Itchen Valley Forum - Issue 170 February 2021 by Mark Tubb

Forum

ISSUE 170 FEBRUARY 2021

ITCHEN VALLEY

Life in your Community

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

FEATURE SAY CHEESE

ALRESFORD TOWN COUNCIL

LOCAL INFORMATION

The Ultimate Shrove Tuesday Pancake

By Lucia Foster-Found

Community News Report

Your A to Z of useful local info

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

Your friendly garage with a personal touch Quality Service & Repairs

Your vehicle will be looked after by qualified technicians with many years of experience. Receive a dealership level service at local garage prices.

MOT centre

Receive complete attention to detail and thorough safety checks in our MOT centre.

Child friendly customer waiting area

Stay warm, dry and keep the children entertained in our relaxing waiting area. Coffee and tea making facilities available and clean toilets with child changing area.

Free local collection & delivery service

Don’t fret about getting the car to us if things go wrong. Just give us a call and let us make the arrangements for your car repair stress free. (vehicle recovery is chargeable unless covered by your insurance policy).

While you wait service

We are more than happy to have you wait for your car. Take advantage of our warm, dry and clean customer waiting area.

Tyres & Exhausts

Extremely competitive prices on all exhausts. Tyres supplied direct from the leading suppliers. Order Online. Why travel and join a queue when you can simply pay us a visit. We are also an award winning GT radial dealer.

Free courtesy car (by appointment)

Don’t let your breakdown or service cause problems. Take full advantage of one of our clean and reliable automatic or manual courtesy cars.

Computer 4-wheel alignment Check

We have recently invested in one of the latest computer Wheel- Alignment systems where we can carry out full alignment checks and adjustments, increasing the life of your tyres and improving your driving experience!

Mention this advert to get £10 off your next MOT

Call today: 01962 736343 www.phoenixautoservicesltd.co.uk Free local collection and delivery service

PHOENIX AUTO SERVICES LTD, PROSPECT ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QF

ITCHEN VALLEY FORUM FEBRUARY 2021

CONTENTS 04 Feature

Say Cheese by Lucia Foster-Found

06 Property Management

25 Retail

25 Home

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

09 The Garden

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

14 Education

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

Trades, services, designers, All you need for your home

35 Motoring

Local services to keep your vehicle running smoothly

Find local schools and educational experts

From photographers to solicitors - every professional service you need

Director of Marketing Rob Harrison rob@forummedianddesign.co.uk Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk

Contributors Lucia Foster-Found www. luciafosterfound.com

Get in Touch

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

Forum Publications Offices Unit 8A, Shelf House, New Farm Road,

21 Recipe of the Month

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

Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

20 Food & Drink

Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk

Design Manager James Curtis james@forumpublications.co.uk

15 Professional Services

The Team

Alresford, SO24 9QH Tel: 01962 735137 www.forumpublications.co.uk

The Ultimate Shrove Tuesday Pancake

22 Wellbeing

Looking after your health and yourself!

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, 2021

Say Cheese T © LUCIA FOSTER-FOUND 2021

WWW.LUCIAFOSTERFOUND.COM

o say Veganuary had been an unqualified success would be a lie. A Dairy big lie. Himself hadn’t been keen on the concept, mumbling something about it sounding gynaecological, as he laid into a hangover-busting cheese and bacon toastie on New Year’s Day. On 2nd January she’d watched him hunter-gather assorted cheeses and pickles from the fridge. On the 3rd she’d thrown in the towel when he’d looked so happy munching on a turkey and ham pie, with its cheddar pastry crust. Good job really, there were four more in the freezer. Should have bought a smaller turkey. And definitely less cheese; shopping on-line from pictures, you really had to check the quantities.. The Cheddar? – block like a monolith. The Camembert she intended to bake for two? – size of a cartwheel. But that much-needed bottle of hand gel? – tiny, pocket-sized. Thought it was cheap. By the time February had arrived, those warm, fuzzy, escapist thoughts of Christmas had receded to the dim and distant Past-eurised. But grateful they were OK and their family weren’t sick, they looked for small distractions to lighten their mood. That was when Himself suggested they do Februdairy. Surprised, she wondered if she’d Curd him correctly. “It’ll be fun.” He said. “Support the British Dairy industry.” He said. “We can eat cheese…” He said. Which was how Sunday evening found her with a cheese omelette half eaten on her plate, watching Ski Sunday. For no apparent reason, however, she welled up. Himself, who had cooked supper, looked dismayed. “Oh darling – it’s not that bad is it?” Actually, les oeufs avec fromage did have an interesting texture. She’d been brushing up on her French ahead of some future, hoped-for holiday, but the correct words for ‘unexpectedly ruberoid’ didn’t spring to mind. “It’s not the eggs, they’re lovely” she fibbed. “I’m being pathetic, I know.” The theme tune, so evocative of past wintry Sunday afternoons, had set her off. And these days it didn’t take much. If she didn’t keep a lid on it she’d blub all the time. “I love Ski Sunday, but the resorts are deserted, there aren’t many spectators. It was

just a bit of a shock, because after the familiar music I stupidly somehow expected it all to be normal?” “I’ve got the opposite problem.” He confessed. “I’m looking at programmes that are ‘normal’ and I’m briefly horrified they’re not social distancing or wearing masks. Begs the question, what is normal now..?” By breakfast the next morning, she’d had a thought “Pancake day’s still normal – even now. So let’s do that at least. I’ll make the usual sugar and lemon ones.” It would be something to look forward to and a nice change from anything with cheese. Her jeans felt tighter; she had a nasty suspicion she might be getting a little bit Feta. “Gouda enough! You’re on.” Himself was eager. “Also, Valentine’s day is coming up. How about we dress up as if we were going out to dinner. We’ll eat at the table, light some candles – play a little music, drink some wine. It would ‘normally’ just be the two of us for Valentine’s anyway.” She liked it “Grate idea.” “And I’ll cook!” he announced with glee. “Perhaps something with cheese..” His face lit up. “A raclette. Cheese soufflé maybe? Stilton and broccoli soup. Turkey mornay anyone?” Bless him for his enthusiasm, but she was getting a tad cheesed off. Choosing her words Caerphilly, she said. “What a Brie-lliant idea darling!” Himself looked pleased. “You’ll be looking dashing and handsome like something out of Fifty Shades of Gruyere, but maybe not really dressed for cooking? So perhaps a takeaway..?” she suggested, thinking it would be nice to have a meal they hadn’t had to cook themselves. She elaborated “Fish and chips would be lovely.” Pretty sure the local chip shop did not do cheese in batter. “Sweet and sour chicken might be delicious.” Never seen cheese on the menu in the Chinese either; a mixture of relief and anticipation washed over her and she salivated. However, momentary disappointment flitted across Himself’s face, together with a sad little look of longing. “With some cheese and biscuits to finish off.” she conceded. She was, after all, very Fondue of him.

Overlay

Seamless Worktops making makeovers easy

Can Inst be in u alled n a da der y!

Overlay

At Overlay we believe less really can be more when it comes to updating your kitchen Overlay seamless worktops can cover Ceramic, Corian, Wood, Laminate worktops. Overlay is eco-friendly, quick and easy to fit - revitalising rooms in under a day without significant cost and disruption. If you are looking for a beautiful and contemporary look for your kitchen surfaces, then Overlay seamless worktops are the answer, we have a wide range of colours and styles to suit your requirements.

The precision-cut seamless makeover worktop fits exactly over of your existing surface.

Once successfully fitted no trace of your existing worktop is visible.

Visit our NEW website for more information T: 0800 0903779 www.over-lay.co.uk

• Free no obligation quotation • Over 30 different colours and styles available • Minimal disruption to your home

COMMUNITY / PROPERTY South Downs National park Celebrating the starry night’s sky above us

Acts chapter 2: 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said .... “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Picture by Matthew Savage

Live tours of the night’s sky, stunning astrophotography, nocturnal wildlife talks, children’s colouring activities and a chance to win a top-of-the-range telescope are among the highlights of the National Park’s annual Dark Skies Festival. The fortnight of cosmic fun begins on Friday, 12 February with an action-packed line-up, including top tips for stargazing from your garden. The start of half-term on Monday, 15 February will see an interactive Facebook Live session, with National Park Rangers Charles and Kate setting up a stargazing evening in their back garden. A night-time safari walk, short films on wildlife, talks from astronomers, live Instagram chats with acclaimed authors, and stunning footage of space will be among the highlights of the digital event. The event celebrates the National Park’s status as an International Dark Sky Reserve – one of only 18 in the world and recognising it as one of the best places globally to capture immense views of the stars. Laura Warren, Events and Engagement Officer for the National Park, said: “Our Dark Skies Festival will be different this year, but we’re really hoping to be able to inspire people about how amazing and important our dark skies are. “There’ll be something for all ages and activities you can do while staying at home, so please do join us for some light-hearted cosmic fun.” Every day there will be a question to answer in our giant Dark Skies quiz and prizes include a state-of-the-art telescope and a year’s subscription to Sky At Night magazine. Each day of the festival we will also be sharing images from the Astrophotography Competition and revealing the winners. The full programme will be published on the South Downs National Park website later this month. South Downs National Park South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst West Sussex, GU29 9DH Tel: 01730 814810

39 For the promise is to you ...as many as the Lord our God will call.”

NEW FARM CHAPEL New Farm Road, Alresford, Hampshire Sunday Services 10.30am and 4.30pm Tel:07447 158058 For any who wish to zoom, please ask for the zoom link via our website www.newfarmchapel.org.uk

Sales | Property Management | Lettings Sales | Property Management | Lettings

A name you can count on in a changing world… A name you can count on in a changing world… Better times ahead…

With the worst of the winter weather hopefully now behind us, we can look forward to the days getting longer and the temperatures improving, as we move towards spring.

