for details

www.broadview.co.uk

The Brockenhurst Guide

10

Stick Man trail brings

to life this winter

Fans of the popular children’s character Stick Man can enjoy their own Stick Man adventures by following a new activity trail at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest until January next year.

Created by Julia Donaldson, who also wrote The Gruffalo, Stick Man lives, perhaps not surprisingly, in a tree with his wife and three children. Forestry Commission England has teamed up with the popular children’s character to create a special adventure trail to encourage children and families to get out into the forest.

The Moors Valley trail is one of thirteen that Forestry Commission England has created around the country where children can engage in imaginative play and find out more about forests and the importance of wood and trees to their daily lives.

Families can have fun and learn about Stick Man’s forest home by following the special Stick Man trail, complete with activities for all ages. The trail winds through the Park and into the Forest with 10 activity boards to help children and adults make their own Stick Man to take home, identify tree patterns and shapes, build a twig tower and explore the sights and sounds around them.

Emma Reeks, Education Ranger at Moors Valley, said, “Stick Man is a delightful character and has a huge national following built around Julia Donaldson’s engaging story and the charming illustrations of Axel Scheffler.

“In the story, Stick Man goes for a jog only to find that the world is an eventful place for a stick. Along the way he encounters a dog that wants to play with him, a swan that makes him part of her nest and a boy that uses him as a snowman’s arm. Of course, like all the best stories, this one has a happy ending when Stick Man eventually returns home, with a little help from Santa Claus!

“We estimate that around 5000 children followed Moors Valley’s Gruffalo Trail during the year it was open. I’m sure that Stick Man will be just as popular and will inspire children to use the forest as their playground and create their own stories, while learning vital skills to help in their development.”

The Stick Man trail is open from Saturday 26 October to Friday 31 January 2014 and trail cards cost £2 each.

Free Stick Man activity sheets can be downloaded from the Forestry Commission website at www.forestry.gov.uk/stickman.

023 8065 9309

11

Lymington’s fresh approach to dentistry At Solent House Dental Centre our team of registered specialists, dentists and hygienist have been offering high quality routine, restorative and cosmetic dentistry to patients in the New Forest for years.

s (IGH QUALITY GENERAL DENTAL CARE s 4EETH STAIGHTENING s $ENTAL IMPLANTS s 'UM TREATMENT s 6ENEERS s #ROWNS

s "RIDGEWORK s 4EETH WHITENING s .EW )NVISALIGN BRACES s A friendly, expert and professional service that you can trust

We’re right on your doorstep, so why not come and check us out

Call now on 01590 672986 or visit www.solent-dental.co.uk Solent House Dental Centre Cannon Street, Lymington, Hants, SO41 9BR

The Brockenhurst Guide

Donald F Mackenzie Yvonne T Mackenzie

12

Look up! And get more space at home for just £325 We’d all like more room at home. But not everyone can afford to move or extend. So what if there was a way to get extra space for just a few hundred pounds, ready to use in less than a day? In truth, that space is already there. It’s just not being used to its full potential.

For most, the loft is a dark and dingy place visited on rare occasions; a precarious scramble across dusty beams with torch in hand, grabbing what’s needed then clambering back past boxes filled with long-forgotten belongings. But that dark and dingy place is worth thousands. In fact, it takes up a third of the floorspace in an average home. So shouldn’t we be making the most of it?

And that’s where More Than Loft Ladders (MTLL) comes in. Founded in Bolton six years ago, MTLL specialises in generating space by making our lofts easily accessible. The latest MTLL franchise to open covers the Bournemouth

area and is run by skilled local, Jon Burt, who says the company’s no-frills approach is what most people are looking for.

“We’re not selling £15,000 loft conversions,” says Jon. “This is a low-cost and simple alternative. For just £277 + VAT you can get a ladder that slides easily up and down, as well as a proper light and some boarding to make the space safe and secure. We can also fit a draft-proof loft hatch if required from only £55.”

