Itchen Valley Forum July 2021

Forum

ISSUE 175 JULY 2021

ITCHEN VALLEY

Life in your Community

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

GO WEST!

HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF WIGHT TRUST

LOCAL INFORMATION

Middle Eastern Tabbouleh salad with couscous

By Lucia Foster-Found

Tales from the Riverbank Photography Competition

Your A to Z of useful local info

STYLE ˙ INTERIORS ˙ HEALTH & BEAUTY ˙ INTERVIEWS ˙ FOOD & DRINK ˙ ENTERTAINMENT ˙ EVENTS Cover Image: Kingfisher portrait © Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

Phoenix for Air Conditioning With summer just around the corner let us carry out a

FREE performance check on your Air Conditioning.

An inefficient system will be less effective and will have to work harder, putting more strain on your engine and using more fuel.

We have a full service and repair centre here at Phoenix, so why not call to arrange your FREE check and let us help you keep cool and save yourself pounds this summer.

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 JULY 2021

CONTENTS 04 Property Management

42 Feature

08

Buying, selling, letting?

Find local estate agents and property management services

44 Wellbeing

08 Feature

Looking after your health and yourself!

Go West! By Lucia Foster-Found

47 Professional Services

10 Home

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

25 Garden

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

From photographers to solicitors - every professional service you need

52 Motoring

Make your garden dream come true

30 Retail

Let's celebrate the beautiful butterflies of the South Downs National Park

36

Local services to keep your vehicle running smoothly

50 Education

Find local schools and educational experts

30 Retail

Our regular retail feature, Unique, Bespoke, Eclectic

38

Discover local events and days out in

Contributors

Tel: 01962 735137 www.forumpublications.co.uk

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

20

Tales from the Riverbank Competition

40 Leisure & Entertainment

Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

Alresford, SO24 9QH

Middle Eastern Tabbouleh Salad with Couscous

39 Competition

Graphic Designer James Curtis james@forumpublications.co.uk

Unit 8A, Shelf House, New Farm Road,

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

Camera Ready - How to Photograph our Chalk Streams

Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk

Forum Publications Offices

Save Every Drop Water Saving Challenge

38 Feature

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

Get in Touch

36 Recipe of the Month

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

www. luciafosterfound.com

36 Food & Drink

Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk

Lucia Foster-Found

35 Environment

The Team

42

COMMUNITY / PROPERTY Citizens Advice Winchester District Lesley Rose, Advice Services Manager for Citizens Advice Winchester District advises on what house repairs your landlord is responsible for in a rented property.

I’ve been living in my privately rented flat for years. I generally have a good relationship with my landlord but I just can’t get them to carry out various repairs that have built up. How can I get them to act - and what exactly do they have to do?

This must be a very frustrating situation. The law states that your landlord must provide accommodation that is safe, healthy and free from things that could cause serious harm. (This is for England - housing is devolved in Wales.)

You don’t say exactly what repairs are needed. If you have problems such as electrical wiring that you think might be faulty, or there’s damp, or an infestation by pests, the landlord has a legal obligation to put things right.

Landlords are also responsible for the maintenance of the general structure, and fittings such as boilers and radiators; basins, baths and toilets; and the drains.

The first step is to contact your landlord again, in writing.

Include photographs of the problems. Keep a record of all communications and evidence relating to the disrepair.

If that doesn’t prompt any action, our advisors at Citizens Advice can help with the next steps. These could include contacting your local council (who will have dedicated officers for dealing with disrepair in private rented properties) or asking for a visit by the environmental health team.

Tenants can take their landlords to court to force them to carry out repairs. However, it’s worth getting some advice and thinking carefully before embarking on this route.

Alternatively to speak to an adviser at Citizens Advice Winchester District, call our freephone number on 0808 278 7861 or email advice@cawinchesterdistrict.org.uk

4

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

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

PROPERTY / COMMUNITY that you ideally need to sell now, then it is fortunate to have caught a sellers’ market.

5 good reasons to sell now....

The demand for properties is high – There is an imbalance between supply and demand. Applicants are putting considerable pressure on agents to let them know about any properties coming to the market, so if you market a property now, it is likely to attract considerable interest.

The future is unpredictable – Given the rapidly changing circumstances and likely economic changes, it is not easy to predict when a downturn may come. Act now while we know the market is favourable.

As an independent property agency, we are able to fully focus on our client and their property. We are able to be flexible in our approach and not ‘one size fits all’. We can quickly adapt to changing markets to always ensure the best outcome for our clients.

So, now is the time to make the most of this opportunity and call The Country House Company on 02392 632 275.

Mortgage rates are low – Buyers are able to commit to a low fixed rate mortgage and create long term financial stability making this an attractive time to be buying.

This is the season to sell – Spring and summer are an ideal time to sell a house. Properties and locations present better at this time of the year and as the summer holidays approach people have the time to focus on plans. As we are being encouraged to holiday in the UK it will mean more people will be discovering the benefits of living in The South.

If the time is right for you – The best time to sell is when it is the right time for you personally, and if personal circumstances dictate

CPRE Hampshire Hedgerow Heroes Project Volunteers Wanted For Hedgerow Heroes Project

• CPRE Hampshire are looking for volunteers to get involved in work on hedgerows • The launch of the project coincides with the first National Hedgerow Week • The site is just south of Bransgore on the Western edge of the New Forest • CPRE Hampshire will be working closely with the landowners, the Hinton Admiral Estate • Hedgerows form the UK’s largest wildlife habitat and play a major role in supporting biodiversity and tackling climate change CPRE Hampshire are keen to support the restoration of hedgerows and are part of a new project, called Hedgerow Heroes, to plant or restore over 15 kilometres of hedge across the country.

CPRE, the Countryside Charity, have long campaigned for the value of the humble hedgerow and see them as “the vital stitching in the patchwork of our countryside. Not only are they beautiful, with shifting seasonal colours, but they also provide homes and corridors for wildlife”. CPRE would like to see more hedgerows planted and restored, and strongly support the Climate Change Committee’s call for a 40% increase in the extent of hedgerows by 2050 to help tackle the climate emergency.

The overall project will engage with more than 600 volunteers, 15 schools and two colleges. It will see the planting of over 50,000 trees and whips, improve the biodiversity of hedgerows, link landscapes, support carbon sequestration and connect people to

6

Kate Porter, Head of Sales Tel: 02392 633 026

EQDC

the countryside. Locally, CPRE Hampshire will be working closely with site landowners, the Hinton Admiral Estate, who will carry out the planting work. Estate Manager Rich Shirley says: “We are delighted to be working with CPRE Hampshire on this project, which is part of our wider plans to restore hedgerows across the estate.” They will also work with Bransgore Primary School, who see this as “an amazing opportunity” to teach the children about the importance of hedges to the countryside.

The new hedgerow will replace one which was removed many years ago – like so many other hedgerows across the county - and will run along historic boundaries identified from old estate plans. All hedgerows will be being planted with a mix of species native to Britain and will help support a broader range of wildlife.

By replacing historic hedgerows and filling in gaps between old hedges, we hope to improve the habitat for animals such as dormice and bats.

By improving wildlife habitat and thus encouraging an increase in the local population of birds, mammals and invertebrates, the project will enhance the amenity value of the area and thus encourage more people from the local communities and the nearby urban area to access and enjoy the countryside.

CPRE Hampshire team on a recce visit to the project site: on the left is hedge-laying trainer Chris Sparkes, on the right is Hinton Admiral Estate Manager Rich Shirley

PROPERTY

Experts in property Sales I Lettings I Management Across the South

Selling, Letting & Managing properties in the Itchen Valley 02392 632 275

sales@countryhousecompany.co.uk  lettings@countryhousecompany.co.uk management@countryhousecompany.co.uk countryhousecompany.co.uk

½À

7

FEATURE

Go West! © LUCIA FOSTER-FOUND 2021

S

he looked up from her tablet. The light of the zealot in her eyes. “Holiday! We need a holiday. It would be so nice.”

Would it though? He was a big fan of the West country.

She, on the other hand, was a big fan of other countries.

Mmnnnn.

Aaand.. she was off the starting blocks. “Spain? I’ve been dreaming of paella.”

His shoulders slumped. Paella – really? In his opinion if nature intended chickens to occupy the same plate as mussels and prawns, they’d have fins not wings.

“Dependant on ‘traffic lights’, Darling – but, and I hesitate to mention it, do you remember you had the squit.. I mean, some gastro-intestinal issues in Lloret de Mar? Spent two days running to and from the bathroom. Poor you..” He adopted a sympathetic expression.

Misty-eyed she recalled “It was our first foreign holiday together.

I was so young. So carefree. SO ill.. Yes, perhaps not there.” That was a narrow squeak; he breathed a sigh of relief.

But she’d already washed up on more distant shores. “Greece?”

He nodded. “Cradle of civilization, but never any hot water for showers. That bar next door playing music until two in the morning and hey, didn’t you step on a sea urchin?” He pseudosighed. “Happy days.”

“Memory of an elephant.” She muttered as a frown creased the skin between her brows. “Egypt then? Amazing antiquities; the sphinx, the pyramids?” Sounding slightly less optimistic than before, though. Promising.

“You got the trot… I mean, some more gastro-intestinal issues on our Nile cruise. Positively galloped around the Temple of Karnak looking for the loos – impressive turn of speed in all that heat.” His chuckles faded as he spotted her narrow-eyed stare.

“Sorry, Darling. Besides, the Foreign Office advice isn’t superchirpy just now.” Time to steer her away from the hot-as-Hades Mediterranean region altogether. “Perhaps somewhere cooler, somewhere closer to home..?” he hinted.

Eyes wide, she exclaimed “Good idea! Iceland. Glaciers, waterfalls and Northern lights.” Re-invigorated, she’d changed tack. Wily.

He’d have to think fast.

“Not much in the way of relics and you know you like a bit of history.” Was it a strong enough gambit? He waited, watching, whilst she mulled over his latest impediment. He thought she might be wavering.

8

WWW.LUCIAFOSTERFOUND.COM

“Which is why I love Greece so much.” She’d u-turned back to the Hellenic land of the Gods. He was getting whiplash keeping up. She further enthused “ruins, museums, plus great food; souvlaki, stifado, moussaka! In Greece, I’ve never, EVER needed to trot, run or indeed gallop in urgent search of facilities. I haven’t even learned the word for ‘toilet’ in Greek.”

She shot him a slightly indignant look.

Very true - excellent counterargument. Just as well he had a quick riposte. “Absolutely.” He agreed. She looked momentarily satisfied until he elaborated. “Polar opposite problem. Three days in, it’s bran buds and syrup of figs for you, Darling. I think it might be all that meat..”

Pressing his advantage he wheeled out the big guns for a final salvo. “But let’s not forget the dogs. We’ll miss the dogs terribly.

AND they’ll cost us a fortune in kennelling. The girls can’t look after them, not with the babies and everything.” Oh, he was good, he’d impressed even himself. She had to concede defeat now, surely?

She shrugged. “You’re right of course.”

He shoots! He scores! Mental fist pumping. But why was she was beaming at him, looking so suspiciously pleased with herself ?

“I was just teasing” she announced. “I thought we’d go West this year. So I’ve booked a dog friendly cottage in Devon for a fortnight. Complete with hot tub and a good pub down the road.”

It sounded perfect. Deep joy flooded through him. “It’s got a wood burner” she continued “because, let’s face it, the weather might be cold. I’ll pack our waterproofs, because, let’s face it, it’s bound to rain. And I’ll take the wetsuits, because, let’s face it, the sea is a bit nippy. Hopefully the traffic won’t be too horrific – although it is a bit of a trek and there are extensive road-works en route.” Her face wreathed in smiles, she got up and kissed him.

Watching her retreating back as she went to tell the dogs they were going on holiday with mummy and daddy, the words ‘cold’, ‘rain’ and ‘road-works’ lingered in the air.

Unexpectedly agreeable, delightful, even wonderful images of holidaying overseas arose in his mind. Diving into warm Mediterranean waters. Lively bars full of music and fun. Exotic wonders of the ancient world. Hot, rejuvenating sun. Tearinducing Northern lights. And paella.

