Itchen Valley Forum - Issue 168 December 2020 by Mark Tubb

Forum

ISSUE 168 DECEMBER 2020

ITCHEN VALLEY

Life in your Community

FEATURE YULE DO

YOUR COMMUNITY

By Lucia Foster-Found

All your local news and features

ON YOUR HIGHSTREET Shop local this Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS And a Happy New Year for our readers

STYLE ˙ INTERIORS ˙ HEALTH & BEAUTY ˙ INTERVIEWS ˙ FOOD & DRINK ˙ ENTERTAINMENT ˙ EVENTS

WISHING OUR CUSTOMERS A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR Is your vehicle safe and prepared for your Festive Journeys? Ensure your car is safe and prepared for Winters inclement weather by taking advantage of our FREE visual winter health and safety check* * Fluids and parts used are chargeable

We will check: Tyres, Anti-Freeze, Wiper Blades, Lights, Visual Brake Check, Fluid Levels, Exhaust System, Battery and much more!

Call today: 01962 736343 www.phoenixautoservicesltd.co.uk Free local collection and delivery service PHOENIX AUTO SERVICES LTD, UNIT E, PROSPECT COMMERCIAL PARK, PROSPECT ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QF

ITCHEN VALLEY FORUM DECEMBER 2020

CONTENTS 04 Churches

News and Services

05 Property Management

29 Home

Buying, selling, letting? Find local estate agents and property management services

41 Motoring

07 Professional Services

From photographers to solicitors - every professional service you need

Trades, services, designers, All you need for your home Local services to keep your vehicle running smoothly

46 Education

Find local schools and educational experts

Written by Lucia Foster-found

Make your garden dream come true. Or visit local beautiful country gardens

The Arts in Hampshire

15 Wellbeing

Lucia Foster-Found www. luciafosterfound.com Gill Grant gill@forumpublications.co.uk

Forum Publications Offices

17 Food & Drink

Unit 8A, Shelf House, New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QH

Eat out, stay in: food, drink and dining in Hampshire

Tel: 01962 735137 www.forumpublications.co.uk

20 Lesiure & Entertainment Discover local events and days out in

22 Retail/On Your Highstreet

Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk

Get in Touch

Looking after your health and yourself!

Director of Marketing Rob Harrison rob@forummedianddesign.co.uk

Contributors

18 Culture

Director of Advertising Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

12 The Garden

Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk

Design Manager James Curtis james@forumpublications.co.uk

10 Yule Do

The Team

Our regular retail feature, Unique, Bespoke, Eclectic and Local shopping

The Itchen Valley Forum contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine. Itchen Valley Forum takes reasonable efforts to include accurate, current information on its pages, but make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, safety or value of the published items that are displayed. No liability or responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions in magazine content. Itchen Valley Forum magazine content does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or recommendations of its creators and any reliance upon its content is taken at the user’s sole risk. Adverts designed by Forum Publications remain the magazine's legal ownership. Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household © Forum Publications Ltd, 2020

COMMUNITY / CHURCHES

There is no Christmas ... without Christ Happy Christmas from Churches Together in Alresford Unfortunately we are not able to publish information on Christmas services at this time but please do consult individual churches for details nearer the time. Many services, including a Community Carol Service on 19th December will be streamed whilst churches remain open for private prayer - details can be found on the church websites. Anglican: St John's www.arlevalleychurches.org.uk Roman Catholic: St Gregory's www.catholicwinchester.org.uk Methodist: Alresford Methodist Church www.alresfordmethodistchurch.org.uk We would normally be carol singing around the town but are of course unable to do this. This means we will not be able to collect for our chosen charity of Winchester Youth Counselling. If however you would like to make a donation to WYC then please do so via their website: winchesteryouthcounselling.org

"But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; God loves you dearly. You are going to be the mother of a son, and you will call him Jesus. He will be great and will be known as the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his forefather, David, and he will be king over the people of Jacob for ever. His reign shall never end.” Mary spoke to the angel, “How can this be ?”

"....the angel made this reply to her - “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Your child will therefore be called holy - the Son of God. The Gospel of Luke chapter 1 v30-33; 34,35

New Farm Chapel NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QH WWW.NEWFARMCHAPEL.ORG.UK

Sales | Property Management | Lettings

A name you can count on in a changing world… Strong demand for quality properties in our area… Our beautiful town continues to attract people from far and wide, many of whom are looking to escape from busier areas, for a better quality of life. Alresford has that in abundance; the sales and lettings teams at Hellards have been extremely busy dealing with enquiries from prospective buyers and

tenants, for individual and quality homes in Alresford and the surrounding villages. If you are considering selling or letting your home, please call one of our friendly team on 01962 736333 to discuss your options. We look forward to being of assistance!

11 Broad Street, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9AR | alresford@hellards.co.uk www.hellards.co.uk | Tel. 01962 736333

PROPERTY / COMMUNITY Alresford Neighbourhood Watch This year Christmas will be different. More of us than ever will be buying presents and other seasonal goods on the internet. But with the Covid-19 pandemic still very much with us, we have more on our minds than usual, making us easier targets for online fraudsters. So, before you start your Christmas shopping in earnest, please take a few minutes to read these easy-to-follow tips from Get Safe Online’s experts to help save you from giving a fraudster an early Christmas present. However, if you’re reading this after you have done your Christmas shopping on-line, please don’t stop reading! Much of the advice below is valid throughout the year. • When you’re shopping online, make sure websites are authentic by carefully checking the address is spelled correctly. Ideally, type it in rather than clicking on a link in an email, text or post. It’s easy for scammers to set up fake websites that are very similar to the real thing. • When you’re paying, make sure the page is secure by checking that addresses begin with ‘https’ (‘s’ is for secure) and there’s a closed padlock in the address bar. However, word of warning: this only means that the page is secure, but the site could still be operated by fraudsters. • Many advertisements for items such as gifts, holidays and events on social media and online forums are genuine but be aware that others are fraudulent. Be extra vigilant about checking that such ads are authentic. • However desperate you are to buy that late gift or an item that’s in short supply, don’t pay for anything by transferring money directly to people or companies you don’t know. If it’s a fraud, it’s doubtful the bank will be able to recover or refund your money. If you can, pay by credit card. The same goes for holidays, travel, and tickets. • Log out of the web page or app when payment is completed. Simply closing it may not log you out automatically. • Fake or counterfeit goods are of inferior quality, contravene copyright law and affect the livelihoods of workers who make the real thing. They can also be dangerous to users. Don’t buy them intentionally – however cheap or ‘authentic’ they appear – and do all you can to make sure what you’re buying is authentic. • Avoid ‘free’ or ‘low-cost’ trials – whether for the latest handset or slimming pills – without thoroughly reading the small print and trusted reviews. You could be signing up for large monthly direct debits which are extremely hard to cancel. • Christmas is a favourite time for scammers to send fraudulent emails, texts or direct messages or post fraudulent offers on social media. Also, with the increase in internet shopping, fake parcel firm delivery notifications are commonplace with attachments or links, as are emails and other messages featuring “special offers” and “prizes”. Don’t click on links in emails, texts, or posts that you’re not expecting, and don’t open unexpected email attachments. If anyone has suggestions for topics that they think would be suitable for future Neighbourhood Watch articles in the Forum, please get in touch - e-mail contact.adnwa@gmail.com Contacting ADNWA or Police: ADNWA website: www.neighbourhood.watch.alresford.org e-mail us at: contact.adnwa@gmail.com Crime in Progress: Ring 999 Non-Urgent Issues: Ring 101 (if you observe suspicious activity) Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

Tree of Remembrance at St John's Church

You are again warmly invited to come and place a star on the tree of remembrance in memory of someone who will be especially in your thoughts this Christmas time. There will be stars in church next to the tree and you simply need to write the name of the person you are remembering on one of them. The tree will be in church from Saturday 5th December until the New Year. St John’s is open from 10am until 12 pm from Tuesday to Saturday, although this may be subject to change in view of changing government advice regarding the pandemic.

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YOUR

COMMUNITY Citizens Advice Winchester District launches new free local Adviceline number

District that needs our help. If you have a query relating to your employment, housing, financial situation, a benefits application or anything else that’s causing you concern then please do get in touch.”

From the 9th November Citizens Advice Winchester District will have a new free local Adviceline number. The new number will be 0808 278 7861 and will be staffed Monday to Friday by a team of trained local volunteer advisers. This new number will replace all the existing local Citizens Advice Winchester District numbers.

Citizens Advice Winchester District is a local independent charity and a member of the national Citizens Advice network of England and Wales.

Lesley Rose, Advice Services Manager at Citizens Advice Winchester District says: “Our telephone advice service has always been an important part of our advice delivery but none more so than during the current Coronavirus pandemic. “As we enter another lockdown, I’m really pleased that we can offer a free local Adviceline to anyone in Winchester

Pollution of the River Itchen – Revisited

I contributed an article on the above subject in the Forum Magazine March 2016, when the serious pollution of the upper waters of the Itchen by the salad washing plant in the Nythe had become apparent to me and others with a close concern in the matter. It is therefore with great interest that I read the article by Garry Honey on Page 4 of October’s issue of Forum, entitled “River Itchen Revisited”. The storm of protest against the continued pollution of the river by Bakkavor’s salad washing activities from local residents, wildlife

To speak to adviser, call for free on 0808 278 7861 (if our advisers are busy you can leave a message and they will call you back) or email advice@cawinchesterdistrict.org.uk

Online Art Sales For Charity

Local artists have been invited to exhibit their work on a new website in order to help raise funds for family support charity Home-Start Winchester*, while at the same time being able to sell their artwork now that so many exhibitions have been cancelled. The brainchild of Winchester photographer Michelle Quinton, she has joined forces with former Home-Start Trustee Sue Gentry, who is also Chairman of the Alresford Art Society. “Michelle came up with the idea of selling art online when she saw the charity’s plea for help in the local press during the first lockdown and it seemed an excellent solution,” said Sue. “We have recruited artists from across Hampshire who are selling paintings in every medium as well as prints and even mosaics. With Christmas fast approaching, people are shopping online more than ever and this is a brilliant way not just to support artists who no longer have exhibitions but to also raise funds for struggling families.”

Artists from across Hampshire are selling pictures and paintings to support vulnerable families in lockdown. Artists from Winchester, Andover, Alresford, Alton and Basingstoke art clubs are supporting charity fundraisers who are looking for innovative ways of raising funds during the pandemic.