Here’s a great way to make more storage space...

Install a loft ladder and make more use of your loft!

Loft ladder, Light & Switch plus 50 sqft of flooring from as little as £277+VAT which includes FREE fitting in less than a day.

Over 1500 people have chosen us to fit their loft ladder, this is because we offer: • A FREE home visit • A FREE written quotation

• Fully guaranteed • A large selection of ladders

more than “cost effective space”

023 8065 9309

13

The Brockenhurst Guide

14 14

on your Gardening

PLOT Feeling Fruity

Few flavours compare with that of fruit freshly picked from the garden.

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

Jobs for November:Start to harvest parsnips after the first frosts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You should also get

023 8065 9309

instruction on how to plant and care for your new tree or bush.

Trees such as apple or plum may be grafted onto a variety of different rootstocks - this sounds complicated but all you really need to know is what effect this will have on the final size of the tree. If you have limited space it is possible to buy dwarf varieties some of which can even be suitable for container growing.

Pollination is also an important consideration, some varieties are self -fertile and do not need a pollinator, while others may require another variety planted close by to act as a pollinator. When planting your tree out it may benefit from staking and protection around the base.

One ‘fruit’ that is a little different and very easy to grow is Rhubarb.

Rhubarb is actually classified as a vegetable, but certainly tastes good used like a fruit in crumbles and pies.

November is the perfect time to plant out dormant crowns. Although these can be bought from nurseries Rhubarb tends to spread well when established and needs to be divided every few years so it is often possible to obtain surplus crowns from friends or neighbours.

Plant your crown with the buds just above the soil and water well the first year. Once the plants have become established you can look forward to harvesting a good crop of delicious pink stems from Spring onwards - very welcome as the first ‘fruit’ of the year.

HEPPENSTALLS

15

SOLICITORS WITH NOTARY

www.heppenstalls.co.uk

Lasting Power of Attorney... ...what you need to know

We are regularly being told by the media that our population is aging, coupled to this is the rise in conditions such as dementia.

An LPA is available in two parts, Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare. You can choose to do just one or both parts.

Having a family member or friend diagnosed with dementia can be difficult. There are lots of things to consider and often high on the list is how to manage a person’s finances when they are no longer able to do so. One way to do this is to create a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

You need to decide who you want to appoint as attorney/s and, if you wish, replacement attorney/s.

You can decide to place restrictions on your attorney/s or provide them with guidance, but be careful, once a restriction has been made it cannot be removed without making a completely new LPA. Before an LPA can be used it needs to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian . We recommend registering the LPA straight away so it is ready to be used when required as the registration process takes approximately 3 months.

Remember, LPAs are not just for the elderly.

Many of our clients see an LPA as an insurance policy: it is there if it should ever be required.

So what’s involved?

Firstly, don’t delay. To make an LPA you need to have mental capacity. If a person does not have the sufficient mental capacity the only way to handle someone’s finances is to make an application to the Court. This procedure is costly, time consuming and can result in a complete stranger being appointed to look after your finances.

82 Station Road New Milton

There is a wealth of information relating to LPAs available to the public and at Heppenstalls we have a number of experts specialising in all types of Power of Attorney who would be happy to discuss your requirements.

Please call us to arrange an appointment to discuss your needs in more detail.

75 High Street Lymington

Tel: (01590) 689500 Tel:The (01425) 610078 Brockenhurst Guide

Email: enquiries@heppenstalls.co.uk

www.heppenstalls.co.uk

16

The door to the very best legal advice can be found at the top of Lymington High Street

FAMILY | RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING | COMMERCIAL PROPERTY | MEDIATION COLLABORATIVE LAW | LITIGATION | WILLS, TRUSTS & PROBATE | EMPLOYMENT

FAMILY | RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING | COMMERCIAL PROPERTY | MEDIATION COLLABORATIVE LAW | LITIGATION | WILLS, TRUSTS & PROBATE | EMPLOYMENT