If you are thinking of selling or letting our your home in 2021, now is the ideal time to find out how much it is worth, and the process involved in getting it ready for marketing.

The housing market in this part of Hampshire remains strong, with continuing high demand from home-movers looking to move this year.

Please call one of our friendly team today to book in a free market appraisal of your home. We hope to hear from you soon!

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

COMMUNITY

Alresford Rotary February 2021 Shoebox 2020

Last Autumn Alresford Rotary’s involvement in the Rotary Wessex Christmas shoebox scheme was supported by (with apologies for any omissions) both Sun Hill schools, Cheriton Primary school, St Peters R.C. Primary school (Winchester), the Old Alresford Mothers Union, Northington & Swarraton W.I., New Alresford W.I., Churches Together in Alresford and many others in the Itchen Valley area. Some 235 boxes of gifts were donated, about two thirds of the number collected in 2019 but a tremendous effort given the challenges we all faced last year.

In early January the Rotary District organiser Geoff Philpott reported (making particular mention of Alresford): “A huge thank you to all the clubs who felt able to take part in the scheme this year. It has been a challenge for all, especially as there has also been a mixed response from the schools who normally support the scheme. Some could not support our scheme and others felt it important to support local charities, such as food banks in their communities, all of which is perfectly understandable. That being said, with the fantastic effort put in by over half the clubs who normally participate, we have a collection this year of 14,442 boxes donated by our generous children and adults throughout Wessex and the islands plus 24 cartons of knitted woollen clothes donated by ladies in Alresford and the Isle of Wight. That is an impressive collection considering the environment we find ourselves in this year. Our depot operation this year has also been considerably eased. Shears Brothers (Transport) Ltd, who are based at Bournemouth International Airport Business Park, are providing storage for us with the pallets stored in high bay racking in a dry warehouse. They are providing free of charge all the effort to move the pallets around the warehouse. Shears Brothers has also arranged free collection of boxes from the Isle of Wight and pallets to and from Channel Seaways at Poole. One of their staff members, Bob Kimber, who is the Warehouse Manager provided tremendous support, volunteering to help us over two weekends. That extra support made our lives very much easier, many thanks to Paul Bulpitt and his team at Shears.

Some members in (the Rotary) District have questioned our decision to proceed with the collection. The “demand” has not gone away, in fact it has increased. All of the countries to whom we send our gifts are struggling with COVID-19 and they are also having to support increases in their refugee camps, as they are on the front line between Asia and Europe. I have been in communication with Luminita Suveica, President of Chisinau Rotary, Moldova. I had to advise her that because of the second lockdown our delivery will be delayed. I give you her reply:

“At first I want say you that my colleagues and I are very grateful to you for the gifts we receive for children in Moldova. Now the situation with COVID-19 is getting worse all over the world. In our country with a population of 3 million, we have 1600 cases detected daily, of which 25% are medical workers. 60 doctors died because COVID-19. We have almost 100,000 cases in Moldova. I'm a doctor and I know the situation well. We understand the situation perfect so you don't worry if the gifts will be late in this year.” With the collection made, we shall still be able to send over 3,500 boxes to each country we support and all four have confirmed their gratitude and willingness to have them in the new year. However, as we are now not sending them until January, I am faced with additional paperwork and customs procedures in connection with which I am getting fantastic support from Meachers of Southampton.” Thank you for your support. If you wish to be involved next Autumn or are at any time interested in helping or joining Alresford Rotary and making a difference to others Rotary would be delighted to hear from you. James Pinniger www.alresfordrotry.co.uk rotaryalresford@gmail.com

Leave your lawn to us Independent Lawn Professionals

GARDEN

How has your lawn coped over the winter months? Let’s take a look at common problems and what we can do now to improve things. Winter can be tough on a lawn. Low light levels and freezing temperatures stop grass growing. Waterlogging can cause grass plants to die and moss growth increases. Autumn leaf fall can kill patches of grass creating bare areas. I look at a lot of lawns and I meet a lot of people who are disappointed with their lawn and want to see some improvement. Many feel that there is no option other than lifting their existing lawn and starting again from scratch. However much can be achieved through lawn renovation which is generally far more cost effective and less intrusive than completely re-seeding or re-turfing your outside space. Spring is ideal for lawn improvements. You may be wondering what to look for in your lawn and what can be done to improve it. I group my assessments into three main areas.

Thatch Thatch is a layer of organic matter - typically dead moss, dead or dying grass, stems, roots and other plant life, between the surface of the soil and the green living grass leaves above. In some lawns this layer can be quite thick preventing water and nutrients penetrating through to the soil below. Excessive thatch causes the soil to dry out and grass to suffer. Some build-up of organic matter at soil level is a good thing as it protects the soil and growing lawn. However, too much thatch is a common lawn problem that needs to be dealt with appropriately. Scarification with a garden rake for smaller areas or a mechanical scarifer for larger lawns tears out the dead plant life and opens up the soil surface. It’s a tough job and your lawn will look a little battered for a short while afterwards, but the long-term improvements are essential if you want to enjoy a healthy luscious lawn in the future. Compaction, drainage and top-dressing Regular foot traffic over your lawn will compact the soil structure, resulting in fewer air gaps in the soil, restricting the flow of water and nutrients to roots. Compacted lawns dry out more quickly and support fewer beneficial insects and worms. They have lower counts of essential microbes required to break down dead plant life, resulting in a build-up of thatch. Symptoms include thin, stressed turf grasses more susceptible to disease and pests, allowing gaps in the turf for weed seeds and moss spores to germinate. In addition, compaction can result in waterlogging due to poor drainage and this also encourages moss growth.

Aeration of the lawn, either with a garden fork for smaller lawn areas or a mechanical aerator for a more effective result will reduce compaction. It’s hard work, but the benefits to your lawn are invaluable. Top-dressing will level out the surface of your lawn and help improve soil structure and drainage. Nutrition, weeds and pH All plants need the correct nutrition to live a healthy and disease free life. All too often I visit lawns that never receive any supplementary nutrition or perhaps get a general sprinkle of something from the garden centre once a year. The home-owner wonders why their lawn looks so poor. The grass is almost starving to death through malnutrition! Nutrition can be a complex subject. Getting the right balance of nutrients at the right time of year is essential to promote healthy growth. Too much food is almost as bad as no food, so if in doubt, do your research or speak to a professional. Non-grass plants growing in your lawn are classed as weeds. Weeds grow at a different height to your lawn grass, are quick to flower and rapidly spread through seed distribution. The presence of weeds in your lawn will certainly impact on its appearance. Dealing with weeds is firstly about being able to identify what weed is present, understanding which pesticides are used to treat that type of weed and how much should be used to manage the weed but not damage the grass. pH is the measure of the acidity of any given compound. Ranging from 1 which is acidic to 14 which is alkaline. The issue being that a pH imbalance can ‘lock-up’ essential plant nutrients, making them unavailable to the growing lawn grasses and no amount of additional fertiliser is going to address the nutritional issues. When recommending a lawn nutrition treatment plan I always test pH levels and ensure any underlying pH issues are resolved before nutrition begins. If your lawn isn’t offering you as much satisfaction as it should then now is the time to think about addressing any underlying issues. As we approach the warmer, wetter spring days and beyond, grasses respond well to repair work. Speak with a lawn care professional who can make a full assessment of your lawn and offer guidance on what reparation works will benefit your lawn through the winter and heading into spring. You may be surprised by how cost effective this approach is, and how quickly your lawn responds to professional lawn care.

