Itchen Valley Forum - February 2022 by Mark Tubb

ISSUE 182 FEBRUARY 2022

Forum ITCHEN VALLEY

Life in your Community

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

GOING, GOING... GONG

FEBRUARY NEWS & EVENTS

VALENTINE'S QUIZ

Delicious Macarons

By Lucia Foster-Found

All the local news and events for the local area

Test your knowledge with a fun trivia quiz

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

Your friendly garage with a personal touch Quality Service & Repairs

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

MOT centre

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

Child friendly customer waiting area

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

Free local collection & delivery service

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

While you wait service

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

Tyres & Exhausts

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

Free courtesy car (by appointment)

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

Computer 4-wheel alignment Check

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

Mention this advert to get £10 off your next MOT

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

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

ITCHEN VALLEY FORUM FEBRUARY 2022

CONTENTS 04 Property Management

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

Garden

Make your garden dream come true Going, Going... Gong By Lucia Foster-Found

22 Professional Services

Home

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

38 Feature

20 Feature

Travel

Experts to help you explore the world

Jack Price races to the the top

44 Feature

Valentine's Quiz

48 Motoring

From photographers to solicitors every professional service you need

Local services to keep your vehicle running

50 Education

26 Wellbeing

Find local schools and educational experts

Looking after your health and yourself!

Retail

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

Entertainment

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

Contributors Lucia Foster-Found www. luciafosterfound.com

Unit 8A, Shelf House, New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QH 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, 2022

Show your love this Valentine's Day with these delicious Macarons.

Food & Drink

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

Forum Publications Offices

Discover local events and days out or in

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

Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk

Get in Touch

34 Recipe of the Month

The Team

PROPERTY / COMMUNITY Local lettings experts in Alresford With the lettings market going through unprecedented changes, it is more important than ever that landlords ensure that their legislative responsibilities are up-to-date. Landlords now have to adhere to well over a hundred pieces of legislation, and failure to do so can result in situations where they are unable to issue notice to tenants, and are subject to a fine or, in the worst cases, imprisonment. For many private landlords this fast-changing landscape is not only confusing, but daunting to navigate on their own. Increasingly, landlords are relying on professional letting agents to protect them from costly errors and to give them the peace of mind they are looking for. It is reassuring to know that ARLA Propertymark agents operate to the highest standards, with client money protection insurance, and qualified and trained staff as standard. The Hellards lettings team is led by Ian Woodhouse-Smith, who

Ian Woodhouse-Smith FARLA

Hampshire publisher wants to find new writers A project championing new writers has been launched by a Hampshire publisher.

poetry from selected writers around the world.

Budding writers are being invited to submit their fiction and poetry to Tim Saunders in Locks Heath, who is publishing a book of short stories and an anthology of

“I am particularly keen to promote fresh, new talent so extend this invitation to anyone aged 16 and over,” says Tim, who launched his latest books this month and writes for publications in England and America. “The challenge is that stories must not exceed 1,000 words and poetry needs to be 30 lines or under.” The deadline is April 28, 2022. Email your entries to: tsaunderspubs@gmail.com

is a Fellow of ARLA with nearly 20 years’ experience in the industry. Ian comments: “For us, it is vital that every member of the team is a member of ARLA, or is working towards attaining this qualification. This ensures that our clients get accurate, current advice that they can rely on.” Hellards offers a tailored and integrated lettings service from their busy Broad Street office, which is where the team is based. “Lettings is very much a ‘people’ business, and the fact that our clients can pop into the office to chat about their property is a real bonus, making the process easier and more personal”, says Ian. Here’s what a tenant had to say about them recently: “Hellards have been fantastic; very upfront and transparent with information regarding our rental property and the whole process. Any questions we had were answered without hesitation, with no need to repeat ourselves as the whole team communicated very well. Overall very happy with our experience!”

Helen Gee

Fiona Wingent

Rebecca Jackson MARLA

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LE T ALRESFORD ROPLEY Sales | Property Management | Lettings To Let: £1,600pcm | EPC Rating: C To Let: £2,250pcm | EPC Rating: E

SO LD

ALRESFORD Asking Price: £895,000 | EPC Rating: Exempt

ROPLEY Asking Price: £1,600,000 | EPC Rating: Exempt

LADYCROFT, ALRESFORD Asking Price: £675,000 | EPC Rating: D

SO LD

ALRESFORD Asking Price: £650,000 | EPC Rating: B

Asking Price: £845,000 | EPC Rating: E Sale: £795,000 | EPC E A name you can Forcount on inRating: a changing world… ROPLEY

ROPLEY

BRAMDEAN To Let: £1,400pcm | EPC Rating: E

ELLISFIELD Asking Price: £595,000 | EPC Rating: F

LE T

CHERITON Asking Price: £595,000 | EPC Rating: Exempt

ALRESFORD To Let: £995pcm | EPC Rating: E

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

Sales | Property Management | Lettings

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

A name you can count on in a changing world…

move inon a new A name Looking you cantocount in adirection? changing world… you count onforin apeople changing world… InA thename current, busy marketcan it’s proving a challenge many to find their dream home, with stiff competition between home movers for the best properties.

From this month, we will be highlighting a selection of properties that are available to buy or rent. If any of these are of interest, please let us know. The full selection of available properties can be viewed on our own Hellards website, or on the Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket and PrimeLocation websites. If you are thinking of a move this year we would be happy to offer a helping hand with your search. A good starting point would be to have an up-to-date valuation of your current home. Please contact one of our dedicated team to discuss your requirements. We hope to hear from you soon!

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

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

WWW. NONYKERR

- SMILEY. COM

Having been in High Street estate agency for about thirty years between us, Sam and I became freelance estate agents in 2021, and are proud to have found buyers for more than 50 properties to date. We continue to offer a totally different quality of agency, based on service and values. Our ethos is to tailor our service to our clients’ individual needs, which is never one size fits all, and our clients’ testimonials attest to this being a welcome and refreshing approach. Recent review: “Looking back, I didn’t understand what ‘end to end service’ meant from an Estate Agent… but when Nony and Sam brought the full force of their combined charm and drive to push our sale along to completion through a bumpy and slow conveyancing process, I truly felt it and fully understood it. I can’t thank Nony and Sam enough for their extraordinary and personal service. From the quality of the photography at the start, through viewings, recommendations, and negotiation to completion smiles, Nony and Sam provide a level of service you just don’t get from the High Street agents. If you choose to engage them for your sale, you won’t regret it.” If you are thinking of selling your home in 2022, and would like to chat about how we would represent your home in the market, please contact us!

NONY KERR-SMILEY

SAM KERR-SMILEY

+44 (0)7712 648740

+44 (0)7801 056784

n o n y @ n o n y k e r r - s m i l e y. c o m

s a m @ n o n y k e r r - s m i l e y. c o m

S e l l i n g P r o p e r t y w i t h H o n e s t y & I n t e g r i t y f o r o v e r 2 0 Ye a r s If you are currently under a sole agency contract to another agent, you should check the terms of that contract to avoid potentially being exposed to dual fees

In Association With

WWW. NONYKERR

- SMILEY. COM

We Are Selling, Are you? Here are just some of the homes for whom we secured buyers over the past few months

NONY KERR-SMILEY

SAM KERR-SMILEY

+44 (0)7712 648740

+44 (0)7801 056784

n o n y @ n o n y k e r r - s m i l e y. c o m

s a m @ n o n y k e r r - s m i l e y. c o m

In Association With

PROPERTY / COMMUN ITY

Hope springs eternal… According to the latest Rightmove House Price Index, the number of buyers enquiring about homes is up 15% year-on-year. With this fresh batch of buyers ready and waiting, if you’ve been thinking about making a fresh start, now is a great time to be putting your house on the market. And if you’re looking for a fresh approach to selling your home… well, let’s have a chat!

Alresford Rotary 2022 The first quarter of the year is a relatively quiet time for Alresford Rotary following the activity of the previous three months co-ordinating locally the Rotary Wessex Christmas shoebox scheme, putting on Alresford’s November firework display and bonfire and December’s song and music contest, and selling Christmas trees. As we edge towards spring look out for the purple crocusses planted in November on the south side of the Avenue and in Arlebury Park beyond the football pitches and in Nursery Road, remembering the purple colour is inspired by the colour of the dye painted on the little finger of a child to signify they have received a potentially life saving polio vaccine. Thirty six years into Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio there were no more than a handful of wild polio cases in 2021. Thank you for all the support you gave Alresford Rotary in difficult times last year. Rotary is a wordwide voluntary organisation of men and women dedicated to “service before self”, helping others, promoting what is good in society and aiming for peace the world over. Sadly two local Rotary clubs have folded within the last couple of years. Please continue to (or start to) support Alresford Rotary and its events to ensure it does not have a similar fate. Writing this in the uncertainty of early January we hope to hold “Probably mid Hampshire’s Quiz of the Year” on 8th April at Itchen

Abbas village hall and all being well tickets will be on sale from early February. Keep an eye on our website and social media for the latest information! Kids Out! Since 1990 Rotary has worked in partnership with “Kids Out” (“The Fun and Happiness Charity-www.kidsout.org.uk) taking, over the years, hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged children out for a fun day. On many occasions Alresford Rotary has been able to take local disadvantaged children to venues such as Paultons Park and Marwell Zoo, the cost of doing so being met by your generously supporting local Rotary activities. For some years working with Women’s Aid Refuges across the UK Kids Out has been providing children with a box of brand new toys when they leave with their mother and move into their new home (often a single room in a Refuge) giving the children stability and fun when they need it most. Your support of Alresford Rotary enabled it to contribute to the 2021 Rotary Christmas Toybox initiative. Major toy companies generously agreed to supply £80 worth of age and gender specific toys for £25 and nationally 5435 children in refuges were able to have brand new toys to support their mental health and build happy memories. Many chidren arrive at a Refuge with nothing other than the clothes on their back and mothers struggle to provide basic essentails, let alone toys. Kids Out works to remind children living with disadvantages what it is like to be children and just have fun. If you like having fun and helping other people at the same time please let us know! Alresford Rotary needs you! James Pinniger

www.chartersestateagents.co.uk

01962 734633

alresford@chartersestateagents.co.uk

LOCAL | INDEPENDENT | AWARD -WINNING

ALRESFORD

SUCCESSFUL YEAR, SUCCESSFUL TEAM!