CALL

or visit our website

,MKL 7XVIIX 0]QMRKXSR 73 >8

023 8065 9309

www.scottbailey.co.uk

fit

8 W 17 on mm e a to Qu lso p o ar su f y tz pp ou wo ly r e rk & f xis top it tin s g w tha or t kt op

AMAZING KITCHEN & BEDROOM MAKEOVERS Less cost, mess & hassle compared to a complete replacement Local Family Firm

We replace the doors, drawer fronts, handles and worktops

WE ALSO SUPPLY & FIT COMPLETE KITCHENS & BEDROOMS

REPLACEMENT WORKTOPS ‘The stone that fits on top’

We supply & fit

the appliances

magic corners / larders

Made to Measure Doors

new kitchen drawers

CONTACT US NOW FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE Tel: 01202 487697 / 07713 114060 Theinfo@flairinteriorsltd.co.uk Brockenhurst Guide www.flairinteriorsltd.co.uk

sinks & taps

Recipe

18 18

Tastes so good...

BUTTERNUT SQUASH & FRESH GINGER SOUP

When winter is looming, there is nothing more warming to the heart and soul than a bowl of freshly made soup. This one is no exception. Eat with a hunk of soft bread and butter, put your feet up and savor every mouthful.

Ingredients for 4 big servings:

Equipment: Wand blender

50g butter 2 large diced onions 1 good sized butternut squash, peeled and cubed 50g fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced 300ml Greek yogurt 300ml vegetable stock 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Salt & pepper Handful of chopped parsley

Method: Melt the butter in a large, heavy bottomed pan.

Diane Johnson

Add the onions and cook until soft. Add stock, butternut squash, ginger and cinnamon.

Cook for 20 minutes or so, until soft.

Set aside to cool for a few minutes then blend until smooth with a wand blender.

Stir in the Greek yogurt. Season to taste.

Gently heat to serving temperature and garnish with parsley.

023 8065 9309

19





  

  







     

The Brockenhurst Guide

Adventures of Nellie

20 20

The Adventures of Nellie

The Hampshire Publications Camper Van So this month we stayed pretty close to home and visited Avon Heath Country Park. I must admit we didn’t stay overnight in Nellie. Fair weather campers you may well call us! There are in fact quite a few caravan parks along this stretch of the road, off the A31 from Ringwood. There is the Oakdene Forest Park where we have not yet stayed, but I have used their leisure facilities which are very good. There is also St Leonards Farm Caravan and Camping Park. Either of these places would be ideal for Nellie in the warmer weather, so next summer here we come!

Instead of a full weekend away, we spent the day at Avon Heath. There are various wooden frames to climb on, a spider’s web, rope climb frame, a snake to crawl through and a zip wire. All good fun… and not just for the children as you can see! Stephen and Martin with his children also challenged themselves to the ropes… and the wall.

Glory was achieved, as you see in their smiles.

What I do like about having bought Nellie, is that we now force ourselves out where in the past we may have stayed inside and not made the effort.

Walking is good for all of us and finding places to go where children will walk willingly and eagerly without giving you a headache by the time you get back home, is forever a challenge. At Avon Heath they cater for children really well and we chose to do “Who is Hiding at Avon Heath” which is about an hour’s walk. You can see Hayden here holding his clipboard, all smiling and at the ready. The idea is to follow the signs

Up, up and away!!

We are ALL kings of the castle!

The Discovery Centre at Avon Heath

023 8065 9309

21 21

We saw a number of fabulous fungi

Hayden’s artistic footprint drawings and draw the footprints of the animal described. It was fun, easy to do and kept the children entertained. On route we saw very large mushrooms, a huge spider’s web and an ant hill! I have never really seen an ant hill quite this size. It was enormous! Such a feat of nature.

Martin, who was ever adventurous from a very early age, from what he tells us, put his hand on the hill and was immediately covered in crawling

There is some stunning scenery in the Park

The Brockenhurst Guide

creatures. Do NOT try this at home.