Ian Kenyon sits on the committee of the UK Lawncare Association and owns Shrekfeet Lawn. He is always happy to offer friendly, professional advice and help 01962 460146, 07739 789483 www.shrekfeet.com

GARDEN

Supply and planting large specimen trees and shrubs Espalier, pleached and instant impact hedges All trees and shrubs carefully selected

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1973, BUILT ON GREAT SERVICE AND VALUE FOR MONEY Please visit our website for all the latest news, information, second-hand machines for sale and special offers in the showroom.

t: 01962 771800 steve.cann@btconnect.com www.georgecanngardenmachinery.co.uk

Laceys Farm, Bramdean Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0JT

Design, landscaping and ongoing maintenance Free site visit and consultation Bosque is a trading name of Just Limegrass Ltd. Harko: 07710 502798 Tom: 07855 656984 www.bosque international.co.uk

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

T: 07778 141505

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

secure your fencing for the spring 01962 733990

Call Andrew or Ashley on Installation service available Prospect Road, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9QF www prospectfencing.co.uk

SPECIALISTS IN STUMP GRINDING, TREE WORK & THE SUPPLY OF LOGS All types of countryside contracting undertaken • Mobile Bandsawing Service • Brushwood Chipper Hire • Concreting • Hedge Cutting • Fencing

PETER PAYNE 01962 733866 or 07778 170442

COMMUNITY / GARDEN Alresford & District Neighbourhood Watch

Fly - Tipping As we all painfully know in the past 12 months we have had to live through a number of ‘Lockdowns’ and are currently in the throes of a further national lockdown. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of these restrictions has been an increase in fly-tipping. The term ‘fly-tipping’ is derived from the verb tip, meaning "to throw out of a vehicle", and on the fly, meaning "on the wing" – to throw away carelessly or casually. Fly-tipping is defined as the ‘illegal deposit of any waste onto land that does not have a licence to accept it’. Tipping a mattress, electrical items or a bin bag full of rubbish in the street causes a local nuisance and makes an area look ugly and run down. At the larger end of the scale fly-tipping can involve several truckloads of construction and demolition waste being tipped on different types of land. Uncontrolled illegal waste disposal can be hazardous to the public, especially if it contains toxic material or asbestos. There could be a risk of damage to watercourses and soil quality from the dumped waste.

What else can the general public do? There have been instances where members of the public have paid for a waste carrier to remove rubbish or building materials from their property only to find it has been dumped elsewhere and they are then liable for the costs of clearing the mess up. The Environment Department have an online Register of Waste Carriers and if a someone states they have a licence to take waste, but could be lying, then a Neighbourhood Services Officer can be alerted to investigate.

In 2017/18, c. 998,000 incidences of fly-tipping were dealt with by councils in England whilst 2018/19 saw this increase to 1,072,000 incidences. The cost of clearing up this waste has risen to £60 million per year and this figure is likely to increase for 2019/20.

The local Council’s Environmental Health Service is the first point of contact for complaints and the Winchester Contact Number is: 01962 840222.

In 2018/19, 46% incidents occurred on our Highways whilst overall 33% of total incidents were categorised as ‘small van loads’ whilst 28% were ‘car-boot loads’ or less. Some people did not realise that dumping our garden waste in hedgerows, grass verges and woodlands counts as fly-tipping and it is illegal; just because it may eventually compost down, does not make dumping acceptable or permissible.

NB - If the fly tipped materials have been marked with a spray painted yellow ‘W’, the council are already aware of the incident, it is being investigated and the removal has been scheduled.

CRIME IN PROGRESS: RING 999 NON-URGENT ISSUES: RING 101 (if you observe suspicious activity) CRIMESTOPPERS: 0800 555 111 https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont/features/the-estateat-mottisfont

PETER CHIVERS PCS FOR ALL YOUR PEST CONTROL NEEDS: Rats, Mice, Moles, Squirrels, Cockroaches, Rabbits, Pigeons, Bird-Proofing, Mole Trapping Specialist

Call Peter Chivers on: 01256 389124 or Mobile: 07803 096642 BPCA MEMBER - FULLY INSURED 9 STENBURY DRIVE, PRESTON CANDOVER, BASINGSTOKE

ALL AREAS COVERED

What can we do? If we see any fly-tipping we should: 1. Try to work out what the waste is and how much there is. 2. Note the day, date and time you saw the tipping. 3. Note the waste's exact location and whether it is in or near water. 4. Take a photograph and give this to the local council.

CONTACTING ADNWA OR POLICE: ADNWA website: www.neighbourhood.watch.alresford.org e-mail us at: contact.adnwa@gmail.com

ALL AREAS COVERED

What are the Penalties for Fly-Tipping? Fly-tipping is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months imprisonment if convicted in a Magistrates' Court, as well as an order to deprive rights to a vehicle used to commit the offence. The offence can attract an unlimited fine and up to 5 years imprisonment if convicted in a Crown Court.

How can it be reported? We can also report fly tipping using your iPhone, Android or Blackberry phone. You can use the Your Winchester app to report fly tipping wherever you are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Using the app means the actual location of the fly tip is recorded on the mapping system and you will be able to upload pictures of the waste to help the council investigate and collect the materials.

GARDEN

TRIMMERS GARDEN SERVICES NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR WINTER NO GARDEN TOO LARGE

ALL EQUIPMENT USED ARE

ECO EFFICIENT FREE QUOTES SUPPLIED

• • • • • • • • • • • •

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

❖

❖ 01962 736261 or 0789 602 7356 ❖ ❖ www.trimmers-garden-services.co.uk ❖ ❖ info@trimmers-garden-services.co.uk ❖ ❖ #@trimmersgardenservices ❖

C&D Trees All Tree & Hedge Care

Sparsholt college trained & qualified Free advice & written quotations 15 years experience

www.cdtrees.co.uk

Telephone - 01962 738 420 - 07900 987 609 Bishops Sutton, Alresford

Chris Matthews Tree Care and Woodland Management

• Tree surgery / TPO applications • Hedge maintenance • Fencing / Garden structures • Woodland management / tree planting Qualified in arboriculture and countrsyide management. 15 years experience

Tel: 01962 732498 Mob: 07879 448141

TDH

Landscaping & Garden Maintenance Landscaping Gardener with 25 years experience as award winning landscaper in Norway

Hard Landscaping

• Block & Flagstone Paving • Gravelling, patios and paths • Turfing

General Maintenance

• Grass & Hedge Cutting • Hedge, Shrubs and Tree Pruning • Leaf Collecting • Garden Clearance • Borders Cleared • Soil improvement

Free Quotes • References from Norwegian Projects T: 07498 747906

1 Hinton Hill Cottages, Hinton Ampner, SO24 0JZ

EDUCATION

A leading independent day, weekly and full boarding school for girls aged 11-18

It’s who we are. Join us on one of our open days: Saturday 13 March Friday 7 May Saturday 26 June

Please contact us to book your visit: www.stswithuns.com | 01962 835700

Making a happy start to school Insider secrets from the experts at St Swithun’s Thursday 25 March, 7pm This online mini conference includes: 1. Thriving in preschool and reception 2. Practical tips to practise at home 3. Making the most of the outdoors 4. Promoting a healthy mind and a healthy body 5. Live Q&A session with experts from St Swithun’s preschool and reception Booking essential: vwww.stswithuns.com/happystart | 01962 835750

PROFESSIONAL

Your Local Accountants since 1992

Full range of Accountancy, Auditing, Taxation and Payroll services tailored to suit your needs Small Business Consultancy and Business Start Up Accounts & audit • Business advisory • Tax

Farming and Equine Specialists

• Bookkeeping • IT & online accounting • VAT

FREE Half Hour Initial Consultation

• Buying or selling a business Payroll Accounts & audit • Business advisory ••Tax • Bookkeeping Accounts & audit • Business advisory • Tax • Bookkeeping • Payroll IT & online accounting • VAT • Buying or selling a business • Business start-up • Wealth planning & protection • IT & online accounting • VAT • Wealth planning & protection • Payroll • Business start-up • Wealth planning & protection Buying or selling a business • Forensic accounting • Business start-up

Contact Steve Morgan, an Alresford resident for a free initial consultation on 01252 smo@wiseandco.co.uk Contact Steve Morgan, an711244, Alresford resident on 01252 711244

For friendly, professional, proactive advice please contact: Butler & Co, Bennett House, The Dean, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9BH T: 01962 735544 E: julie@butler-co.co.uk www.butler-co.co.uk

or email smo@wiseandco.co.uk for a free initial consultation

www.wiseandco.co.uk Wey Court West, Union Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7PT www.wiseandco.co.uk Wey Court West, Union Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7PT

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY IN LINE WITH COVID19 GUIDELINES WE ALSO OFFER PHONE & VIDEO APPOINTMENTS

3 East Street, Alresford, SO24 9EE Tel 01962 736926 email: mail@gibbonssolicitors.co.uk

Andrew Bevis

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

Tel: 01256 389919 Mob: 07775 524891

Catherine Paget catherine.paget@pagetwillwriting.co.uk

www.gibbonsolicitors.co.uk

Gibbons Gibbons Solicitors Solicitors Limited Limited Authorised Authorised and and Regulated Regulated by by the the Solicitors Solicitors Regulation Regulation Authority Authority no. no. 617854’ 617854’

MA (Cantab) Law Member of the Society of Will Writers Affiliate Member of STEP

Tel: 07786 626979 www.pagetwillwriting.co.uk

COMMUNITY

USEFUL LOCAL

INFORMATION Emergency Services (Ambulance, Fire, Police) Tel: 999

Non Emergency Medical Services Tel: 111

Electricity Emergency 24hrs, 7 days a week Tel: 105

Gas Emergency

24 hrs, 7 days a week Tel: 0800 111 999

Water Emergency 24 hrs, 7 days a week Tel: 0330 303 0368

Police

Non-Emergency Services Tel: 101

Citizens Advice Winchester Citizens

Offers free, confidential advice to everyone in the community. Local Callback: 01962 848003