AIDAN HUMPHRIES Branch Partner

ALAN DURANI Sales Manager

REBECCA PEARSON Sales Manager

JULIET VAUGHAN-ARBUCKLE Sales Manager

Despite the huge challenges of the pandemic, stamp duty deadlines and an attracting buyers as well as the sheer dedication of the whole team and unprecedented lack of available homes, the Charters Alresford Team have the additional support of a network of offices across Hampshire and Surrey.” enjoyed their most successful year ever in 2021. The team in Alresford is made up of local individuals who are all experts in the market they operate in and who are passionate about the town they serve and one of the biggest contributing factors to Charters Alresford agreeing more sales in the SO24 postcode area than any other estate agent in 2021 (Source: Rightmove). “I am extremely proud of the team as they have worked so hard to maintain our high standards of service as well as delivering some exceptional results despite the challenges the market has given” claims Aidan Humphries, Alresford Branch Partner. “The prominence and comfort of our property showroom based in The Old Post Office in the heart of the town has been instrumental in

The demand for homes to buy or rent in Alresford has been staggering, contributing to significant price rises in both sectors which shows no signs of abating, and it has proven to be an exceptional time to realise maximum values for sellers. With mortgage rates remaining so low it remains cost effective for first time buyers and investors to enter the market but there has been demand for homes across all sectors of the market including a huge uplift in the sale of larger country homes in the villages surrounding Alresford. Despite the massive desire to purchase, the rental market has also seen unprecedented rises particularly in the centre of town which is proving an even more popular destination to reside.

If you are contemplating a move and would like advice on selling or renting your home, please call Aidan and the team on 01962 734633.

A SELECTION OF HOMES SOLD IN 2021

SOLD

ROPLEY

ALRESFORD

ROPLEY

A SELECTION OF HOMES LET IN 2021

LET

ALRESFORD

ITCHEN ABBAS

ALRESFORD I ALTON I BISHOPS WALTHAM I CHANDLERS FORD I FARNHAM I PARK GATE I ROMSEY I SOUTHAMPTON I WINCHESTER I LONDON

COMMUNITY Alresford Pigs - What's in a name? We’re often asked about our rather unusual name, after all we are a charity that is about Local People Helping Local People, and nothing to do with actual pigs. There have been many suggestions as to the source of our name, some funny, some strange and some downright rude. And to be honest the reason is now lost in the mists of time – or we’re just not telling. But, and this is important, whatever you want to call us, we The Pigs, have been offering support (moral, physical and financial) to local families and clubs, organisations, individuals, and good causes in and around Alresford for nearly 50 years. We’re known for the events we host and organise or support, such as the Alresford Duck Race and the Alresford Show. (As well as the Olympigs, Chilli Festival, Christmas Trees, Arrival of Father Christmas, Wine Tastings, Quizzes and numerous other events). These are fun community events that bring people together and contribute to making Alresford the wonderful place to live that it is. And we work hard within the community giving support to our schools, the Scouts and Guides, our Sports teams, providing park benches, mobility scooters and a wide range of other items and help. But as in any wonderful place there’s always a darker side, a place where some people are not so fortunate, a place where life has taken a bad turn and help is needed. This is what we are here for, provide help where it’s needed, giving advice and being there when it seems no one else can help. If you, or someone you know, needs help please contact us. Be assured all enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence. We consider any request for financial support from within the area and although it’s impossible to list all of the people we have supported down the years they include organisations such as the Scouts, Guides, sports & youth groups, local schools for specific projects, families who are unable to fully fund school trips for their child, single parent families needing white goods, families needing support that cannot be provided by other services, mobility scooters, park benches, senior residents events and activities and life-saving defibrillators. The Alresford Pigs Association is a registered charity (charity no. 1163001). More information can be found at www.alresfordpigs.org or email us at info@alresfordpigs.org or for an immediate request for support call the Pigs Help line 01962 658961

Alresford Chamber of Commerce News

Alresford Chamber of Commerce have been liasing with the Business Ecconomic team at WCC in relation to: • Business grants from the government for businesses affected by Covid and Any discretionary grants that may be available from Winchester City Council. If you have any questions do contact us at info@alresfordchamber.co.uk, or follow us on Facebook (@ AlresfordChamberofCommerce) where updates will be posted ACofC also organised police training for local businesses.

Winchester Citizens Advice Lesley Rose, Advice Services Manager for Citizens Advice Winchester District gives advice on how to manage the imminent rise in energy costs. I keep seeing on the news that my bills could be going up soon. It’s making me really worried, especially as I spent more on Christmas than I should. How can I get my spending habits back on track in 2022? A lot of people will be asking themselves this question right now. The good news is there are lots of things you can do to be more in control of your money and better prepared for the future. Firstly, find out exactly what money you have coming in and going out each month. Be realistic about what you need for essentials like food and travel. Then you can set yourself a budget that you can stick to take a look at the budgeting tool on the Citizens Advice website to help you do this. If any of your bills do go up in the coming year, you can go back to our budgeting tool anytime to create a new plan and stay in control. Our website tips on how to reduce your regular living costs may be helpful if you find you have more money going out than coming in at any point. You should also make sure you’re getting all the income you’re entitled to. Use the income checker on the Citizens Advice website to see if you could be getting more support, such as benefits or government grants. You can also use this to make sure you’re being paid the right wage. If you’ve been using credit cards, your overdraft, or store cards for your spending, it’s understandable if these debts are causing you worry. It’s important to prioritise paying your rent or mortgage, plus energy bills and Council Tax first though. Not paying these has the most serious consequences. On the Citizens Advice website, we have advice about which bills you need to prioritise and the support available for paying these and other bills. Once you have planned how to pay your priority bills, the budgeting tool can help you plan how to repay credit cards, overdraft charges and store cards. If you need more specific support or don’t feel able to manage your situation alone, you can call Citizens Advice Winchester District on 0808 278 7861. You’re not on your own.

Market Town Events Lighting up Alresford Our thanks to our teams from Alresford Chamber of Commerce, The PIGS and volunteers who braved the January weather to take down the much appreciated trees. Queen’s Jubilee event NATC have appointed an event organiser. ACofC are part of the group along with representatives from all community organisations to assist in coordinating an event planned for Saturday 4th June. ACofC next event will be the Easter Egg Hunt at half term. Market town events will be posted on the event boards in town and a full list on our events page (https://www.alresfordchamber.co.uk/ alresford/AlresfordEvents/) Together we are stronger

Leave your lawn to us Independent Lawn Professionals

GARDEN

Moss & Scarification

Once the moss has been killed it’s time to remove it. This can be hard work over a large area where a petrol-driven scarifier is essential equipment for the job. It’s time consuming and pretty hard work but it’s important to get the dead moss out and will reduce thatch at the same time. Scarification vigorously rakes the surface of the lawn with spinning blades. These blades rip out moss and thatch and open up the surface of the lawn. Top-dressing It’s often beneficial to top-dress your lawn after scarification. This addition of organic matter helps to level uneven hollows in the lawn surface, improves soil structure, drainage and helps the general health of the lawn.

According to Don McLean’s 70’s classic, American Pie, ‘moss grows fat on a rolling stone’. According to my experience, moss grows fat on a winter lawn.

Over-seeding to infill The final process is over-seeding - introducing new, healthy grass plants to in-fill the gaps left by the moss that’s been removed, creating a stronger, healthier lawn that’s more capable of dealing with the challenges nature throws at it. Scarification creates ideal surface conditions for over-seeding.

Many suffer moss growth in their lawns. It’s easy to spot, lush and green amongst the grass. Thriving as it smothers its less vigorous winter bed partner. The good news is it responds well to treatment and can be brought under control with specialist lawn-care. The bad news is, left untreated it will thrive and it encourages infestation from chafer grubs which can cause a huge amount of lawn damage. From a distance moss gives the impression of a green, lush lawn. The grass it is smothering struggles to survive, the percentage of moss in the lawn increases and the grass gradually dies away. Why is this a problem? Wait until the drier summer months and you’ll soon see. Moss thrives in wet conditions, but unlike healthy, well maintained grass, which is far hardier, moss dries out and dies in dry, warm summer weather. At the height of summer, when you want to be enjoying your garden at its best, you are left with brown, scorched areas of lawn and areas of dead moss. Most unsightly and far too late in the season to treat. Spring is the ideal time for dealing with moss issues. Mowing too short, too infrequently or not following the correct mowing height for the time of year can be a big contributor to moss growth. As can incorrect nutrition, not dealing with thatch or compaction and not removing leaves from the lawn regularly. Bare areas should also be dealt with promptly so as not to leave space for moss spores to germinate. A healthy dense grass sward leaves little room for moss or weeds to take up residence. Killing and removing moss If you already have moss in your lawn this can be treated. Some people try this themselves with lawn-sand but the results can be hit and miss with the grass often being killed at the same time as the moss. Our approach is a liquid treatment combined with a wetting agent that helps penetrate deep into the thick matting of moss. Ensure your lawn has the correct nutritional plan in place, so it’s receiving the right nutrients at the right time of year. Healthy grass, like healthy people, is in a better position to fight off invaders.