Well maybe not the paella.

Jumping up out of his seat he sprinted after her, calling as he went “But I’m not ruling out somewhere abroad next year…

Darling.. Darling?”

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

A name you can count on in a changing world… from the madding A name youFar can count on in a crowd… changing world…

People from far and wide marvel at our beautiful market town, with its gurgling chalk streams, Georgian townhouses and array of independent shops and businesses. Some like it so much they decide to move here, in order to sample for themselves the undoubted quality of life that Alresford and the surrounding area has to offer.

The possibility of working from home part of the week has now become a reality for many people, allowing them to free-up valuable time for family and relaxation. Homes of all shapes and sizes are in demand locally, especially those with a study or a garden office, which are a pre-requisite for successful ‘home-working’. Good internet is critical as well, so locations and villages with good connectivity are highly sought after.

If you are thinking of selling or letting your home this year, you need a partner who understands why Alresford is so attractive to this new breed of home-mover. Please contact one of our dedicated team for a friendly chat, and to find out how we can help you along your property journey. 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

BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR FIRES & FURNITURE

London Road, Kingsworthy, Winchester, SO23 7QG www kingsworthyfoundry.co.uk Email info@kingsworthyfoundry.co.uk Telephone 01962 883776

Morsø Forno Pizza Oven

Piquia

Not only easy on the eye but delivers the most mouthwatering food too! Fill with wood and keep warm

Made in Denmark using CoreTen steel and stainless steel fixings, this little patio heater delivers a surprising amount of heat for its size!

Morsø Kamino

GIRSE Design Outdoor Fires / BBQ’s

Make your summer nights last longer with our stunning wood burning outdoor patio and garden heater.

With a wheeled base and numerous additions such as a rotisserie, wok and smoker you’re sure to find everything you need in this top end outdoor fire.

01962 883776 www.kingsworthyfoundry.co.uk

MASTERBUILT – Gravity Series 560 Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker With this Grill and Smoker, you can smoke, grill, sear, bake, roast and so much more.

12

RAIS RA 80cm Fire-pit Made from CorTen steel provides a real focal point and gives a surprising amount of heat!

Leenders ‘Woodbee’

Kamado Joe®

Inspired by mother nature and infinitely stackable, bring some life to your wood store! Wall mounted option also available.

Bringing a different level to cooking al fresco!

Forget your oven, once you master the divide and conquer system you’ll never look back!

01962 883776 www.kingsworthyfoundry.co.uk

Proud to be chosen as exclusive partners to BOREK and Max & Luuk The best in Danish design, quality outdoor furniture. Email or call for a brochure for this stunning high end brand.

FUEGO Outdoor Pizza Ovens More fire-pits than you can shake a stick at!

UK made in 3-5mm thick mild steel from £179.

Delicious Pizza in 90 seconds, char-grilled steak in minutes and vegetable dishes like you wouldn’t believe!

01962 883776 www.kingsworthyfoundry.co.uk

13

HOME

PR AERIALS DIGITAL TV & SATELLITE SPECIALIST

Paul Rolfe 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

MICHAEL J SLY Plumbing and Heating

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

SUPERKOOL

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Maintenance/Service Including Anti-bacterial disinfectant coil treatments Interior/Exterior unit cleans Electrical/Fixing/Pump/Leak checks Fgas test/certification Commercial/Residential Services from £50 email: info@superkool.co.uk for a quote

www.superkool.co.uk

Gas Boiler Service Water Softeners

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

Free competitive quotations

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

14

REFURBISHMENT • INTERIOR RECONSTRUCTION KITCHENS & BATHROOMS • GENERAL BUILDING Local, experienced, and here to help you.

Andy Cliff • 01962 738883 • cliffbuilding@gmail.com

High quality domestic services Guaranteed

HOME

One less thing to think about.

Maid Marian Ad 90 x 135

31/1/10

12:38

Page 1

We can help.

Maid Marian

One less thing to think about.

We can help.

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

01962 776545

Domestic plumbing

AN

UM B L P

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

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

ING & HEAT

IN

G

L

D T

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 • Carpet cleaning • Building maintenance • including painting and • decorating • Shopping • Man with a van

CJ The Plumber

DE

• 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

telephone: 01962 736713 email: enquiries@maidmariancleaners.co.uk web: www.maidmariancleaners.co.uk 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

15

COMMUNITY / HOME Alresford Rotary 2021 Back to Basics - A brief introduction to Rotary Rotary International is a Worldwide organisation committed to serve in the immediate local community, along with many international projects, promoting goodwill and peace, advancing world fellowship and understanding. It is a global network of service volunteers, being the World’s largest service organisation for business and professional people, with some 1,210,905 members operating in 168 countries Worldwide. Rotary International has its origins in the United States of America, 23rd February 1905 being the date which is generally regarded as the first official meeting. The founder, Paul Harris, and three others had been meeting regularly, but informally, for almost a year, and it was during this period that the concept of Rotary was discussed and developed, although the Founder Members could not have contemplated the international dimension that would quickly emerge from their original ideas. The first steps towards establishing a Rotary club in Alresford took place in 1985, rapidly picked up momentum and culminated in January 1987 in a dinner being held to celebrate the Rotary Club of Alresford being granted its charter, its formal integration into Rotary International.

Alresford Rotary in 2021 Although the core principles of Rotary (which will be outlined in future articles) remain unchanged Rotary, both internationally and locally, has changed considerably from how it was in 1905 and 1987! It is no longer exclusively for “business and professional people”. It is no longer only for men! Have a look at our new website to get an idea of what Rotary is doing internationally and locally and if you are enthused and want to make a real difference in your community on a regular or occasional basis please let us know Co-ordinating Alresford Since March 2020 our community (both individuals and elected and voluntary organisations) has responded magnificently to circumstances that were previously unimaginable. That said it was apparent that, although we were all paddling our canoes in the same direction, communication could be better and accordingly since earlier this year there has been a monthly Zoom call involving representatives on behalf of Rotary, the PIGS, the Town Council, the Town Trustees, the Chamber of Commerce, Churches Together in Alresford and the local schools. The purpose of such calls is so that we can get to know each other better and the plans we have as (hopefully) we continue to ease out of lockdown, to avoid clashes of event and to generally provide a network to support each other which network can be “ramped up” with relative ease should another major issue arise. If your organisation would like to be included in future Zoom calls (normally on the last Wednesday evening of the month) please let Rotary know – it is anticipated that New Leaf Alresford (https://newleafalresford.org) will be taking part from June.

James Pinniger - Contact details: www.alresford-rotary.org rotaryalresford@gmail.com 07753 998829.

16

Take your first step on the path to a Special Space that's just right for you.

Contact: ann@specialspaces.uk or call: 07862 268602 I'll send you a questionnaire to help you start imagining your new outdoor space and what it means to you, then we can arrange a chat!

There's no obligation at this point, so you've nothing to lose.

Outdoor space designed & developed with you, for you.

Alresford & surrounding areas

Alresford Chamber of Commerce A number of our members have expressed that they have staff vaccancies. If anyone, college / school leavers or those changing careers are interested there are job opportunities currently available in Alresford. A number of businesses were able to receive the transformation grant. Despite the ecconomic challenges of the past year it is a very positive sign that there are very few retail vaccancies in the town.

Chamber Events AGM – The AGM was held last month and the core committee members re-elected. We have appointed Anthony Oxley as vice chair to support our chair. If any members wish to join us we would be pleased to welcome them Alresford Founders Day We would welcome ideas for this from all community groups as this needs to be a community event to celebrate the whole town, across all generations. This will now not be initated this year but will be in prepartion for future years. Any groups with ideas please do feed back.

Town Events We will resume market town events once we are able to. These will be posted on the event boards in town and a full list on our events page (https://www.alresfordchamber.co.uk/alresford/ AlresfordEvents/) . Any businesses or individuals wishing to participate, sponsor or generally assist with any of our projects please do email us.

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

17

crafted by Schuller, the second largest German kitchen manufacturer, they have an extensive and inspiring collection ranging from the contemporary to the more traditional.

At Town and Country, we take pride in ensuring every client receives the best customer service, from the informative and knowledgeable sales process through to the extensive after sales care.

Both of us have lived in the local area for our whole lives and we have always wanted a shop here. Adam also started his career in this industry at Botley bathrooms 15 years ago. Our showroom did not have the best start, opening during a pandemic, but we have had great support from the local residents and we are extremely happy our showroom is finally open and thriving.

Our boutique showroom showcases some of the finest kitchen and bathroom furniture available, with a strong emphasis on UK and European manufacturing. Bathroom manufacturers on display include Ambiance Bain, Pelipal, Hansgrohe, Roper Rhodes and Miller of Sweden, with Porcelanosa tiling throughout the showroom. Our kitchens are expertly

Being an independent showroom with over 20 years combined industry experience we have chosen to partner ourselves with manufacturers we believe are superior to most within the industry today.

We chose to open our first shop in the picturesque village of Botley and had a chance to position ourselves on the beautiful high street in April 2020.

18

Please contact us regarding our complementary design and quotation service, we look forward to hearing from you.

Visit Town & Country 8 The High Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO3O 2EA Telephone: 01489 536187 Email: sales@town-and-country.co.uk www.town-and-country.co.uk

HOME

8 The High Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO3O 2EA Telephone: 01489 536187 Email: sales@town-and-country.co.uk

www.town-and-country.co.uk

19

COMMUNITY Curtis Museum & Allen Gallery Summer in the Allen Gallery Alton Art Society is mounting an exhibition in the main Exhibition Space from Friday 2nd July to Sunday 31st July.

Park”. Visitors will be able to learn about other animals that were around at the time of the dinosaurs and are still with us today; find out about the passion and dedication of fossil hunters ; have a go at lots of hands-on family friendly activities.

In the Café, from Friday 2nd July to Sunday 22nd August, there is an exhibition of work by artist Clifford Dsouza.

Both are FREE We hope that the very popular Music in the Gallery Garden will return on Saturday 14th August. Keep an eye on our website and the local Press.

The main summer event will be Dinosaurium from 7th August to 19th September. This exhibition looks at the long history of our relationship with dinosaurs, from the remains found in the Gobi Desert that gave birth to a mythical winged beast, to the creatures brought to life in “Jurassic

Two bookable children’s workshops.

Drawing with scissors! Saturday 17th July.

Take inspiration from the artist Henri Matisse and the Allen Gallery’s beautiful garden. Join local artist Lindsey Southworth in a playful workshop exploring various shapes (geometric, organic, positive and

Jackie’s County Corner

of the city must have been immense.

The memorial to everyone who passed through the camp is outside the Great Hall.

As I write, we don’t know what the trajectory of the Delta variant will be or even what the future holds, but the lockdown has meant that consultations are continuing online for now. The M3 Junction 9 consultation continues until 11.59 pm on the 8th July. You can also ask for a telephone consultation if you can’t go online-call 0300 123 5000.

This month Dr Phil Marter, archaeologist and University lecturer, invited me to join him at their ‘annual dig’. This year it was at Morn Hill. Having been one of a team researching the history of this huge camp seven years ago now, it was fascinating seeing it brought to life on the ground by second year University of Winchester students as part of their course work.

Even whilst I was there, one student found a fragment of a comb, clearly stamped made in the USA. Winchester welcomed over 700,000 Americans through the camp in the last year of the war and the impact on the life and the economy

20

Have you been clearing out your wardrobe recently? Now there’s another way to put them to good use. Shelter has a scheme whereby you can send them your clothes by post-for free! Go to https://shop. shelter.org.ukYou can buy clothes there too.

Two pilot areas have been chosen to trial leaving the grass longer for biodiversity.

One is Alresford. In other areas, you are asking for your verges to be left too. It’s a fine line between biodiverse and untidy!

I’d appreciate your views as the summer progresses.

The County Council had its first live meeting- at the hotel within the Ageas bowl, and after a stuttering start because

negative) to create a layered collage with repeated motifs. Materials provided, a small charge will be made.

Do you love Dinosaurs?

Making up stories and putting on a performance? Saturday 31st July. Have fun making paper puppets and a paper prehistoric backdrop for your very own puppet show to take home! Materials provided, a small charge will be made.