Councils

Alresford Town Council Arlebury Park, The Avenue, Alresford, Hants. SO24 9EP. Tel: 01962 732079 East Hampshire District Council Penns Place, Petersfield, GU31 4EX www.easthants.gov.uk Tel: 01730 266551 Hampshire County The Castle, Winchester, SO23 8UJ www.hants.gov.uk Tel: 0300 555 1375 Winchester City City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester, SO23 9LJ www.winchester.gov.uk Tel: 01962 840222

Hospitals

Alton Community Alton, Hampshire Tel: 0300 003 2196

Basingstoke & North Hants Basingstoke, Hampshire Tel: 01256 473202

Medstead Primary School Medstead, Alton, GU34 5LG Tel: 01420 562824

Beauworth Village Hall Tel: 07768 807733 bookings@beauworthvillage. com

Royal Hampshire County Winchester, Hampshire Tel: 01962 863535

Perins School Pound Hill, Alresford, SO24 9BS www.perins.net Tel: 01962 734361

Bighton Village Hall Ian Johnson: 01962 736556 bookings@bighton.org.uk

Library

Ropley Primary School Church St. Ropley, SO24 ODS Tel: 01962 772381

Alresford Library Monday 10.00 - 1.00 Tuesday 2.00 - 5.00 (Storytime 2.15 to 2.45) Wed/Sun Closed Thursday 10.00 - 1.00 Friday 10.00 - 7.00 Saturday 10.00 - 1.00 Tel: 0300 555 1387

Alresford and District Neighbourhood Watch Association

Newsletter available at www.alresford.org/ neigbourhoodwatch. To report a crime anonymously call Crimestoppers: Tel: 0800 555 111 contact:

Recycling

Prospect Road , Alresford Open seven days a week Tel: 01962 735422 https://customer.bookingbug. com/?client=hantsrecyclingce ntres#/location You can also call us on 02380 179 949, Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm.

Sun Hill Infant School Sun Lane, Alresford www.sunhill-inf.hants.sch.uk Tel: 01962 732632 Sun Hill Junior School Sun Lane, Alresford www.sunhill-jun.hants.sch.uk Tel: 01962 732801

Surgeries & Chemists Hartog Dental Practice 4 Pound Hill, Alresford www.hartogdental.co.uk Tel: 01962 733580

MyDentist 38 West Street, Alresford Tel: 01962 733580 Alresford Pharmacy Broad Street, Alresford Tel: 01962 732445

Bishop’s Sutton Village Hall Booking Secretary 01962 732114 Bramdean and Hinton Ampner Village Hall Tel: 01962 771261 or Contact us via www. bramdeanvillagehall.btck. co.uk Cheriton Village Hall For more information contact Rosie on: 01962 771611 www.cheritonvillagehall.co.uk Christy Hall, Old Alresford Peter Stokes 07775 434 980 www.oldalresfordvillagehall. org.uk Itchen Abbas and Avington Village Hall Tel: 07947 191229 manager@iaavillagehall.co.uk

Alresford Surgery Station Road, Alresford www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk Tel: 01962 732345

Kilmeston Village Hall Call Di Bye: 01962 771086 www.kilmestonvillagehall. co.uk or email bookings@ kilmestonvillagehall.co.uk

Schools

Mansfield Park Surgery Lymington Bottom Road, Medstead, GU34 5EW Tel: 01420 562922

Martyr Worthy Village Hall Tel: 01962 779701 martyrworthyvillagehall@ gmail.com

Four Marks Primary School Four Marks, Alton, GU34 5AS Tel: 01962 772200

Out of Hours Service Anyone requiring a chemist service out of practice hours will find their nearest point is Sainsburys, Badger Farm, Winchester or Tesco, Winnall, Winchester

Ropley Coffee Room Sue Buckell: 01962 772671 or email: coffeeroom@btinternet. com

Cheriton Primary School Cheriton, Alresford Tel: 01962 771278

Itchen Abbas County Primary School Itchen Abbas, SO21 1BE Tel: 01962 779310

Town & Village Halls Alresford Comm Centre Tel: 01962 732057

Ropley Parish Hall Contact - Mrs Norma Day Tel: 01962 772267 rph.bookings @gmail.com ww.ropleyparishhall.org.uk

PROFESSIONAL

Local Family & Residential Property Solicitors

AWD Law is a traditional, yet modern, two-partner law firm with a difference. We offer professional advice in a friendly, open and personable manner.

Areas we specialise in Family Law • Conveyancing We have an established office in Fareham and a new premises in the centre of Bishop’s Waltham Bishop’s Waltham Office - Tel: 01489 664 778 The Merchants House, High Street, Bishop’s Waltham, SO32 1AA Fareham Office - Tel: 01329 232 314 4 The Potteries, Wickham Road, Fareham, PO16 7ET info@awdlaw.co.uk • www.awdlaw.co.uk

UNIQUE AND BESPOKE We recognise that every life and therefore every funeral is unique. We have been providing bespoke, personalised and affordable funerals for over 160 years.

“I am so pleased Mike has established an office in Alresford. I trust him implicitly and know his family & professional values will add much to the town’s financial & community health. You definitely feel that Mike is working on your behalf and his natural communication gives you the confidence we all need when making big financial decisions.” Taken from a client Google review

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

SINCE 1860 The Steel family have proudly served the communites of Winchester, Alresford and the Itchen Valley for four generations.

FR E Co Initi E nsu al ltat ion

DEDICATED SUPPORT Along with our experienced and dedicated team we are personally here to help, support and guide you 24 hours a day.

winchesterfunerals.co.uk

01962 862333

Forum_180x126mm.indd 1

23/09/2020 17:52

COMMUNITY / PROFESSIONAL Charity Photography competition

New Family Nature Trail Takes Flight!

Winchester Go LD’s purpose is to support adults with learning disabilities (our members) in Winchester and District; we have 90 members. We continue to welcome new members and our membership is growing. Our vision is to help our members to live life to the full. Winchester Go LD also provides support to the families and carers of our members. We anticipate that our Wellbeing project will directly benefit between 100 and 120 individuals (our members, their families and support workers). Winchester Go LD, an award winning local charity, are calling on talented local photographers to enter our competition to find three photographs to use for our charity Christmas cards in 2021. The charity are inviting entries to this photography competition to find three images that capture the landscape, architecture or traditions of the festive season in Winchester or the surrounding villages. The winning photographs will then be printed as the charity’s Christmas cards in 2021, as part of their charity card selection for Christmas 2021. One entry per person. For more details please visit the news pages of Winchester Go LD website: https://winchestergold.org.uk/ https://winchestergold.org.uk/charity-photography-competition/ Or email your photos to Photos@winchestergold.org.uk by 1st March 2021. The competition is free to enter but if you would like to make a voluntary contribution donations can be made via the Winchester Go LD website.

The Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery Sadly our two venues remain closed at the time of writing. But you can still access local Culture and History on our websites: www. hampshireculture.org.uk/ curtis-museum www.hampshireculture. org.uk/allen-gallery And on Facebook https://www.facebook. com/allengalleryHCT https://www.facebook. com/curtismuseum There are many interesting photos of Old Alton as well information on items in the Collections, and if you have any queries - or perhaps recognise a scene – you can post a comment on Facebook or email our Manager Cerian Gale (email address at the top). Cerian will be checking the emails every week and she and Local Historian Jane Hurst will be glad to provide some extra background. Hope to see you back at the venues in the near future. Jill Line The Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery, Alton (01420 82802). cerian.gale@hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk

Where did ladybirds get their name from? Why won’t you see ladybirds at Christmas? Why are ladybirds called The Gardeners Friend? The answers to these questions will be found on the latest online quiz and trail which can be downloaded from The Watercress Way’s website, and completed by anyone in their own time out in our beautiful countryside just NE of Winchester. This new trail has been launched especially for families around the 27 miles of The Watercress Way. 13 ladybird lodges have been placed around the trail to house the number of common native UK ladybird species plus the invasive brightly coloured Harlequin. They are tucked away discreetly in the undergrowth next to the old railway track beds, sparkling chalk rivers and in some of the housing estates and recreation parks along the Way. The lodges are all made from recycled materials. To find out where the lodges are, download the pdf of sites and identification chart from the Watercress Way website https://www. thewatercressway.org.uk/ and head out on a nature adventure! The Watercress Way, a registered charity, is delighted at the support shown by all the landowners including HCC, The Forestry Commission, Gratton Trust , Kings Worthy PC and Alresford TC, The Watercress Line and The Bush pub.