It is absolutely not recommended, but Martin did seem to enjoy it. The children, after a rather perplexed and bedazzled look, quite rightfully, ran away!

It was a perfect day weather-wise, sunny, bright and crisp. The views were quite stunning – and all within very easy reach of where we live. Of course I had my customary cup of coffee - and a rest - to end the day, having boiled the water in Nellie’s whistling kettle.

Where will Nellie go next… see in your next edition of The Brockenhurst Guide!

By Debbie Corney

After the walk a cuppa is in order!

22 22

Puzzles

Crossword

Across 1 Shiver (7) 5 Drops (7) 9 Instances of hard physical labor (9) 10 Absorbs written material (5) 11 French country house (7) 12 Saliva (7) 13 Making better (9) 15 Detected (5) 17 Writing tables (5) 19 A short yet extended ďŹ ctional work (9) 22 Too old (7) 25 Corroding (7) 26 Primp (5) 27 Revering (9) 28 Gabled extensions in the roof (7) 29 Blameless (7) Down 1 Pale cane syrup (7) 2 Some women bat these (9) 3 A small brown heron (7) 4 An expert manner of speaking (9) 5 Electrical safety devices (5) 6 Borders (7) 7 The smallest amount (5)

8 Temporarily expel (7) 14 State leaders (9) 16 Derived from hunches (9) 17 Let fall (7) 18 An Algonquian people (7)

8 7

5

9

5

2

6 6

8 6 5

7

4

1

7

9

8 4

8

5 4

1

2

8

023 8065 9309

20 Homosexual woman (7) 21 Engrosses wholly (7) 23 Chieftain (5) 24 ModiďŹ es written material (5)

23

The Brockenhurst Guide

24

          

 

  

• All aspects of roofing services • Chimney repairs & leadwork • Guttering & Fascias • Gutter clearing, roof cleaning, blocked downpipes cleared • Velux windows • Re-pointing & painting • Property maintenance • Work fully insured & guaranteed Your local family roofer - call us today for free estimates & advice.

T: 01590 624661 M: 07402 034847 mail@forestparkroofing.co.uk www.forestparkroofing.co.uk

22 Fathersfield, Brockenhurst, SO42 7TH

023 8065 9309

25

The Brockenhurst Guide Prize Wordsearch

U A Q N T J Z S T G N Z R M D

Y U E F G S O K O A H B B P D

G E O K U W C I F T F I Y K L

T Z D N Y R U I F H C T S I M

T V P L F H R C E S L U I N O

B C Y R A E C M E Y K Z T G K

W H E A W F E H A F V E E J S

X Y Y O K F G D P W G B K A P

T Y R A E E B K P F T Q C M A

G K X L S G O P L Y W X O E R

S S U M H Z C G E A U H R S K

U S D Q P B A N G E R S N H L

K F C C G V E R I F N O B E E

T O L P R E D W O P N U G H R

J K T N E M A I L R A P N W W

BANGERS ROCKET TOFFEE APPLE BONFIRE PARLIAMENT FIREWORKS GUY FAWKES KING JAMES SPARKLER GUNPOWDER PLOT

This month, the prize is a bottle of champagne, so please complete this page by 25th November and send to: November Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ The Brockenhurst Guide, Address: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, BH22 0JR Telephone: ______________________

The Brockenhurst Guide

26

Hampshire Library Service Mobile Library in Brockenhurst

Every Monday afternoon between 1.30 and 4.00pm in the lane leading to Homeforde House opposite the Football Ground, off Grigg Lane in Brockenhurst.

As well as Adult Fiction, Non fiction and Children’s books you can borrow from a wide range of large print and talking books – tapes and CD’s - and if we don’t have titles you want we will order them from one of our 54 libraries in Hampshire.

No overdue charges.