OPENING TIMES Friday, Saturday and Sunday Curtis 10am – 4pm. Allen 10.30 – 3.30pm Please see our websites to book your visit www.hampshireculture.org.uk/curtismuseum www.hampshireculture.org.uk/allen-gallery and observe the Government’s current health and safety advice while visiting.

Please note from 24th July we will be increasing our opening days – please check the website/Facebook for further details

of Covid 19 regulations, the first Cabinet will be on July 13th. The County’s Forward plan lists an additional £1million to top up the Government scheme for the installation of better broadband in the county. With several schemes ‘on the go’ in this division, I will be supporting that decision.

After staying on to steer the County Council during the pandemic, John Coughlan is retiring and Carolyn Williamson will be the new Chief Executive. Carolyn has been the Deputy Chief Executive and as Director of Corporate Resources has a firm grip on the finances of the County Council (budget £2.1bn) which is exactly what is needed right now.

Finally, conscious that much of the traffic on the roads at peak times is school traffic, I am researching school transport plans in our area. If your child is starting school, pre school or nursery, I’d be pleased to hear how you will balance your work and school transport needs.

Many thanks County Councillor Jackie Porter, Itchen Valley Division - Tel: 01962 791054 text: 07973 696 085, email Jackie.porter@hants. gov.uk website www.jackieporter.co.uk Follow me on twitter @JackieLibDem

D

DON S GARAGE DOORS

Bespoke 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 6, Vicarage Farm Business Park, Winchester Road, Fair Oak, Eastleigh, SO50 7HD sales@donsgaragedoors.co.uk • www.donsgaragedoors.co.uk

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 22

ous Clean Carpets

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

Forum

al residents

ur carpets king for an pany who e, will be and above

ted to take f the three ue, high upholstery re offering month to give to know d out how sh and ill look eshened by ople.

I am fully committed to the safety ofWinner my Customers during the Covid19 crisis.

I clean adhering to all social distancing guidelines

The Carpet Care People

Deal 1:

HOME

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

Deal 2:

Only Have your£895 3 piecefor suite freshened up for a fully fitted 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

APPROVED

electric door.

Deal 3:

Gotta get a Garolla.

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 £895 005 NOW ONLY Have your three piece suite freshened up for just £97!Frequently Asked Questions

WAS £1,354 INC VAT

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EVERY DOOR:

Here’s a selection of frequently asked questions especially for you sceptics (you know who you are).

FREE EXPERTsay MEASURING & FITTING 1. When you say ‘carpet’ what do you mean? We mean average size areas, 10x12ft ish. But we REMOTE CONTROLS don’t quibble if the areas are a little larger - it’s all done on fairness really.TWO 2. Do you move furniture?

ACOUSTIC & THERMAL INSULATION Our pricing policy reflects the time it takes to clean working around furniture, rather than moving it.

AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS any three carpets That said, we are Have for example, happy to move your three piece suite backwards and forwards cleaning FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD DOOR under it and replacing it back into position.

What we don’t price into the job at these discount prices is and your three piece moving large pieces of furniture like bookcases, sideboards or wardrobes. Similarly we are not insured suite freshened up for to move electrical items, in particular flat-screen 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 Garolla garage doors are strong and prices you will pay.

Deal 3

Offer valid for openings up to 2.6m wide & inc: 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override.

solidly built. They’re made to measure in

Full Offer Price List

Carpet Price

1

£57

Carpet Price

2

£77

factories.Price The electric Garolla Carpet Price Carpetour own PriceUK Carpet

Tel: 01962 690 005 or 07790 883507

3

1 £47

Carpet Price

2 £67

Carpet Price

3 £87

Carpet Price

4 £107

4

£117

5

£137

door rolls up vertically taking up only 8 inches inside your garage.

Our expert installers will fit your new door and take away the old one so there’s no mess.

Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up completely Free.

FULL OFFER PRICE LIST Carpet Price

£97

GOTTA GET A GAROLLA

CALL US TODAY

023 8181 0119 MOBILE

07537 149 128 www.garolla.co.uk

Carpet Price

5 £127

The Polite Painter Based in Alresford All domestic and commercial decoration work considered Please contact Ben for a free no obligation quote tel: 07427 618 507 * Politeness subject to availability

23

COMMUNITY Winchester Council Update July 2021

Worthy sandwiched between the north and south bound carriageways of the A34 is most unsatisfactory. Give your views please.

Traffic Troubles The suggestion of a Cross Highways Parish Group to apply pressure on Highways, to sort out a range of problems, has been well received. This is very much owned by the Parishes, in the hope that by acting together, we can find solutions that are cheap enough for Hampshire County Council, as the responsible authority, to agree and hopefully fund. We merely act as convenor. The cabinet member responsible has admitted to ‘managed decline’, that needs to be communicated properly so that we can make our personal decisions about how and where we travel. The neglect of safe provision for pedestrians and cyclists, is just as important as motor traffic. Most of us are reducing our carbon imprint but safety is a major factor.

Which brings us to

And Undergrowth.

The brambles and nettles have responded as expected to the warm weather and are making footpaths perilous. Many thanks to New Alresford Town Council for responding so quickly. NB shouting about blocked paths on social media achieves little, contact your Parish or Town Council. Alresford residents please write down the number, 01962 732079, the villages do this a lot better.

M3 Junction 9 The revised layouts, which can be seen at https://highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/ south-east/m3-junction-9-improvements/ Show a vast improvement on traffic safety but leave a lot to be desired on routes that feel safe for pedestrians and cyclists. The footpath/cycle route from Winnall to Kings

Winchester College 24-hour charity music event

Tip Access The campaign to provide Access for All started in November 2020. The booking system is a barrier to all users with a car, recycling rates were down, and waste was accumulating on private property. There will be a pilot in place to allow non car access for

Picture from the 2016 Campaign

25 May 2021 – Over 65 pupils and 20 teachers from Winchester College participated in a 24-hour music festival, fundraising for the NSPCC, Stay at School Nepal, and important local charity, Winchester Young Carers. So far, the event has raised over £5,000.

The festival began at 2pm on Saturday and continued non-stop through the night until Sunday 2pm. Performances showcased a range of musical talents from all age groups,

24

However, an even greater threat to the Alresford Tip is now on the horizon. Budget Consultations at Hampshire propose among other things, closing tips; as Alresford is the smallest, it is the most vulnerable. It was proposed for closure in 2016 and we protested successfully, time to brush up your banners please. Unsurprisingly, making access to the Tip difficult seems to have increased levels of fly tipping. How much would fly tipping increase as a result of closing the Tip completely?

Other proposed budget cuts that affect us include removing subsidies for supported bus services, the 240 and 67 locally, and charging for school transport, not much recognition of the impact that will have on the air quality around schools, cost to the disadvantaged, or our carbon footprint there then!

Please give your views, consultation closes on 18th July https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/ haveyoursay/consultations/balancing-thebudget Margot Power - 01962 734167 Russell Gordon-Smith - 07803 168155

across diverse genres, from classical to jazz, rock to rap. Viewers enjoyed a rich variety of sounds, which heard the likes of Sergei Rachmaninoff followed by contemporary artists such as Taylor Swift.

The whole school community was involved in the event. Natural History teacher, Dan Wright, who has recently joined the school from Nepal, opened the festival with the Nepali national anthem, whilst music teacher, Nick Salwey, eased viewers into Sunday morning with Bach’s The WellTempered Clavier, Book 1.

Winchester College Charity Music Team

three hours a week, an improvement but still a barrier to recycling.

It was the first time this year that an audience could attend music performances at the school in person, with up to 20 spectators allowed at any time. Pupils also managed a live stream of the event so friends and family could tune in. The entire event was planned, promoted and organised by Winchester College’s Charities Committee, which is a group of sixth form pupils dedicated to raising money for the school’s three chosen charities.

nicest thing about organising this event was being able to feel immersed in the school community again. We have worked very closely together and, needless to say, our plans were constantly changing, even seconds before the next performer went on.

Despite performing for such a long time, the standard was extremely high. It has been very heart-warming to see everyone pull together, and to receive so much support for this endeavour and the charities we are trying to help.”

After the event, 17-year-old Thomas Sharrock, who led the team, reflected: “The

Read more: 24 Hour Charity Music Festival (winchestercollege.org)

Guess which neighbours use our Treatment Plan

Lawn Treatm from o ents nly

£2.75 a week fo up to 5 r la2wns 0m

Our Professional Lawn Treatment plans are guaranteed to significantly improve your lawn

• Everything we use in your garden is licenced for use on

• 8 Lawn treatments a year by our fully qualified technicians

• After each visit you will receive our ‘after-service’ email,

We notify you in advance of our visit date, you don’t need to be at home when we attend.

• Our Technicians are fully licenced and criminal-records checked giving you complete peace of mind.

Spring Nutrition Our Spring Nutrition is like a lawn buffet, providing a gradual, controlled amount of food in manageable quantities right when your lawn needs it. A technical coating locks in nutrition until the days are warm enough for grass to begin to grow. Gradually released nutrition provides measured dose of nutrients for up to six months.

Weed Control (Spring, Summer and Autumn) – let’s keep the flowers in the borders where they belong Fully tested and licenced, our weed control is safe for people, pets and wildlife (yes that means bees too). Our weed control programme is designed to provide the best suited weed treatment for the time of year to manage even the most challenging of lawn weeds.

Summer Nutrition – Totally safe to apply when there’s no rain Made with a unique bio-stimulant with high levels of amino acid providing both stress relief for summer lawns and boosting the health of essential soil microbes, which help to feed and protect your grass plants. Blended without any fast release nutrition this essential summer feed will provide controlled-release nutrition evenly over a 3-month period.

domestic lawns and completely safe for pets, people and wildlife – that means bees too.

detailing when we attended and any guidance our Technician’s have to offer. You will also receive our quarterly newsletter with hints and tips of what you can do to help us improve your lawn – things like mowing guidance, when to water etc.

Autumn Nutrition – Developing health grass ready for winter Shorter darker autumn days call for specialist nutrition focussed on root development and general plant health, meaning your lawn is better prepared for the challenges of winter and also ready for next spring.

Winter Moss Control & Winter Lawn Tonic Providing blackening of lawn moss and green-up of grass, our winter lawn treatment helps to control moss whilst aiding your lawn through the challenges of winter weather.

Formulated and developed for its bio-stimulant properties, our organic plant-based lawn tonic is rich in significant levels of amino acids, and carbohydrate and acts as a food source for beneficial soil microbes essential to plant health.

Call 01962 460146 www.shrekfeet.com

email: lawnman@shrekfeet.com

™ leave your lawn to us to us Leave Leave your your lawn to us Leave 15Leave your lawn to us your lawn years in business. Fully insured, trained and certified.

Independent Independent Lawn Lawn Professionals Professionals nt Lawn Professionals Independent Lawn Professionals

9

9 99

GARDEN

Fungi & Disease So, your lawn was looking lovely. You admired it only a few days ago. Freshly mowed, lovely and green. What more could you want?

Suddenly you notice something’s not quite right. The grass is changing colour… in a day or two and things look considerably worse – now you’re getting worried! Let’s take a look at fungal attacks, what causes them, what can be done when they appear and how to prevent them.

Mushrooms are magic!

Before we get started let’s get one thing straight; there are many toadstool type fungi you may see on your lawn.

They look similar to the mushrooms you buy in the supermarket, in so far as they have a stem and a cap with fins and spores below the cap. These are the fruiting body of fungi living in the soil and they are generally an indication of good, healthy soil with lots of organic matter. They may be poisonous, so if they are bothering you and you want to remove them, be sure to wash your hands afterwards.

Pathogens

Three things need to be present for a fungal attack to occur. The pathogen needs to be present; conditions need to be right to support the pathogen and there needs to be a host for the disease. Most of the pathogens that cause an outbreak will already be present in your lawn. When weather conditions support the proliferation of these pathogens their aim will be to multiply and colonise other areas. This is when that small area of concern that you initially noticed can become a real eyesore.