A commission of 25% is deducted from all sales, with 10% going to the online portal Etsy and 15% to the charity. If more artists would like to get involved, contact Sue Gentry at sue.gentry@gentrypublicity.co.uk and the art gallery can be found online at https://www. etsy.com/uk/shop/ArtStartWinchester

and environmental charities and activists, and publicity in local and national papers and TV have obviously had their effect , resulting in the closure of the plant at the end of this year. The other environmental improvement that will result from this closure is the major reduction in heavy vehicles using the Great Weir and Alresford’s historic streets, which were unsuitable for such traffic. Obviously the adverse publicity was more effective than action by the Environmental Agency, which has consistently underperformed in protecting water quality in the Itchen, compared with its predecessor in this function, the River Authority, partly due to lower resources as a result of government pressure on funding. However, it is evident that those of us concerned with river water quality should not relax their efforts to hold the Environment Agency to account, as they are clearly keen to use our departure from the EU to make their own job easier by lowering the standards by which they are measured. Boris Johnson and Michael Gove have tried to make political capital by insisting the U.k. will not lower its

environmental standards in order to make new trade deals after Brexit with e.g. the U.S.A. But clearly the Water Framework Directive is an important part of such standards; and a reduction that puts the U.K. up from 14% compliance to 79% in one stroke would be a derogation far too great, exposing our rare and valuable chalk streams to worse degradation than the salad washing. Even if Alresford is about to escape from one threat, the pressure on government and the E.A. must be maintained, wherever and by whatever means are available. We have several local members of Parliament, both Commons and Lords, who may be willing and able to put pressure where it will be effective; and the media is evidently influential. I have recently seen a couple of young otters on two occasions in the Itchen near Alresford – let’s hope we can keep the river fit for them to stay! Carl Dore

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FEATURE

Yule Do © LUCIA FOSTER-FOUND 2020

Sat in the kitchen with Himself, nursing a cup of tea and looking at her phone, she cogitated Christmas. Her thoughts increasingly littered with ‘No’s. No Christmas markets; they’d toss a coin for who would drive and the loser got to watch the winner drink mulled wine. No carol concert where they belted out the hymns that hark-theheralded the Christmases of their childhood. No big family catch-ups. No parties and, quel dommage, no canapés – the best bit about the parties. Happy to hoover up her own bodyweight in canapés.. It was NOT beginning to look a lot like Christmas. It WAS, however, beginning to sound a lot like the song that went on about there being no wine, no women, no fun, no sin and no wonder it’s dark… She even started to hum it. Well, maybe not that bad. There was wine. It was dark, though – and no wonder; short days and long nights, hurtling as they were towards Solstice. Although likely no public dawn gathering at Stonehenge this Midwinter, something she’d been thinking about doing for a decade. Maybe next year. “This is more depressing than the first lockdown – how is that even possible?” Himself muttered, echoing her own thoughts. Although this time she hadn’t got caught out with no emergency gin in the house. “OK” she announced, suddenly standing up and waking the dogs “all this is hopefully not the end of the world, although it does feel like it. And it’s not forever, although it does feel like it. We need to shake off our maudlin mood and bloomin’ well count our blessings.” She was warming to her subject now and pacing up and down. The spaniels, optimistically thinking snacks and/ or walks, paced with her. “We will still see friends and family. Probably in very small numbers. Maybe from a distance. Possibly outside. But we have coats, hats and gloves. Crikey, we’re British! If we Brits let a bit of cold weather get between us and a good time, we’d only go out during the eleven and a half days of summer. Less if there was something good on Netflix.” She winked at him and he allowed himself a small shrug. However, she knew that out of necessity their Christmas would

WWW.LUCIAFOSTERFOUND.COM

be low key and budget. They’d voted to just get each other something small or home-made. But at least their far-flung brood could celebrate being well and they would all open their gifts together in the morning. On Zoom of course – very 2020. “Sorry – I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but sitting around after Christmas dinner, wearing a sad paper hat and slipping into a turkey coma – just the two of us? Having watched all the decent films during lockdown? It seems a bit of an anti-climax.” He forlornly stroked a passing dog’s silky head. She looked down at him “Well, I’ve done some research. Cheer up Darling - December this year won’t just be about Christmas… We’ll jumper-start it - see what I did there? - with Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day on the 11th. Let’s donate to a great cause – and you won’t have to wear one. Bah humbug! Also St Lucia Day on the 13th; a Scandinavian festival of light. Poor old Lucia was apparently set fire to, stabbed in the throat and had her eyes plucked out.” At his horrified expression she admitted “Well no, that bit isn’t very merry, but we can light candles. It’ll be beautiful, festive... Then what about Jane Austen Day on the 16th? Women everywhere can thank her for Mr Darcy; so handsome, so rich, so blissfully unaware of the pre-nup. And I can binge watch Bridget Jones.” At his puzzled look she added “Trust me, there’s a connection.” She continued “And then, ta dah, Winter Solstice on the 21st. This is the big one. The mystical pivot of the year and the promise of longer days to come. In marking the rebirth of the sun and the ride of the Wild Hunt, we’ll be joining in several millennia of celebrations. We’ll connect with the ancestors, drink some mead!” Finally he smiled. And something else… did she detect a pagan glint in his eye? Promising. “So you see, whilst there may be no parties, there’s an inexpensive smorgasbord of Yuletide jollity to be had before the 25th.” She threw her arms out theatrically before adding “And I’ll do canapés with everything!” The dogs paddled about happily, enthusiastically wagging their tails. They didn’t know what canapés were, but Mum seemed pretty worked up about them. Good enough. So this year, this scary, tragic, unpredictable year, it seemed they would do Yule, with their own Yule Do. And it would do just fine. Another song came to mind and she couldn’t resist warbling “Make ma wish come true-oooooh, baby all I want for Christmas is Yule..”

PROFESSIONAL

Catherine Paget catherine.paget@pagetwillwriting.co.uk MA (Cantab) Law Member of the Society of Will Writers Affiliate Member of STEP

Tel: 07786 626979 www.pagetwillwriting.co.uk

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Andrew Bevis

Architectural Designs & Drawings Alresford, Hampshire & Much Wenlock, Shropshire

Alresford Financial 3 East Street, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9EE

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COMMUNITY / GARDEN

2021 Snowdrop Festival celebrates the first signs of spring Daren George - your local pest controller from Alresford • Wasps • Rats • Squirrels • Moles • Rabbits • Crawling & Flying Insects • Mice

Fully insured - Discreet service assured at all time Fresh air and the beautiful, faithful first signs of spring are a reminder of the changing seasons and the promise of what’s to come. So, shake off the winter and a year like no other with the National Garden Scheme 2021 Snowdrop Festival. These glorious harbingers of the wonderful life of gardens to come can be viewed in 95 National Garden Scheme gardens throughout England and Wales during January, February and March. On a wintry day there is nothing better than visiting a garden iridescent with one of the earliest flowering plants of the year. Whether you enjoy carpets of naturalised white in woodlands, meticulously grown rare varieties of snowdrops or gardens boasting a colourful mix of snowdrops, hellebores and other early spring flowers – there is something for galanthophiles and garden enthusiasts alike.

Zoom into Christmas Tickets are now on sale for virtually the best Christmas party ever! In the absence of traditional Christmas parties, carol concerts and festive gatherings, The Murray Parish Trust are bringing the party to a screen near you 7.30-9.00pm on Thursday 10th December! For just £10 per household, why not give your party clothes an airing, pop on your dancing shoes, and log in to join Sarah Parish and Jim Murray at home chatting and sharing funny stories with Alex Lewis. We have been working on an exciting collaborative fundraising event with The Alex Lewis Trust which was postponed due to Covid, but we really hope we can announce it soon. Rounding off a year when we’ve all become accustomed to online meetings, quizzes and social gatherings, we’re inviting you to gather around the computer one more time for a party quite unlike anything you’ve attended before. Zoom into Christmas promises to be an interactive evening of festive fun, quizzes, party games, cocktails and

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Call Peter Chivers on: 01256 389124 or Mobile: 07803 096642

ALL AREAS COVERED

Pre-booking is essential in 2021. To find your perfect snowdrop garden and to book your ticket, visit ngs.org.uk/snowdrops or download the National Garden Scheme app.

E: traditionalpestcontrol@gmail.com www.traditionalpestcontrol.co.uk

ALL AREAS COVERED

George Plumptre, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme, says: “Over the last few years the National Garden Scheme’s Snowdrop Festival has attracted tens of thousands of visitors to gardens. Following the restrictions of 2020 there has never been a greater need to start the new year with the beautiful freshness of the first blooms of spring. But garden visiting at this time of year isn’t just for galanthophiles who are looking to discover a rare variety of snowdrop in gardens they may never otherwise find. Snowdrops are the perfect antidote to the winter blues and spending the afternoon at one of our Snowdrop Festival gardens is the ideal opportunity to get outside and enjoy some spectacular scenes at an otherwise gloomy time of year.”

T: 07778 141505

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dancing! With celebrity special guests including Amanda Holden and Hugh Bonneville, music from Ward Thomas and entertainment from award-winning TV magician Maximillian Somerset. There will also be a live-auction, for a money-can’t-buy prize, a chance to spend a Day on Set with Jim or Sarah (post-Covid of course), take a tour behind the scenes, hang out backstage with the actors and watch the filming. We’re also excited to have a mixologist at the party who will be creating some festive drinks and a list of ingredients that will be used is available so guests can join us mixing a cocktail or two. Tickets are on sale now from The Murray Parish Trust and proceeds will be shared between The Murray Parish Trust and The Alex Lewis Trust. To join the party guests will need access to a computer and have Zoom downloaded beforehand. An email with the link to the event will be sent on Thursday 10th December.

GARDEN

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GARDEN SERVICES OFFERED

Bark mulch & woodchip supplied Fencing Garden clearance, renovation, make overs Green waste disposal – all recycled Hard and soft landscaping services Hedge Trimming, topiary Lawn care - mowing, scarification, aeration, fertilization, top dressing, cutting, edging, turfing Plant supply, maintenance & general care Pressure washing, patio maintenance Weed control and Treatments Tree Work, supply, maintenance & general care, woodland management One-off, weekly, fortnightly, monthly - scheduled visits

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GARDEN

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WELLBEING

Fully participate & enjoy all the festive season has to offer this year What would YOU miss most during the Holiday Season if a Hearing Loss Developed? A Survey by Action on Hearing Loss identified some unsurprising but impactful results. People imagined missing out on a number of key elements of the festive season that other take for granted such as; • The sound of Christmas Carols • The Classic Christmas Songs on the radio • The Soundtrack to much loved festive Films But what they thought they would miss the most was not being able to fully participate in conversations with family and friends As Christmas is the season of goodwill and merriment, all should be allowed to partake equally in the festive fun so Sam Longman resident Audiologist at the Alresford Hearing Studio has compiled these top tips for those with hearing loss, to help make the most of the time spent with loved ones this festive season Some Top Tips for the Party Season • Check that your hearing equipment is still right for you. Visit a skilled and experienced audiologist before the festive season for a free, comprehensive consultation .They can optimize your current hearing aids to suit noisy environments such as parties or restaurants and can recommend the equipment that handle these environments best. • Check whether your hearing aids have directional microphones (two microphones instead of one), that are designed to reduce sounds from the side and the rear and focus on sounds in front of you. They will focus your hearing aids wherever your nose is pointing. So if you are facing into a noisy restaurant, the directional microphones will be focusing on the greatest amount of background noise. That is not good, when your hearing aids have directional microphones, the best spot to sit in is the one that will put room noise behind you. If you don’t have directional microphones, it may be time to consider an upgrade • Once you are confident in your equipment make sure you use it often, this allows your brain to adjust to different sounds over time o Using it only when you are faced with noisy situations tends to overwhelm the brain so you need to ‘train’ it to deal

with these situations. As you use them more your brain will start to distinguish between important and non-important sounds and adapts to the environment and makes it easier for you to follow the conversation. So start wearing your hearing aids every day in the weeks leading up to the Big Day!

When Out Socialising o If you have a choice between a long table or a booth, choose a booth this will allow you to be closer to the speaker at all times o Don’t sit near the kitchen, at the bar or near the entrance to the restaurant. The ambient noise from these locations may be distracting o If you are dining with a larger group, avoid sitting at the ends of the table. It is very difficult to hear from one end to the other so try to sit in the middle. Be realistic even people without hearing loss may struggle at this time of year o Look above you - are you sitting directly under the air conditioning, fan or music speaker? sometimes the restaurant will agree to turn down the volume of the music if you explain that it is too loud for you to communicate with your dinner guests o Look at the person who is talking. When you are in a challenging environment such as a restaurant, you are going to need to use some visual cues o Enjoy yourself but don’t drink too much - drinking alcohol increases blood flow to the inner ear, which can cause tinnitus – a ringing, buzzing or swooshing sound in the ears. This condition should resolve itself in a few hours, but can still really compromise enjoyment •

The Alresford Hearing Studio can also service and fine tune all makes and models of hearing equipment. They are able to provide the optimum solution for you to enjoy the festive season. They can also check for wax build up in the Ear Canal and if necessary remove it using state of the art micro suction techniques.