Unlike re-seeding, where the existing vegetation is removed completely and a new seed-bed created for the sowing of a new lawn, over-seeding works with what you already have by adding new grass seeds to your existing lawn and helping to blend areas of weak growth into other areas of your lawn more naturally. It’s also far less labour intensive, uses fewer lawn seeds and is much more economical. It is however really important to deal with any weeds before seeding begins. New grass plants are susceptible to the treatments used to kill lawn weeds. Older, existing lawn grasses are robust enough to withstand these treatments. Therefore manage the weed issue first and then get new grass plants growing. Remember that once germination begins your new grass seeds need moisture to survive. They won’t be able to manage times without water until they have established roots. If it doesn’t rain then you need to remember to keep them watered for the first few weeks but regular rain is almost guaranteed at this time of year. Planning ahead is the way to create superb outdoor spaces you can enjoy all year. Now is the time to treat lawn moss problems, if you don’t want to do this yourself call in the professionals and get on top of that moss problem before it’s too late.

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

GARDEN

Unable to plant a tree in your garden? Need to replace that rotting wobbly fence? Have a tired old hedge full of holes that needs instant repair?

ou Are y r bit you t? g n i do lane p e for th

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COMMUNITY Winchester Council update February 2022 A very Happy New Year to all. Let us hope for a better year than 2021 The Lido We all love open air swimming. Back in 2008 or thereabouts a lido was top of a wish list for residents in Alresford. At the time there were grants aplenty and we had hopes of some free land. The Town Council make a preliminary estimate of running costs for limited opening hours, which came to about £70,000 a year, (about £1,000 per adult in the Alresford catchment). The idea was reluctantly, abandoned. An enthusiastic group of Winchester residents recently brought a petition to Council asking that we consider a lido at North Walls, on the site of the now redundant River Park Leisure Centre. While we welcome the enthusiasm of the residents and are aware of the health benefits, this idea has to be seen in its wider context: The WCC is struggling and will continue to struggle to balance the budget and are not in a position to spend an estimated £10 million on an open air pool, particularly since they have just completed a state of the art, leisure centre and pool complex at Bar End. The high water table at North Walls makes construction of a pool at ground level structurally problematic. There are ways in which the lido idea or perhaps open-air river swimming might be made to work with a lower-key approach. The levels of effluent in the rivers has to be recognised as a challenge to be overcome. We’ll be working with the lido group to try and move the potential for open air swimming forward Why is Recycling Plastic so hard here? The existing system is that WCC collect our household waste, and Hampshire County Council dispose of it. Alongside doorstep glass collections, Winchester Council has introduced carton bins, electrical appliance recycling and battery recycling to make an increase in our recycling rate – so have ended up as the Hampshire council with the lowest residual waste and 2nd highest recycling rate – but all in the context of Hampshire as a whole, which has the lowest recycling rate of any county council in the country. We want now to increase other recycling, our aspiration is for all plastic pots, tubs and trays to go into a single recycling bin with

glass, tins, cartons and other containers. Paper and cardboard will go in a separate container. We also want to introduce weekly food waste collections. The County Council do not have the facilities to process many different types of plastic pots and tubs. A new materials recycling facility is needed to separate the different materials when we deliver them for disposal. There are challenges for WCC too, to solve the problem of those with limited storage space and to provide clear instructions on what goes in different bins. Central Winchester Regeneration The council has agreed after a gruelling full council debate in the evening of 12th January and the early morning of the 13th, that the procurement process to secure a development partner of a suitable calibre for the Central Winchester Regeneration shall be started. This is an important opening move. There can be no doubt that development of sensitive city centre sites is a difficult process, from inception through to implementation. The truth of Robbie Burns’s immortal lines: “The best laid schemes o' mice an' men, Gang aft a-gley,” has been made very clear to all after the events of the last two years. The City Council has taken the best economic and legal advice it can. Many foreseeable problems have been addressed, but no doubt unforeseeable matters will appear that will have to be solved as the project progresses. For twenty years the regeneration of Central Winchester has stalled, with two failed attempts. The reasons for the two failures have been learned and many safeguards built into the development process, so the WCC remains firmly in the driving seat. The easiest and most financially rewarding course of action would have been to sell off the land to the highest bidder. This course would not gain the full socio-economic benefits that are needed, as gleaned during the consultation process with the people of the city. Reaching this stage has taken much investment in officers’ and councillors’ time and financial resources to seek the best advice from a range of economic, legal and design consultants. Why the effort and what is the relevance to the Itchen Valley? Our wonderful ancient city, although no longer as pre-eminent as a millennium ago, remains the county seat and the administrative hub for a large district. It is still the economic and commercial hub for the northern part of the district and to a certain degree the

remainder. It is still a magnet for many of the rural settlements along the Itchen Valley. It is with its heritage, the cultural centre of the district. The investment in time, effort and money to reach the first step in creating a vital, thriving and attractive centre to Winchester has been huge. The alternative of debating the issue for another decade or worse still, doing nothing are, let us hope, now behind us. Tree Planting If you promote a Tree Planting guide, you become a clearing house for land owners with space and trees needing a home. Always happy to help! The last of the free bare root trees from the Woodland Trust are gone, but they still have some native cell grown trees, which with lots of care, could still be planted. https://shop.woodlandtrust. org.uk/trees SHELAA sites and the Local Plan The mischievous and alarmist idea that all 3,700 Hectares of land put forward in the SHELAA list are to be covered in houses, continues to be circulated. The call for sites is a legal requirement under the National Planning Policy Framework and part of the lengthy process to establish the Local Plan as a valid legal instrument. Landowners and/or their agents can put forward their land repeatedly at every SHELAA call. It is worth repeating that the SHELAA does not recommend which sites are most suited to meet any remaining requirements and it is not a policy document and does not allocate sites. The housing needs of the district are currently estimated at 700 per annum. (This is an estimate as the housing needs algorithm is subject to change by the Government and the number is also subject to variables such as ’windfall’ sites). Housing density varies between about 30 to 90 units per Hectare so that the total land take to accommodate 700 units per year would between 8.0 and 23.0 Hectares. A very small fraction of 3,700 Hectares. This deliberate misrepresentation wastes the time of planning officers who have to deal with unnecessary queries.

Russell Gordon -Smith 01962 733219

Margot Power 01962 734167

GARDEN

LONGWOOD SERVICES PEST CONTROL est 1995

• • • •

Supply and planting large specimen trees and shrubs

Local fully insured family business HCC Trading Standard approved No Call out or VAT charge Wasp Nests, Rats & Mice, Moths, Ants, Bed bugs, fleas and all other pests. Tel: Winchester/Cheriton - 01962 777382 embirkettjohn@sky.com

Espalier, pleached and instant impact hedges

MAY COTTAGES, LONGWOOD. HAMPSHIRE

All trees and shrubs carefully selected

C&D Trees

Design, landscaping and ongoing maintenance Free site visit and consultation

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

Bosque is a trading name of Just Limegrass Ltd.

www.cdtrees.co.uk

Harko: 07710 502798 Tom: 07855 656984

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

www.bosque international.co.uk

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

PETER PAYNE 01962 733866 or 07778 170442

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

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

Tel: 01962 732498 Mob: 07879 448141

SILVERSPRINGS SILVERSPRINGS GGAARRDDEENN CCEENNTTRREE

Home & Garden Furniture in stock or available to pre-order FREE local delivery

Stockists of Alexandra Rose, Daro, Leisure Grow Furniture and German Design Award Winner, Aluvision Puro Pergolas. 2022 Outdoor Furniture Range now available to Pre order for delivery Early March

SILVERSPRINGS SILVERSPRINGS GGAARRDDEENN CCEENNTTRREE

Aluvision Bespoke Puro Pergola on display in our showroom

THE SUMMERHOUSE Cafe and Restaurant @ Silversprings Garden Centre Breakfast | Brunch | Lunch | Afternoon Tea | Sunday Roasts Tables of up to 20 available to pre book*

SILVERSPRINGS SILVERSPRINGS GGAARRDDEENN CCEENNTTRREE

Home & Garden Furniture in stock or available to pre-order FREE local delivery

www.silverspringsgc.co.uk info@silverspringsgc.co.uk Find us on Facebook: @SilverSprings.Garden.Centre FONTLEY ROAD, TITCHFIELD, FAREHAM, PO15 6QX

FEATURE

Going, Going….. Gong © LUCIA FOSTER-FOUND 2022

WWW.LUCIAFOSTERFOUND.COM

“Who’ll give me fifty pounds? Twenty pounds then, surely. Thank-you sir. Twenty, twenty two… Oh wait, fifty pounds now on the internet, sixty, seventy – fighting it out - eighty-five pounds, are we all done at eighty-fiiiyve? Going once. Twice.” Bang, the gavel went down. Disgruntled mutterings behind her; “There were better bargains at auctions before they went online and on the telly.” She turned around to see who was talking and the hem of her coat swept a small ornament onto the floor. In the poorly timed lull of background chatter, the tinkle of breaking porcelain was huge. The auctioneer drily commented “Madam, the idea is to buy things, not break things” to the general amusement of all. “So sorry!” Scarlet-faced and apologetic, she scrambled to pick up the pieces, grovelling around the feet of onlookers and under tables. Mortifying. She’d been worried that by scratching her nose or touching an earlobe she’d inadvertently bid on something hideously expensive. Or worse, something expensive and hideous. But this was more dreadful. And the coat, which was to blame, was not even warm enough for the auction room’s chill. Slinking off to the back, she tried to look inconspicuous. Eventually it was over and Himself came and found her. Shivering, she moaned “It’s like a meat locker in here, albeit somewhat bizarrely furnished. Freezing. No one mentions that on Antiques Road Trip. I think I‘m mildly hypothermic and… ” “And very grumpy.” Chuckling, he cut her off mid moan, “Don’t worry, Darling, we’ll be going, going, gone, ha ha, in a moment.” At home, she cheered up, warmed up and dished lunch up, whilst Himself pored over his wins. “Didn’t know this was in here. I bought the lot for the postcard albums.” Delving into a box he produced a brass dinner gong and struck it with the little mallet. BONGBONGBONG!! “Very ‘luncheon is served m’lord’. What fun!” “My mother could have done with that. Dad vanished every time his meal appeared on the table. ‘Where’s that man!’ she’d say. Drove her nuts.” “Well, we don’t need it.” Himself said airily “Also it seems we have acquired a bread maker along with the strimmer that I was really after. Wonder what happened to the one we had. I do love freshly baked bread.”