Appearance Knowing what you’re looking for is important. It’s easy to misidentify and become concerned unnecessarily. What’s more important however is knowing what you can do to prevent these oftendevastating outbreaks – more on that later. Whilst most fungal attacks are unsightly, the good news is that they rarely kill the grass plant and mostly their impact is on the leaf and therefore on the appearance of your lawn. That being said, don’t underestimate the devastating effect they can have on the appearance of your lawn over a long period of time. Your lawn may look unsightly for the whole summer.

Once the disease appears focus needs to be on aiding recovery and limiting it’s spread. Yes, we can apply a fungicidal treatment at this time but, on the whole, once you see it the damage has already been done and you won’t reverse that. The other thing to consider is that fungicides are not entirely your friend. They are indiscriminate and therefore also kill beneficial soil fungi, essential for a healthy lawn.

We work hard to develop friendly fungi in the lawns because their benefit within the soil is magnificent. We don’t want to undo that with one unnecessary application for an outbreak that we could have prevented with the right preparation.

26

Treatment When we discover a fungal attack, our focus is on treating the grass not treating the fungi. As mentioned earlier, on the whole the grass will recover and our efforts are focussed on aiding that recover. We are the Florence Nightingale to your poorly lawn, but usually without a lamp.

So rather than applying a fungicide which will have little positive impact we focus on boosting nutrition, re-growth and therefore recovery. Through the spray application of a specialised blend of macro and micro nutrients, liquid seaweed concentrate, carbohydrates and magnesium we aim to give your lawn a shot-inthe-arm and get it growing again so the greenery returns as quickly as possible

Prevention We all know that prevention is far better than cure. We have considered what the outbreak looks like and what we can do once it happens. We have also identified what factors contribute to a fungal outbreak and we now know that some of these factors are outside of our control; the weather being a major contributor. So, what can be done to reduce the risks of a fungal attack thwarting your lawn bragging rights?

6 steps to lawn disease prevention Firstly, think about the grass itself. Certain varieties are more susceptible than others. Some of the modern grasses have been bred specifically for their disease resistance and whilst more expensive they should always be selected when adding seed to an existing lawn.

Next comes your mowing regime. The right frequency and mow height with sharp blades is essential. Poor mowing weakens grass plants and weak plants are more susceptible to attack.

Then we have nutrition. Any living thing that is not receiving the right nutrition is more likely to become ill. The risk of the illness can be reduced through the right nutrition, as can the speed of recovery.

Your lawn is no different. Occasional feeding is not enough. The right products, in the right quantity, at the right times is essential. We then have environmental factors. Disease pathogens love thatch and mossy lawns. Reduce these conditions through regular scarification and aeration. The latter aids stronger root development and with this come greater access to nutrition and water.

That brings us nicely on to watering. Drought causes stress -stressed plants are more likely to be affected by fungal outbreak. Watering is important - correct watering is essential. Often fungi like warm wet conditions. Try to prevent these conditions by watering in a morning so the sun dries the grass leaf quickly and it doesn’t stay wet all night.

Finally, as lawn care professionals we monitor conditions through national turf-care reporting systems which enable us to predict when an outbreak might occur. We know which of our clients have lawns that are more susceptible to fungal disease and we are then able to notify them in advance and recommends preventative treatments where they are most needed.

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

GARDEN

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

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

Fencing Gates Decking & Sleepers Pergolas Trellis l

l

l

l

l

01962 733990

Call Andrew or Ashley on Installation service available

Prospect Road, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9QF www prospectfencing.co.uk

27

COMMUNITY / GARDEN Alan Titchmarsh Becomes The New President of Hampshire Gardens Trust

members are critical both in enabling the Trust to do so much, and our newest project, ‘Garden Plans for Schools’, is an excellent example of what the HGT can do to help encourage young people throughout Hampshire to become more aware of the landscape in which we live, and the opportunities there are to grow and nurture the plants and trees which grow within it. I need to thank all members of the HGT and to express my gratitude, particularly the HGT Trustees and our in-defatigable administrator, Jo Bolt, for your support, enthusiasm, knowledge, and generosity. I have been incred-ibly fortunate to have been involved with the Hampshire Gardens Trust for so many years and believe strongly that it has contributed in a very positive way to the quality of life for so many in this great county. Now with Alan Titchmarsh as our President, and the team of hardworking Trustees, it can only get better! Good luck and keep going!"

For more information about Hampshire Gardens Trust please join us at www.hgt.org.uk, Twitter and Instagram @hampshiregardenstrust

Ted Wake, Gilly Drummond & Alan Titchmarsh

Hampshire Gardens Trust is delighted to announce that Alan Titchmarsh MBE, has become its new President, taking over from Gilly Drummond OBE, who has been President since 2010.

The Hampshire Gardens Trust Chairman, Ted Wake says, “As all Chairmen know, it is crucial to have the right President in place to help steer an organisation in the right direction at all times and I am particularly delighted that Alan Titchmarsh has kindly agreed to take on this role. Alan is one of the most respected and popular gardening gurus in the UK, and the Hampshire Gardens Trust is very fortunate that he has signed up.

As Alan knows well, Gilly Drummond is highly respected in her own right as the key founding member of the HGT, and Gilly's involvement in the organisation over the last 37 years has helped ensure that the HGT's reputation in Hampshire and throughout England is second to none. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gilly on behalf of all members for her extraordinary work over the years. Her energy and enthusiasm sets a great example of what can be achieved - and with Alan's help, I have no doubt that the HGT Trustees and members will be able to make Gilly very proud of the legacy that she has left."

Alan Titchmarsh, who joined as a Life Member of the Trust in 2012, says “My admiration for the work of the Hampshire Gardens Trust - and of Gilly Drummond’s achievements - knows no bounds and I am honoured and delighted to take over from her as President. Gilly has set the bar high, but I am confident that the Trust will continue to make its mark and demonstrate that the county of Hampshire is among the most blessed when it comes to the gardens it cherishes and the expertise and enthusiasm of those who do their bit as custodians of our enviable horticultural heritage. I’ll do my best to come up to scratch!”

Gilly Drummond added "This is a very joyful occasion for the Hampshire Gardens Trust, a new President, Alan Titchmarsh, whose track record on plants, gardens and above all, his ability to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to appreciate gardens, plants and green spaces is second to none. I have done my best for nearly forty years, and with the unstinting support of Hampshire County Council, the HGT has been able to lead the way in involving and training volunteers, particularly in research, conservation and development - all of which are essential to the protection and conservation of Hampshire's remarkable heritage of great gardens, parks and designed landscapes. Our

28

National Garden Scheme I am sure those of you who have managed to obtain a copy of the 2021 Hampshire Yellow Booklet can’t fail to have noticed that it is a much slimed down version. BUT, this certainly does not mean that there are less gardens to choose from. Far from it. This year (including the gardens opening as part of a Group) we have 116 gardens opening. This is up there with our recent years.

Now at last we’ve got the sunshine. Perfect weather for Garden Visiting.

Maybe you are planning a Staycation - what could be better than visiting a few NGS Gardens - often described as ‘Britain’s Best Value Day Out’. With the added bonus of the ever popular NGS Homemade Teas, you can’t go wrong. Here are just a few which might interest you.

Hospital of St.Cross, St Cross Road, Winchester, SO23 9SD Open: Sunday 11th July 2pm to 5pm Admission: £4.00 children free Refreshments: Home-made teas in the Hundred Men’s Hall The Masters Garden is steeped in history - there was a garden created here in the late 17th century, which includes a wide range of plants. The Compton Garden was created in 1986 and includes rare and unusual plants. https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/32776

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

GARDEN

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

Chris Matthews Tree Care and Woodland Management

Specialising in all your garden needs Fully insured . Free estimates Also specialising in Commercial gardening work.

Hard Landscaping Patios • BBQ Areas • Raised Beds • Pathways • Garden Walls • Fencing • Garden Lighting • Wood Mulch & Woodchip Supplied

• Tree surgery / TPO applications • Hedge maintenance • Fencing / Garden structures • Woodland management / tree planting

Soft Landscaping Lawn Care • Turfing • Planting • Hedge Trimming • Topiary • Shrub pruning • Garden Clearance & Renovation • Pressure Washing • Weed Control • Tree Work • Patios & Gutter Cleaning

Qualified in arboriculture and countrsyide management. 15 years experience

Tel: 01962 732498 Mob: 07879 448141

Tel: 01962 736261 Mob: 07896 027356 info@trimmers-garden-services.co.uk

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1973 BUILT ON GREAT SERVICE & VALUE FOR MONEY

Please visit our website for all the latest news, information, second-hand machines for sale and special offers in the showroom.

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

ALL AREAS COVERED

PETER CHIVERS PCS

Tel: 01962 771800 steve.cann@btconnect.com www.georgecanngardenmachinery.co.uk LACEYS FARM, BRAMDEAN, ALRESFORD, HAMPSHIRE, SO24 0JT

29

RETAIL

D.Barker & Son 9ct gold hinged 'Huggy' hoop earrings - £325 40A West Street, Alresford Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

The Alresford Gift Shop Beautiful hand soaps, liquid soaps and hand lotions back in stock from £9.95

Billy Goat

10 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AT Tel: 01962 732192 | alresfordgiftshop.co.uk

SALE starts Sat 26th June - 20% off all sandals (including Salt Water sandals - 11 East Street, Alresford, SO24 9EQ Tel: 01962 733926 | www.billygoatshoes.co.uk

on your highstreet #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses Enticing and eclectic items now available on your highstreet. Stay local and support your diverse retailers!

Interior Style Butterfly Wall Art - £130.00 Beautiful design accessories for your home 29 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AB Tel: 01962 736311 | www.interiorstyle.biz

Party at the Mill

30

House of Gallet Occasional wear & accessories in store now

Pizza Night - Available Thur/Fri/Sat evenings from 6pm - 9pm

New & Preloved Designer wear at below high street prices

Dine in and takeaway available by click and collect

Open Tues - Sat -10-4:30pm 19 Broad Street, Alresford

Tel: 07403 213588 | order.storekit.com/party-at-the-mill/menu

Tel: 01962 735362 | www.houseofgallet.co.uk

RETAIL

Ragamuffin The BIG SALE starts 12 July with up to 50% off! Toby Tiger Rainbow Dungaree in organic cotton. Shop in store or online Tel: 01962 734488 | www.ragamuffin-uk.com

Andrew Smith & Son Classic & Contemporary Interiors Sale Wed 28th and Thur 29th Jul Monthly Antiques & Interiors Sale Sat 26th July Tel: 01962 735988 | www.andrewsmithandson.com

SALE

on your highstreet #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses Alresford Beauty Large Shoulder and Clutch Bag - £39.95 in grey and pink - 24A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AT

Enticing and eclectic items now available on your highstreet. Stay local and support your diverse retailers!

Tel: 01962 735553 | www.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

Design Realities Embroidered Cotton Cushions from - £49.90 36 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 732507 | www.design-realities.co.uk

Alresford Pet Company We have a wide range of quality Kong Toys to keep your dogs entertained. 4 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AT Tel: 01962 734244 | www.alresfordpets.co.uk

31

RETAIL / COMMUNITY Brocante Markets are back for 2021

Bishops Waltham Antiques & Brocante Market 18th July 10am – 4pm 40 stalls offering an eclectic mix of Antiques Vintage Retro + Vinyl Records in the High Street. SO32 1GH, some local shops and eateries will be open so a great place to visit with some interesting local sites.

Romsey Antiques & Decorative Arts Market 25th July 9.30am – 3.30pm Up to 50 stalls offering a huge array of items a mix of Antiques, Vintage Retro + Vinyl Records plus a selection of artist and designer makers work, in 4 locations The Town Hall, The Cornmarket (market place) The Plaza, Church Place (side of TVBC offices.

Both Bishops Waltham and Romsey will be back in the Autumn please check out www.acvrevents.co.uk for further details of all their upcoming events in Hampshire & Surrey whether you are visiting or wish to enquire abut being a stall holder.

Facebook Antique & Art Fairs Instagram acvr_events Tel 07514 680872

The Merry Wives of Windsor at West Meon Theatre West Meon Theatre are really looking forward to presenting their postponed production of The Merry Wives of Windsor this July on the West Meon Cricket Ground, in the open air and with enough room for social distancing. The performance will take place in an open sided stretch tent covering the stage and some of the audience. Bring your own chairs and rugs and picnicking is available for those who wish. The Thomas Lord will be offering Pre Theatre Suppers as well as pre ordered picnic hampers.