Come and see us today to ensure you get the most from the 2020 festive season. Call us on 01962 790749 to make an appointment with our friendly team

WELLBEING

stockists of:

Care for children, elderly and mental health disorders is available in Alresford, Winchester and Alton.

26 The Dean Alresford Hampshire S024 9AZ Tel: 01962 738683 www.studio49alresford.com

ONLINE CLASSES & STUDIO SESSIONS

ELIZA WALKER Barber

• Located in Central Alresford • All Covid conditions in place • Easy parking

07733 016138 @ecw_barber elizawalker@hotmail.co.uk

Services; companionship, meal preparation, shopping, personal care, babysitting, cleaning, dog walking. T: 07858 698294 E: damla.palitt@gmail.com Instagram: palitcareservice

WELLBEING/ FOOD &DRINK

M AT H E S O N

OPTOMETRISTS

NOW

May be a good time to address your EYECARE NEEDS If we enter another lockdown situation, it may result in a suspension of routine eyecare services. Why not take the opportunity to get your new spectacles now? We can provide emergency cover under the local Minor Eye Conditions Scheme in most cases. Our spectacle workshops mean we can usually supply your new spectacles quickly, often on the same day. A l r e s f o r d 01962 732336 Four Marks 01420 560082

alresford@matheson-optometrists.com

fourmarks@matheson-optometrists.com

W W W. M AT H E S O N - O P T O M E T R I S T S . C O M

GREAT VALUE Celebrate the festive season with an owton’s christmas meat hamper

Owton’s at Chalcroft Farm, Burnetts Lane, West End, Southampton. SO30 2HU. Visit our online shop at; www.owtons.com. Email; shop@owtons.com

FOOD & DRINK

Mange 2 Deli Fresh Fruit & Veg, Smoked Fish, Meats, Specialist Cheeses, Baking Goods, Fresh Juice, Coffee, Sandwiches, Snacks & Fresh Artisan Bread (Delivery Tue-Fri)

www.mange2.co.uk Home Delivery £2.50 Minimum order £15 If there is something you would like to order that we don’t have on the website then please call: 01962 733189 Online Ordering Service Available

CHRISTMAS TREAT BOXES Great for your socially distanced office party or Christmas celebrations

TURKEY, STUFFING & CRANBERRY SANDWICH PIGS IN BLANKETS CHEESE PLATTER SELECTION, CHUTNEY & CRACKERS CHOCOLATE ORANGE CHEESECAKE BROWNIE MINCE PIE CHRISTMAS CRACKER PARTY HAT Vegetarian, Vegan and gluten free options available

Blitz your baubles! Strict rules about Covid infection control mean that there will be no internal Christmas decorations this year at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. Following an appeal from the chief exec's office, Winchester Magazine wants to help give staff and patients a festive boost by decorating the outside of the building and its grounds. Anything old or new would be welcome - from baubles and window stickers to free-standing trees and solar lights. Everything will have to go outside rather than inside and will ideally be as cheap as possible so it doesn't walk off site. Decorations must be given rather than loaned. If you have any surplus decorations from last year or can donate solar lights, wreaths, a Christmas tree, a free-standing Penguin or two or anything else, please drop it to the hospital direct FAO Lynn in the management office. You are welcome to pull into a space in the car park at the front of the hospital for free if you're dropping off. Alternatively, email liz@winchestermag.com.

A GREAT WAY TO CELEBRATE TOGETHER WE WILL DELIVER YOUR BEAUTIFULLY PACKAGED CHRISTMAS TREAT BOXES TO YOUR OFFICE OR INDIVIDUAL HOMES SO EVERYONE CAN JOIN IN ON THE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS.

Christmas treat boxes £ 15pp Discounts for group bookings of 15 or more Available from November 16th December 23rd To order Please email rachel@marthahollis.co.uk or call - 07802885802 Delivery charges may apply

£19.99 ea.

£29.99 ea.

for £70

PORT

OFF at 2

£85 ea.

“ Great intensity, spice, sweet ripe plum and sandalwood, crisp acidity along with so and mouth coating tannins ”

Vintage Port

Royal Oporto 1985

FROM THE FINE WINE RANGE:

GIFT BOXED - £29.99 ea.

“ mature nuy warm palate, glorious richness”

Bodegas Pocas 10yr Tawny

£18.99 ea. 50cl bole

“uerly gorgeous silky smooth Estate Port”

Passagem LBV

Now 20%

OFF at 2

for £21

£12.99 ea.

OFF at £15 ea.

Was £17.99 ea.

We have a High Street beating range of wines at £6 per bole

Now 17%

“ this Godello grape has flavours reminiscent of Chablis Premier Cru”

Terras do Cigarron Godello

Now 20%

“ such a versatile white, great by itself and well matched with fish and white meats”

£8.50 ea.

Coquille de Mer Vermentino

Now

“ there is nothing to beat this wine for quality at this price ”

Vistamar Sauvignon Blanc

WHITE

£18.99 ea.

Cameleon Malbec Dulce

“ Organic sweet Malbec? Yes indeed and what a triumph it is”

£22.99 ea.

ALRESFORD

Pouilly Vinzelles White Burgundy “ there is elegance and finesse in here only really seen in wines twice the price”

“ astonishing zing of honey and sweet citrus fruits”

Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 375ml £12.99 ea.

Toro di Piedra Late Harvest

“such a juicy light fruit palate, some bramble fruits with a pure clarity of flavour throughout” £11.50 ea.

Torre dei Vescovi Pinot Nero

STAFF FAVOURITES

Las Manitos Shiraz Malbec

for £21

£12.99 ea.

OFF at £15

ea. Was £17.99 ea.

WORLD WHISKY AWARD 2019 —GOLD

FOUR MARKS

£22.99 ea.

HUNGERFORD

“who knew, this great priced Gin is just about perfect in everyway”

Hawthorns Gin

£37.99 ea.

“a magical mixture that appeals to lots of palates, and boy its good! ”

Corner 53 Buered Rum

£44.99 ea.

*whilst stocks last

Free etched Glass Tumbler with each bole

“ a serious Malt yet enjoyable to all.

Cotswold SINGLE MALT WHISKY

SPIRITS

We have a High Street beating range of wines at £6 per bole

Now 17%

“ finer than most Chateauneuf du Pape, this is superb ”

OFF at 2

Cotes du Rhone Vieilles Vignes

Now 20%

Chateau La Fleur de Barail

£9.99 ea.

“ this Bordeaux is a year round customer favourite, and unmissable at this price”

when you buy 2

Now 15% o at £8.50 ea.

“ two bold grapes that work so well here ”

RED

WWW.THENAKEDGRAPE.CO.UK

Ask us to recommend the perfect wine for you this Christmas

“ We always like to go for a stunning Grand Cru at Christmas and this is spot on. Tiny bubble, ultra smooth, uer class ”

Leroux-Mineau Grand Cru Champagne

NOW £5 OFF at

“ Trophy winner as Best Sparking Wine in the UK”

Black Chalk Classic Brut

INTRODUCTORY PRICE OF

“ a very special Hampshire Fizz from our friends at Haingley Valley ”

The Grand Duchess

FIZZ

ENTERTAINMENT Jessie Keane: a local, Sunday Times Top 10 author

JESSIE KEANE QUEEN OF THE UNDERWORLD A MILLION BOOKS SOLD

Jessie Keane is a Hampshirebased Sunday Times Top 10 thriller-writing author who has 15 bestselling books to her name, including the hugely successful Annie Carter novels and the Ruby Darke series. Jessie started writing nailbiting thrillers in 2008, when she sent out the first Annie Carter book Dirty Game to six agents. One came back to her straight away and said she had by a Charly publisher who might adapted by adapted by adapted byCharly CharlyArmstrong Armstrong adapted CharlyArmstrong Armstrong be interested – and within a week Jessie had a 3 book contract for a 6 figure deal. Fans of her books like Philip Schofield and Lorraine Kelly say they just can’t put Jessie’s books down; they’re page-turners and will keep you up all night, reading, waiting for the next plot twist.

Wuthering Wuthering Wuthering Wuthering Heights Heights Heights Heights

Wuthering Wuthering Heights Heights

Jessie is working on her 16th book now in her home on the South Downs National Park and keeping very busy! Follow her on Facebook and Twitter #realjessiekeane adapted by adapted byCharly CharlyArmstrong Armstrong

THE MANOR

ON SALE 31ST DECEMBER

AT ASDA, TESCO AND ALL GOOD BOOKSHOPS OR ORDER DIRECT FROM JESSIE’S WEBSITE WWW.JESSIE-KEANE.CO.UK OR PRE-ORDER NOW FROM AMAZON

WAS ITWAS YOUIT YOU

LEISURE / ENTERTAINMENT

4-14MAR MAR2020 2020@@7.30PM 4-14MAR MAR NO 2020 PERF 99 MAR 4-14 7.30PM &&88@@2.30PM. 4-14 2.30PM. NO 2020 PERF @@7.30PM 7.30PM MAR &&88@@2.30PM. 2.30PM. NO NO PERF PERF 99 MAR MAR 21 MAR 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM 21 MAR 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM

Wuthering Wuthering Heights Heights Adapted by Charly Armstrong

Adapted by Charly Armstrong

WAS IT YOU Pheasant Pheasant PluckerPlucker & Friend & Friend

4-14MAR MAR2020 2020@@7.30PM 4-14 7.30PM &&88@@2.30PM. 2.30PM. NO NO PERF PERF 99 MAR MAR

WASWuthering IT YOU

21 MAR 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM

21 MAR 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM Heights WORD OF MOUTH WORD OF MOUTH

HIGH JINKS AND SLAP AND Pheasant WAS IT YOU S>E>D S>E>D TICKLE IN THE ANCIENT

99 MAR MAR

Adapted by Charly Armstrong

99 MAR MAR

ROMAN OF POMPEII. 21 MAR 2020TOWN @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM 23–28 MAR 2020 @ 7.30PM

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6TH–16TH JAN 2021 @7.30, 10TH @ 2.30 RESCHEDULED DATES DUE TO LOCKDOWN

Plucker & Friend

6-11 APRIL 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM 6-11 APRIL 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM

9TH–19TH DEC @ 7.30PM & 12TH, 13TH, 19TH @ 2.30PM. NO PERF 14TH DEC

Pheasant 0333 666 3366 0333 666 3366 WORD OF MOUTH 03336663366 03336663366 Plucker S>E>D 73 St. Margarets Lane, Titchfield, PO14 4BG www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com • 03336 663366 www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com • 03336 663366• 03336 f f t 663366 t & Friend laughter.

laughter.