For more information about your mobile library schedules and services mentioned please check out our website www.hants.gov.uk/libraries or ring our Contact Centre on 0845 603 5631.

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

NEW FOREST

We get together on every third Thursday in the month at The Masonic Centre, Grigg Lane, Brockenhurst 2.00 - 4.30pm.

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

Tea and cake will be served and all are very welcome.

023 8065 9309

27

The Brockenhurst Guide

28

The Angel at Mottisfont Gardens

by Roz Wade

Bank Holiday Monday bathed in burning August sun and not a cloud to be seen. The car park full of families unloading the usual paraphernalia hampers, parasols and potties.

‘Picnic now!’ demands Izzy, the two year old, as we load the push chair and join the queue. It’s ten o’clock… I thought we would be the first visitors.

‘Picnic, picnic,’ she repeats.

I close my ears; it’s only an hour since breakfast and ham and cheese sandwiches have no appeal, but we hurry to a shady spot and unpack the basket. Deftly she dips in sticky fingers, extricates the filling, and stuffs the ham into her mouth. Large pieces fall on the rug. Dad puts them back between the slices of bread but the added dried grass does nothing to enhance the flavour and she removes the ham again. I glance towards the café and picture the steaming cappuccino as I close my eyes.

‘Ganny sleep,’ a voice calls. ‘Wake up, Ganny…’ she tugs my arm.

‘Play with me.’

Izzy twiddles her fingers around a stray tendril, her intense blue eyes grow larger as she licks the hair and waits expectantly. The foil-wrapped offering of limp lettuce on the rug is no match for the toddler, who seizes the monster tennis ball. With a rush of energy she dashes across the smooth lawn, throwing and chasing the ball, her sun bleached curls flying behind her.

The riverside gardens are spectacular and the Winnie the Pooh Trail proves a great success for Dad, who rushes from notice to notice to solve the clues. He thrusts his hand into the model beehive to squeeze the crackly queen bee, clambers across the logs and hangs from the rope swing. We collect a dwindling supply of twigs and stop on the narrow bridge that spans the stream to play Pooh Sticks, then make for the fishing hut to sit on the abandoned sofa in Pooh’s Thotful Room.

An hour passes and we make our way across the meadow for the second picnic. This time I choose a soggy sandwich.

‘Who’s for a drink in the café?’ I ask wistfully, but Izzy has other ideas and wants to collect some dandelions to give to Mummy. We

023 8065 9309

29

studiously ignore her demands, but finally give in and search in the blazing sun while the toddler selects the weeds according to a criteria we fail to comprehend. Clasping a mangled mass we return to the rug and solemnfaced she offers the yellow flowers. Then clutches them back to her chest.

Mummy gives an indulgent smile and hands out the drinks, but Izzy refuses to release her posy.

‘Terrible twos,’ I whisper, but her parents dispute it.

I raise my eyes to the solitary white wisp in the sky and fan my face.

A shot of caffeine is called for. The vision of cappuccino is replaced by an iced latte, but I know when I’m beaten and down the lukewarm can of lemonade in seconds. A bout of hiccups amuses the little one, who still refuses to release her grip on the wilting weeds.

Then Izzy notices a family some distance from us; the children are pointing in her direction and laughing. She flashes a smile, then a grimace, and yells ‘Cow…! Cow…!’

Embarrassed, we turn to see there really is a large brown cow munching her precious posy. Screaming, she drops it and rushes to her father, but the cow is undeterred and continues to chew as we watch its soft blubbery lips devour the dandelions. I reach out and touch its bony back; father and daughter approach, and Izzy, who has quickly recovered from her loss, gives it a tentative stroke. The animal lowers its head to search for more tasty morsels.

Mum tries to shoo it away, but it nuzzles the abandoned sandwiches, picks one up, and tramples the others into the rug as it departs. Izzy wails; she does not want the cow to go but we are relieved to see it wander off.

I glance at the remains of the picnic and sneak a smile as we gather our belongings, pack up the picnic bag and load the pushchair.