The West Meon Sports Club will run the bar and free car parking is available in the Village Hall car park. This production of The Merry Wives of Windsor, set in the 1950’s, follows the exploits of Sir John Falstaff in his ill-advised attempt to seduce two married women! This leaves Sir John Falstaff in a heap of trouble. What follows is mischief, confusion, and ridiculous practical jokes; one of the most frenetic and hilarious of Shakespeare's comedies. The fifties, an era of optimism, colourful fashion, teddy boys and the music of Buddy Holly, the Everly Brothers and Eddie Cochran and many more…….what’s not to like!

The production is directed by Mary Dawson For tickets and updates go to www.westmeontheatre.co.uk

32

Alresford Alresford Brocante Brocante Alresford Alresford Brocante Alresford Alresford AlresfordBrocante Brocante Brocante Brocante 2n d

Ye Antiques Antiques |Vintage |Vintage Vintage |Flea |Flea Flea Market Market Antiques | | Market Antiques Antiques Antiques | | Vintage | Vintage Vintage | | Flea | Flea Flea Market Market Market Antiques | Vintage Market Alresford AlresfordBrocante Brocante ar

Alresford Alresford Brocante Alresford Alresford AlresfordBrocante Brocante Brocante Brocante

Antiques Antiques |Vintage Vintage |Flea Flea Market Market Antiques |||||Vintage ||||Flea Market Antiques Antiques Antiques Vintage |Vintage Vintage Flea |Flea Flea Market Market Market Antiques Vintage Market

Sunday 27thMonday September 2020 Bank Bank Holiday Holiday Monday Monday 6th 6th May May Bank Holiday 6th May && &

Bank Bank Bank Holiday Holiday Holiday Monday Monday Monday 6th 6th May May && & Sunday 27th September 2020 Bank Bank Holiday Holiday Monday Monday 6th 6th May May &6th &May Bank Holiday Monday 6th May & Broad Street, Alresford SO24 9AQ | 9.30 3.30pm Sunday Sunday 15th 15th September September Bank Bank Bank Holiday Holiday Holiday Monday Monday Monday 6th 6th 6th May May May && & Sunday 15th September Sunday 18th July 2021 Sunday Sunday Sunday 15th 15th 15th September September Broad Street, Alresford SO24 9AQ |September 9.30 - 3.30pm Sunday Sunday 15th 15th September September Sunday 15th September

Sunday Sunday Sunday 15th 15th 15th September September September Broad Broad Street, Street, Alresford Alresford SO24 SO24 9AQ 9AQ | 9.30am | 9.30am - 3.30 - 3.3

Broad Street, Alresford SO24 9AQ |||9.30am -- -3.30p Broad Broad Street, Street, Alresford Alresford SO24 SO24 9AQ 9AQ |9.30am 9.30am |9AQ 9.30am -3.30pm -9.30am 3.30pm Broad Broad Broad Street, Street, Street, Alresford Alresford Alresford SO24 SO24 SO24 9AQ 9AQ 9.30am 9.30am |3.30pm 3.30p 3.30 - 3.3 Broad Street, Alresford SO24 9AQ | Broad Broad Broad Street, Street, Street, Alresford Alresford Alresford SO24 SO24 SO24 9AQ 9AQ ||9.30am 9.30am | 9.30am - -3.30pm 3.30pm - 3.30pm Antique & 9AQ Art Fairs acvr_events Antique &Antique Art Fairs @ArtDesignFairs @ArtDesignFairs Antique & Arts & Arts FairFair acvr_events

@ArtDesignFairs Antique & Arts Fair @ArtDesignFairs Antique Antique &Arts Arts & Arts Fair Fair @ArtDesignFairs @ArtDesignFairs @ArtDesignFairs @ArtDesignFairs Antique Antique &&Arts Arts & Arts Fair Fair Fair@ArtDesignFairs Antique &Antique Fair @ArtDesignFairs @ArtDesignFairs @ArtDesignFairs Antique Antique Antique &&Arts Arts &07514 Arts Fair FairFair 680872 | 023 8045 3465 07514 680872 8045 07514 07514 680872 680872 |8045 023 |3465 023 8045 8045 3465 3465 07514 07514 680872 680872 || 023 |023 023 8045 3465 3465

07514 680872 | 023 8045 3465 07514www.acvrevents.co.uk 680872 |680872 023 8045 3465 07514 07514 07514 680872 680872 ||8045 023 023 |3465 023 8045 8045 8045 3465 3465 3465 07514 07514 07514 680872 680872 680872 |www.acvrevents.co.uk |023 023 | 023 8045 8045 3465 3465 jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com www.acvrevents.co.uk jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com www.acvrevents.co.uk www.acvrevents.co.uk www.acvrevents.co.uk www.acvrevents.co.uk www.acvrevents.co.uk www.acvrevents.co.uk www.acvrevents.co.uk www.acvrevents.co.uk www.acvrevents.co.uk www.acvrevents.co.uk www.acvrevents.co.uk www.acvrevents.co.uk

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

RETAIL

One of ITV's Most Popular Antiques Experts

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

Happy to arrange home calls by appointment karendalmeny@gmail.com For enquiries please call:

07712 545 700 Karen Dalmeny

N F I N E A RT AU C T I O N E E R S & VA L U E R S

Sustainable SustainableDiamonds Diamonds Sustainable Diamonds

CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY INTERIORS SALE Wed 28th and Thur 29th July Viewing: 12 noon - 5pm, Thursday 22nd July 10am - 5pm, Friday 23rd July 10am - 2pm, Saturday 24th July 10am - 5pm, Monday 26th July From 8.30am on sale days Bidding starts at 9.30am Catalogue available from 21st July

Re-Opening April Re-Opening 12th 12 April Re-Opening 12th April th

Rare Pink Spinel & Diamond Cluster Ring in Platinum £5,550 40a West Street, 40a West Street,Alresford, Alresford, Hants Hants 40a West Street, Hants Tel: 01962Alresford, 732200 Tel: 01962 Tel: 01962 732200 40a West Street, Hants www.dbarkerandson.co.uk www.dbarkerandson.co.uk www.dbarkerandson.co.uk Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

www.andrewsmithandson.com Enquiries: t: 01962 735988 e: auctions@andrewsmithandson.com THE AUCTION ROOMS, MANOR FARM, ITCHEN STOKE, ALRESFORD, SO24 0QT

33

COMMUNITY Alresford Police Hello everyone I hope you are well. I would like to start by giving some crime prevention advice for theft from motor vehicles.

Often when I’m out on patrol I see that people are leaving valuables in plain sight in their vehicles.

I would highly recommend that people don’t leave valuables in there vehicle’s.

I would also suggest that when locking your car you double check to see if it has been properly locked. My final suggestion is that people should try to park in well-lit areas where possible.

One of the problems that have been raised to us is the speeding around Alresford. This is something that we are actively tackling by going out to areas in and around Alresford with a speed gun.

If you have any more questions then please feel free to attend a beat surgery which will be held on the 14th July at the Alresford community centre between 11:00 and 13:00.

Victor Mills - P.C.S.O.

Bus Back Better

legal action – such as Council Tax and HM Revenue & Customs • Financial scams – telephone call or Beware of scams doorstep cold caller, pretending to Scams are criminal be your bank, mortgage company or tricks, designed to insurance provider asking for bank deceive people, to gain details or security passwords access to their money, possessions or personal • Courier fraud – telephone call or doorstep cold caller, claiming to be the details. Scammers are Police or other law enforcement taking advantage of people’s fear – particularly during Covid – agency, persuading you to withdraw money from your bank so don’t be caught out!

• Post / parcel scams – a text message or email, claiming to be from the Royal Tips on spotting scams: 1. Being rushed in to making a decision – Mail or a parcel company, asking you to pay for redelivery of a missed / failed any good tradesperson / organisation delivery will give you time to think about • Covid-19 doorstep scam – doorstep something and will not expect a cold caller, looking to gain access to decision straight away your property, claiming to be carrying 2. Too good to be true – if it is an out Covid testing on behalf of the NHS unbelievably good deal, it could or your GP be a scam • Romance Fraud – fake dating profile 3. Asking for cash upfront – never give bank details or money up front, genuine in local adverts or online dating companies may ask for a deposit once a sites, targeting people in an attempt to gain their trust, and eventually leads contract has been signed, but will not to requests for money, legal fees or ask for full payment travel costs

Are you eating enough?

Scams to be aware of:

• Tradesperson scams – doorstep cold caller, offering to clean your driveway, patio or paths; make repairs to your home; and/or offering to tidy your garden • Telephone scams – offering refunds you are not expecting or threatening

Alternatively, contact your local Village Agent, Denise on: 07969 376 023

1. More road space for buses Reserve streets to help bus routes avoid traffic jams and interconnect across central Winchester, so it is easy for everyone to get to the railway station and new leisure centre without using a car.

Buses must be greener. We would like to see electric buses wherever possible.

2. Better bus services Better routes, to more villages, and more frequent, reliable and quicker timetables to get people out of their cars. It needs to be easy to get to critical destinations such as places of work, hospitals, surgeries, schools and supermarkets and train stations, wherever you live.

The government has asked Hampshire County Council to produce a Bus Service Improvement Plan to help more people to use the buses. We want HCC to include:

34

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

5. Better bus connections Bring in better bus stops and decent connections between buses, and trains.

Make it easy and pleasant to catch the bus by improving the main bus stops – lighting, shelters, live information, cycle parking, and good access footpaths. Change timetables and routes so people can change easily between buses and onto trains on any journey around the whole District, and to neighbouring areas.

3. Affordable bus fares The fares throughout the district are too high, and this is especially difficult for families and people on a low income. Cost should not prevent people from using the bus.

We can all make choices to live lower carbon lifestyles, like using our cars less, but sometimes we are limited by the reality of the systems we operate in. Hampshire County Council could help set up better bus systems to make low carbon travel a real option for more of us.

4. Pollution-free buses

WinACC

WATERCRESS & WINTERBOURNES

Save Every Drop Water Saving Challenge The amount of water we use has a big impact on our local chalk streams. To protect these precious places, we’re helping communities to reduce their use this summer.

Will you take up the challenge? www.hiwwt.org.uk/saveeverydrop

FOOD & DRINK

Middle Eastern Tabbouleh salad with couscous Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • •

36

1 cup (250 ml) fine cracked wheat (bulgur) 1 cup (250 ml) boiling water 4 to 5 tbsp (60 to 75 ml) olive oil 4 tbsp (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 tps (3 ml) salt 1/4 tsp (2 ml) freshly ground pepper 1/2 cup (120 ml) freshly cut parsley, finely minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp (30 ml) scallions or green onions, minced 2 tomato, cored and finely chopped A sprig of mint

Method

Place cracked wheat (bulgur) in a medium bowl. Add the boiling water and set aside for 20 to 25 minutes.When water has been absorbed and cooled, add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, parsley, scallions, mint and tomato. Mix gently.

Chill for at least 1 hour to allow the flavours to blend. Serve cold as a side dish for BBQ'd meats or a light summer snack. A healthy alternative to pasta, ideal for vegan or vegetarian guests.

FOOD & DRINK

Delicious Food at No.32 Our stunning licenced restaurant in the centre of beautiful New Alresford. Serving Breakfast, Lunch and a delicious selection of Coffee, Cakes and Cocktails. We have a fabulous garden with ample seating including a comfortable covered area. We also welcome our Cyclist guests and have provided cycle racks with close by seating.

On weekdays breakfast service starts at 8.00am until 11.00am. Lunch service begins at 12noon until 3pm.

Between service delicious sweet and savoury treats and drinks are available from our counter. Coffee, Cake and Cocktails are available until 5.30pm.

Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free dishes available on all of our menus.