They both loved freshly baked bread. Almost as much as freshly baked bread loved their love handles.. Should she confess that, some time back, she’d managed to offload the breadmaker; going, going, gone.. to a charity shop? But Himself was fondly recollecting “Remember that sun-dried tomato loaf you left to cool on the worktop? Disappeared. We had to feel each of the dog’s tummies to find out who’d pinched it.” “I do. It was the Labrador. Well it would be. Not so much as a crumb left as evidence. Who was it said Labradors were an intelligent stomach on four legs?” She finished plating up the meal and turned to ask. The room was empty. Just as the meal was served, Himself had gone. No going, going… Simply gone. She called out “Darling?” Unbelievable. “Where’s that man!” She caught her reflection in the kitchen window and sighed. “Mirror mirror on the wall, I’ve become my mother after all.” But as she moved to go find him, she tripped over the dogs milling around her feet. The room? Not as empty as she’d thought… “So, do I risk leaving you two alone in here? Mmnn..” The spaniels looked up at her and wagged their tails in encouragement. “To be fair, you’re not the criminal mastermind the Labrador was.” One gave a little ‘parp’ and sniffed its own bottom in surprise, as if to prove the point. “And not as tall, although those telescopic necks of yours - useful for assailing the not-so-dizzy heights of the worktop.” Shaking her head suspiciously at them, they looked in another direction, feigning innocence. “And you’d be oh-so-sorry once the red mist had lifted and all that was left were empty plates.” Furtively, they gave each other a guilty sideways glance. “Aha! That’s what I thought.” She stroked the spaniels’ silky heads and had an inspired idea. Rummaging in the auction box, she took out the dusty item. BONGBONGBONG!! “Luncheon is served m’lord! Come and get it before it’s going, going, gone… to the dogs.”

GARDEN

TDH

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

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

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

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

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

Free Quotes • References from Norwegian Projects T: 07498 747906

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

1 Hinton Hill Cottages, Hinton Ampner, SO24 0JZ

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

PETER CHIVERS PCS

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

PROFESSIONAL Mr Mac At last, 2022 is well under way and let us hope for a better year and the end of the pandemic. Technology has, as always, moved along in leaps and bounds over the last 12 months and I am sure it will do so this year as well. I am pleased to report that many over 55s are embracing more and more new technology. Not just the 60 and 70 year olds, I have clients in their 80s and even some in their 90s! My advice to everyone is do not let the device control you, you control the device. Use them for what you need and be comfortable with what you are using.

As more and more of you are asking me for advice when choosing something new, I can tell you that do not always need to buy the latest iPhone, iPad, Mac computer or Windows laptop when you decide to change your device. Apple and Amazon offer refurbished, in most cases as good as new, for much less than the price of a new model and with a 12 month warranty. I can help to advise on the best one for your needs. Please call me to book an appointment 07392 552 592. Finally, this month if you are fed up with Alexa and would prefer something with a much better sound quality, try the Apple Home Pod Mini. It sounds so much better than the Echo Dot Alexa speaker. I used to be very happy with my Bose mini speaker until I changed for these. You can install them in different rooms and connect to any Apple device wirelessly. They are just £89 each and available in various colours.

Can’t get the hang of your computer? One-to-one tuition by qualified trainer

DBS checked. COVID safe sessions or remote available. Call Christine for details on 01962 735359

AVAILABLE FOR:

PRESTIGE CARS OF ALRESFORD TEL: 01962 865602 MOBILE: 07752 570787 OR VISIT WWW.PRESTIGECARSALRESFORD.CO.UK

PRIVATE HIRE AIRPORT TRANSFERS OTHER JOURNEYS

CATH VENN FREELANCE PA ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢

Administration, Secretarial Work, General Typing Book-Keeping + VAT/PAYE/CIS High Quality, Professional Service Guaranteed Fully Qualified with 20+ years’ Experience References Available

Contact:

T: 0792 100 1265 E: cath@mvennconstruction.com

The trusted private transport service

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

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

PROFESSIONAL

Andrew Bevis

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Architectural Designs & Drawings

IN LINE WITH COVID19 GUIDELINES

Alresford, Hampshire & Much Wenlock, Shropshire

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

WE ALSO OFFER PHONE & VIDEO APPOINTMENTS

Paget Will Writing Wills Powers of Attorney Advance Decisions Estate Planning Advice

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

Contact Catherine Paget TEP

www.gibbonsolicitors.co.uk

Email: catherine.paget@pagetwillwriting.co.uk Tel: 07786 626979 Web: www.pagetwillwriting.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’

THE FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL DIRECTORS

UNIQUE AND BESPOKE

SINCE 1860

ALRESFORD OFFICE

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

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

Along with our experienced and dedicated team, we are personally here to help, support and guide you 24 hours a day. Visit us in our Alresford office.

www.steelsfunerals.co.uk

01962 798789

Forum_180x126mm.indd 1

11/11/2021 17:43

COMMUNITY / PROFESSIONAL The Arle Valley Benefice - Service Survey The Arle Valley Benefice is the name of the group of 4 church parishes for New Alresford, Old Alresford, Bighton and Ovington. The Rector has responsibility for all services of worship in these 4 parishes. When you read this we will have already begun a period of consultation within our communities to ascertain the types, times and frequency of church services that the community would like to have in our churches. The Rector cannot be in more than one church at a time, and only a priest can preside at communion services. We are however blessed with 2 focal ministers at Bighton and Old Alresford who can take services that are non-Eucharistic. We also have a licensed lay minister and lay worship leaders with similar permissions to take non Eucharistic services across the Benefice. We are actively seeking the views of all in our communities and would love to hear your views. Please contact us directly through your local church, through our website, Facebook page or through the benefice office at St Johns’. We also have an online anonymous survey that you can complete the link is below and also on our website, Facebook page or from the Benefice office.

Stunning marquees for your event for 24 to 120 guests • Romantic or rustic wedding marquees • Birthday or garden party marquees • Dinner party tents

We want to listen and discern before we make any decisions about our service rota, we know that we won’t please everybody, but we would love to be able to please as many people as possible. Please give us your views. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ XJ7HCPJ - And please contact the Rector Reverend Heather Brearey with any questions, comments or concerns that you have. arlevalleyrector@gmail.com

Please call 01962 772091 or email pukkah.tents@btconnect.com We are also recruiting for people over the age of 18 to join our team for the summer season (May until September)

Thank you

• 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 Specialising in 'your Social Life Lifts'

07838 167117 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

Steve Cleverley Pre-Booked Only

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

PROFESSIONAL

Chartered Accountants

Your Local Accountants since 1992

Full range of Accountancy, Taxation and Payroll services tailored to suit your needs Small Business Consultancy and Business Start Up Farming and Equine Specialists 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

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

Licensed to provide non-contentious probate services by the ICAEW

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

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

24 The Dean, Alresford, SO24 9AZ Tel: 01962 388470 (24 hr) Email: info@wessexfuneralservices.co.uk www.wessexfuneralservices.co.uk

PROUD TO NOW OFFER THE PEOPLE OF ALRESFORD OUR SERVICES • 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.

Direct Cremation £1350 inclusive Bespoke Cremations from £2195 inclusive Traditional Burial from £2395 plus Cemetery fees

You are an extension of our family when in our care

Also located in Winchester, Eastleigh & New Milton

WELLBEING Alresford Surgery Blood Test appointments - Hampshire hospitals

The Phlebotomy Service at Hampshire Hospitals is an appointment only service & has been for some time. We would like to encourage Patients to sign up to online booking system by using the following: winchester.sangixcloud.com basingstoke.sangixcloud.com andover.sangixcloud.com or by searching blood tests on hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk Patients will need to click on SIGN UP to create an account before they can login to book a blood test. Patients are still able to access the telephone booking line by calling 01256 314751 between 9.00am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday. We would like to remind you that the phlebotomy department does not provide a walk-in service. If a patient requires an urgent blood test, we would ask that the patient calls our telephone booking line to arrange an appointment.

COVID-19 Vaccination update We are still offering covid boosters to patients who require them & for the time being is being offer at The Holiday Inn, Winchester. More information on the COVID-19 vaccination programme can be found here: https://hampshiresouthamptonandisleofwightccg. nhs.uk/your-health/latest-information-on-covid-19/covid-19vaccination-programme

REMINDER: Please continue to wear face masks when attending our Surgery. Please continue to wear a face mask when attending our surgeries, remembering also to wash your hands, and make space: hands, face, space. This is so we can continue to protect our most vulnerable patients, as well as each other. Thank you.

Welcome to new staff We are excited to announce the arrival of Dr. Hannah Harring who joined us as a salaried GP at the end of January, her working days will be Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. We also have Claire Elliott, a new Practice Nurse joining the team in early February as well as Julie Walther who has been working in the Community Nursing Team, but will be joining us in early February as a Nurse Associate.