The story of aAND bird handler who Thethrows story ofdown a bird her handler gauntlet; who throws down her gauntlet; AUDIENCES ARE SOCIALLY DISTANCED THE VENUE IS COVID SECURE a soaring tale of avian antics, awit soaring andADVICE daring. tale ofHarriet’s avian antics, journey wit and daring. Harriet’s journey VENUE MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO HMG of self discovery is both daft and of self deliriously discoveryfunny. is both daft and deliriously funny. of self discovery is both daft and of self deliriously discoveryfunny. is both daft and deliriously funny. 6–11 apr 2020 @ 2.30pm & 7.30pm6–11 apr 2020 @ 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Pheasant

23–28 MAR 2020 @ 7.30PM

6-11 APRIL 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM

RETAIL

All things Alresford and The Forum are trying to support local companies this Christmas/Winter. Many of these businesses will be opening additional hours, including Sundays on the lead up to Christmas. Some may not be able to serve us in lockdown, but vouchers can be bought and others have online shops. So if you do decide to shop online please SHOP LOCAL! With huge thanks to All Things Alresford (public page) & All Things New Alresford (group) for compiling this list, these groups are run by residents supporting residents.

CAFES, TAKEAWAYS & RESTAURANTS Ice Cream, cakes, sweets: Tiffin Tea Rooms www.facebook.com/tiffin.tea.rooms/ www.tiffintearooms.co.uk Coffee/tea/drinks/cakes: Caracoli www.facebook.com/caracolistores/ www.caracoli.co.uk Tapas & more: Pulpo Negro www.facebook.com/pulponegroalresford/ www.pulponegro.co.uk Chip Shop: Dave's Fish And Chips www.facebook.com/davesfishandchips/ www.davesfishandchips.co.uk Indian: Shapla Indian Restaurant www.facebook.com/shaplaalresford/ www.theshapla.com Chinese: Hobby Horse www.facebook.com/hobbyhorsealresford Thai: Aroy Thai Alresford www.facebook.com/aroythaialresford www.aroythai.co.uk Pub Takeaway: The Cricketers Alresford www.facebook.com/thecricketersalresford/ www.thecricketersalresford.co.uk Pub Takeaway: The Swan Hotel, Alresford www.facebook.com/swanhotelalresford/ www.swanhotelalresford.com Pub Takeaway: The Hinton Arms www.facebook.com/thehintonarms/ www.hintonarms.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK Butchers: Sole Butchers of Alresford www.facebook.com/SoleButchersOfAlresford/ www.solebutchersofalresford.co.uk Butchers, Fish & Veg: Evans Butchers www.facebook.com/beenhereforover100years/ www.ceevansandson.co.uk Farm Shop: West Lea Farm Shop www.facebook.com/westleafarmshop/ Fresh Veg, Fruit, bakery, Deli: Mange2 Deli & Events www.facebook.com/Mange2-DeliEvents-482236435641941 www.facebook.com/www.mange2.co.uk www.mange2.co.uk Frozen Fish: Fish Fabulous Fish www.facebook.com/fishfabulousfish/ Honey: Honey Bee Happy www.facebook.com/Honey-BeeHappy-1372760346149866/ Market: Alresford Country Market www.facebook.com/AlresfordCountryMarket/ Preserves: Naomi's Preserves www.facebook.com/naomispreserves/ Veg, Fruit, Cakes: The Arlebury Cafe www.facebook.com/TheArlebury/ ww.thearlebury.com

Cakes: Appledown Bakes www.facebook.com/AppledownBakes/ www.appledownbakes.co.uk Cakes: Cakes & Food www.facebook.com/Marthahollisbespoke/ www.marthahollis.co.uk

SHOPS FOR CHILDREN Books: Binky Bear www.facebook.com/MoreAboutBinky/ www.binkybear.co.uk Children's Clothes: Ragamuffin Alresford - Big Styles for Small People www.facebook.com/Ragamuffinuk/ www.ragamuffin-uk.com Children's Shoes: Billy Goat www.facebook.com/BillyGoatShoes/ www.billygoatshoes.co.uk Toys: Alresford Toy Box https://www.facebook.com/Alresford-ToyBox-407187362710518/ www.toy-box-hampshire.co.uk Games: History Heroes www.facebook.com/historyheroesuk/

ARTISTS Artists: Jo Bunce Artwork www.facebook.com/jobunceartwork/ www.jobunceartwork.co.uk Artist: Ted Hepenstal Artist www.facebook.com/tedhepenstalart/ www.tedhepenstal.com Artist: Nic Joly Studio www.facebook.com/NicJolyUnderfoot/ www.castlefineart.com/blog/who-careswins?fbclid=IwAR1Tbw8Smb_VtS7eNTUk0Mcjl 4dFbdQh9Ko708DGWqhjh-H5cbCU4DRO-F4

BEAUTY Beauty: Face Matters Skinhealth www.facebook.com/FaceMattersSkinhealth/ www.facemattersskinhealth.com Beauty: Pretty Woman www.pretty-woman-salon.co.uk/alresford/ Beauty: Alresford Beauty www.facebook.com/AlresfordBeauty/ www.shop.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

(Candovers)Pub takeaway:The Purefoy Arms www.facebook.com/thepurefoyarms www.thepurefoyarms.co.uk

Watercress: Alre Watercress brings you ‘Will’s watercress on wheels’ www.facebook.com/Alre-Watercress-brings-youWills-watercress-on-wheels-101476558162794/

Pub takeaway: The Yew Tree, Lower Wield www.facebook.com/TheYewTree.LowerWield/ www.theyewtreelowerwield.co.uk

The Naked Grape Wine ltd www.facebook.com/tngwine/ www.thenakedgrape.co.uk

Beauty: Studio 49 www.facebook.com/studio49alresford/ studio49alresford.com/

Pub takeaway: The Fox - Bramdean www.facebook.com/TheFoxBramdean/ www.thefoxbramdean.co.uk

Wine & Vineyard: Raimes English Sparkling Wine www.facebook.com/RaimesSparkling/ www.raimes.co.uk

Beauty: Maxine’s Avon page www.facebook.com/maxinesavonpage/

Bishops Sutton Pub Takeaway:The Ship Inn www.facebook.com/theshipinnbishopssutton/ www.theshipinnbishopssutton.co.uk (Prospect Road) The Lunch Box: The Brunch Box www.facebook.com/TheBrunchBox18/ Alresford: The Sandwich Shop www.facebook.com/51WestStreet/

Kebab Van: Alresford Kebab House www.facebook.com/Alresford-KebabHouse-203957202969958/

Cakes: Flour Fairy Cakes Alresford www.facebook.com/FlourFairyCakesAlresford/

Gin: Winchester Distillery www.facebook.com/winchesterdistillery/ www.winchesterdistillery.co.uk Draft Beer: Itchen Valley Brewery www.facebook.com/ItchenValleyBrewery/ www.itchenvalleybrewery.com

Beauty: Tropic Skin Care www.tropicskincare.com/pages/lorrainedoldings

Beauty: Body & Beauty with Bethany www.facebook.com/groups/686218645510601 Hair: Eliza Walker www.facebook.com/groups/477545635781626/ user/658666403/ Sugaring: Alresford Sugaring www.facebook.com/alresfordsugaring/

RETAIL BOOKS & STATIONERY

Clothes: House of Gallet www.facebook.com/houseofgallet/ www.houseofgallet.co.uk

ANIMALS & PETS

Books: Laurence Oxley Ltd www.facebook.com/LaurenceOxleyLtd/

Gifts, clothes, garden: Long Barn (shop open) www.facebook.com/LongBarnLtd/ www.longbarn.co.uk

Cattery: The Mews Boarding Cattery www.facebook.com/TheMewsCattery www.mews-cattery.com

Gifts, home, dry cleaning: Alresford Linen Co www.facebook.com/alresfordlinen/ www.alresfordlinen.co.uk

Pet Supplies: Alresford Pet Company www.facebook.com/ alresfordpetco-112286707344929/ www.alresfordpets.co.uk

Stationery: Oakleaf Stationery Ltd www.facebook.com/oakleafstationery/

HOME Builders Merchants: Alresford Builders Merchants www.yell.com/biz/alresford-builders-merchantsltd-alresford-4505 Blinds & Shutters: Winchester Blinds & Shutters www.facebook.com/winchesterblinds/ winchesterblinds.com Curtains & Blinds: Artisan Curtains & Blinds www.facebook.com/Artisan-curtainsblinds-1479806318988958/ Home: Interior Style www.facebook.com/InteriorStyleAlresford/ www.interiorstyle.biz Home: Design Realities www.facebook.com/DesignRealities/ www.design-realities.co.uk Home: A Vintage Garden www.facebook.com/avintagegarden1/ www.avintagegarden.co.uk Home: Fowler&Smith Ltd www.facebook.com/fowlerandsmith/ www.fowlerandsmith.co.uk Home: My Interior Home www.facebook.com/myinteriorhome/ www.myinteriorhome.co.uk Household: It's All Good Eco www.facebook.com/itsallgoodeco/ Household: D & G Hardware (shop open) www.facebook.com/D-GHardware-184417751589656/ Kitchens: Jaga Furniture Alresford www.facebook.com/jagadesigns/ Oven cleaning: Oven and Hobgoblin www.ovenandhobgoblin.co.uk Wood floors/kitchens: Winchester Wood Floors Ltd www.facebook.com/winchesterwoodfloors/ winchesterwoodfloors.co.uk

CARS Cars: High quality used cars www.ivcuk.com

GIFTS / CLOTHES Cards & Magazines: Six West Cards/gifts: Alresford Gift Shop www.facebook.com/thealresfordgiftshop www.alresfordgiftshop.co.uk Flowers: Wildbunch Florists www.facebook.com/wildbunch.florists wildbunchflorists.co.uk Clothes: Moda Rosa www.facebook.com/ModaRosaClothesAndAcces sories/?rf=226592150862796

Gifts: How Many Elephants Charity eleporium.myshopify.com Gifts/Painter www.poshbirdpaints.co.uk Gifts: Natasha Hillary Art www.etsy.com/uk/shop/NatashaHillaryArt Gifts: Scentsy www.facebook.com/groups/881066662425345 Gifts/clothes: Roxtons www.facebook.com/Roxtonsretail www.roxtons.co.uk Gifts/clothes: Delilah Boutique www.facebook.com/DelilahBoutique/ Gifts/Clothes: 40 West Street www.facebook.com/ daisieshampshirejustbecause/ Shoes/bags: Hetre www.facebook.com/hetreshoes/ www.hetre.co.uk

HEALTH Audiologist: Alresford Hearing Studio www.facebook.com/Alresfordhearing/ www.alresfordhearingstudio.co.uk/ Chemist: Wessex Pharmacy www.wessexpharmacies.co.uk Nutrition/health: Osborne Nutrition www.facebook.com/kayeOsborneNutrition/ www.osborne-nutrition.co.uk

Dog Grooming (mobile) Muckysuds www.facebook.com/muckysudsdogparlour/ www.muckysud.com

GARDEN Garden Centre: Garthowen Garden Centre www.facebook.com/GarthowenGardenCentre/ www.garthowen.co.uk

JEWELLERY Jewellery: D. Barker & Son Ltd www.facebook.com/D-Barker-SonLtd-169291063114886/ www.dbarkerandson.co.uk Jewellery: Designs by Rose www.facebook.com/Designsbyrosereed/ Jewellery: Louisa Slade Jewellery www.facebook.com/Louisa-SladeJewellery-203649109650688/ www.louisaslade.com

PUBLISHING & MEDIA / PHOTOGRAPHY Magazine: Forum Publications www.facebook.com/Forumpub/ www.forumpublications.co.uk

Hypnotherapy: Restorative Hypnotherapy www.facebook.com/Restorativehypnotherapy/

Photography: Leela Bennett Photography www.facebook.com/LeelaBennettPhotography/ www.leelabennett.co.uk