To avoid disappointment we recommend that you book in advance to reserve a table via our website www.32broadstreet.co.uk www.instagram.com/32broadstreet/

ONLINE WINE TASTINGS Glorious Italy - £50 per �cket

Rediscover Rioja - £50 per �cket

You really can't get more variety and history than from those wines created in Italy. Here we will taste 5 almost unheard of wines, that have fabulous individuality, and of course taste great! We will taste wines that Simon has huge passion for, and hopefully you will too.

Think you know Rioja? Well join us to taste a full range of wines from this ultra famous Spanish Region. Run in association with the Rioja producer Fincas de Azabache, we will taste 5 different wines including White, Rose, Reds AND a Sparkling white Rioja. It's going to be a tasting to remember!

EVENT DATE: Saturday 17th July 7.30pm

EVENT DATE: Saturday 21st August 7.30pm

Book your place by: Sun 11th July

Book your place by: Sun 15th August

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW: Call: 01962 732002 Email: simon@tngwine.co.uk Online: www.thenakedgrape.co.uk

37

COMPETITION / FEATURE

Camera Ready

W

How to Photograph our Chalk Streams

ith smartphone technology improving each year, more of us than ever can take fantastic photos.

What’s more, our beautiful local chalk streams provide amazing inspiration! Here’s our guide to capturing them on camera.

Plan ahead

You don't need fancy equipment to get a great shot, but you may want to give your smartphone a low-cost boost. One nifty tool is a clip-on macro lens, for small insects and fine detail. Another is a mini tripod to keep your phone still - handy for low light or windy days.

When planning your adventure, the most valuable thing to prepare is knowledge. If you're looking for wildlife, swot up on animal tracks, bird calls, and plant habitats. For landscapes and heritage features, local guides can be a goldmine of vantage points and hidden gems.

Watch the clock

The time of day can make a dramatic difference to your photos. The periods around sunrise and sunset are called 'the golden hours' for their warm hue, while noon on a bright day offers intense contrast.

Avoid angles where the sun is behind your subject - this could create a silhouette - and watch out for your own shadow sneaking into the frame!

Another factor is the weather: we usually pack up when rain appears, but hang around and you might see some interesting details.

Examine how water droplets cling to plants, or how stormy skies add a moody feel. You could even visit the same place in different seasons, comparing the cool tones of winter with the simmering heat of summer.

Play with patterns

When we think of nature photography, we often picture prowling tigers and towering mountains. But to capture the more familiar wonders of our chalk streams, often

38

called ‘England's rainforests’, you may need to view them with fresh eyes.

Try homing in on textures such as stone, metal, or tree bark. This can be a great way to showcase underrated subjects like aquatic insects, historic structures, and non-flowering plants. If a stream is in your shot, experiment with reflections and the water's rippling surface.

You can also move around your subject in search of patterns; perhaps a few tree branches form a zig-zag shape, or a group of people have eye-catching symmetry. Leading lines - like that of a path, bridge, or stream - can add a sense of depth to your photos.

Change your perspective

Another way to put a new spin on something is to frame it differently. Try looking down on it from above or going low to mimic an animal's perspective. You can also use the rule of thirds: just imagine a 3x3 grid over your photo and position points of interest on the lines.

While it's tempting to fill the frame with your subject, try allowing it a bit of breathing room. The wider surroundings can add important context, such as a heritage feature next to a modern one or wildlife with people in the background.

If you do want a closer shot of your subject, it may be better to approach on foot: digital zoom, which is used by smartphones and smaller cameras, can reduce the resolution of your photos.

However, only get closer if it’s safe and you won't disturb any wildlife.

Get creative

Why not test your skills with our Tales from the Riverbank Photography Competition? It focuses on seven local chalk streams, including the Candover Brook, River Arle, and Cheriton Stream. There are prizes on offer for heritage, landscape, people, and wildlife photos, as well as special prizes for under-18s. Learn more at www.hiwwt.org.uk/ winterbournes/tales

Tales from the Riverbank Photography Competition Are you a camera ace or smartphone snapper? Get inspired by seven of our beautiful local chalk streams, including the Candover Brook, River Arle, and Cheriton Stream.

•

Heritage, Landscape, People, and Wildlife categories • Up to £75 of gift vouchers to be won • Special prizes for under-18s • Enter by 31 August 2021 Learn more: www.hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes/tales

WATERC R E S S & WI NTERBOU R NE S

Photo © Terry Whittaker/2020VISION

ENTERTAINMENT

WED 14 JUN - SAT 24 JUN - SHOWING AT 2.30PM & 7.30PM (SEE WEBSITE) - THE OAK THEATRE

YOUTH THEATRE & CHILDREN'S SHOWS - SUN 11 JUL - AT 2PM & 6PM - THE GREAT BARN

Its summer let’s all enjoy some English Quality Wine!

Wyches Vineyard is situated in the heart of the South Downs National Park: in 2017 Jane & Tony Burton set out to grow high quality grapes on a 5-acre site adjacent to their home in Upper Swanmore, Hampshire with the objective of producing high quality still and sparkling wines. The vineyard is about 100m above sea level with long views to The Isle of Wight and following specialist advice Tony and Jane Burton and site preparation was planted out with generous spacing of the 5200 vines to ensure free air flow and perfect orientation. The combination of a chalky, flint subsoil, and a warm microclimate provides perfect conditions; and with the expertise of award-winning winemakers The Bolney Wine Estate, this year’s vintage of 3 still wines are already proving highly popular.

With 4 grape varieties Chardonnay, Bacchus, Pinot Noir and Fruhburgunder, the vineyard can produce still and sparkling white and rose wines and a still red Pinot Noir wine. Tony and Jane undertake most of the work themselves in the vineyard

40

SUN 25 JUN - THUR 5 AUG - SHOWING AT 2.30PM & 7.30PM (SEE WEBSITE) - THE GREAT BARN

CCADS PRESENTS JANE AUSTEN'S EMMA - WED 14 JUL AT 7PM - THE GREAT BARN

nurturing the vines throughout the year leading each October to a harvest of about 13 tonnes of grapes. “It’s fantastic to be taking part in the wider success of English Wine: we now know many vineyard owners and viticulture specialists and without exception everybody is keen to share ideas, and most importantly is extremely passionate about English Wine: and rightly so, as it is beating many wines from abroad in competitions and is lovely to drink. We are very fortunate to have a great relationship with Bolney Wine Estate who make our wines and have an established reputation for making fabulous sparkling and still wines.”

Why not support your local vineyard and go to www.wychesvineyard.co.uk for further details of Wyches Vineyard wines?

THE COURSE

Celebrating the best of what the South Downs has to offer, our Adventure Golf course is themed around our favourite local attractions, monuments and landmarks in the area.

weave around towers and even take on a spinning windmill.

OPENING TIMES

Summer evenings are for enjoying! That’s why we’ve extended summertime opening hours until 8pm Monday – Saturday from Monday 26th July until Saturday 4th September.

Open from 9:30am everyday Monday - Saturday open until 8pm - Sunday closing at 6pm

There’s something different to discover around every corner.

Each hole presents a new interactive challenge to test your skills. Players will navigate their way through ancient farmlands, manoeuvre over narrow bridges,

41

As you move around the course, you’ll also find mini activities and obstacles. You may even be able to spot a few familiar faces along the way... There’s something for everyone, and fun to be had by kids and big kids alike!

Our Adventure Golf course has been architecturally designed and expertly crafted by the team at Greenspan. They have helped us to create a beautifully landscaped course that offers players the best quality, familyfriendly playing experience.

Come and check it out for yourself this Summer.

tel: 01962 777 547 email: hello@marwellresort.co.uk www.marwellresort.co.uk Hurst Lane, Owslebury, Winchester, SO21 1EZ E facebook.com/Marwellresorthampshire Q @ Marwell_Resort_Hampshire

PAY AND PLAY

There’s no need to book!

Simply turn up, pay and play! Balls and putters are included within the pricing.

Adult: £9.75 Child under 12: £7.50 Family*: £29.00 Adult Group**: £35.00 School groups: £6.50 *Two adults and two children or one adult and three children **Four adults

FEATURE

Let’s celebrate the beautiful butterflies of the South Downs National Park Seeing the first butterfly of the season is nature’s little way of teasing us that summer is here so we can break out the sunscreen and plan for some lazy afternoons to quietly work on our tan.

Like people, every butterfly is uniquely beautiful. They are a symbol of change, rebirth, growth, endurance and life.

They are also an indicator species whose variety and volume inform us how our environment is faring. And, over the last few decades, their decline has been one of the starkest warning signs that our natural world is in crisis.

Yet concerted efforts are under way, led by the National Park Authority and partners, to create more high-quality habitat, such as chalk grassland, woodland and heathland, to support these beautiful creatures.

And there have been some real conservation success stories – such as the remarkable comeback of the Duke of Burgundy butterfly which is now thriving in small pockets.

As June sees Butterfly Education and Awareness Week, we look at five well-known, and lesser-known, butterflies you might see out on your walks in the National Park this summer.

Duke of Burgundy

This dainty butterfly is still extremely rare but has been seen in greater numbers over the past few years thanks to conservation efforts. It frequents scrubby grassland and sunny woodland clearings, typically in very low numbers. The adults rarely visit flowers and most sightings are

42

of the territorial males as they perch on a prominent leaf at the edge of scrub. The females are elusive and spend much of their time resting or flying low to the ground looking for suitable egg-laying sites.

Eggs are laid in small batches underneath the leaves of primrose and cowslip plants.

Green Hairstreak

The green hairstreak holds its wings closed, except in flight, showing only the green underside with its faint white streak. Males and females look similar and are most readily told apart by their behaviour: rival males may be seen in a spiralling flight close to shrubs, while the less conspicuous females are more often encountered while laying eggs.

Grizzled Skipper

This small butterfly, typical of southern chalk downland, begins to emerge in late April to early May, having spent winter as pupae within cocoons of leaves and silk among low vegetation. Once on the wing it’s easy to miss, darting quickly between perches and nectar sources – typically common bird’s-foottrefoil and bugle. If you are lucky enough to get a glimpse of one perched on a twig, it can be easily identified by the checkerboard pattern on its wings.

Holly Blue The holly blue is easily identified in early spring, as it emerges well before other blue butterflies. It tends to fly high around bushes and trees, whereas other grassland blues

usually stay near ground level. It is much the commonest blue found in parks and gardens where it congregates around holly, in spring, and ivy, in late summer.

Ringlet Butterfly

When newly emerged, the ringlet has a velvety appearance and is almost black, with a white fringe to the wings.

The small circles on the underwings, which give the butterfly its name, vary in number and size and maybe enlarged and elongated or reduced to small white spots. Bramble and wild privet flowers are favourite nectar sources.

With thanks to Butterfly Conservation and photographers Charlie Hellewell and Neil Hulme.

Get involved in conservation and nature recovery! There’s a golden opportunity this summer to help the fortunes of our butterflies and their ongoing recovery.

The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey aimed at assessing the health of our environment simply by counting the amount and type of butterflies (and some day-flying moths) we see. This year’s survey will run from 16 July to 8 August and you can download the app on your phone to take part.

Alternatively visit: www.natural-apptitude. co.uk/project/big-butterfly-count/

ENTERTAINMENT Visit Jane Austen's House, Chawton

This summer, discover new displays on Jane Austen’s love of the seaside, visit the newly refreshed Gift Shop and enjoy a New Forest Ice Cream amongst the stunning roses in the cottage garden.

Younger visitors can explore the house and garden via a beautifully illustrated family trail, get creative making lavender bags and let off steam at the village playground, opposite Jane Austen’s House.

There are a host of exciting events running throughout the summer including Guided Village Walks, Mrs Elton’s Strawberry Picnic, Regency Dress Up Day, Guided Virtual Tours and Pride and Prejudice Drama Workshops.

Visit Jane Austen’s House in the Hampshire village of Chawton and discover the world’s best loved novelist. It was in this picturesque cottage that Jane Austen’s genius flourished and where she wrote, revised, and had published all six of her treasured novels, including the timeless Pride and Prejudice.

Today visitors can step back in time to 1816 and follow in Jane’s footsteps, exploring the home and garden that Jane knew and loved, uncovering the story of her life and times, and getting upclose to objects from the museum’s unparalleled Austen collection, including Jane’s letters, jewellery and the little table at which she wrote her much loved novels.