‘Tea, coffee, ice cream’ I say heading for the café and Izzy slips her hand in mine.

‘Yes, pease, Ganny.’ The little angel.

Roz Wade is a local writer, a member of the Writers Group. If you are a budding writer and would like to send in a short story, we would love to hear from you!

The Brockenhurst Guide

30

Index of advertisers

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

Bathrooms Bubbles Bathrooms.......................................... 9

Hearing Aids & Services Kellear Hearing............................................... 13

Bedrooms Flair Interiors....................................................17

Hotels & Restaurants Bistro 26........................................................... 1 The Cloud Hotel................................................11

Blinds & Shutters Broadview Blinds.............................................. 9 Builders & Carpenters New Forest Home Improvements..................... 8 Business Opportunities Diana Devereux................................................ 9 Utility Warehouse.............................................22 Chimney Sweeps Oliver Chimney Sweep......................................24 Community News Adventures of Nellie.........................................20 Hampshire Mobile Library................................26 On your plot: Feeling fruity...............................14 Parkinsons UK: New Forest Branch...................26 Recipe: Butternut Squash and Ginger Soup......18 Rhinefield Probus..............................................26 Short Story: The Angel of Mottisfont................28 Singing for Marie Curie at Forest Arts.............. 6 Stickman trail opens at Moors Valley...............10 Computer Services K W Computers.................................................19 Cycle Shops Cyclexperience..................................................13

Interior Designers @No. 19........................................................... 5 Kitchens Flair Interiors....................................................17 Portman Stone..................................................13 Letting Agents & Property Management Penyards........................................................... 2 Lofts More Than Loft Ladders...................................12 Pet Services Wagging Tails...................................................19 Puzzles & Competitions Crossword.........................................................22 Prize Wordsearch..............................................25 Sudoku..............................................................22 Renewable Energy Solutions Nick Good Property Services.............................23 Roofing Forest Park Roofing..........................................24

Dentists Solent House Dental Centre..............................11

Solicitors Abrams Collyer................................................. 7 Heppenstalls.....................................................15 Scott Bailey.......................................................16

Education Ballard School...................................................31

Stamps, Coins, Postcards, etc Rush Stamps of Lyndhurst................................19

Electrical Appliances Hardys Electrical............................................... 8 Matthews Electrical..........................................16

Windows, Doors & Conservatories New Forest Home Improvements..................... 8

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

Woodburners & Stoves New Forest Woodburning Centre.....................27 Worktops Portman Stone..................................................13

Funeral Directors R Hallum...........................................................24

023 8065 9309

31

The Brockenhurst Guide

www.spencersnewforest.com

An extended four bedroom family house situated opposite the open forest at Butts Lawn.

Situated opposite the open forest, a cottage with excellent scope for extension/improvement, stpp.

Dining Hall | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Two Reception Rooms | Four Bedrooms | Bathroom Balcony | Garage | A Large Southerly Garden

Two Reception Room | Kitchen | Conservatory Two/Three Bedrooms | Bathroom | Outbuilding Set in 1.1 Acres | EPR Current 34 Potential 65

BROCKENHURST £835,000

BROCKENHURST O.I.E.O £565,000

A four bedroom detached property set in the heart of Brockenhurst village.

With spectacular views, a beautifully presented four double bedroom detached family home

Sitting Room | Kitchen/Dining Room | Four Bedrooms | Bathroom | Parking | Garage | Rear Garden | EPR Current 71 Potential 83

Kitchen/Sitting/Dining Room | Two Bathrooms Master Bedroom Suite | Garden | Direct Forest Access | EPR Current 72 Potential 82

BROCKENHURST £449,950

BROCKENHURST £845,000 Brockenhurst Office: 41 Brookley Road Brockenhurst SO42 7RB

T. 01590 622551 Brockenhurst - Burley - Lymington - Ringwood - London - Lettings

The Brockenhurst Guide

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