Meditation: Be. Modern Meditation www.facebook.com/bemodernmeditation/

Photography: Nicky Wood Photography www.nickywoodphotography.com

Pilates & Physio online: Hamilton Physiotherapy www.facebook.com/hamiltonphysiotherapy/

Photography: Product Photography www.professional-product-photography-agency. co.uk

Pilates online: K Turner Pilates www.kturnerpilates.co.uk

Website design: Forum Media and Design www.facebook.com/ForumMediaandDesign/ www.forummediaanddesign.co.uk

Reflexology: Aeon Reflexology www.facebook.com/womens.health.wellbeing. relaxation www.aeonreflexology.co.uk

PROFESSIONAL

Reflexology: Jackie Maliphant https://www.facebook.com/ groups/477545635781626/user/594704255/ Tel: 07790133697

Tuition: Lingotot Winchester www.facebook.com/LingototWinchester/ www.lingotot.com/centre/winchester

Yoga online: Rebecca James Yoga www.facebook.com/yogaforlifehampshire www.rebeccajamesyoga.co.uk

Will writing: Paget Will Writing Ltd www.pagetwillwriting.co.uk/

Yoga online: Fazila Benoit Yoga www.facebook.com/Fazila-BenoitYoga-1653207401613209/ www.fazilabenoit.com

TAXIS

Yoga online: Sherisnhe https://www.facebook.com/Sherinshe11 www.sherinshe.com

Dave's Private Hire of Alresford Dave Morris www.facebook.com/Dave.Morris2005/ Taxi: Alresford Town Private Hire www.facebook.com/yoursociallifelifts/

RETAIL

Louisa Slade 18ct Gold Diamond Cluster-studs £1250, 3.5mm Diamonds 0.37ct 3 Bakehouse Yard, Alresford Tel: 07747 794619 | www.louisaslade.com

Interior Style Lit Tree Latern- Large £26, Medium £21 29 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AB Tel: 01962 736311 | www.interiorstyle.biz

Fowler & Smith Furniture, Antiques, Collectables & More. Free order to SO24

The Alresford Gift Shop

postcodes, for all orders placed at

Gisela Graham Fantasy Animal Crackers. All our

www.fowlerandsmith.co.uk | 30 Broad Street, Alresford

crackers this year are plastic free - £21.50. Shop safely instore or online Tel: 01962 732192 | www.alresfordgiftshop.co.uk

on your highstreet #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses

D.Barker & Son

Casa Sant’Elia

Diamond Studs: ‘GIA Certified Diamond Studs in a

Extra virgin olive oil produced from our own olive trees in Le Marche, Italy,

variety of sizes – From £1,695

together with traditional and white balsamics. Sold individually or in gift

40a West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

boxes, the perfect present. Based in Cheriton, free local delivery. www.casasantelia.com | chloe@casasantelia.com

RETAIL

Face Matters SkinHealth Winter Bundle - Your Skincare Saviours. All you need to see your skin through the Winter months - £50 M: 07887 878567 | www.sallycurson.co.uk

Ragamuffin A fabulous long sleeved tiered dress with ruffled sleeve detail for baby girls by Spanish Designer Mayoral. From 6m to 2yr - £29.99. We are now open 11-3, Sun 13th & 20th Tel: 01962 734488 | www.ragamuffin-uk.com

Soles Butchers There is still time to order your Christmas Meat and Game. We are taking orders NOW! Tel: 01962 735221 | 5 Broad Street, SO24 9AR

House of Gallet Open 6 days a week for the Christmas season

on your highstreet

Mon - Sat 10-4:30pm / 3rd -23rd December 2020 We will also open for those who need to do some out of hours shopping by appointment Tel: 01962 735362 | Joanne@houseofgallet.co.uk

#shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses

D.Barker & Son Lady’s Mondaine Date Watch in Red - £229 40A West Street, Alresford Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

Delilah Boutique Ortigia - luxury candles, diffusers, soaps

Casa Sant’Elia Extra virgin olive oil produced from our own olive trees in Le Marche, Italy, together with traditional and white balsamics. Sold

and perfume. Pop in and see the selection! 34 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 738470 |

Delilah Boutique

individually or in gift boxes, the perfect present. www.casasantelia.com | chloe@casasantelia.com

RETAIL D.Barker & Son Ti Sento Set: ‘Ti Sento Milano Silver Bangles with FREE Jewellery Case – £299 Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

Andrew Smith & Son Auctioneers Fine Art, Asian Art, Antiques, Interiors & Collectables - Tue 15th / Wed 16th Dec Itchen Stoke, Alresford, SO24 0QT Tel:01962 735988 | www.andrewsmithandson.com

Face Matters SkinHealth The Ultimate Face Work Out - Work It Face Food Serum, Gua Sha, Bag kit - £55 M: 07887 878567 | www.sallycurson.co.uk

Delilah Boutique Faux Fur Coat £105. Also available in grey, navy and cream. 34 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 738470 | Delilah Boutique

on your highstreet #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses

Louisa Slade Colombian Emerald and 18ct Gold Ring £2100, Size O - 3 Bakehouse Yard, Alresford Tel: 07747 794619 | www.louisaslade.com

Fowler & Smith

The Alresford Gift Shop

Furniture, Antiques, Collectables & More. Free order to

A huge range of Christmas packs and single cards. Shop

SO24 postcodes, for all orders placed at

safely in store or online.

www.fowlerandsmith.co.uk | 30 Broad Street, Alresford

Tel: 01962 732192 | www.alresfordgiftshop.co.uk

RETAIL Alresford Beauty Black Crystal Heart Studs £8.95 and matching necklace £11.75. Shop instore or online Tel: 01962 735553 | www.shop.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

Alresford Beauty

Faux Fur Hat £19.95 and matching scarf - £13.95

Clarins Eau Dynamisante Christmas Gift Box - £36.00

(Also available in grey). Shop instore or online Tel: 01962 735553 | www.shop.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

Shop instore or online Tel: 01962 735553 | www.shop.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

Alresford Beauty Penguin Hand Wash, Vanilla Flavour 250ml - £5.95 Shop instore or online Tel: 01962 735553 | www.shop.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

Alresford Beauty Pocket Hand Sanatisers - £2.99

Alresford Beauty Robin Shopping Bag with Zip top and shoulder straps - £13.95. Shop instore or online Tel: 01962 735553 | www.shop.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

Shop instore or online Tel: 01962 735553 | www.shop.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

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Alresford Beauty

Beard Brush - £7.95

Beauty of Bath Diffusers - £16.95

Christmas Scarf with Robins and Puds - £8.95

Shop instore or online Tel: 01962 735553 | www.shop.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

(also available in red) Shop instore or online Tel: 01962 735553 | www.shop.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

COMMUNITY Alresford Rotary December 2020

Christmas Trees As reported last month Alresford Rotary decided not to hold its annual early December Broad Street sale of Christmas trees this year, having carried out a detailed risk assessment and concluding reluctantly that it could not be satisfied that the normal selling site at the top of Broad Street would be sufficiently Covid “safe”, taking into consideration not only its responsibilities to its customers but also to all others passing along the east side of Broad Street during the sale. Endeavours to find a more secure site for the tree sale proved unsuccessful. Alresford Rotary also took into account the fact that as a charity it could not take the risk of committing itself to buying some 200 trees and then, complying with Covid restrictions / guidance, being unable to sell them and making a financial loss, reducing its ability to make charitable donations. This was before the second national lockdown was announced and what the position will be on what would have been the sale date (5th

Alresford Chamber of Commerce

Market Town Events Alresford Ghost Hunt 2020 Congratulations to Sam & William who won our Ghost Hunt. Thank you to all who braved the weather to hunt the ghosts, smiling faces were reported around town. Sam has a voucher to spend in Tiffin tearooms which stock his favourite salted caramel ice cream. And William will be collecting a pet toy from Alresford Pet Shop. Thank you to all the children (SunHill Infants) who entered ghosts.

Lighting up Alresford Our thanks to the Team of Chamber members

December) can only be a matter of conjecture. Since making its decision Rotary understands that the Town Trustees have given permission for H. Watson Gardening Limited to sell trees at the top of Broad Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 5th and 12th December This Year, Next Year … 2020 has been a year like none other for Alresford Rotary. No “Quiz of the Year”, no Christmas tree sale, a “virtual” 10k run and a “virtual” firework display (still available to watch on the Alresford Rotary website). Supported by Churches Together in Alresford and others local schools, organisations and individuals have enabled us to remember disadvantaged children in eastern Europe and beyond by providing shoeboxes of gifts although lockdown now means that those gifts will not now be leaving the UK until January, or later, missing Christmas but not affecting the joy of a child receiving a gift for the first time in its life. We hope to be back with all our normal events and community activities as soon as “normal” returns and in the meantime Alresford Rotary is here to support the community through the current times and is always looking for new ideas for events and activities whilst our normal events are on hold. That said Alresford Rotary now has a membership of about 15

& The PIGS for their tremendous work ensuring that we can light up Alresford this December. The focus has been to comply with all the Health & Safety & Covid - 19 regulations, whilst being able to put up as many trees as possible, so the main streets have been prioritised this year. Look out for Late Night Shopping - details will be posted on the website Covid-19 – Impact to Businesses Work has been ongoing keeping our members updated with the latest developments over Covid-19 restrictions, grants & supporting members with individual enquires. Liaising with Winchester Council economic teams & MP Steve Brine to support Business Grant applications. Together we are stronger Keep track of our events, follow us on Facebook Twitter & Instagram @AlresfordChamberofCommerce / AlresfordCofC / info@alresfordchamber. co.uk /www.alresfordchamber.co.uk Any companies wishing to participate, sponsor or advertise on these events please do contact us. Davina – Chamber Secretary

– less than half of what it was when I joined nearly 15 years ago. At that time I was about 50 and the second youngest member of the club. 15 years on I’m still the second youngest member of the club and we want and need to increase Rotary’s membership, reduce its age profile and broaden its diversity! Rotary is a dual gender club – Alresford only has one female member at present. We want to change that! Membership of Rotary and participation in its events need not be expensive. About £10 per month covers necessary subscriptions. Attendance at meetings is no longer compulsory and once “normal” returns Zoom meetings are likely to continue to be the most common mode of meeting, maybe with a meeting with a meal once a month or so. Without increased membership and support Alresford will not be able to continue to put on “probably the best firework display in mid Hampshire” and make the significant contribution it does to the Alresford area whilst supporting individuals and local, national and international charities. If you care about your community and do not want to see Alresford Rotary die please contact us!! James Pinniger www.alresfordrotary.co.uk rotaryalresford@gmail.com

Alresford Antiques Fair

Saturday 12 December Alresford Antiques Fair We look forward to seeing you. The Fair is held in Alresford Community Centre in the centre of the High Street, usually on the third Saturday of the month. This month we're on the second Saturday and our next fair is on 16 January. We offer a wide range of Decorative, Interesting and Unusual items including good quality Furniture, Silver, Jewellery, Militaria and Books. We will also buy. Free Admission. Limited Free Parking nearby & a large car park at the Station.

Open: 9.30am - 5.00pm. Contacts: Carol - 01264 335769 / 07870 432805 Steve - 01722 712267 / 07915 663251

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07712 545 700 Karen Dalmeny

Oakleaf Stationery Ltd

OPENING TIMES Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 9.30am - 1pm

A comprehensive range of all types of stationery – business and social Supplier of printer cartridges, art and craft materials, party and sewing items and a good selection of childrens stickers, colouring and painting books.