For full details and to book tickets, visit www.janeaustens.house

VISIT THE ENCHANTING HAMPSHIRE C O T TA G E W H E R E J A N E A U S T E N L I V E D A N D W R O T E H E R TREASURED NOVELS

Chawton, Hampshire · Book tickets: www.janeaustens.house

43

WELLBEING local infection . Once removed, apply antiseptic to the bite area and keep an eye on it for several weeks for any changes. Contact your GP if you begin to feel unwell or develop a circular red skin rash, often described as a bull’s-eye rash, and remember to tell them that you were bitten by a tick.

See NHS Choices for more information on signs, symptoms and treatments for Lyme disease. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lymedisease/ Free, safe and anonymous support for anyone aged 11-25 The Kooth service is now available to support everyone aged 11 - 25 in Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight. Kooth is a safe and secure way of accessing emotional health and wellbeing support, with no referral needed.

Alresford Surgery News Before entering the surgery, please remember • Make sure you wear a face covering while you are inside the building unless you are exempt.

• The practice may look different so that we can keep you at a safe distance from our staff and each other.

• Please do not attend for a face-to-face appointment early to help manage the number of people in the building.

• You may need to queue outside so that we have a safe number of people inside.

• Please do not come in if you have tested positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccination programme We are still vaccinating patients in line with the Government & NHS England guidelines alongside attempting to return to normal in general practice. Below you can find details of standard operation procedures for general practice at the current time; https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/publication/managingcoronavirus-covid-19-in-general-practice-sop/ Be tick aware!

Watch out there are ticks about! It's the perfect conditions for these mini beasts. Here's a helpful reminder of some simple 'tick tips' if you're out walking. These tiny insects, which can transmit bacteria such as Lyme disease, can be found throughout the year but are most active between spring and autumn. They are typically found in woodland, grassland, moorland or heathland but are also found in urban parks and gardens. When out walking, remember to keep to footpaths, avoiding long grass ‘Tick tips’ for walkers include: • Wear appropriate clothing (a long-sleeve shirt and trousers tucked into your socks) • Use an insect repellent • Wear light coloured fabrics that may help you spot a tick on your clothes • Inspect your skin for ticks, particularly at the end of the day, including your head, neck and skin folds (armpits, groin and waistband).

• Check your children’s head and neck areas, including their scalp (skin on top of their head) • Check that pets do not bring ticks into your home in their fur.

If you do get bitten by a tick, removing it quickly and correctly can help to reduce any potential risk. The only safe way to remove a tick is to use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers, or an easy-to-use device which can be purchased from pharmacies or vets.

Then: To remove the tick grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upwards slowly and firmly, as mouthparts left in the skin can cause a

44

Find out more at www.kooth.com How can I demonstrate that I’ve had my Covid-19 vaccine?

If you've had both jabs and need to prove your vaccination status: Download the NHS app, or Call 119 to request a letter.

Please don't contact your GP practice about it.

More information here https://bit.ly/3ouPphh GP Partners of Alresford Surgery Telephone: 01962 732345 Website: www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk

WELLBEING

A CAREER IN OPTICS?

We have vacancies for optical, clinical and dispensing assistants.

Experience welcomed but not essential as full training will be given.

For more details, enquire within or visit matheson-optometrists.com/vacancies.html or send your CV to amatheson@matoptom.com Alresford

01962 732336

Four Marks 01420 560082

Grayshott 01428 606069

Portchester 02392 387573

www.matheson-optometrists.com

ELIZA WALKER Barber

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

07733 016138 @ecw_barber elizawalker@hotmail.co.uk

ONLINE CLASSES & STUDIO SESSIONS

NOW LOCATED AT STATION MILL, ALRESFORD, SO24 9JQ

45

COMMUNITY

New Alresford Town Council displays. Our thanks to all the residents and business owners who continue to support the scheme by purchasing one.

We do hope you enjoy them, and they provide a wonderful welcome to everyone visiting our lovely town.

Annual Litter Pick A massive thank you to all the lovely litter pickers who gave up their time on Saturday 22nd May to help tidy up the town and contribute to the Great British Spring Clean 2021. Volunteers included pupils from Sun Hill Junior and Infant School and Perins.

Lots of bags of litter were collected and interesting items were found! All your hard work and enthusiasm was much appreciated and adds to the community spirit of this lovely town.

Our thanks to Becky at the Arlebury Café who provided complimentary hot drinks to the volunteers. We enjoyed meeting you and hope to see you all next year. If you weren’t able to join our litter pick, we are happy to loan out our litter pick equipment to individuals and groups together with rubbish bags. Please contact our office so we can get the equipment ready for you.

Love Parks Week Running from 23rd July until 1st August, Love Parks Week is an annual campaign to promote our parks and

46

open spaces and this year the theme is to “Love, Respect and Protect” them. They have never been so important than during the past year, and we try to ensure that they are the very best for you. We provide a dedicated litter pick (and he is dedicated) to keep our parks clean and free from litter. We know this only applies to very few visitors, but please use the bins provided or take your litter home with you. Thank you.

Hanging Baskets Our thanks to the Hanging Garden for installing all the floral displays around our town centre on Friday 21st May in challenging conditions.

Since then, the weather has improved, and we hope that they are all beginning to bloom. We continue to fund the weekly watering and maintenance of all the floral

Town Entrances We would like to thank Anita Wade for her generosity by giving her time and expertise to provide a floral display for each of the three entrances to our town together with the planter in West Street. We know that a lot of thought and hard work goes into each of the displays. They always look spectacular and are recognised as an essential part of the floral scheme for our town every year.

Council meetings Meetings will be held in the meeting room on the 1st floor in Alresford Recreation Centre. We welcome public participation, and you can submit your comments, join virtually or attend the meeting in person. All meeting links can be found on the relevant agenda. Please see our website for more details.

Clothing Bank We now have a clothing bank located in the car park at Arlebury Park on behalf of Winchester Hospice. Thank you to everyone who has generously donated but could we ask that if the bank is full, then please do not leave bags by the side of it. We have been advised that it will be emptied regularly.

Have your say Hampshire Highways are asking for your comments on their proposed improvements of Junction 9 of the M3. Their aim is to reduce congestion and improve journeys between the M3 to and from Southampton and the A34 to and from Newbury. The consultation is open until Thursday 8th July 2021, please have your say. www. highwaysengland.co.uk New Alresford Town Council Arlebury Park, The Avenue, New Alresford, SO24 9EP Phone: 01962 732079 www.newalresford-tc.gov.uk

PROFESSIONAL

Paget Will Writing Wills Powers of Attorney Advance Descisions Estate Planning Advice Contact Catherine Paget TEP Email: catherine.paget@pagetwillwriting.co.uk Tel: 07786 626979 Web: www.pagetwillwriting.co.uk

“Couldn’t recommend Michael enough, he has been fantastic at helping us professionally growing our business with excellent financial advice and also with all aspects personally.

He will make an excellent business asset to Alresford and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of any financial advice.

Lucky to have him now in our lovely town.”

Nic & Nell Joly

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

FR E Co Initi E nsu al ltat ion

Andrew Bevis

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

Mob: 07775 524891 | a.bevis@btinternet.com

47

PROFESSIONAL Cornerstone Project Management

Our clients find that hiring a project manager gives them more control over the build process; while we arrange the tradesmen, sub-contractors, and suppliers. Previous engagements have been working alongside main contractors, acting as our client’s eyes and ears, ensuring that quality standards, health and safety regulations and budgetary requirements are being met.

By engaging with Cornerstone PM, you will get peace of mind in the knowledge your building project is being managed efficiently and professionally at every stage. We pride ourselves on delivering the best value whilst maintaining meticulous attention to detail, ensuring your build requirements are met to the best standard possible.

A warm welcome from Paul Williams, founder of Cornerstone PM. At Cornerstone, we are construction project management professionals with over 40 years’ industry knowledge and 18 years’ experience of construction management.

Working with a team of construction experts, including architects, ecologists, structural engineers and arboriculturists, we are a ‘onestop-shop’ for all your construction needs. Assisting you through the entire build process, from inception to final build.

We have worked on a diverse range of projects for both residential and commercial builds, from residential barn conversions to new builds, and office extensions to large blocks of residential flats.

As the cornerstone is the first stone set during the building process, we hope Cornerstone PM is your first call in getting your build process started.

For more information on how Cornerstone PM can help you, please get in touch with Paul on 07920 496606 or paul@ cornerstone-pm.org.

Cornerstone PM

Construction Project Management

Cornerstone PM

Construction Project Management

• Qualified and experienced construction management professionals • Managing construction projects from inception to final handover • Working with clients on private residential projects and commercial developments • Ensuring your requirements being interpreted correctly and actioned timely • Delivering best advice on your build project to ensure budget and programme are met

Ov yeaer 40 i n ex dus rs pe tr rie y nce

A Hampshire based project management company that you can be totally confident in

Paul Williams | 01256 345528 or 07920 496606 email | paul@cornerstone-pm.org Based in Alresford with offices in Basingstoke

48

PROFESSIONAL

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY IN LINE WITH COVID19 GUIDELINES WE ALSO OFFER PHONE & VIDEO APPOINTMENTS Accounts & audit • Business advisory • Tax • Bookkeeping • IT & online accounting • VAT • Buying or selling a business Payroll Accounts & audit • Business advisory • •Tax • Bookkeeping

Accounts & audit • Business advisory • Tax • Bookkeeping • Payroll IT & onlinestart-up accounting • VAT • Buying or selling a business • Business • 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

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

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 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

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’

Wey Court West, Union Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7PT

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.

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

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

49

COMMUNITY / PROFESSIONAL New Alresford Town Trust The Town Trust organise the opening of Eel House,Museum and Norman Bridge on 31st May. We had around 20 volunteers manning the 3 sites with Covid regulations in place. There were 750 visitors at these sites some of whom would have visited more than 1 site. The donations with gift aid totalled £420 which will be divided between the Eel house restoration fund and the Museum fund.

The monies will go direct to these funds as The Trust uses 100% volunteers. The Eel House included a few new features including samples of river water as devised by Howard Boardman, a series of charts including a life cycle of the Eel written and organised by David Boddy as well as the normal pictures of the collapsed Eel House in 2006 and its rebuilding. The open day was organised by Penny Mcclelland (Trustee) with massive help from Paddy Walshe who prepared and set up the gazebo and manned the new cashless donation card machine. David Woods and Dorothy Hamilton played their part together with 10 other volunteers. The visitors totalled 215 based on the traditional counting sheets .

The team did a great overall job with visitors going away happy with good thoughts of Eel House and Alresford. The Museum had a steady stream of visitors all day numbering well over 200.Roy Gentry (Trustee)with the help of ex long term fireman (38 years ) Rick Pay and long suffering wife Ann have improved the exhibits of both the Fire engine and historic artefacts of Alresford as well as introducing a computer aided series of old photos and link to its website. We also had Cllr Fiona Isaacs and Caroline Horrill making their volunteering debut for the Town Trust.

The Norman Bridge with the kind permission of Caroline Perry had the most visitors at 294. Volunteers included Annie Saunders, Len Orton, Rob Atkins (my Son),Ernie Jeffs (Trustee)and wife Barbara and last but not least Caroline Perry herself. Alresford itself was not so busy as usual, no doubt a result of the Covid restrictions but at least the many visitors found that the open days enhanced their Alresford experience.

The next open day is Sunday 11 July and we look forward to all visitors (new and returning ) Regards - Robin Atkins (NATT,chair)

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 Farming and Equine Specialists

FREE Half Hour Initial Consultation • equestrian maintenance • Ploughing • field cultivation • Hedge cutting • Forestry • spraying specialist • fencing • topping • wood thining • Tree Felling & branch lopping

Load of logs - £70 per truck load

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

50

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

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: £1275 inclusive Bespoke Cremations from £2195 inclusive Traditional Burial from £2395 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

51

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

Quality Commercial Vehicles Here at Ideal Commercials we supply a variety of vehicles including Small vans, medium vans, large vans, vans, 4x4 vans, pickups, tippers, dropsides, Lutons and Lorries. We stock everything from Mercedes Benz trucks to VW Transporters, reliable Ford Transit Vans and much much more.