Healthier Together: It can be extremely stressful when your child is unwell. We know that there is a huge amount of information available at your fingertips,

www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk Station Rd, New Alresford, Alresford SO24 9JL Phone: 01962 732345

Home Start Hampshire We are excited to announce our partnership with ITV’s The Masked Singer to help parents to share what is #BehindTheMask, so they don’t have to pretend everything is OK. We’re here for parents so that they can share their difficulties and find the support they need. Being a parent has never been easy. It can be lonely, frustrating, heart breaking and over-whelming. Life-changing events can happen to anyone. That is why Home-Start is ready to support families through their toughest times. Home-Start works with families in communities right across the Hampshire. Starting in the home, our approach is as individual as the people we’re helping. No judgement, it is just compassionate, confidential help and expert support. Help get a local family get the support they need. It’s easy to donate, you can... 1. Donate through our Just Giving page using the QR code below or by following the link on our website: homestarthampshire.org.uk 2. Make a direct payment through your bank to Home-Start Hampshire Account number 35405168 Sort Code: 30-90-89 3. Make a payment through PayPal using finance@hshants.org.uk 4. Post a cheque to our registered address (See above) 5. Contact us to set up a direct debit via email: finance@hshants.org.uk

but finding something that provides clear and accurate information is not always easy! The resources on the Healthier Together website have been developed in partnership between parents and healthcare professionals from across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. You'll find clear information on common childhood illnesses, including advice on what 'red-flag' signs to look out for, where to seek help if required, what you should do to keep your child comfortable and how long your child's symptoms are likely to last. https://what0-18.nhs.uk/ they also have a whole section on Covid-19.

WELLBEING

NEW Dry Eye Treatment

IPL - intense pulsed light now available at Matheson Optometrists. Patients typically require an average of 4-5 treatments to activate their meibomian tear secretion glands. Other beneficial effects can often include reduction in Rosacea, facial hair, wrinkles and certain blemishes.

See our video on our website fourmarks@mathes on-optometrists.com 01962 732336

Four Marks 01420 560082

Alresford

Grayshott 01428 606069

Portchester 02392 387573

www.matheson-opto metrists.com

ELIZA WALKER Barber

ONLINE CLASSES & STUDIO SESSIONS

NOW LOCATED AT STATION MILL, ALRESFORD, SO24 9JQ

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

07733 016138 @ecw_barber elizawalker@hotmail.co.uk

RETAIL

Billy Goat GEOX trainers £43 (range of colours) Billy Goat, 11 East Street, Alresford, SO24 9EQ Tel: 01962 733926 | www.billygoatshoes.co.uk

Ragamuffin Fabulous Farmyard Scene Cardigan by Frugi Organic from £34 2 Bakehouse Yard, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 734488 | www.ragamuffin-uk.com

on your highstreet #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses

Interior Style Decorative Boat with metal pots £45 29 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AB Tel: 01962 736311 | www.interiorstyle.biz

The Alresford Gift Shop 'British made duck feather filled linen cushions embroidered with Love - surprise someone special £49.95 10 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AT Tel: 01962 732192 | alresfordgiftshop.co.uk

Enticing and eclectic items now available on your highstreet this autumn. Stay local and support your diverse retailers! The Alresford Gift Shop £3.80 - Your local independent card retailer Valentines cards in store and online 20 West Street, Alresford SO24 9AT Tel: 01962 732192 | alresfordgiftshop.co.uk

Alresford Beauty Save up to 50% off David Jones Bags - Pictured was £39.99 20% off now £31.99 24A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AT Tel: 01962 735553 | www.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

Andrew Smith & Son Auctioneers Classic & Contemporary Interiors Sale - Tues 22nd - Thurs 24th March - Viewing 12 - 5 Thur 17th, 10-5 on the 18th, 10-2 on the 19th, 10 to 5 on the 21st, and 8.30am on day of sale Tel: 01962 735988 | www.andrewsmithandson.com

D.Barker & Son Silver Circles pendant by Ti Sento Milano at £119 40A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.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

POLAR EXCHANGE SKIWEAR & ACCESSORIES FOR ALL AGES

Sustainable Diamonds Sustainable Diamonds Autumn Colours Sustainable Diamonds

Extensive choice. An exciting collection of performance ski kit and cold weather wear for every age. New location. Our fabulous showroom outside Alresford is the best way to try a variety of styles & sizes before you buy. Open by appointment from October to Easter, please email us to book a slot or make an enquiry. Same great service. Seasoned skiers ourselves, we offer buyers guidance in our showroom and at selected school events.

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

40a West Street,Alresford, Alresford, Hants 40a West Street, Hants 40a West Street, Alresford, Tel: 01962Alresford, 732200 Tel: 01962 732200 Tel: 01962 40a West Street, Hants www.dbarkerandson.co.uk www.dbarkerandson.co.uk www.dbarkerandson.co.uk Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

email: skiwear@polarexchange.co.uk www.polarexchange.co.uk | 07783 538389 | 07767 238874

RETAIL / COMMUNITY Davina's Fashion We are pleased we have survived all the various difficulties thrown at us by Covid including lockdowns and now look forward to a bright future in 2022. We are open every day except Sunday from 10 – 5. Do come in and be served by either Davina or Louise. We have an exciting range of general clothing by Frank Lyman (sizes 8 - 20), a leading Canadian manufacturer, which is second to none. We also have exquisite jeans through to beautiful short evening wear. The Frank Lyman Collection is inspired by the daring, confident and unforgettable woman. Without claiming to be perfect, she embraces herself, adopts her own style and wears it with confidence. She is not defined by age, rather by her charisma. Her fashion embraces her curves and her pace of life. Her clothes are at the same time comfortable, fit and practical, but just as fanciful, because everything is played in the details. We are fully stocked as the latest items have recently been added ideal for the coming Spring and Summer. Davina’s is also the place to come if you are seeking a special mother of the bride/groom outfit. We have an excellent range of Condici outfits which cannot be bettered for quality or style. We have predominantly shift dresses and “A” line dresses. Most come with a matching jacket which gives the finishing touches to the whole outfit. We also have matching hats, hatinators and fascinators together with shoes and clutch bags. It really is a “one stop shop” so you can leave us with everything ready for that special wedding without having to trail round different shops. We are located in the centre of Warsash about one hundred yards from the Clocktower, next to the Coop. There is a car park opposite with free parking for up to 4 hours; so do come and try things on. We would love to see you either on your own or with your partner. Make it an enjoyable retail therapy experience to cast away the blues of the past 2 years.

No. 1 in Hampshire and Dorset for Mother of the Bride/Groom & quality label day wear Davina's has the largest up-to-date selection of high quality designer wear and ladies fashion clothing, if you are looking for a Mother of the Bride/Groom outfit, special occasion wear, cruise wear, prom dresses, or simply an addition to your seasonal wardrobe, then Davina's is for you.

Is this your prom year? Davina's has a great selection of Mascara Prom Dresses

Tel: 01489 880900 or shop online at: www.davinasladiesfashion.co.uk 7 Warsash Road, Warsash, Southampton, SO31 9HW Open Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm

Do visit our website at www.davinasladiesfashion.co.uk which is a showcase of some of what we have to offer.

Blue Badge scheme Having a Blue Badge means that you can park closer to your destination when you are travelling either as a driver or a passenger. A blue badge costs £10 and is valid for three years.

You automatically eligible if you: • are registered as blind • get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) • get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and scored 8 points or more in the ‘moving around’ area of your assessment - check your decision letter if you’re not sure • get War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement • have received a lump sum payment as part of the Armed Forces

Compensation scheme (tariffs 1 to 8), and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability • You receive the mobility component of PIP and have obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E the ‘planning and following journey’s’ activity, on the grounds you are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress. You may still be eligible if: • you cannot walk at all • you cannot walk without help from someone else or a mobility aid • walking is difficult due to pain or breathlessness • Walking is dangerous to your health Visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badgecan-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge to see a full list of eligibility criteria The application can be found online here https://www.gov.uk/ apply-blue-badge. If you would like help completing this application or a Blue Badge renewal, your Community Information Volunteer is here to help and can assist you in completing the form.

RETAIL / ENTERTAINMENT

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 by Emma Bevan

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

5–15 JAN @ 7.30PM

I’M COMING

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

01962 735137

BELA by Gary Orchard

stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

24–29 JAN @ 7.30PM

E F Benson’s

Behind every epic story there is a strong woman...’ Jessie Keane’s latest blockbuster novel is out 9–19 FEB @ 7.30PM Adapted by Charly Armstrong February 3rd 2022 It’s available from Amazon, Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys & all good retailers or through Jessie’s website: www.jessie-keane.co.uk

Tom Derrington 9–19 FEB @ 7.30PM

21–26 FEB

WED 9 FEB - SAT 19 FEB @ 7.30PM (SUN 13 FEB @ 2.30PM)

73 St Margarets Lane, Titchfield PO14 4BG

MON 21 FEB - SAT 26 FEB @ 7.30PM

www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com • 03336 663366

by Janette Evans 9–19 MAR @ 7.30PM

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

CCADS PRESENTS JANE EMMA --SUN WED1314MAR JUL @2.30PM AT 7PM - THE GREAT BARN WED 9 MAR - FRI 18AUSTEN'S MAR @ 7.30PM

73 St Margarets Lane, Titchfield PO14 4BG

www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com • 03336 663366 73 ST MARGARETS LANE, TITCHFIELD, PO14 4BG WWW.TITCHFIELDFESTIVALTHEATRE.COM | BOX OFFICE: 03336 663366

COMMUNITY

February Clubs & Events Clubs & Societies Alresford Art Society Learn to paint or re-visit an old hobby by joining the Alresford Art Society's classes. Choose daytime or evening. Mixed ability and beginners are available. Call Sue Gentry on 01962 773185 or email: sue. gentry@gentrypublicity.co.uk for more details Alresford Ladies Group Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7.30 p.m. in the John Pearson Hall, Alresford. Alresford Rotary Club Talk on February 10th by Jonathan Read. Enquiries to Beverly Terrill, 01962 733112. Alresford and District Horticultural Society Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm in St Gregory’s Hall, Grange Road, Alresford. The next meeting will be on 10 November and the speaker will be Rosemary le Grande who will talk about Gardens of South Africa. As the speaker has a health condition, masks will be obligatory for this meeting. For further information contact Mr Stephen Morley on 01962 733524 or hortic@allthemorleys.co.uk Cheriton Singers We are a small, friendly choir who meet each Tuesday evening in term time in Cheriton. The Alresford Community Centre Badminton Club A small friendly social group ,meeting every Monday evening 7pm - 9.30pm In the upstairs hall at the centre ! Phone: 01962 733812 Arle Reading Group We meet in Alresford Library from 2pm till 3pm on the third Monday of most months, to share our views about a book we have chosen to read, and which Hampshire CC Library Service supply. The group widens the range of books we read, lets us hear other opinions, and is a sociable meeting in the town centre. We have space for two

new members: please speak to one of the Librarians, or call Sue on 734 886 (there is a call minder, so be ready to give your name and press #) or David on 734 319 for more information