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Natural Yellow Diamond Cluster Ring £5,495 NaturalNatural Yellow Diamond Cluster Cluster Ring £5,495 Yellow Diamond Ring £5,495 ThreeNatural Stone Natural Yellow Diamond Ring £5,250 Three Stone Yellow Diamond Ring £5,250 Three Stone Natural Yellow Diamond Ring £5,250 Pear Shaped Cluster Ring In£3,995 Platinum Solitaire Diamond Ring £3,995 Diamond RingRing £3,995 PearSolitaire Shaped Cluster In Platinum Solitaire Diamond Ring Natural Yellow Diamond Cluster Pendant £3,250 Centre Diamond GIA Certified 0.50ct, F Colour, SI1 Clarity Natural Yellow Diamond Cluster Pendant £3,250 Natural Yellow Diamond0.50ct, Cluster Pendant £3,250 Centre Diamond GIA Certified F Colour, SI1 Clarity

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COMMUNITY Winchester Council update December 2020 COVID-19 Update: Here we are again, back in lockdown; Is your support network in place? After having checked my patch in Alresford I am cautiously optimistic that we can cover all needs, with some contingency for illness. A valid point was made by one street coordinator, she is quite happy to organise, but with children in the house she feels it is not safe to handle goods that are to be delivered to vulnerable residents. Those who organise also have their place in the firmament. The incessant number of new rules, changes to them and the lack of detail about them, continues to make it difficult to give advice, or even to know to whom to refer questions. The latest rules can be seen at https://www. gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictionsfrom-5-november. Once again, these are short on detail. Money: The new lockdown will cause yet more and as yet hard to predict damage to the city’s income. It is still not clear how much we will be eventually refunded by the central government. All this adds considerably to the problem of creating a realistic budget for 2020-21. Undoubtedly a challenging task, but it will be done. Street Surgeries: It was a pleasure to be out meeting people again, not only for the usual friendly chats but also to deal with the considerable amount of casework that had

been ‘waiting until I saw you’. All this now has to stop until the end of the second lockdown. We can only sort out the issues and concerns of residents if we are told of them, so please contact us by email or phone, until we can restart our surgeries either in the street, or as in the past, indoors. The usual pattern of housing problems, lack of neighbourliness, and our old friends, planning and enforcement have changed slightly. The increase in housing and neighbour trouble can be directly linked to our spending more time at home, the increase in environmental nuisance is beyond my logic, perhaps everybody is just a little more grumpy. The street surgeries are of course, now suspended. We hope for not too long. The development of a new vaccine is perhaps a glimmer of hope on the horizon of a rather dark night. Green Waste bins: This programme is being rolled out early and they will be collected on the same schedule as green waste bags. The Tip: The deputation that went to Hampshire County Council to point out the lack of equality of prohibiting pedestrian access to the Tip, but allowing cars was politely received. There is still no sign of action. Many people are further frustrated that it is empty most of the time, since apparently the list of appointments is closed the previous evening and no appointments are available thereafter. Surely HCC cannot be so cynical that since their poor management and unjust rules have led to a decline in use, that they will use the lack of users as an excuse to close the site?

The Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery, Alton Christmas Goodies The Museum has a range of Stocking Filler toys on sale, and Local Charity cards for Treloars and the Cardiac Re-Hab Unit. In the Gallery you can find Christmas Cards and some charming decorations, as well as ceramic and wooden items for a special present. Allen Gallery Please see our website to book your visit www.hampshireculture.org.uk/allen-gallery

Pots and Pilgrims Exhibition 2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the journey of the Mayflower and the settlement of Plymouth Colony in 1620. This journey, along with the founding of the earlier English colony of Jamestown, is considered one of the most significant, if controversial, events in the story of modern America. Archaeological excavations have taken place on these sites for over a 100 years revealing objects typical of those you would expect to

Parking Strategy for Alresford: This was promised more than three years ago and started in February. Officers developing this are involved in the Covid SD changes to highways. Staff have been under immense workload, reacting to ever changing directives, I hesitate to ask for action on this when our priorities need to be on supporting others. Covid travel Map https:// hantscovidtravelmap.commonplace.is/ comments There was tremendous input locally to suggestions for making it easier to walk and cycle. None of the suggestions for Alresford & Itchen Valley were put forward for central government funding. A great shame as it was an opportunity to resolve several issues that make it so unattractive, or downright dangerous to walk or cycle and to leave the car at home. A lowering of speed limits would emphasise the comfort and safety of pedestrians over the convenience of motorists.

Margot Power 01962 734167 Russell Gordon -Smith 01962 733219

find in a 17th century English village. The bulk of the material found is pottery, and a lot of that pottery, called Border Ware, came from the kilns of the Hampshire/ Surrey border. This exhibition uses material from collections in the care of Hampshire Cultural Trust to tell the story of how the early colonists carried a cultural life support system with them on their journey. Objects that reveal as much about their ties to the old world as their struggles in adapting to the new. In the Main Exhibition Area till December 19th. FREE The Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery, Alton, Hampshire (01420 82802) www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk Curtis Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm. Allen Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10.30 – 3.30pm

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COMMUNITY

Alresford Surgery News

unable to provide this service at the moment. We await government guidance and will respond appropriately as soon as we are able so please be patient.

Before attending the surgery The surgery is extremely busy with an increased workload & additional pressures. We are unable to lock our doors like we did previously so please do consider carefully how vital your visit to us is. Our dispensary has been constantly busy throughout Covid and due to social distancing measures are working in smaller teams. Prescriptions take 72 hours to be processed, please do not call, email or attend the dispensary asking for you prescription before the 72 hours has passed, as it will not be ready early!

Staff Retirement This month we will be saying goodbye to one of our long-standing members of staff. Debra Lain joined us in 2004 as a Receptionist but her organization skills and attention to detail meant that she was soon moved on to become firstly, Assistant Practice Manager and latterly, Patient Services Manager. Amongst other things Debra has been running our flu vaccination campaign for a number of years. This year’s campaign has been the biggest and most complex ever and we applaud Debra for the huge effort she has put into this project. In addition, Debra has also kept track of our child immunisation programme, Better Health and all the other investigations that patients might have on an annual, bi-annual or five yearly basis. Needless to say, Debra has been a lynch pin in ensuring our clinical staff know exactly what they need to be doing and she will leave an impressive legacy in terms of our recall systems and we all hope she has a long, happy and healthy retirement.

When attending the Surgery, if the waiting area appears busy & social distancing difficult, then please wait outside until more space is available. Please do not come into the surgery if you have any of the following; • A high temperature or fever • A new continuous cough • Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Please stay at home and use the following website for further help. 111.nhs.uk/covid-19 You need to be wearing a face covering/mask before entering the building, even if collecting a prescription. To ensure there are as few patients in the building as possible, • Do not attend more than 5 minutes before your appointment time. • You should attend the surgery alone, unless you need an essential carer or parent/guardian to accompany you. Any enquiries relating to appointments, repeat medications or otherwise please telephone (01962 732345) rather than attending the reception desk. Flu clinics 2020 November/December We now have flu vaccine available for patients who are aged 65 and over so please book an appointment if you have not already done so. For patients who are under 65 and at risk, we are expecting another delivery the last week in November and we have Friday morning clinics scheduled in December. These clinics are only for those patients under 65 who we have previous contacted by text or letter. Please be aware that these may need to be cancelled if the vaccine delivery does not arrive but we will be happy to book you in for now. At the time of writing (early November) we still have no guidance or vaccine allocation for patients who are aged 50-64 not at risk. Please do not telephone the surgery as we are

Blood test appointments The surgery is under a lot of additional pressures and is extremely busy. Please be mindful when booking a blood test appointment that if we cannot offer you an appointment in the time frame you require, that you can access blood test’s at Royal Hampshire County Hospital and this will help alleviate some pressure on the surgery. It is easy & straight forward to book a blood test appointment at Royal Hampshire County Hospital either online or via telephone. Please use the link below for more information; https://www.hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk/ourservices/az-departments-and-specialties/ pathology-inc-blood-tests/blood-tests Christmas wishes May we take this opportunity to wish all our patients a very happy Christmas & a healthy New Year from all the staff & partners at Alresford Surgery. The Alresford Surgery Station Road, Alresford, SO24 9JL Telephone: 01962 732345 www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk

give us some certainty in uncertain times and helps us plan for the week ahead • Keep connected – Keep up the connection As the colder weather with family and friends. Arrange regular starts to set in, there visits (if possible due to Covid-19 are lots of things you restrictions) or arrange regular phone and can do to keep video calls. Age Concern Hampshire can healthy and well this also help to put you in touch with a winter. befriender. • Stay active – exercise is well known to Keeping your body healthy in winter give our mental health a boost and so a As people age their immune system becomes small amount of exercise is good for our weaker and we can lose muscle mass and so bodies and our minds. This may be a here are some tips to help boost our immune short walk around the garden or even some systems and stay healthy armchair exercises. • Keep Active – try to move around once an • Get Help – if you are finding things hour, even if it’s only for a short walk to and particularly tough, are feeling lonely or from the kitchen to put the kettle on isolated or need help, reach out to family, • Eat well and regularly – make sure you have friends or your GP for support. plenty of food at home or have arranged • Do something you enjoy – find time for meal deliveries hobbies you enjoy or perhaps try a new • Keep hydrated – there is still the risk of hobby. dehydration even in the colder months • There are lots of resources available to keep • Get your free flu jab our minds active, from crosswords, quizzes • Keep warm – layering is the best way to and games to online exhibitions and events. keep warm and set your heating timer to Try something new! ensure your home is warm when it is coldest Alternatively, contact your local Village Agent,

Keeping well this winter

Keeping your mind healthy and your spirits up in winter Winter can be a difficult time but there are lots of ways to keep our minds active and our spirits up • Keep to a routine – Routine is a great way to

Denise on: 07969 376023 Village Agents are volunteers who can help you find information and local services that will enable you to stay living safely and independently.

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COMMUNITY Zoom into Christmas Great News: Lets face it we could all currently do with a bit of cheer. Despite all the trials and tribulations of 2020 the National Garden Scheme were able to donate close to £3 million to our Nursing, Caring & Health charities. (£2,884,710.00) at the end of 2020 The main donations are as follows:Main beneficiaries: Macmillan Cancer Support £425,00.00 Marie Curie £425,000.00 Hospice UK £425,000.00 Carers Trust £340,000.00 The Queen’s Nursing Institute £370,000.00 Parkinson’s UK £157,500.00 Guest charity: Mind £80,000.00

the donations use this link: https://ngs.org. uk/national-garden-scheme-donations-tokey-nursing-and-health-charities-providecritical-support-in-year-of-crisis/ To achieve these results we had to cut cost to a bare minimum and come up with innovative ideas. The first of these was the very successful campaign to view online ‘Virtual Gardens’. At the same time we launched our ‘Help Support Our Nurses’ campaign, urging people who watched the video’s to make a donation. Our target was £100,000.00 - staggeringly this campaign raised over £250.000.00. Then at the beginning of June we were able to start reopening gardens. So, keeping strictly within the government guidelines, we tentatively started opening our gardens with limited numbers and timed visiting slots, to ensure social distancing - and all tickets had to be pre-booked online. Amazingly by the end of October, when the last visitors had left the open gardens had raised a total of £450,000.00.

The lions share - £2,587,000.00* - goes to the nursing and health charities, without which the NHS would have struggled during the coronavirus crisis. To see all the details of

Our wonderful garden openers did not disappoint in other ways. There were many initiatives to raise funds - the main one being Plant Sales - often from driveways with ‘honesty buckets’. This raised £117,000.00.