Our wide range of stock means that we have vehicles to suit all needs, and if we don’t have the one you’re after, our Managing Director Andy Lane is dedicated to finding that vehicle for you. Whether you’re a man with a van, or a big business after a fleet of commercial vehicles, we are here to help.

High Standards We always ensure that the commercial vehicles we sell are of a very high standard. Whether you’re purchasing brand new, used or nearly new vehicles, you can rest assured knowing that each of our vehicles are of the highest quality.

We are so confident in the quality of our vehicles, that we offer a free 3 month warranty with every vehicle purchased. Every one of our customers can also make the most of our various finance packages when purchasing a vehicle from us. We work tirelessly with each and every one of our customers to ensure that we find the right finance package to suit their needs.

Tel: 01730 606315 www.idealcommercials.co.uk

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

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

COMMUNITY / MOTORING Councillor Fiona Isaacs - June Report How time has flown since the elections. Thank you to all the residents who have contacted me.

Railway Bridge sign

During the election campaign, a number of residents mentioned the sign on the railway bridge in Alresford making a loud nose in high winds. I have reported this to HCC and they sent engineers out who have agreed that both signs need replacing. They have raised the following works reference number 7077280.

some other groups have also been working on this , and this just goes to show how important our centre is to Alresford.

Police and Crime issues A spree of shop lifting has recently taken place within Alresford businesses, and I have been liaising with the local police, to see if extra training on how shops can better protect themselves can take place. I have also invited our new Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, up to Alresford and Itchen Valley to visit us and discuss some of our local issues. Please do let me know if you have any specific issues, thank you to those who have already fed back.

NATT Open day

Alresford Litter Pick I attended this very popular community event. We did manage to report a number of blocked drains on the way round to HCC as well.

Perins School crossing issues

This has been an issue for many years. After witnessing several issues recently and I have also been in contact with many parents regarding this as well , I met with Steve Brine MP and members of Perins School before meeting Cllr Humby from HCC with Steve Brine, Members of Perins and some parents, at the site both to witness some of the issues. I was pleased that some actions were taken away including looking at alternative sites for some busses to stop at rather than the crossing , making it extra difficult and dangerous. I posted a video on my Facebook page (Cllr Fiona Isaacs) clearly showing some of the dangers. New bus contracts will be taking place in September and a more unified system is believed to be planned. Some action points further reports are planned .

Pedestrian Access to Alresford Recycling Centre Hampshire County Council have announced pedestrian access to the Alresford Household Waste Recycling Centre will start in July.

You will be able to arrange your visit using the dedicated booking system As you may know , I have been petitioning on the issue of pedestrian access of our recycling centre to HCC since the first lockdown.

I am delighted that after the pedestrian access trial had to be postponed last year, that Hampshire County Council have announced we can now go ahead. I have registered to speak on this issue on 17th June where I will be asking for consideration within the trial of non-restricted number of visits per week for the pedestrian access slots. This is mainly due to the amount some have to carry and this may not be achieved in just one visit. This is great news for many residents who don’t have cars or don’t drive. Also far better for the environment when you can walk and don’t have to drive. I know

54

Bank holiday Monday was a lovely day for the NATT open day. I was happy to help volunteer at the Alresford Museum and we welcomed many lovely visitors. Great job by everyone involved .

Parking issues I have been liaising on several parking related issues within our area on behalf of local residents and continue to do so. I am pleased to report that some have now been amicably resolved. Reports from some residents on the Dean , still expressing concerns of accessibility for emergency vehicles due to some people parking on the White lines on the bend. It was also making exit from some residents very difficult as a result. A suggestion to more white lines was given by WCC. This continues to be discussed.

FTTP 4 Alresford - I was asked if I could help canvas some residences with regards to this in order to help explain things further or address any concerns. Along with other volunteers, this was an important task to try to establish support for an area with very limited broadband. I am happy to help support any other groups if they would like help.

No r t h Mo to r Company Holden Farm, Cheriton, Alresford, Hants, SO24 ONX

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

MOTORING

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 •

ALRESFORD MOTOR SERVICES LTD 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

AVAILABLE FOR:

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

PRIVATE HIRE AIRPORT TRANSFERS OTHER JOURNEYS

OR VISIT WWW.PRESTIGECARSALRESFORD.CO.UK

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

All makes serviced and repaired.

Class 4 MOT's

Class 1 & 2 Motorcycles

MOT's WHILE YOU WAIT UNIT 5, SHELF HOUSE, NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QE

Tel: 01962 733888 e:mike1ams1@aol.com

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

55

MOTORING

Andrews Autosource Carefully Selected Cars Approved by trading standards

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

YOUR CAR, CAMPER OR MOTORHOME, ESPECIALLY IF IT'S IN GOOD CONDITION AND WITH SERVICE HISTORY

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.

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

2017 (17) Vauxhall Mokka X 1.4 turbo Elite - 1 owner,

16,000 miles 2016 (66) Honda Jazz 1.3 EX , 5 door, 1 owner,

19,000 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 2018 (18) Vauxhall Viva SE 5 door

2 owners, 7,000 miles 2013 (13) Suzuki SX4 SZ5 1.6, four wheel drive,

Air con, 49,600 miles 2016 (66) Kia Picanto 1.0 Air, 5 door, a/c

2 owners, 14,600 miles

Shelf House, New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QE £10995 £9995 £7995 £6495 £6495

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

£5795

Please ring our friendly team on: 01962 736186 andy.wilcan@live.co.uk www.wilcan.co.uk

£5295

THE LONG BARN, WINCHESTER ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9EZ

CAMPER VAN, 5 SEATS, 4 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 SOLD

VIEW OUR CURRENT STOCK AT

Standards you can rely on for airport, ferry port and city transfers

www.andrews-autosource.co.uk/vehicle-stock

Carpe Diem Executive Cars has built its reputation for excellence, professionalism and reliability offering a premium service at competitive prices

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

TEL: 01489 878 879 EVENING TEL: 01962 732995

56

The trusted private transport service

Contact us today and leave the rest to us Tel: 0330 6600 029 Mob: 07801 816 062

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

EDUCATION Mental Toughness and the pandemic

By Jane Gandee, Headmistress at St Swithun’s in Winchester

Last week AQR International, which specialises in helping organisations optimise people performance, updated its 2017 research into Mental Toughness with a new meta-analysis of data collected during the pandemic. The findings show that girls in single-sex schools which are part of the Girls’ Schools Association (as St Swithun’s proudly is) are generally more confident and emotionally in control than girls in co-educational schools. The research also indicates, not surprisingly, that girls who were more mentally tough before had an advantage in dealing with the pandemic.

At St Swithun’s, we are not surprised by these findings. Girls in single-sex schools like ours grow up without encountering

gender stereotyping, at least during their education. This has a multitude of benefits which the girls carry with them into the outside world and throughout their adult life.

One benefit relates to subject choices. Our students learn that all subjects are open to them and that they are just as likely to be successful in maths and physics as they are in art or English.

They appreciate that success is about acquiring the right skills and attitude rather than being male or female. Unbelievably, there are some co-ed schools in which not a single girl studies physics, apparently because there still exist stereotypes suggesting that physics is not suitable for girls.

Research also shows that girls in single sex environments are more likely to continue with sport which is linked to a positive body image, a healthy relationship with food and good mental health. The absence of boys has a further plus in that the girls here tend to grow up a little more slowly. They can unselfconsciously have fun without worrying about impressing anyone.

Why does mental toughness matter? Because it correlates with ambition, adaptability to change, ability to cope with stress, achievement and well-being. Indeed, other studies have shown precisely that girls educated in single-sex schools are more likely to take risks in the world of work such as asking for a pay rise or applying for a promotion. www.stswithuns.com | Tel: 01962 835703

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

It’s who we are.

Assessments for year 7 2022 entry take place next term.

Apply now for the few remaining places.

Please contact registrar@stswithuns.com for further information. www.stswithuns.com | 01962 835703

57

EDUCATION Godolphin Upper Sixth Art student raising awareness for Rhino Conservation Upper Sixth student Kate Prendergast has created a clay rhino statue (1m x 1/2m) which is currently on display in the Godolphin School grounds. The Rhino, which has been sculptured in unfired clay, has taken weeks to create, but will dissolve in a matter of hours. Kate’s aim is to raise awareness in and outside the school community to help Save the Rhinos.

Kate Prendergast says “As part of my Extended Project Qualification, I have been looking at the plight of the Rhino and the efforts that the world is going to save this endangered species. I have created a clay rhino which I’ve sculptured unfired clay. My rhino is currently sitting outside the school, and as the rain and weather encounters the dry clay the piece will slowly degrade and fade away. In this way I hope to demonstrate visually how, unless the world comes together to help the Rhino, they too will gradually disappear from this planet.”

Hampshire Fare Launch ‘Discover Local Produce Guide’

Head of Art & Design at Godolphin Nick Eggleton says “ This is taking art and design to a different level. Many students create permanent work to make a statement on social, political, or environmental issues but to come up with an alternative transient piece of work to highlight an issue is rather unusual. Kate has experienced the work that Save the Rhino is undertaking whilst on holiday and it is this that has motivated her to create this piece of work. on how the food and drinks culture has changed radically over the past 30 years, covering developments in how we shop, cook and entertain, as well as the introduction of new Hampshire hero products, among them artisan gins, buffalo mozzarella, rapeseed oil and sparkling wines.

Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare, comments: “We are so excited to be celebrating our 30th anniversary with this super guidebook which aims to help people discover and enjoy the finest local produce from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”

Hampshire Fare have just launched a special edition of their annual Local Produce Guide to celebrate the food, drink and craft group’s 30th anniversary.

The new Guide features an exclusive Crest design on the cover. Inside, articles reflect

58

Hampshire Fare’s Discover Local Produce Guide, with listings by category and area, has long been considered an essential resource for those in the industry, among them chefs and farm shop owners. However, the Guide is also appreciated by consumers who are showing greater interest in provenance and supporting local, particularly over the past year.

Tracy continues: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members for

Save the Rhino says “It’s shocking that today, three of the five species of rhino are Critically Endangered, and two have fewer than 80 animals left. The good news is that together we can stop poaching and habitat loss, so that rhinos are no longer near extinction. But we need to act now.”

Godolphin School E: admissions@godolphin.​org www.godolphin.org

supporting us with the publication of this Guide during what has been a very difficult time for many of them. We considered it more important than ever to publish our free Guide this year, not only to celebrate Hampshire Fare supporting local for 30 years, but to applaud all our members for their continuing hard work and inspirational businesses.”

‘Discover Local Produce with Hampshire Fare’ is a free Guide available from many Hampshire Fare members across the region and at selected events.

A digital version is also available to view and download from Hampshire Fare’s website: www.hampshirefare.co.uk.

All girls 3–18 years Day and Boarding

FRANC

HA LEAL

ETO GE

admissions@godolphin.org www.godolphin.org

EYES TEETH EARS? WE ARE STILL OPEN Feeling more isolated and anxious during lockdown? are you having trouble hearing TV or talking on the telephone?

YOU’VE HAD YOUR EYES & TEETH CHECKED WHY NOT YOUR EARS AND HEARING?

Lo c I n de al & pe Fami ndent ly B u s i n Ru n ess

HEARING PROBLEMS? MAYBE ITS JUST WAX?

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT ON 01962 790749 VISIT US FOR:

WE OFFER MICRO SUCTION ALRESF ORD EARWAX H E A R I N REMOVAL! G STUDIO

• Hearing Tests • Invisible Hearing Aids

WE OFFER:

• Earwax Removal • Tinnitus Consultations

• A Bespoke Dedicated Service

• Custom Hearing Protection

• Independent Advice • Home Visits

CALL US ON 01962 790749

TO BOOK YOUR FREE APPOINTMENT ALRESFORD HE ARING STUDIO

4 2 W E S T S T R E E T • A L R E S F O R D • H A M P S H I R E • S O 24 9 A U CALL US TODAY ON: 01962 790749 • VISIT US AT: alresfordhearingstudio.co.uk 691839934

ALRESF ORD HEARING STUDIO