Dairy Dates February & March (Whole Month) National Garden Scheme - Open Garden The Down House, Itchen Abbas, SO21 1AX Groups of 6 plus. Admission: £10 children free. Refreshments: Home-made teas. To make arrangements: Contact the owners Mark and Jackie Porter. 07814 958810: markstephenporter@gmail.com https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/21395

February 5th Cheriton Singers invite you to a “Come and Sing” Evensong In St Michael’s Church, Cheriton. The rehearsal will start at 10.30 am and the service will be at 3 pm. Please bring your own lunch. Admission £10 for adults. Children free. Tickets available from www.ticketsource.co.uk, from www. cheritonsingers.com, from Cheriton Village Stores, and on the door. February 9th Alresford and District Horticultural Society Meeting. Held on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm in St Gregory’s Hall, Grange Road, Alresford. The next meeting will be the AGM on 9 February and the speaker will be Geoff Pilliner from Alresford Country Market.. For further information contact Mr Stephen Morley on 01962 733524 or hortic@ allthemorleys.co.uk

February 13th & 14th , 20th & 21st National Garden Scheme - Open Garden Little Court, Crawley, Winchester, SO21 2PU From 2pm to 5pm. By Arrangement visits February to August. Admission: £5.00 children free. Refreshments: Home-made teas. Contact Patricia Elkington on 01962 776365 OR elkslc@ btinternet.com. https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/8167 February 25th Alresford Art Society: a demonstration by Jake Winkle entitled 'Wildlife in watercolours' At 2.30 pm in Bishop's Sutton Village Hall, Alresford Road (B3047), Alresford SO24 0AH (Covid regulations allowing). Nonmembers welcome - admission £3. For further information please contact Richard Cox on 01962 732043 or visit www. artsociety.alresford.org February 25th Martyr Worthy Lecture Series 2022 Martyr Worthy Lecture Series 2022 The Martyr Worthy Lecture Series 2021/22 got off to a cracking start in November with Rear Admiral John Lang giving a wonderful talk on Venice and the Sea : An Odyssey to a live audience and this lecture was repeated the following week on zoom. Both occasions were very well supported. There will be two further lectures in the Series – Saturday 29th January 2022 when Tracey Sheppard, a highly respected glass engraver will be speaking on Glass and Eye Too and on Friday 25th February 2022 when Kim Wilkie, Strategic & Conceptual Landscape Architect, will be speaking on Towards a Sustainable Landscape. The lectures will again be held in Itchen Abbas & Avington Village Hall in aid of the four churches of the Itchen Valley Parish, starting at 7.15pm and ticket prices are £25 each to include a complimentary glass of wine and canapes beforehand from 6.30pm. Please apply for tickets via the website www. itchenvalleychurches.org/martyr-worthylectures - Enquiries : Verity Coleman: 01962 882800 or Gilly Greenwood: 01962 779540

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Show your love this Valentine's Day with these delicious Macarons. Makes 30 macarons For the Macarons 200g icing sugar 110g ground almond flour 3 medium egg whites 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 70g granulated sugar Food colouring as desired For the filling 25g unsalted butter, room temperature 110g double cream 120g dark chocolate, finely chopped 75g raspberry jam Method Place the ground almonds and icing sugar and half a teaspoon of salt into the bowl of a food processor and pulse about 12 times until the mixtue appears fully combined. Sieve the mixture carefully into a large bowl, making sure that any mixture remaining in the seive is disgarded. In another bowl take the egg whites and the other half teaspoon of salt and mix (using a hand mixer) until soft peaks form. Slowly add the granulated sugar and continue to whisk until stiff peaks form, you should be able to invert the bowl without your ingredients falling out. If your mixture is ready beat in the vanilla extract and food colouring.

Mix your almond flour mixture in about three parts to the beaten eggs. Gently, using a spatula fold in the mixture. Continue adding the almond flour mixture carefully until it forms a batter. it should fall in a thick ribbon from the spatula. The ribbon should also fade back into the batter within about 30 secs – if it doesn’t, fold a few more times. Heat oven to 170C/150C fan/gas 3-4. Line three baking sheets with baking parchment. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a large round nozzle. Hold the bag vertically to the tray, with the nozzle about 1cm from it. Pipe rounds about 2.5cm in diameter onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave to rest for 30 mins, or until the macarons have developed a skin. Bake the macarons for 17 minutes, until the feet are wellrisen and the macarons don’t stick to the parchment paper. Transfer the macarons to a wire rack to cool completely before filling. For the filling, place the cream in a small saucepan and the chocolate in a bowl. Bring the cream just to the boil and pour over the chocolate. Leave to stand for a few mins, then stir until combined. Add the butter and stir until smooth, leave to cool and thicken. Place the filling mixture into a piping bag with a smaller nozzle and gently pipe the edge of half the macarons. Fill the centre with rasberry jam and sandwich with another macaron shell. Pop the finished macarons in an airtight container for 24 hours to rest for the best results, enjoy!

TRAVEL / FOOD & DRINK

y r u b e l r A

THE

CAFE

@ Arlebury Park, Alresford

Bike friendly..... Dog friendly.... Child friendly..... Just friendly! Located on the first floor, with a lift for disabled access, you will find a warm welcome from The Arlebury Cafe team! Indoor & sheltered outdoor seating. Homemade cakes, cooked breakfast, homemade soups, lunches, delicious coffees & more!

Gemma Williams Private Travel offers a truly personalised service creating tailor-made trips around the globe. With over 15 years within the travel industry at some of the leading tour operators, I have a track record of putting together unforgettable bespoke holiday itineraries unique

The perfect spot for a catch up with friends, stop for a bite to eat, while enjoying the wonderful views over the park. A separate room with a play area for toddlers. all ages are welcome!

2 hours free parking!

Opening Monday-Friday times 9am-3pm Find us on

to the clients’ preferences and requirements. GEMMA WILLIAMS P R I VAT E T R AV E L Tel: 07968 634556 www.gwprivatetravel.com Gemma@360privatetravel.com

Arlebury Park, The Avenue, Alresford SO249EP

DELIVERY DRIVER VACANCY The Naked Grape Wine Merchants has a part time vacancy for a Delivery Driver We are looking for a person with: - DELIVERY DRIVER EXPERIENCE - STRONG WORK ETHIC - SENSE OF HUMOUR - A KEEN EYE FOR DETAIL - LOCAL KNOWLEDGE HELPFUL - FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS - SOME SHOP WORK POSSIBLE Rates of pay - to be agreed. Hours – min one Friday per week. Contact – simon@tngwine.co.uk with your details or call 01962 732002

HOME

MICHAEL J SLY

Plumbing and Heating COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • DOMESTIC All plumbing and heating works

Providing a comprehensive electrical installation service from fixing a leak to installing

•aHome automation System • Lighting or schemes • Electric gates • Emergency lighting • Electrical installations full Heating Bathroom Suite REFURBISHMENT • INTERIOR • Home entertainment • Fire alarms • Burglar alarms

RECONSTRUCTION KITCHENS & BATHROOMS • GENERAL BUILDING T: 01962Complete 735397 w: butlerandking.co.uk e:info@butlerandking.co.uk Local, experienced, and here to help you. Heating Systems Plumbing and Heating

Unit High G, Prospect Commercial Park, 4 Prospect Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9QF Efficiency Boiler and System Road, Upgrades

Andy Cliff • 01962 738883 • cliffbuilding@gmail.com

Power Flush and System Treatments Gas Boiler Service Water Softeners

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

Tel: 07531 812 026 www.afriend-drainage-services.co.uk

Free competitive quotations

Tel (Cheriton): 01962 771285 Mobile: 07973 407996 Wallpaper Specialist

• HIGH PRESSURE JETTING • CCTV SURVEYS • BLOCKED DRAINS • IMPACT MOLING • EXCAVATOR WORK • FULLY INSURED

D E C O R AT ING I N H Afor M Pover S H I R30 E Syears INCE 1980 Est. Locally

e clusive e Double Glazing Glazing Ltd Ltd Double

Alresford's Conservatory Conservatory Alresford's and Window Window Experts Experts and

UPGRADE UPGRADE YOUR WINDOWS WINDOWS & DOORS WINDOWS, WINDOWS, DOORS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES CONSERVATORIES

•• Supply Supply && Installation Installation •• New Handles, Letterboxes, New Handles, Letterboxes, Locks Locks •• Broken Broken Sealed-Units Sealed-Units replaced replaced

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

FOR FORA AFREE FREENO NOOBLIGATION OBLIGATION QUOTE QUOTE

CALL: CALL: 01962 01962 732091 732091 36

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

HOME

Grander Water Revitalisation put the spring back in your water

Building the future, restoring the past • Extensions • Renovations • New Builds • Conversions • General Building

City & Guilds Qualified Gas Safe Registered Tradesmen All Electrical work undertaken

With a combined 35 years experience as builders in New Alresford, Hampshire. We have grown our reputation as reliable, friendly and a trustworthy building company.

For over 40 years Grander has provided bespoke whole house water revitalisation systems delivering softer tasting healthy, refreshing filtered [Chlorine free] water on tap to homes businesses and farms worldwide, everyday. ∙ Easy installation ∙ Low maintenance, ∙ No chemicals, salt or electricity.