Alresford Rugby Football Club

and in the clubhouse, so would like to provide this update on where we are with all this madness: League competitions for the 20/21 season have been officially called or cancelled by the Rugby Football Union. However, since September, ARFC’s adult men and women have been training twice a week with incredibly good numbers considering the absence of games on the horizon. The minis continue to amaze us with the numbers training, and the fun and commitment of players, coaches and parents.

Alresford Rugby Football Club (ARFC) feel compelled to communicate with the people of Alresford once again to let you know that whilst we haven’t picked up a ball in anger since March, we are very well, alive and kicking; well not kicking...more sanitised passing! Until the current lockdown the whole club, from the minis to the adults, has been training under strict Covid-19 guidelines. We miss rugby and we miss you on the touchline

All being well the seniors will return to training from December 3rd and the minis on December 6th. We also hope to introduce two new sessions - a senior training session once a month on Saturday mornings and also a ‘Club Day’ Saturday and/or Sunday session for all ages to train and safely mix together. We will then begin planning our longest pre-season ever. Importantly, we would like to thank all of our amazing sponsors. Despite the absence of any rugby for what will be almost eighteen months, not one of our sponsors has pulled

These results are based on National figures, but in Hampshire our garden owners did not disappoint raising £50,000.00. A very enterprising couple from the New Forest went one further and with the help of a few pallets and some silver birch created these fantastic bug houses, which were also for sale. We look forward to a very different 2021 and hope to be able to welcome many more visitors to our gardens.

Keep Safe and Best Wishes Pat Beagley (Publicity) National Garden Scheme - Hampshire *£2,587,000.00 – the total donated to nursing and health beneficiaries is made up of nursing and health, gardens and health and guest beneficiaries.

out or questioned anything we are doing. Your continued support is a major factor in helping ARFC get through this challenging time. We would also like to extend a warm welcome to our newest sponsor, NATTA who have very generously joined the ARFC family. Your commitment at this time is just outstanding. Many thanks.

It is the many that make our club and to that end we want to thank our players, coaches, sponsors and supporters for your strength of commitment. We are always looking for new players in the minis and seniors so for more information please take a look at our website for further details and where you will also see our new kit displayed....alresfordrfc.co.uk Finally, we would like to wish you the very best Christmas possible and we look forward to seeing you all again when we can.

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COMMUNITY

New Alresford Town Council Food Bank

to 5pm weekdays. They also provide a signposting service to help with other issues such as debt, housing and bereavement. For further details please see www.hants.gov.uk The COVID-19

We’re delighted that Winchester Basics Bank have decided to open a new food hub from our office at Arlebury Recreation Centre. It will be open every Wednesday from 10am to 12pm to “provide an emergency food and clothing service for people who are facing difficulty”. There is also pet food available. If you haven’t used them before, there is a self-referral form on their website: www. winchesterbasicsbank.co.uk or 01962 855774. “It’s okay to ask for help” Support networks New Alresford Town Council non-medical support network is still here to help you with your shopping and prescriptions. We have a group of fantastic volunteers who have already helped so many during the first wave of the pandemic and are willing to do so again. Our grateful thanks to them. For more details, please see our website. www.newalresford-tc. gov.uk Hampshire County Council is providing the Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline and is available for Hampshire residents most in need. Please call 0333 370 4000 (calls charged at local rate). The helpline is open 9am

Hardship Fund Administered by New Alresford Town Trust offers one off emergency payments of up to £500 to New Alresford residents in genuine need. Please see www.towntrust.org. uk/news for more details. Grants At the Town Council meeting on 27th October, we were delighted to approve two grants. One grant of £1000 to Friends of Sun Hill Junior School for the purchase of much needed picnic tables for the playground. The second grant of £946 was awarded to Busy Bees Preschool to replace worn out outdoor equipment. If your group or charity would benefit from a grant, then please see our website for more details. The next round of grants will be considered at Town Council on 26th January 2021. All applications should be submitted by 13th January 2021. Calendar We are pleased to announce our continued sponsorship of the Itchen Valley Calendar 2021. There is ample space for jotting down dates and activities, as well as containing beautiful pictures of Alresford and the surrounding areas.

Sponsor a tree If anyone is interested in sponsoring a tree in memory or celebration of someone or an event, then please contact us. We are looking to undertake some further tree planting at Arlebury Park this winter. Last year we planted a mix of walnut, cherry, elm (disease resistant) and whitebeam amongst others. There will be the opportunity to include some wording on our website if you would like.

Hanging Baskets and Troughs By early January, businesses and homeowners in the town centre will receive an order form for the hanging baskets and trough scheme 2021. Please could you email/post your order form together with your payment to our office no later than Friday 29th January 2021. This is to ensure that the nursery has sufficient time to grow your order! Please could you pay by BACS adding your surname or company name as your reference, so that we can identify your payment. A copy of the order form will be on our website. Thank you for your continued support. Please contact us if you have any further queries.

RHS Britain in Bloom

RHS0001E11000042# Recognition# New Alresford

58059

The Royal Horticultural Society and South & South East in Bloom are proud to present

New Alresford with a Certificate of Recognition in 2020

We’re delighted to have received on behalf of New Alresford a Certificate of Recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society. RHS acknowledge that “people have felt closer to nature through lockdown and valued access to green space so much more”. Our grateful thanks to everyone who contributed to this success.

Christmas Opening hours We will be closed from Thursday 24th December until Monday 4th January 2021. Councillors and staff would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and healthy New Year. New Alresford Town Council Arlebury Park, The Avenue, New Alresford, SO24 9EP Phone: 01962 732079 www.newalresford-tc.gov.uk

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CJ The Plumber

Colin Joyce • equestrian maintenance • Ploughing • field cultivation • Hedge cutting • Forestry • spraying specialist • fencing • topping • wood thining • Tree Felling & branch lopping

Load of logs - £70 per truck load

Tel: 01962 735452 / Mob: 07880 527049 www.appletoncontracting.co.uk

• Reliable friendly service • Repairs or installation • Kitchen, bathroom, shower • Outside tap, cold water • Storage cisterns, taps, WC • No call out charge

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Domestic plumbing

Adrian Cobb Plumbing & Heating M: 07774 979 325 T: 01962 735354

No job too small – No call out charge Free quotations available ALL ASPECTS OF PLUMBING & HEATING Reliable local plumber

Barnes & Liddiard Electrical Contractors Limited All aspects of electrical work undertaken Fully compliant to part ‘P’ of the building regulations

Domestic Commercial Industrial Garden Lighting

Tel: 01962 733272 37

LOCAL

GOVERNMENT mid-week, have led me to create Visit Westminster Virtually which I think you’re going to like very much.

Steve Brine M.P We have all got used to the rather odd world of Zoom (other sites are available) this year, and I dare say many things will remain ‘virtual’ in the future, but I can boldly declare I have at last found a cast iron benefit. UK Parliament Week usually sees Westminster full of school children learning about our Houses of Parliament and meeting up with their MPs including me. That obviously couldn’t happen this year but I was able to dip into so many constituency schools – as if to teleport Star Trek style – and chat with many more pupils than would otherwise be possible. Thank you to Itchen Abbas, Hiltingbury, Twyford and Prince’s Mead for being among them. This, and the many local events I have been able to reach while required to be in Westminster

Jackie’s County Corner for December The Barton Farm Meadow is a great place to walk. The paths across it are part of the approved plans of the Cala site. Residents and councillors are working with the Council to improve connectivity and safety at both Worthy Lane and Andover Road. With agreement from the developer, the route from Headbourne Worthy to Andover Road across the Barton Farm Meadow will provide a new all-weather route for cyclists and pedestrians. Nov 25th was ‘Stop Domestic Violence day: this year as the usual street based activity could not take place, I am encouraging all employers to join the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse. It is free to join the scheme. ‘Stop Domestic Violence’ is a priority of both the Hampshire Safety Partnership and the Winchester District Safety Partnership. I am expecting HCC to tackle flooding problems at a number of sites in the next few months: Itchen Valley, Kings Worthy, Alresford, Headbourne Worthy (due Jan) and

The events promise a glimpse behind normally closed doors and will include a Q&A session with me so if you run a local organisation (maybe the Alresford Men’s shed or the Upper Itchen Valley Society!) and want to plan something, do find out more via www. stevebrine.com/visitingwestminster Westminster continues to be a hive of activity and I have been speaking of late on the Agriculture Bill (food standards), the selfemployed, support for families during school holidays, the events industry and of course all things Covid you can think of – and many you cannot. To hone in on support for families, we now have a properly worked out, funded, plan to stand with some of the most vulnerable families in our communities which is rightly so much more than a half-term voucher. Councils will receive £170 million – Hampshire will get £1.9m – through the “Covid Winter Grant Scheme” which is ring-fenced to directly help the hardest-hit families and individuals, as well as provide food for children who need it over Christmas, February half-term and Easter

2021 school holidays. This builds on the £63 million provided to councils earlier this year to assist those struggling to afford food and essentials. It is good news but I continue, with the help of many headteachers locally, to reach out to the families in my constituency impacted as their voice is all too often absent from the debate. I will be in touch (if I haven’t already) via your school but would be pleased to hear from you if, for-instance, you don’t yet have school age children. You will be eligible also for the record! Finally, the Winter edition of my constituency newspaper The Winchester Post is out now. It contains my call on the local NHS not to give up on our hospital, a full Westminster Report and dozens of local stories which I hope you find interesting. Delivery is a challenge this Winter for obvious reasons but we’ll get there and you can download it at www.stevebrine.com/ publications There is no question Christmas will be different this year but, wherever you are and whomever you are with, I wish you every blessing of the season.

Steve Brine - MP for Winchester, Alresford & Itchen Valley

Micheldever Station(in progress). If you have a flooding problem, please contact me asap.

decision’. Kathy Slack, CEO, is happy to discuss funding for potential investment under this banner.

Speeding and noise on roads This occurs in almost every community. Residents ask me if I can ask HCC to lower the speed limits to solve speeding problems, but I often refer speeding matters to the Police- as it is their remit to enforce the mandatory limits. There is more information on how to send clips on the Hampshire Constabulary website.

I know there are groups of homes- or whole communities, who do not have reasonable broadband. The Government Gigabit scheme aims to address this with funds boosted by HCC. Please go to www.hants.gov.uk/ broadband for more details or contact me direct.

Youth unemployment rose to 8170. If you need advice or help to cope, please don’t forget you can call 0333 370 4000.

After the 17th century plague, Winchester set up a fund to train apprentices. In 2020, I am very conscious that we will have a generation that will find it hard to get jobs and work experience. Richard Coope of Winchester Creatives has started a programme to help. The Project is called ‘Mind the Gap’. You might be just the link that Richard needs to fulfill this mission. If so, please contact him on www. winchestercreatives.co.uk Thank you. Your gift might be just the thing a young person needs to brighten their Christmas.

We also had a presentation from the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP). Our local M3LEP policy (which covers this area) is ‘Make every funding Decision a Clean Growth

County Councillor Jackie Porter www.jackieporter.co.uk 07973 696 085 Jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk

The Economic Impact of Covid-19: this may be affecting you or your family At the County Council’s Policy and Resources Select committee, we have received an update on unemployment in Hampshire, covering just from March to July 2020. Unemployment rose from 26,075 to 63,385.