P RO U D TO N OW O F F E R T H E P E O P L E O F A L R E S F O R D O U R S E RV I C E S • Traditional & Dignified Funerals at Affordable Prices • Funeral Plans at Fixed Prices, Why Pay More? We are a local independent family run business which operates on a 24 hours basis.You will always have a personal continuity and we will go through all the arrangements and look after you throughout. You are an extension of our family when in our care. Direct Cremation: £1075 inclusive Bespoke Cremations from £1995 inclusive Traditional Burial from £2195 plus Cemetery fees

C O N TAC T U S 24 The Dean, Alresford, SO24 9AZ Tel: 01962 388470 (24 hour) Email: info@wessexfuneralservices.co.uk 106 Battery Hill, Winchester, SO22 4BH Tel: 01962 855773 (24 hour) Email: winchester@wessexfuneralservices.co.uk www.wessexfuneralservices.co.uk Also located in Eastleigh & New Milton

FOOD & DRINK

The Ultimate Shrove Tuesday Pancake Prep: 10 mins Cook: 20 mins Total: 30 mins Servings: 6 These pancakes are deliciously fluffy. Using simple and perfect ingredients. Fresh eggs, fresh blueberries, and ricotta cheese make for an amazing dish. Add in some fresh lemon zest and you've got zesty, sweet, pancakes. These pancakes are really easy to mix together, you can replace the blueberries with other fruit, but the taste combination of lemon together with blueberries is the best. The easy, lemon syrup compliments the tangy wild blueberries and the soft, fluffy pancakes so nicely. Ingredients 1 egg 1 3/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon milk (divided) 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 2 tablespoons butter (melted, plus more for the pan) 1 lemon (zest and juice, divided) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups flour 2 tablespoons sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen) 1 cup sugar Method Beat together the egg, milk, ricotta cheese, melted butter, lemon zest, and vanilla in a large measuring cup. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry mixture. The dough will be a little lumpy. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. It will puff up. If it is too thick, add a little more milk. Heat up a flat bottomed pan on medium heat before you begin. Make sure it gets nice and hot before you start cooking the pancakes. Add a generous amount of butter to the pan, then lower the heat to a medium-low temperature. Spoon large circles of batter onto the pan. Cook in the pan for a few minutes. Add blueberries to each pancake and flip, cooking a few more minutes on the other side. (A good rule of thumb is to wait until the bubbles stop popping and reforming on the raw side of the dough before flipping.) Keep the pancakes warm in a 200 F oven while cooking the remaining cakes. For the Lemon Sauce Whisk together the lemon juice, powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon milk in a small bowl. If it is too thin, add a little more sugar. If it is too thick, add a little more milk! Heat slightly if desired. Drizzle the syrup over the pancakes and serve warm.

FOOD & DRINK

Deli Delicious

Fresh Fruit & Veg, Smoked Fish, Meats, Specialist Cheeses, Baking Goods, Fresh Juice, Coffees and Teas, Sandwiches, Snacks, Fresh Artisan Bread. We also have a wide range of lovingly crafted homemade food using quality ingredients. We offer a Home Delivery Service for £2.50 with a minimum order £15 (Delivery Tue-Fri) Online Ordering Service Available If there is something you would like to order that we don’t have on the website then please call us.

T: 01962 733189 www.mange2.co.uk

VIRTUAL

TASTING EVENTS

Old World v New World - £35

The perfect February talking point, old or new world is be�er? Join us to ﬁnd out with the tas�ng of 4 cracking wines. The wines will be delivered in half bo�les ( to help with consump�on levels! ) and full sized ones will be available to buy. Book your place by: Fri 19th Feb EVENT DATE: Saturday 27th February 7.30pm start

Easter Wines to delight - £60

The Spring is here, rejoice! Take part in our 16th Annual Easter Tas�ng. There will be a fab selec�on of new wines to explore and enjoy to lead you into the summer ahead. Book your place by: Weds 17th March

EVENT DATE: Saturday 27th March 7.30pm start

Call: 01962 732002

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW VIA: Email: simon@tngwine.co.uk Online: www.thenakedgrape.co.uk

WELLBEING The Natural Medicine of Human Connection

Human to human connection is as fundamental to health as our need for good food, water, clean air, exercise and rest. Have we become more aware of the value of that connection by the imposition of its absence? Connection is the place where we discover our similarities and differences; it’s where we stumble upon things that surprise us about others and ourselves, where we get to share and exchange our Wisdoms. Here the threads that create the fabric of our lives come to be seen and heard. Through our connection with each other, we are witnessed. Above all else, my twenty years of practice as a trauma trained, somatic cranial osteopath has taught me much about the multifaceted aspects of listening that we all have the innate potential to access. Listening goes beyond the voice and our capacity to hear.

I don’t know about you but from where I stand, the experience of having my days interrupted by ‘restrictions’ has brought with it a wondering about the importance of Connection. Have you noticed how incidental interactions these days can bring with them a deeper willingness to stay longer in the moment of exchange, and with that a generosity of listening that brings with it a warmth and curiosity for how you are doing? It appears to me the situation we find ourselves in now is revealing the nobler aspects of our human capacity to connect to others and more importantly, to ourselves. Connection lies at the heart of our well being, without it we flounder.

New Alresford Town Trust New Alresford Town Trustees wish to announce the Following : 1. A memorial bench for Pam Stevens has been ordered and will be delivered in June. It will be placed on The Avenue(which Pam loved). 2. There will be a plaque attached : " Pamela Stevens (1939-2020) A remarkable lady,trustee and friend to the community " 3. It has been financed by NATT,The Pigs ,Rotary and Peter Bridges (who will collect and assemble the bench ) 4. The Ceremony of unveiling the bench will be done by Mr Steve Brine MP (a good friend of Pam ) at 14.30 on the Avenue on Sunday 27th June. 5. NATT minibus fund has received £215 from donors to Pam's wishes,including £100 from Town Council.Thanks. 6. Trustee Penny McClelland will organise the event with help from minibus committee. 7. The minibus committee will have 2 minibuses on show together with Pam's minibus anniversary booklet(priced at £1.50) together with details of trips available to passengers and becoming a volunteer driver etc 8. Penny will organise a selection of local stalls and WI cafe showing details of local activities. Fuller details will follow. - The object is to have an enjoyable day whilst remembering Pam's great input to the local community as well as the minibus contribution over 51 years. Regards -Robin Atkins NATT,chair

When we connect in a space where time is available to us, and where we won’t be interrupted, we can slow down, connect to ourselves and listen for what wants to be seen and heard. This quality of listening connects us to our heart and our body’s wisdom of how it wants release and let go. Would it be that the next person you encounter calls you to pause and offer them the deepest listening you could summon, for who knows what gifts your connection may bring to their lives. Clinic remains Open Bronwyn Jones - Alresford Osteopath 07870 23 88 99 www.alresford-osteopath.co.uk

WELLBEING

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 stockists of:

Care for children, elderly and mental health disorders is available in Alresford, Winchester and Alton and surrounding areas. Services; companionship, meal preparation, shopping, personal care, babysitting, cleaning, dog walking. T:07858 07858698294 698294 www.palitcareservice.online E: damla.palitt@gmail.com T: Instagram: palitcareservice E: support@palitcareservice.online

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

ONLINE CLASSES & STUDIO SESSIONS

COMMUNITY

Alresford Surgery News Before attending the surgery The surgery is extremely busy with an increased workload and 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! 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.

Covid 19 Vaccinations In addition to routine work, we are heavily involved in the Covid vaccination programme we are required to call patients by a priority list, starting with the patients who are most at risk. You will be invited when it is your turn and when we have received adequate supply. We have attempted to contact & offer all our over 80 year old patients & those contacted will have been offered their vaccination. There is national vaccination programme being held at mass vaccination centres across the country, this is running alongside our local programme. If you are in a priority group 1-4 & are willing to travel to one of the mass vaccination centres, then please visit; https://www. nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirusvaccination/ to organise a booking via the National programme. We are doing this in priority order ONLY - See below : 1. Residents in care home for older adults Staff working in care homes for older adults. 2. All those 80 years and over. Frontline Health and social care workers. 3. All those 75 years of age and over. 4. All those 70 years and over. Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals (not including pregnant women and those less than 16 years of age) 5. All those 65 years of age and over. 6. Adults age 16 to 65 years of age in an at risk group. 7. Adults age 55 years of age and over. 8. All those 50 years and over. Please do not call us – we have strict guidelines for eligibility & we are already overwhelmed.

This will be a long process taking many months but we are delighted to have made a start. To keep you as informed as possible, we will update these messages frequently as we become aware of more information from NHS England: • Some hospitals have now received the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine and are starting to invite patients in for their vaccine • Some GP practices have received the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine and are inviting patients in for their vaccine. • We will let you know the specific local Covid vaccination plans as soon as we can. • We will contact you individually if and when you are invited to have a vaccine and will keep this website updated. • The vaccine will be given in order of priority to those at highest risk first. • Please act on your invitation when it comes, and make sure you attend your appointments. • Please continue to abide by all the social distancing and hand hygiene guidance, which will still save lives. Meanwhile, we all need to keep to the advice of hand-washing, face masks and social distancing but we all look forward to the time when we will return to life as normal. Thank you for your patience from GP Partners of Alresford Surgery. The Alresford Surgery, Station Road Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9JL Telephone: 01962 732345 Website: www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk

RETAIL / HOME

One of ITV's Most Popular Antiques Experts Happy to arrange home calls by appointment karendalmeny@gmail.com

BEST CASH PRICES PAID FOR: Gold & Silver Jewellery & Antiques Including: Watches, medals, bronzes, oriental ceramics, quality antiques, house clearance/insurance valuations

For enquiries please call:

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.