∙ Increased protection from calcium carbonate deposits.

With our extensive knowledge, years of experience and keen eye for detail, your mind can be put to rest that you are in safe hands. We aim to customise our services to suit your project's individual needs.

Grander supports your conscious lifestyle choices in harmony with your body and all living systems, animals gravitate to revitalised water.

granderwater.co.uk

Whole house systems from 3.7k Table top accessories from £229

MOBILE: 07805950529 OFFICE: 01256 389247 gregory@amgwombellbuilding.co.uk

AMGWOMBELLBUILDING.CO.UK

Wild Food Cafe c/study scan here

0333 390 9479 waterinfo@granderwater.co.uk

Family testimonial scan here

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

CJ The Plumber

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

01962 776545

Domestic plumbing

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

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

FEATURE

Jack Price Races to the Top

welve year old Itchen Valley resident and Year 7 student, Jack Price, is taking on the best the UK can throw at him in the 2022 British Karting Championships as a factory driver for the Zipkart team, which famously provided the training ground for F1 stars Lewis Hamilton and David Coulthard amongst others. The talented youngster began his racing career at 6 years old and he hasn’t looked back. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength, and has just come off a season of club and county championship racing where he came first, second and third in three different championships as far afield as Oxfordshire and Dorset. In each of these championships, there were anywhere up to 40 drivers taking to the grid, and competitions spanning 10 rounds each. In all, Jack raced every weekend for 34 consecutive weeks in 2021! “I love it”, says Jack, “I’ve always loved cars, and have a big Hot Wheels collection, so when Mum & Dad let me try my own kart, I was really excited. It takes up all my spare time, but when I’m not at the track, I’m wishing I was! You can’t beat the feeling of getting a lap just right, or making a great overtake.” It’s a big commitment for Jack’s family too. Dad drives the motorhome and wields the spanners to make sure the kart is ready for each and every session, and Mum and little brother Henry can often be found at the track too.

“Initially we weren’t prepared for the commitment that Jack was prepared to make to this sport, but once he got on track we saw that he gave it everything he’s got so we decided as a family that we would do what we could to support him”, says Dad. The Honda Cadet class is amongst the most competitive in the country, and the time and money needed to compete against at the top level is daunting. “We’re very fortunate to have the support of Winchester Coffee Roasters and Station Mill Health and Fitness to help Jack on his journey, but it’s a terribly expensive undertaking”, Dad says. “We’re actively looking for anyone that might be willing to add their names to Jack’s portfolio of sponsors, and would be delighted to discuss the exposure we can offer in return. There’s a huge community of karters and karting supporters, with sophisticated social media and streaming profiles, so relatively small contributions can generate high profile returns. You can get in touch via Facebook or Instagram if you search for Jack Price Racing – we’d love to hear from you!” We wish Jack all the best for his 2022 campaign against the best in the country and will be following his results closely. Follow him on Instagram/Facebook via JackPriceRacing or can reach out to us directly at mrandmrsprice@gmail.com or on 07710 160011.

ous Clean Carpets

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

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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:

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

HOME

Deal 2:

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

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

3 Great Deals!

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3 Great Deals!

SUPER-FAST 15 MINUTES DRYING

Deal 3:

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

Upholstery

Deal 1

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

Deal 2

Tel 01962 690 005 Have your three piece suite freshened up for just £97!Frequently Asked Questions

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

Deal 3

Price Full Offer Price List Carpet 1 £57

Carpet Price

£77

Carpet Price Carpet

Tel: 01962 690 005 or 07790 883507

£97

Price

£117

Carpet

Price

£137

FULL OFFER PRICE LIST Carpet Price

1 £47

Carpet Price

2 £67

Carpet Price

3 £87

Carpet Price

4 £107

Carpet Price

5 £127

COMMUNITY

New Alresford Town Council Councillor Vacancy Due to the resignation of Councillor James Jones a vacancy has arisen. We would like to thank James for his contribution to the Council and wish him luck for the future. If you would like to make a difference to your community, are concerned about what happens in your local area, feel that you could represent the views of your neighbourhood, then please visit our website for more details about the role of a town

councillor. We look forward to hearing from you. Tidying up the Town As an extra service, the Council will be litter picking in the town centre for an hour every week. Please could residents and business owners help us by clearing litter from the front of their premises to help improve the town's appearance. Thank you.

Jubilee in June On 6 February, the Queen will become the first British monarch to celebrate a

Platinum Jubilee, marking a 70-year reign. We hope you’re looking forward to this year’s Jubilee celebrations which will culminate in a four-day bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June. If you are planning a street party, Winchester City Council has asked residents to apply as soon as possible to arrange for any road closures so they can process them in good time. Please see www. winchester.gov.uk under “Apply for a Street Party or Road Closure” and there is also a link to planning a street party. Please visit www.royal. uk for more details about the Jubilee celebrations. Community Award Nominations The annual Mayor of Winchester's Community Awards has been launched and the search is on for individuals and organisations that have made a real difference in the Winchester district. Please take the time to nominate people who deserve a public thank you. To nominate a person or organisation, please visit winchester.gov.uk/ mayors-awards The closing date for nominations is 18 February 2022. Community Grants Winchester City Council offers grants of up to £500 to local voluntary and community groups. Grants are quick and easy to apply

for, and they are happy to guide you through the process. The grants are available for one-off pieces of expenditure, projects, equipment, and other items which will help your organisation to do more, to reach more people, to provide better services or to try something different. There are also crowd funding opportunities and help with signposting to other potential avenues for grants from their friendly team. Please visit www.winchester.gov.uk for more details. Matterley Grand Prix

This will be held on the Matterley Estate during the weekend of 19th to 20th February. To accommodate access to and from this event there will be a traffic management plan in place starting on Friday 18th to Monday 21st which will include speed restrictions on A272 and A31. Youth Employment Hub Local young people across the Winchester District can now benefit from a virtual and telephone-based support

service to help them find employment and enhance their career prospects. Once referred you will be able to gain help, support, and advice on a range of training and employment opportunities and will be informed about local activities, such as local youth groups, sports clubs, drama, art groups and activity sessions. Please see www. winchester.gov.uk

Wheels to work If you are aged between 16 and 25 and live in Winchester district and you do not have access to you own private or public transport and you need to get to work, training, an apprenticeship or interview, then the loan of a moped could be right up your street. From three months to a year – at a cost of up to £23 per week. Please visit www.hants.gov.uk/ transport/wheelstowork

New Alresford Town Council Arlebury Park, The Avenue, New Alresford, SO24 9EP Phone: 01962 732079 www.newalresford-tc.gov.uk

PLUMBING SERVICES WINCHESTER

Local reliable professional service All aspects of plumbing and heating — Oil boiler specialists — Oftec registered / G1 Accredited Charlie Dalton Plumbing Services Office - 01962 774668 Mobile - 07788 654662

www. charliedaltonplumbing.com 41

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

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

Valentine's Quiz All you need is love. And a pen. And maybe a cuppa …and the ten general knowledge questions below. In celebration of St. Valentine’s Day this month, all the questions have a love-related theme. 1. MUSIC: In which year did The Beatles have a number one hit with ‘All You Need Is Love’? a) 1965 b) 1966 c) 1967 d) 1968 2. FILM: Which film, a box office smash in 1970, starred Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw? a) Dr. Strangelove b) Love Actually c) Romancing The Stone d) Love Story 3. LITERATURE: ‘How do I love thee? Let me count the ways’ is the famous opening line of Sonnet 43, by which Durham-born poet? a) Elizabeth Barrett Browning b) William Wordsworth c) William Blake d) Virginia Wolf 4. SPORT and LANGUAGE: In tennis, the term 'love' for a nil score is thought to originate from the shape of a zero resembling an egg. The word for ‘egg’ is ‘l’oeuf’ in which language? a) French b) Latin c) Gaelic d) Sanskrit 5. HISTORY: The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre led by Al Capone in 1929 took place in which city? a) Venice b) Chicago c) Paris d) New York 6. THEATRE: ‘If music be the food of love, play on’ is the famous opening line of which Shakespeare play? a) Romeo and Juliet b) A Midsummer Night’s Dream c) The Tempest d) Twelfth Night

7. NATURE: The annual flowering plant with the Latin name ‘Nigella Damascena’ is better known as what? a) Forget-me-not b) Love-me-not c) Love-me-do d) Love-in-a-Mist 8. TELEVISION: The 2021 ITV series ‘Love Island’ was filmed on which Mediterranean island? a) Majorca b) Ibiza c) Sardinia d) Cyprus 9. ART: ‘The Birth of Venus’ is a 15th Century painting depicting the Roman goddess of love, by which artist? a) Leonardo da Vinci b) Michelangelo c) Botticelli d) Jellybotty 10. MYTHOLOGY: In Greek legend, which hunter, known for his beauty, is said to have rejected all romantic advances, eventually falling in love with his own reflection in a pool of water? a) Cupid b) Aphrodite c) Narcissus d) Eros BONUS POINT. QUOTATION: Who said, “Marriage is a great institution, but I’m not ready for an institution yet”? a) Russell Brand b) Mae West c) Oscar Wilde d) Jane Austen ANSWERS: 1c 2d 3a 4a 5b 6d 7d 8a 9c 10c Bonus b SCORE:_______ The quiz is contributed by local Wedding Celebrant Lisa von Fircks. Lisa writes and conducts romantic, personalised wedding ceremonies for couples getting married in and around Hampshire and overseas. www.humanist.org.uk/lisavonfircks She was a contender on the current series of BBC’s Mastermind.