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MICHAEL J SLY Plumbing and Heating

REFURBISHMENT • INTERIOR RECONSTRUCTION KITCHENS & BATHROOMS • GENERAL BUILDING Local, experienced, and here to help you. Andy Cliff • 01962 738883 • cliffbuilding@gmail.com

PR AERIALS DIGITAL TV & SATELLITE SPECIALIST

All plumbing and heating works from fixing a leak to installing a full Heating System or Bathroom Suite

Plumbing and Heating Complete Heating Systems High Efficiency Boiler and System Upgrades Power Flush and System Treatments Gas Boiler Service Water Softeners

Bathroom Installations Complete Bathroom Installation Cloakroom and En-suites Power Showers and Electric Showers Tiling and Flooring

Paul Rolfe Free competitive quotations Free Quotes • Service & Repairs • Full Year Guarantee on parts • OAP Discounts TV installations considered • Freeview achieved where others have failed

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We are experts in extensions, loft and barn conversions, renovations, alterations, general brickwork and building restoration FULLY INSURED FREE QUOTES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST ADHERING TO ALL SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES

CONTACT Sam: 07717 677919 Richard: 07802 354816 Ryan: 07717 002801

URGENT NOTICE! Please remember to not to load your open fire or wood burning stove after 10pm on 24th December (Christmas Eve).We don’t want Father Christmas to burn his bum!

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Alresford Town Private Hire Ltd www.alresfordtownprivatehireltd.com Alresford Town Private Hire

Welcome to Ideal Commercials Ideal Commercials is a family run business that specialises in quality vans, trucks, pickups and other commercial vehicles. Ideal Commercials is based in Petersfield, Hampshire and our dealership is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays. Established since the year 2000, we offer the best in new, used and nearly new vehicles all of which are available to customers in Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and the wider UK. We’re proud to offer our customers a top quality service that is reliable, caring and customer orientated. Our dedicated, friendly and hard working team are always on hand to assist our customers every step of the way. Not only do we sell vehicles locally, but we can also deliver to customers throughout the UK. Nothing is too much trouble.

Quality Commercial Vehicles Here at Ideal Commercials we supply a variety of vehicles including Small vans, medium vans, large vans, vans, 4x4 vans, pickups, tippers, dropsides, Lutons and Lorries. We stock everything from Mercedes Benz trucks to VW Transporters, reliable Ford Transit Vans and much much more. Our wide range of stock means that we have vehicles to suit all needs, and if we don’t have the one you’re after, our Managing Director Andy Lane is dedicated to finding that vehicle for you. Whether you’re a man with a van, or a big business after a fleet of commercial vehicles, we are here to help.

High Standards We always ensure that the commercial vehicles we sell are of a very high standard. Whether you’re purchasing brand new, used or nearly new vehicles, you can rest assured knowing that each of our vehicles are of the highest quality. We are so confident in the quality of our vehicles, that we offer a free 3 month warranty with every vehicle purchased. Every one of our customers can also make the most of our various finance packages when purchasing a vehicle from us. We work tirelessly with each and every one of our customers to ensure that we find the right finance package to suit their needs.

Tel: 01730 606315 www.idealcommercials.co.uk

CLICK & COLLECT Reserve Online For £250, Collect In Person Find our more at: www.idealcommercials.co.uk/click-collect

Ideal Commercials, Warnford Road, West Meon, Petersfield, GU32 1JN

MOTORING

No r t h Mo to r Company

ALRESFORD MOTOR SERVICES LTD

Holden Farm, Cheriton, Alresford, Hants, SO24 ONX

MOT TEST CENTRE

• • • • •

Welding specialists Tyres for cars and motorcycles 4 wheel laser alignment LPG for sale for cars Recovery services

• Free collection • Diagnostic testing (including Landrover) • Courtesy cars • Certificated engineers

Independent Garage and MOT Testing Centre Established in1999 - All makes of car serviced and repaired - Saab approved repairer and Subaru specialist Free collection, delivery and courtesy car (when available) Competitively priced tyres - Batteries - Vehicle Diagnostics - Exhausts

Telephone Gary or Andy on 01962 771331 or 771881 www.northmotor.co.uk info@northmotor.co.uk

MOT TEST CENTRE FOR: Cars, motorcycles and vans up to 3,000kg. All makes serviced and repaired.

Class 4 MOT's

The trusted private transport service

Class 1 & 2 Motorcycles

MOT's WHILE YOU WAIT

Standards you can rely on for airport, ferry port and city transfers Carpe Diem Executive Cars has built its reputation for excellence, professionalism and reliability offering a premium service at competitive prices

UNIT 5, SHELF HOUSE, NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QE

Tel: 01962 733888 e:mike1ams1@aol.com

email: franco@carpediemec.com www.carpediemec.com

New Farm Motor Services Ltd New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QE

01962 732338 L.P.G.A approved autogas conversions www.autogas.com

Allows your petrol engine vehicle to run on Autogas, a fuel costing approximately 76p per ltr, with the environmental benefits of a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide production and 2000 times fewer particulates produced from the exhaust fumes when compared with a diesel. Widely available across the country and locally in Winnall, Winchester and West Meon Hut service station. The government has committed to this fuel difference for the future.

M.O.T Testing Centre • FREE COLLECTION • COURTESY CARS

Class 7 Vans from 3,000 - 3,500kg Class 4 Cars and Vans up to 3,000kg All makes of cars and vans serviced and repaired All makes of truck and horsebox up to 7500kg maintained and prepared for ministry plating tests

CERTIFICATED ENGINEERS • RECOVERY AVAILABLE •

MOTORING

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Service and repair of most makes of vehicle, motorcycles and classic cars Stockists Of Ca

Oils lassic ol C str

Engine Diagnostics M.O.T Tests Cambelt Replacement Exhaust Supply & Fitting Tyre Supply & Fitting Electrical Repairs Clutch Repair Courtesy Car

Contact Mike, Shane or Steve on: 01962 734466

www.servicepointalresford.co.uk

Shelf House, New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QE

AVAILABLE FOR:

PRESTIGE CARS OF ALRESFORD TEL: 01962 865602 MOBILE: 07752 570787

PRIVATE HIRE AIRPORT TRANSFERS OTHER JOURNEYS

OR VISIT WWW.PRESTIGECARSALRESFORD.CO.UK

Repairs Servicing M.O.T

WILCAN MOTOR COMPANY LTD

Servicing, MOT, Tyres & Bodywork Repairs

FREE Local collection and courtesy cars (T&C's apply) Free Safety Checks

Please ring our friendly team on: 01962 736186 andy.wilcan@live.co.uk www.wilcan.co.uk THE LONG BARN, WINCHESTER ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9EZ

Andrews Autosource Carefully Selected Cars Approved by trading standards

During the current Corona virus outbreak, if you would like to see a car locally, please give me a call on 01489 878879, or out of hours, 07811 041653. 'Masks and gloves available, all cars disinfected prior to delivery. The following cars have been carefully selected because of their low mileage, excellent condition and service history.

2017 (17) Vauxhall Mokka X 1.4 turbo 1 owner, 16,000 miles 2016 (66) Honda Jazz 1.3 EX , 5 door, 1 owner, 17,000 miles, £30 road tax 2016 (16) Peugeot 308 SW 1.2 Active Estate 130 bhp 1 owner, £ 20 road tax 34,000 miles 2017 (17) Ford EcoSport 1.5 TDCi Titanium 1 owner, 32,000 miles 2017 (17) Suzuki Celerio SZ4, 1 owner, Zero road tax, 11,000 miles 2016 (66) Fiat Punto 1.2 Easy Plus, 5 door, a/c 1 owner, 8,700 miles 2014 (64) Ford Fiesta 1.2 Zetec 5 door, 2 owners, 46,000 miles 2013 (63) Honda Jazz 1.3 ES, air con, Demo + 1 owner, 26,000 miles 2007 (57) Peugeot 307 SW Estate, 3 owners, 75,000 miles

£11995 £9995 £7995 SOLD £6995 £6495 £5995 £5995 SOLD

CAMPER VAN, 5 SEATS, 4-5 BERTH BRAND NEW PROFESSIONAL CONVERSION 2018 Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive, 12,000 miles, Air conditioning, alloy wheels, parking sensors, reversing camera, lifting roof, 12v fridge, gas hob, sink, mains hook up, 110 amp leisure battery £32,995

VIEW OUR CURRENT STOCK AT www.andrews-autosource.co.uk/vehicle-stock

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CARS HAVE SERVICE HISTORY TAYLORS GARAGE, HIGH STREET, DROXFORD, SO32 3QL

TEL: 01489 878 879 EVENING TEL: 01962 732995

COMMUNITY / EDUCATION Yet another threat to this area of exceptional natural beauty We need renewable energy, but we love our countryside and wildlife too Hampshire ranks fifth of all the counties in terms of number of solar ventures, and in terms of power output is fourth. Industrialisation at Bentley, Bishop’s Waltham, Bradley, Copyright OpenStreetMaps contributors Ellisfield, Forest Farm, Hambledon, Hursley, Ropley East and West, Shedfield, Three Maids Hill, 38 football pitches of warehouses at Dummer, floods from the Bishop’s Sutton solar panels in Alresford, and now:

Godolphin School mark Remembrance Day As every year, Godolphin was determined to mark Remembrance in 2020. Every year students and staff come together as a whole school on 11th November to remember all those who died in World Wars and the conflicts since, the Godolphin girls who gave and lost their lives in war and to pray for members of the wider Godolphin family who are on active service today.

The extent of the solar park vs the centre of winchester

Planning is being sought for a 40 acre solar farm on the unspoilt rural idyll between Upper Wield and Godsfield . Let’s care for the wellbeing of Hampshire residents and visitors. During 2020 many people have found calm, and respite from anxiety, by walking in our beautiful countryside. One such walk is the historic Three Castles Path. The historic three castles path remains largely unchanged since the 13th century, King John, having signed the Magna Carta, travelled along this path from Windsor, via Odiham, to Winchester. At Godsfield Copse you can still witness the views he would have seen. There are beautiful panoramic views across farmland and ancient woods to the South Downs and the West. Erecting a solar farm and high deer fences, would blight the path and the outstanding panoramic views. Not to mention the vast number of HGVs going up and down the lanes. It would trespass on nature, tranquility and wellbeing for 40 years. Let’s put much needed renewables in the right places. Please help the Community, Ramblers and Future Generations. Visit our website to object: www.brownfieldsnotgreenfields.co.uk Written by Sarah Vey Please come and take a walk from Bugmore Hill to Upper Wield (Restricted By-Way 17) – You won’t regret it. OS Map References: Bugmore Hill SU 5968 3781 • Upper Wield Church SU 6294 3876

Godolphin’s School Chaplain Reverend Dr Stella Wood said “While we had to do things differently this year, carefully distanced in bubbles stretched across Pitch One, the centre point of the lacrosse pitch and its cross forming the perfect place to set the Cross of remembrance, we felt privileged to be able to gather as a whole school, when so many Remembrance services across the country were curtailed. The bugler's call sang out from the balcony high on the Ash building, buffeted and carried with the wind in a wistful call to us and to all humanity to build a world of peace. The final prayer seemed particularly appropriate for this year: Merciful God, we offer to you the fears in us that have not yet been cast out by love: May we accept the hope you have placed in the hearts of all people, and live lives of justice, courage and mercy.” For more information, contact Godolphin on events@godolphin.org or telephone 01722 430571.

Godolphin School wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Stay safe and well

FRANC

HA LEAL

ETO GE

www.godolphin.org admissions@godolphin.org

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Itchen Valley Forum - Issue 168 December 2020

Articles inside

Retail/On Your Highstreet

Motoring

The Garden

Yule Do

Churches