SERVICES WE OFFER... Photocopying Laminating Document Binding Scan to Email Personalised Printing Agent Transfer to DVD Agent

We are also a UPS Access Point Visit us at : 56 West Street, Alresford, Hants SO24 9AU 01962 736116 oakleaf.stat56@gmail.com

ADVERTISING OFFER ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE FOR AS LITTLE AS £45 PER MONTH

(PLUS VAT, MINIMUM 12 MONTH BOOKING FOR PRICE SHOWN)

For more information

01962 735137

stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

COMMUNITY National Garden Scheme Hampshire

they could be out of date. Hopefully these regulations will not last very much longer, and we will be able to get back to welcoming our visitors, whether they have Pre-Booked tickets or not.

booked tickets only. These are available from our website, www.ngs.org.uk for a timed entry slot. We automatically restrict numbers for each garden, depending on that gardens size and visitor capacity.

In Hampshire our first gardens currently, planning to open are the Snowdrop gardens in February. This year we have two:-

Well - here we are again… This pandemic does seem never ending, but with the increase of cases still happening, despite this latest lockdown, and the Government advice to “Stay At Home”, we have taken the decision to close any of our gardens which were opening before the end of January. This situation will be reviewed on a two weekly basis. The website ngs.org.uk will have all the up to date details of any openings, and the facility to Pre-Book tickets. Visitors will, eventually, be very welcome to our gardens, but it is imperative that everyone helps to ensure that Government guidelines are adhered to. I would list the Regulations, but by the time this is published

Little Court, Winchester, SO21 2PU Opening: Sun & Mon14th & 15th February: 2pm to 4.30 pm: Admission: £5.00: Children Free. Refreshments: Home-made teas in the village hall Bramdean House, Alresford, SO24 0JU Opening: 21st February: 2pm to 4pm: Admission: £7.50: Children Free Refreshments: Home-made teas Entry too all the above gardens is by pre-

Winchester District Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice can help you make a plan to manage your debt but in the meantime here are four steps you can take to get started: 1.

Lesley Rose, Advice Services Manager for Citizens Advice Winchester District, shares her advice on how to manage debt. I’ve fallen behind on my bills and the debts are building up, especially after Christmas. I don’t know where to start? You’ve already taken a great first step by asking for help, and it’s important to know you don’t need to face this alone. Your local

Work out how much you owe - Make a list of whom you owe money to and add up how much you need to pay each month. If you don’t have your most recent statements, contact your creditor to find out what you owe. Some creditors will have special arrangements for people with Covid-related arrears.

2. Prioritise your debts - Your rent or mortgage, energy and council tax are called priority debts as there can be serious consequences if you don’t pay them. Separate these and work out how much you owe. Again, you can ask the companies or council what support might be available during the pandemic. 3. Work out how much you can pay - Create a budget by adding up your essential living costs, such as food and housing, and taking these away from your income. Citizens Advice has a budgeting tool that can help (www.citizensadvice.org.uk).

This system worked very well for us last year, once we were allowed to open. We just didn’t expect to still be using it again, as a condition, in 2021, although we will still be using the pre-booking system as an option, once we get back to some sort of normality. If you have any problem with booking your tickets, please feel free to contact me. Looking forward to a rapid roll out of the vaccination for us all. Keep well and keep safe Pat Beagley (Publicity) National Garden Scheme - Hampshire pat.beagley@ngs.org.uk

Any money you have spare can be put towards your debts, starting with the priority debts first. If you have any money left after paying priority debts, but not enough to make your usual payments on other debts, consider getting advice on the best way for you to start getting on top of them.

4. If you can’t pay your debts - If you’ve got little or no money spare to pay your priority debts or if you’re struggling to pay for basics like food, seek advice from Citizens Advice straight away. We know it can feel very daunting to deal with debt, but having a plan really helps and our team will be here to help you each step of the way.

Contact Citizens Advice Winchester District on 0808 278 7861 or email them at advice@cawinchesterdistrict.org.uk

HOME

CJ The Plumber

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

• 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

01962 776545

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

Domestic plumbing

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

ING & HEAT

D T

UM B L P

Adrian Cobb Plumbing & Heating

Wallpaper Specialist Andover

D E C O R AT I N G I N H A M P S H I R E S I N C E 1 9 8 0

Andover

uk . o c . r doo e g a r ga fix my

01264 337711

The Repair Specialists Andover

w Guaranteed, fast &

cost effective repairs w to all door types w Independent Family w Business w No repair - No charge w Repairs, Locks, New Doors & Automatic Operators

01264 337711

info@fmgd.co.uk

01962 715200

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • DOMESTIC Providing a comprehensive electrical installation service • Home automation • Lighting schemes • Electric gates • Emergency lighting • Electrical installations • Home entertainment • Fire alarms • Burglar alarms

T: 01962 735397 w: butlerandking.co.uk e:info@butlerandking.co.uk Unit G, Prospect Commercial Park, 4 Prospect Road, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9QF

COMMUNITY Winchester Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team

Winchester Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team have been actively patrolling the area and speaking with anybody who have been in breach of the current COVID-19 regulations. The majority of our community have abided by the law and we thank you for this but unfortunately a few individuals have been

Jackie’s County Corner for February

I hope that you and your loved ones are managing to cope in this third lockdown. Thank you to the local groups in the Itchen Valley division who have continued to offer support to our communities into this new lockdown. Your work is invaluable and makes us all feel safer. But some problems are more complicated and it’s worth keeping a note of the HCC Coronavirus Support helpline too. If Covid-19 has a serious impact on you or any aspect of your life, including anyone who is self-isolating, education, threat of eviction, unpaid bills etc, please call the helpline for advice and support. The Helpline (open 9am to 5pm) can be contacted on 0333 370 4000. (Calls charged at local rate.) You can also call Citizens Advice for support on 01962 848000, from 10-1pm, or 0808 278 7861 Looking for a new challenge? Why not try out the online learning from Hampshire’s libraries? This term the Learning in

caught in areas where they shouldn’t be or have tried to evade the Police. This is a polite reminder that under the current Lockdown regulations, members of the public are required to stay at home unless you are an essential worker or have a permitted reason. Please visit the GOV. UK for the latest Coronavirus rules and restrictions. If you do leave home for a permitted reason, you should always stay local. Stay local means stay in the village, town or part of the city in which you live. Your local Policing Team will be holding a Safe at Home Beat Surgery on Wednesday 17th February, between 11.00 – 12.30, at the Community Centre on West Street in Alresford. If you are passing whilst out doing your essential shopping, we are here if you need to talk to us.

Libraries programme has commenced with a wide variety of course, including a Film review course, dance classes for toddlers, helping your child with school work and Zumba Gold! Although libraries are closed for browsing, the IT facilities (and printing) can be booked for use. Usually, I use my February column to advertise our opening for the National Garden Scheme Snowdrop Sunday , but husband Mark and I are really conscious that this year, the message is clearly ‘stay home’, so unfortunately we aren’t opening in 2021 now. See the ngs.org.uk website for details of commercial sites which may be open this Spring. But you can still get outside: Hampshire’s Country Parks remain open but the public is clearly encouraged to stay near to home for exercise. Public footpaths are getting muddier with increased use: volunteer teams are not allowed to carry out works in Covid-19 lockdown, but please continue to report problems: the County team can do emergency works, eg: holes appearing, and fallen trees blocking paths etc. Recycling centres are still open by booking online or calling 02380 179 949 (9-5.30pm) . Unfortunately, the service is still only open for car drivers: the hoped for pilot for noncar drivers this Spring is postponed. As I write, the first few days on the A31 were quiet, but so far, Brexit paperwork

Domestic Abuse is not just physical or sexual abuse, it can include verbal, psychological or financial abuse too. It can be committed anywhere, including online, and can sadly involve and seriously affect children. It causes misery regardless of where it happens. We fully recognise that it can sometimes take time for people to take the brave step to report their experiences, particularly during the periods of restriction which Covid-19 brings. Tackling domestic abuse and our response to vulnerable victims remains a priority. It has a devastating effect on people’s lives. If you are unable to speak with us on the 17th, please call us on 999. For any other crime or suspicious behaviour, please report these to the Police by filling out an online report form on the Hampshire Constabulary website or by phoning 101.