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Wood Farm, Bramdean, Hampshire. SO24 0JH W: www.silkservices.co.uk E:jason@silkservices.co.uk Wood Farm, Bramdean, Hampshire, SO24 0JH T: 01962 771815 E:M: 07917 150027 W: www.silkservices.co.uk jason@silkservices.co.uk T: 01962 771815

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HOME / COMMUNITY

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

Winchester City Councillor Fiona Isaacs Report - Supporting Our Community Christmas Donkey walkabout Following the overwhelming positive feedback from the Nativity scene and Donkey walk in December, I am helping to ensure that this year we get advanced authority so more advertising can be done. The feedback from young and older residents was joyous. Alresford Parking strategy This was originally ordered in November 2017 after I presented

the data to the Winchester City Cabinet. Over 4.5 years later, despite requests, we still do not have one. In January this year, I asked a members question to Winchester City Council about why this had not taken place, and when the town could expect it to be carried out. The answer I received was various excuses and no real explanation as why this has not happened. I will continue to drive this issue. The Dean crossroad junction I raised my concerns in 2017 and 2019 as the Chair of Alresford Chamber of Commerce about the issues of the crossing with

increased residents, developers and use. In December 2021, I again raised this to officers about the genuine concerns regarding visibility, difficulty in crossing and other issues. I will push to see this reviewed and work closely with New Alresford Town Council. Working on issues raised This last month I have mainly been dealing with problems relating to planning, footpath leaf clearing and drainage. Please remember that for footpath, road and drainage problems, these can also be reported by the Hampshire County Council website. Parish Council meetings In January I attended the following Parish Council meetings: Itchen Abbas, Bighton, Bishop’s Sutton, Northington and New Alresford Town Council. I continue to work on various issues raised with me within these areas, and as always, it was lovely to see everyone again. I also attended Winchester City Council for a very welcomed. Full council meeting. Only the 3rd meeting since May 2021… It is important that we give residents the opportunity to ask questions, and also have open debates within the council. Thanks to all the lovely people within the ward, who have contacted me and I will, as always, aim to do my best for you all. Please contact me via Email - fisaacs@winchester.gov.uk Telephone - 01962 808072

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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

The Downs Oak Company The South South Downs Oak Company TR T r aAdDiItTi IoOnNaAl L OOaAkK FFrRaAmMeErRsS

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

Hardwood gates Gate automation Intercom systems Vehicle barriers

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 47

HOME / MOTORING

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

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

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

Wallpaper Specialist 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

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

01962 732338 L.P.G.A approved autogas conversions www.autogas.com Allows your petrol engine vehicle to run on Autogas, a fuel costing approximately 76p per ltr, with the environmental benefits of a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide production and 2000 times fewer particulates produced from the exhaust fumes when compared with a diesel. Widely available across the country and locally in Winnall, Winchester and West Meon Hut service station. The government has committed to this fuel difference for the future.

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

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

CERTIFICATED ENGINEERS • RECOVERY AVAILABLE •

MOTORING

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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

YOUR CAR, CAMPER OR MOTORHOME, ESPECIALLY IF IT’S IN GOOD CONDITION AND WITH SERVICE HISTORY. AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE LACK OF AVAILABLE CARS BELOW, NOW WOULD BE A FANTASTIC TIME TO SELL ANY CAR NOT BEING USED AND GET A GREAT PRICE FOR IT. The following cars have been carefully selected because of their low mileage, excellent condition and service history.

2016 (66) Honda Jazz 1.3 EX , 5 door, Parking camera, cruise control, 23,000 miles, £ 30 road tax. 2013 (13) Fiat 500 colour collection, 3 owners, air conditioning, 67,000 miles 2012 (12) Kia Picanto 1 Air, 2 owners, air con, 41,000 miles, 2004 (54) VW Polo 1.2S 3 door. Not perfect paintwork, but only 62,000 miles and serviced by ourselves since 2007

Repairs Servicing M.O.T

WILCAN MOTOR COMPANY LTD

Servicing, MOT, Tyres & Bodywork Repairs

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

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

£11495 £4495 £4295 £1895

CAMPER VAN NEARING COMPLETION, Our latest conversion, on an 11,000 mile Nissan NV200 Combi. This Camper van (or perhaps, camper car) is under 4.5 metres long and less than 2 metres high so will fit in most garages and only count as a car on ferries etc.

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

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

TEL: 01489 878 879 EVENING TEL: 01962 732995

MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINEERS

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

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

Oils lassic ol C str

Equipment includes; 4 belted seats, air conditioning, parking camera and sensors, alloy wheels, tow bar, 6 speed gearbox and is still under manufacturer's warranty. The conversion has an elevating roof with space for an extra bed, swivelling passenger seat, compressor fridge, full mains electric hook up and leisure battery charged either from the engine or on board charger, hob with sink, pumped water, gas locker with drop out vent, full insulation and of course a rock and roll bed with gas strut assisted closing.

SERVICE POINT

Contact Mike, Shane or Steve on: 01962 734466

www.servicepointalresford.co.uk

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

COMMUNITY At Godolphin, We Don’t Believe in Open Days We want parents to discover the real Godolphin. That is why we offer Snapshots instead. Held on Friday mornings and limited to 10 families, this is your chance to truly experience the school. No formal presentations. No carefully-crafted exhibitions. No students coached to give model answers.

Jackie’s County Corner for February So what on earth is an LCWIP? The joint HCC/WCC consultation on the Winchester Movement Strategy, including consultation on HCC’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Pan (LCWIP) . The consultation is open until Friday 11th February. Please respond if you can. The LCWIP consultation is within the consultation. You may wish to respond to this even if you do not respond to the whole of the WMS. For a paper copy, please call 0300 555 1388 The link is www.hants.gov.uk/transport/transportschemes/ winchester-movement-strategy. There is also a consultation on Home to School transport. It should come to a ‘parent-mail’ near you! Are you (or someone you know) struggling to pay for food, rent and fuel? The County has a fund to combat the effects of Covid-19 to help families, and now it includes help for adults of all ages. There are a variety of ways in which you can get help, and there are grants to help others too. Search ‘Connect4Communities’ on www.hants.gov. uk website for the details. If you need help and don’t know where to turn, call Winchester Citizens Advice on 0808 278 7861 or call the County on 0300 555 1384, or email connect4communities@hants. gov.uk You will have heard a lot about child protection, and some terrible failures in care in other parts of the country. Please remember that you can report concerns about an adult or child: this will be quickly investigated by the Multi Agency Team, and then assessed if necessary by a social worker for ongoing work with that family. For children’s services call 0300 555 1388 (Out of hours : call 0300 555 1373). For an adult, 0300 555 1386, or the Police on 101, or in an emergency, call 999.

Instead, watch real classes and discover our fantastic facilities. Speak with staff and ask students questions. You can also meet the Head. Our Snapshots are designed to help you discover if Godolphin is right for you. Located in the heart of Salisbury, we have educated young women for almost 300 years. We teach girls from Prep to Sixth Form, providing a consistent and unified approach to education. Although historic in appearance, the school is welcoming and supportive. Our mix of tradition and progress ensures students are prepared for life’s challenges, and are ready to leave their mark on the world. We deliver a holistic education, where self-worth is built on gaining academic knowledge, practical skills and critical thinking. If you want a school that realises potential and nurtures individual talent, then Godolphin could be the perfect match. Book your Snapshots place now at www.Godolphin.org.

At HCC, the Directors write an occasional blog on the website. I was particularly struck by the Children’s Services Director’s blog just before Christmas. When politics turns nasty, and we argue there’s not enough money to keep open our libraries, mend road pot holes, cut hedges etc, it is humbling to realise that every day HCC Social services and many other services are trying to protect even the youngest of us with a commitment that defines true ‘Public Service’. If you are involved in this: thank you. If you’d like to explore fostering a child, please go to www.hants.gov.uk/ socialcareandhealth/fostering In March there is another scrutiny of the Gigabit broadband scheme’s Community Fibre Partnerships. BDUK responses (a branch of the DCMS) have been extremely slow and frustrating, and we fear that despite communities working so hard on this, they will be disappointed by the process and the result. The Wellhouse Lane railway bridge is going to be closed to everyone for 14 weeks until the 15th April. Life will be complicated for many of us until this work (conducted by Cala) ends. But when it does, there will be traffic lights, with push buttons to stop traffic so pedestrians can use the marked paths under the bridge, cyclists too. At off peak times, the traffic lights will be red both sides until someone wants to go through- this will slow speeds into the village. A path will lead from the west side of the bridge to link to Kings Barton cycle path on the development. Many people ask me how the refugee families are being welcomed here. HCC arranges accommodation, social events, school places, language, culture and driving lessons as well as upgrading skills to UK standards. Over 27 refugee families have been hosted to date by Hampshire, but you may have seen that some prefer to move on ‘out of County’ because they have family elsewhere in the UK. Well over 300 Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children are also in the County Council’s care. Cllr Jackie Porter Jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk 07973 696 085, ansaphone: 01962 791054 Website: www.jackieporter.co.uk

Prep, Senior, Sixth All Girls Education, Salisbury, Wiltshire Day, Weekly and Full Boarding

Tel. 01722 430545 admissions@godolphin.org www.godolphin.org #WeAreGodolphin

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU Feeling more isolated andHEARING anxious during lockdown? are you having HAD YOUR TESTED? trouble hearing TV or talking on the telephone?

Are you having trouble hearing the TV or talking on the after telephone? Do you struggle to follow a conversation in a busy social environment?

WE ARE STILL OPEN VISIT US AT ALRESFORD HEARING STUDIO

FOR ALL YOUR HEARING NEEDS

• Latest Technology Demos • Tinnitus Advice • Custom Hearing Protection

CALL US ON 01962 790749

TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT ALRESFORD HEARING STUDIO

42 WEST STREET • ALRESFORD • HAMPSHIRE • SO24 9AU CALL US TODAY ON: 01962 790749 VISIT US AT: alresfordhearingstudio.co.uk

Itchen Valley Forum - February 2022

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