‘compliance’ is good. Once the hauliers become familiar with the changes, it is hoped to stand down the system and we can all use the A31 as a dual carriageway again. There is a 24/7 monitored email address for queries. Please contact me or HCC direct on a31. operationtransmission@hants.gov.uk or telephone 0300 555 1388 School matters: Despite Press announcements of ‘schools closed’, our schools are definitely open. At present, classes are part managed both in the classroom and online as key worker and vulnerable children are at school. If your child is year 3 and above, schools (through HCC) can help with IT including pre-paid 4G internet if necessary, at the Headteacher’s discretion. Online and phone scams seem more plentiful than ever. It is very easy to be taken in by a credible phone call or email. Please report scams by phoning the Action Fraud line 0300 123 2040 (8am-8pm) or on their website www.actionfraud.police.uk. They offer an enhanced service for vulnerable victims. There is a telephone scam asking for bank details to validate ID for a vaccination appointment. It is a SCAM! Please NEVER give out your bank details on the phone. County Councillor Jackie Porter www.jackieporter.co.uk 07973 696 085 Jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk

HOME

e clusive Double Glazing Ltd

Alresford's Conservatory and Window Experts

UPGRADE YOUR WINDOWS & DOORS WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES • Supply & Installation • New Handles, Letterboxes, Locks • Broken Sealed-Units replaced

OTHER SERVICES • Fascias, Soffits & Gutters • Key Cutting & Locksmith Services

FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

CALL: 01962 732091

www.exclusive-double-glazing.co.uk sales@exclusive-double-glazing.co.uk SHELF HOUSE, NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QE

The South Downs Oak Company Traditional Oak Framers

Manufacturers of

South Downs Oak Ltd

Makers and installers of

Traditional oak framed buildings Garages Gazebos Garden Rooms Porches

Alton Lane, Four Marks, Hampshire, GU34 5AJ Mark@southdownsoak.co.uk Lee@southdownsoak.co.uk www.southdownsoak.co.uk Tel: 01962 435001 T: 01420 617099

Hardwood gates Gate automation Intercom systems Vehicle barriers

HOME

WINCHESTER WOOD FLOORS

WOOD FLOOR SANDING & RESTORATION HAND FINISHED NEW WOOD FLOORS BESPOKE CABINETRY

w: winchesterwoodfloors.co.uk e: info@winchesterwoodfloors.co.uk t: 01962 733016

WINCHESTER WOOD FLOORS IS BASED IN ALRESFORD, HAMPSHIRE

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 30

DON S DOORS

GARAGE DOOR SOLUTIONS We supply and install all leading manufacturers of garage doors and in a wide selection of styles

Call 02380 600027 to arrange a free no obligation survey and quote Unit 9 & 10, Vicarage Farm Business Park, Winchester Road, Fair Oak, Eastleigh, SO50 7HD sales@donsgaragedoors.co.uk • www.donsgaragedoors.co.uk

COMMUNITY

New Alresford Town Council Local Hero Award We were delighted to receive a Mayor of Winchester Local Hero award 2020 together with other parishes and individuals in recognition of services to our community. We have accepted this award on behalf of everyone who has served their community during the pandemic. The New Alresford Town Council support network would not have been able to run without the dedication and hard work of all our fantastic volunteers and the support of Alresford PIGS, New Alresford Town Trust, Alresford Rotary and Churches Together in Alresford.

Nominations The Mayor of Winchester’s Community Award recognises and celebrates the organisations and individuals who have given outstanding service to the people of the Winchester District. The aim of these awards is to

celebrate the selfless activity that brightens the lives of many residents and makes the District a wonderful place in which to live. The Mayor invites your nominations and seeks to ensure that the Awards reflect the full range of community support from all corners of the Winchester District. www.winchester.gov. uk Grants Winchester City Council offers grants of up to £500 to local voluntary and community groups. Grants are quick and easy to apply for, and they are happy to guide you through the process. The grants are available for one-off pieces of expenditure, projects, equipment and other items which will help your organisation to do more, to reach more people, to provide better services or to try something different. www. winchester.gov.uk

Census Since 1801 (except in 1941) every ten years each household in the UK has been required to complete the census. It provides a detailed snapshot of the whole population and is unique because everyone in the country answers the same questions about the same day.

This data enables central and local government to allocate resources effectively to areas such as housing, education, health and transport. In 2011, the last census 94% of the population took part. The next census will take place on Sunday 21st March 2021 and for this census there will be the option to complete the form on-line. Details will be sent out to households by the beginning of March. We will keep you updated via our website and facebook page. www.gov.uk

Arlebury Park Apologies to our younger residents, you may have noticed that the zipwire in Arlebury Park is out of action. We know that it is popular and well used. We’ll have it back up and running as soon as the manufacturer replaces the wire. We’re keen that everyone enjoys our parks, and we know that the majority of dog owners are considerate and responsible and ensure that their pet is always under control even when off the lead. Unfortunately, we have had several reports of dogs being

exercised in our parks whilst off the lead and not under control. Their unpredictable and frightening behaviour has caused considerable distress to members of the public. Please ensure that your dog is under control at all times. Lengthsman The lengthsman’s next visit is 18th March. Some of his responsibilities include cutting back vegetation encroaching on footpaths and highways which is making visibility or pedestrian access difficult; tree clearance and signage cleaning. If you notice any public areas that may need his attention, please email committeeclerk@ newalresford-tc.gov.uk Council meetings We are still holding council meetings virtually. Members of the public are always welcome to attend. If you would like access to a meeting, there is now a link on the agenda which will admit you automatically to the “waiting room”. The host will know that you are waiting and will admit you to the meeting. All meeting dates, agendas and minutes are on our website. New Alresford Town Council Arlebury Park, The Avenue, New Alresford, SO24 9EP Phone: 01962 732079 www.newalresford-tc.gov.uk

HOME

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

T. 01420 80650

M. 07918 913194

Tel (Cheriton): 01962 771285 Mobile: 07973 407996 Est. Locally for over 30 years

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

COMMUNITY Village Agent - Vision and hearing impairment Sensory impairment is a very common issue for people as they grow older. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to help you cope with the issues arising from declining sight and hearing.

Visual impairment

• Sight tests – You can arrange for an optician to visit you at home, by calling the Outside Clinic on 0800 640 9513 or booking online https://www.outsideclinic.co.uk/eye-test-at- home/request-an-eye-test/ Specsavers also offer a home visit service, which you can book by calling your local home visit team on 07796 705239. Both organisations offer free NHS sight tests and help towards the costs of glasses, if you are eligible. • Sight aids – Magnifiers, large button telephones, talking clocks and text-speak devices are available to help with everyday tasks. The NHS website provides more information https://www.nhs.uk/ conditions/vision-loss/ • Support organisations: • The Macular Society 0300 3030111 https://www.macularsociety.org/ • Seeability 01372 755000 https://www.seeability.org/ • RNIB 0303 1239999 https://www.rnib.org.uk/

City council launches ‘Next Generation Winchester’ to create housing opportunities for younger residents The council is calling on the district’s ‘next generation’, those aged 18-35, to express what improvements can be made to increase housing opportunities for younger residents in the future. The launch of ‘Next Generation Winchester’ kicks off with an online survey, available at www.winchestersurvey.com/next-generation until 18 February 2021. It will explore the challenges faced by young people across the district – especially those who live and work in the city. The survey will help to ensure that the needs of the district’s future generations is being thoroughly considered at all levels in the planning and development processes. The project will offer vital insights around ways to: Create a platform for young people and families to share their thoughts on local housing options; Develop high quality policy that strengthens support for housing to meet the needs of younger, and low-income households; Provide appropriate housing to ensure that the council is building a mix of tenure, freehold and shared ownership opportunities meet the need of Winchester district’s ‘next generation’ Speaking on the announcement of ‘Next Generation Winchester’ Cllr Anne Weir, Chair of the Digital Winchester task and finish group at Winchester City Council said:

• Open Sight Hampshire 02380 641244 https://www.opensight.org.uk/ • The Partially Sighted Society 01302 965195 https://www. partsight.org.uk/

Hearing impairment

• Hearing tests - You can also arrange for a free hearing test at home, with the Outside Clinic, by calling 0333 255 4749 or booking online https://www.outsideclinic.co.uk/hearing-test-at-home/ request-a-hearing-test/ Depending on where you live, you may be able to have an NHS-funded test and also free NHS hearing aids, should you need them. Specsavers also offer hearing tests at home, at a cost, by calling 0800 023 2949 or online https://www. specsavers.co.uk/hearing/hearing-tests-at-home • Hearing aids – Audio amplifiers, text phones, specialist smoke detectors, vibrating clocks and watches, and flashing or vibrating doorbells, are available to help. The NHS website provides more information https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/ hearing-aids/ • Support organisations: • RNID 0808 8080123 www.rnid.org.uk/ • Sonus 02380 220225 http://www.sonus.org.uk/index.html Alternatively, contact your local Village Agent, 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.

“This is an extremely important project for the council to be undertaking. We recognise and continue to improve the way we engage with residents so we can provide wider ranging solutions. The survey we’re launching today is a great opportunity for those who don’t typically engage with civic issues to tell us where we can better focus our efforts to maintain the high quality of living throughout the district.” The ‘Next Generation Winchester’ project dovetails with work to prepare a new Local Plan for the Winchester district. The new Local Plan will set the parameters for future development in the district and will allocate land for new housing to meet our communities’ needs. The new Local Plan will also set the direction on issues such as the vitality of the economy, location of retail and employment sites, creation of neighbourhoods which enhance health and wellbeing and measures to promote sustainable transport. All of these issues are set within the context of the council’s carbon neutrality targets, which is a core element of the new Local Plan. A consultation on the Strategic Issues and Priorities for the new Local Plan will be launched on 15 February 2021. Following the completion of the survey, the council will host a digital event to bring residents up to speed with the findings and outline the learnings and opportunities for the residents. More information can be found at www.winchester.gov.uk/housing/ next-generation-winchester or by emailing nextgeneration@ winchester.gov.uk.

ous Clean Carpets

onable prices, and courteous friendly SUPER-FAST 15 MINUTES DRYING om people you can trust in your home

e Forum

al residents

our carpets king for an mpany who e, will be and above

I am fully committed to the safety ofWinner my Customers during the Covid19 crisis. I clean adhering to all social distancing guidelines

ted to take f the three ue, high upholstery Maid Marian Ad 90 x 135 re offering month to give The Carpet Care People to know d out how esh and will look eshened by ople.

Deal 1:

Have any three of your carpets cleaned for just £97 total!

HOME / MOTORING

Deal 2:

Have your 3 piece suite freshened up for just £97!

Fabulous Clean Carpets, Upholstery and Curtains Our approach is simple: We are proud to run a celebrated professional carpet and upholstery cleaning business, and we insist on providing you with good oldfashioned service and value. Call now and find out why our award-winning service is probably the most requested carpet cleaning the oflocal Have anyinthree Stockbridgeyour areacarpets cleaned The next thing for you to do for 01962 just £87690 total!005 is call us on we’ll welcome your call, answer your questions and take care of everything for you.

3 Great Deals!

e of the st trusted ompanies l, nearets for a rmal cost

3 Great Deals!

SUPER-FAST 15 MINUTES DRYING

Deal 3:

Have any 3 carpets and your 3 piece suite freshened up for just £177!

Upholstery

Deal 1

we specialise in cleaning and refreshing 3 piece suites (at our current offer price of £97). Fabric Master, our special upholstery and cleaning system is safe, gentle, and very effective. Fibres are restored to their original beauty and softness you’ll see!

Deal 2

Tel 01962 690 005

Have your three piece suite freshened up for 31/1/10 just 12:38 Page 1 £97!Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a selection of frequently asked questions especially for you sceptics (you know who you are). 1. When you say ‘carpet’ what do you mean? We mean average size areas, say 10x12ft ish. But we don’t quibble if the areas are a little larger - it’s all done on fairness really. 2. Do you move furniture? Our pricing policy reflects the time it takes to clean working around furniture, rather than moving it. any three carpets That said, we are Have for example, happy to move your three piece suite backwards and forwards cleaning under it and replacing it back into piece position. What we don’t price into the job at these discount prices is and your three moving large pieces of furniture like bookcases, sideboards or wardrobes. Similarly we are not insured upflat-screen for to move electricalsuite items,freshened in particular tvs. Again we apply common sense and fairness to the situation and inevitable we do end up moving some furniture around, even at these discount prices. 3. just £167! Are there any ‘hidden’ extra costs? The prices quoted above are fully-inclusive and are the actual prices you will pay.

Deal 3

Maid Marian

PROFESSIONAL DOMESTIC SERVICES Price Full Offer Price List Carpet 1 £57

Carpet Price

£77

Carpet Price Carpet

Tel: 01962 690 005 or 07790 883507

£97

Price

£117

Carpet

Price

£137

High quality domestic services Guaranteed

FULL OFFER PRICE LIST

Carpet Price

CarpetOne Price

less think Carpetthing Price to Carpet Price about.

1 £47 Ad 90 2 £67 £87 4 £107 £127 1 Maid Marian x 135 3 31/1/10 12:385 Page

We can help.

Maid Marian

• Regular cleaning and end • of tenancy cleaning • One off spring cleans PROFESSIONAL DOMESTIC • Washing and SERVICES Ironing • Carpet cleaning • Building maintenance • including painting and • decorating • CLEANING Shopping REGULAR High quality domestic services Guaranteed • Man with a van END OF TENANCY CLEANING

One less thing to think about.

telephone: 01962 736713 email: enquiries@maidmariancleaners.co.uk web: www.maidmariancleaners.co.uk • Regular cleaning and end • of tenancy cleaning • One off spring cleans • Washing and Ironing AVAILABLE • Carpet cleaning FOR: • Building maintenance • including painting and PRIVATE HIRE • decorating • Shopping • Man with a AIRPORT van TRANSFERS telephone: 01962 736713 TEL: 01962 865602 OTHER email: enquiries@maidmariancleaners.co.uk MOBILE: 07752 570787 JOURNEYS web: www.maidmariancleaners.co.uk

We can help.

PRESTIGE CARS OF ALRESFORD OR VISIT

WWW.PRESTIGECARSALRESFORD.CO.UK

DAVE’S

PRIVATE HIRE of Alresford

07798 666 922

Airport transfers with 32 years of experience Debit/Credit cards welcome ALSO dedicated lady driver for local trips

Monday to Friday daytime, specialising in driving for the elderly Reputation for reliability built up over the years

Specialising in 'your Social Life Lifts'

07838 167117 Steve Cleverley Pre-Booked Only

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

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

SERVICE POINT MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINEERS

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 2 owners, £ 20 road tax 34,000 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

£10995 £9995 £7995 £6795 £6495 SOLD SOLD 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 Godolphin’s Old Girl Network comes together to support current students.

group of OGs (the name fondly given to Godolphin’s Alumnae) who have supported OGA Connect & Find your Future Friday – two brilliant initiatives which sign-post future opportunities for their students. OGA Connect offers a series of talks by OGs talking about their own experiences since leaving Godolphin and offering advice on taking the next step – whether applying or preparing for university, planning a GAP year, finding work experience or full-time employment or just generally preparing for life after School.

Bright Futures, Godolphin’s Careers Programme has been able to continue during lockdown, thanks to the loyal

Last year, Godolphin launched “Find Your Future Friday” which is open to all year groups. Each week a different visiting OG speaker comes to talk to the students,

A box full of Christmas cards handmade by the Year 7-9 pupils brought joy to Wayfarer Place homeowners and further strengthened their connection to the local community. Each individual card included good tidings and festive messages from the pupils. Nicki Beswarick, Divisional Marketing Manager for McCarthy Stone Southern, commented: “This year it was important for us to get creative and find new ways of bringing the community together, despite the challenges we’re all facing. The pupils at Perins and Sun Hill Junior School have gone above and beyond to produce some incredible Christmas cards, which have truly brought some yuletide comfort and festive cheer to homeowners at Wayfarer Place.

Feedback on these sessions has been excellent and one Godolphin Fifth Year parent commented “My daughter came away from a Find your Futures session last week feeling fully charged and geared up to follow a career in banking. She really enjoyed hearing about the benefits of a graduate training programme and the opportunity of moving to London upon leaving School!” landscaped gardens in which to relax, and a convenient guest suite should friends or relatives wish to stay.

Alresford pupils shared the magic of Christmas with Mccarthy Stone

The spirit of the season arrived early at McCarthy Stone’s Wayfarer Place Retirement Living Plus development on The Dean in New Alresford, thanks to a special delivery from Perins and Sun Hill Junior School pupils.

(during Friday lunch break) giving them a chance to find out about a career, university, or training opportunity. Last term Godolphin welcomed a diverse range of speakers from the worlds of fashion, finance, business, and more. Girls spoke online during lockdown when visits to School had been cancelled.

Homeowners at the development benefit from having an Estate Management Team on-site 24 hours a day, and tailored domestic support packages are available for those who need a helping hand. A security entrance system and emergency call points provide added peace-of-mind for homeowners and their families.

“Engagement with the communities in which we build is a key focus at McCarthy Stone, never more so than throughout 2020 when we all might be feeling a little more isolated than before. We pride ourselves on creating a close-knit and supportive community, so we will continue to focus on innovative ways to forge these important connections until we can once again welcome everyone in person.” Mr Jewell, Heads of House at Perins School, added: “All of our pupils really enjoyed making and writing their cards. It was certainly a great way to get us all into the Christmas spirit and help to foster relationships between the generations. We’d like to thank all of the homeowners at Wayfarer Place, they were absolutely delighted they all enjoyed their cards.” Designed for the over 70s, Wayfarer Place features an on-site bistro, a homeowners’ lounge, which is ideal for socialising with friends and new neighbours, beautifully

Prices at Wayfarer Place currently start from just £465,000 for a high-specification two-bedroom apartment. Rental and partbuy, part-rent options are also available. More than nine out of 10 customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, ensuring it has received the full Five Star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation for 15 years’ running. McCarthy Stone is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this accolade for 15 consecutive years, which is every year the awards have been run. McCarthy Stone also received the Housebuilder Special Recognition Award 2020 for working hard to protect its customers – Covid-19 infection rates among homeowners are significantly below the national rate of infection across all age groups – and for innovation in the retirement sector. For more information on Retirement Living Plus in New Alresford, please call 0800 310 0383 or go to www.mccarthyandstone. co.uk/wayfarer-place.

Book a one-to-one online visit to learn more about Godolphin Sixth

FRANC

HA LEAL

ETO GE

Tel. 07394 565060 admissions@godolphin.org www.godolphin.org

Felling more isolated and anxious during lockdown? are you having trouble hearing TV or talking on the telephone?

WE ARE STILL OPEN

Itchen Valley Forum - Issue 170 February 2021

Articles inside

FEBRUARYITCHEN VALLEY FORUM

Wellbeing

Property Management

Recipe of the Month