Itchen Valley Forum - Issue 190 - October 2022

CONTENTS

Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk

Director of Advertising

Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

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

Get in Touch

Forum Publications Offices

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

Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture

HappyKitchens have a unique approach when it comes to kitchens and custom spaces in the home. We use excellent quality materials which are fitted by exshipwright joiners, who used to fit the woodwork on Super Yachts. That in itself is unique in our industry but then add in the fact that we are bespoke, but don’t charge the inflated prices that your highend high street showrooms do, gives us the recipe for your perfect home solution. This is why we are one of the highest rated home improvement companies on HOUZZ, beating all the top names you might recognise when walking down your high street.

We have never had less than a 5star

review and have won the HOUZZ best of service award every year since it has been running. The staff at HOUZZ reference us to other companies as to how customer service should be done. Many of our customers have used us 2 or 3 times due to moving house or tackling other projects in their existing houses.

We do not have a template for design and take a fresh approach with every customer. It is important to take all the best ideas a customer has, then bring in the experience we have to offer, and often our ideas will be completely different to any other companies as we are innovative and bespoke. We often hear that customers have had designs and quotes that all look the same, are boring and

un-exciting, yet expensive. This is because most high street ‘kitchen designers’ are just salespeople with no idea on how a kitchen works.

Bespoke sizing - Media walls, boot rooms, custom offices, installed by ex shipwright joiners with exceptional attention to detail

So whether you need an amazing Kitchen, Utility, Bedroom, coffee bar with custom pod storage, Office, Media wall or Living Room storage we can help. The design visits are free of charge, and we can quote on the same day. Also Ben loves design, so often at no extra charge, he will help you choose paint colours, light fittings, Bar stools, artwork and can even recommend great pots and pans.

“Thisisthesecondtimewehaveused HappyKitchensandonceagainweare overthemoonwiththeresults! Thelevelofworkmanshipisjust outstanding,theguyswereapleasure tohaveinthehouse,Wewon’thesitate tocontinuetorecommendHappy Kitchenstoanyonelookingforanew kitchen.Highlyrecommend!”

Anna and Hugh Cutler, May 22

Our customers will often use us again, and recommend us to Family and Friends. The quote from the review above was from a customer who has chosen us twice, and their parents also have a Happy Kitchen, and two of the parents' friends.

“HappyKitchens.WOWWOW WOW.Thankyousomuchforgiving usthewowfactorweaskedfor.”

The McAdams – June 21

The biggest compliment we get from our customers is always around our attention to detail and often bringing something completely different to the table. If you are still unsure after reading this, go and read some of our reviews on our Happy Kitchens Houzz profile, and do a search of kitchen companies on there by review rating, we are always close to the top of the list.

Out-of-the-box thinking, bespoke design features, and friendly staff with excellent attention to detail are just a few of the reasons you should call us today. If that isn’t enough please do remember that the design visit is free of charge, so you have nothing to lose.

One of the top reviewed companies on Houzz, offering free home design visits

Moving doesn’t have to be an uphill struggle…

A name you can count on in a changing world…

Moving home can be an ordeal, with any number of hurdles and challenges that can upset the best-made plans. This is why you need an experienced property professional to guide you.

A name you can count on in a changing world…

Having been part of the Alresford scene for over 30 years, we have built-up a reputation for offering pertinent and reliable advice, that is designed to minimise the ups and downs along the way.

If you are thinking of a move, we would be happy to offer a helping hand. A good starting point would be to have an up-to-date valuation of your current home. Contact one of our team of property professionals to discuss your requirements.

We hope to hear from you soon!

Jackie’s County Corner for October

Sitting writing in the sunshine, it seems hard to imagine how tumultuous the last ten days has been. The change of Prime Minister, the death of Her Majesty the Queen and the proclamation of King Charles III were very public events, but behind each of those was a private response, a family grieving or rejoicing, or maybe a mixture of both. I extend my sympathies to the Royal family and to all others who have lost relatives and friends during this period.

Whatever your views about Royalty, anyone who gives more than seventy years to the service of others as the Queen did, is a legend! I am sure that King Charles and the new PM are looking forward to their roles, but neither is expecting seventy years of Leadership, I’m sure. There are many others in our community who give selflessly for many years, or in fact, offer help when needed, and at this point, I’d like to say thank you if you have welcomed a family from Ukraine into your homes and hearts. Hampshire has the honour of being a county with 9 in 10 successful placements, compared with the national expectation of just 6 in 10.

It is also a tribute to the City and County Councils, Citizens Advice and many organisations who want this scheme to work locally. Help hubs are held regularly so that displaced families can meet or seek practical help too. If you want or need help, please contact me so I can put you in touch with the hub team. The scheme has brought to light how we can volunteer help to other refugees in a variety of ways. The Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group SWVG) is very active, supporting refugees locally, and the Wessex Sculptors are working with refugees to re-foster their love of art. All these acts of kindness make our society stronger.

So, it was good to play a part at a Citizenship Ceremony at the County Council again. In person in the Castle buildings after Covid had pushed ceremonies online, it is an honour and pleasure to meet individuals from other countries who have chosen not only to make Hampshire their home, but also to work hard to gain British citizenship.

It was on the 6th September, the Tuesday of the handover of Prime Minister, and with the the Deputy Lieutenant , Arabella Birdwood, and I sung the National Anthem with the new citizens with gusto. None of us expected that the next time we would sing the National Anthem so publicly would be just a few days later when King replaced Queen and the Proclamation was made at the Guildhall and Great Hall in Winchester. It caught my throat as we consciously changed the words: others at the Proclamation said they felt the same emotion, and I’m sure it will have done the same for you.

If you need my help, please contact me by email: jackie.porter@ hants.gov.uk or by telephone 01962 791054.

Cllr Jackie Porter

Sunday afternoons @ 4.30pm, New Farm Chapel, Alresford. SO24 9QH

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

'And Jesus said to them, ''Where is your faith?'' ' (or, in whom is your faith? Luke 8:25

Local Events

'Light of hope' Art Installation at Winchester Cathedral

The Autumn Hampshire Art Fair

Dahlias by John Wood, the talk postponed from August. Contact: Chairman, Stephen Morley, 01962733524 or hortic@ allthemorleys.co.uk

Solos Sunday Tea

Sunday 16 Oct

From 2.30pm - 4.30pm

From 1st Oct to 1st Jan

www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk

9 The Close, Winchester SO23 9LS

Visit the unique illuminated ‘Light of Hope' art installation, a 5m steel star shaped sculpture, with neon changing lights, suspended above Winchester Cathedral’s majestic nave. 1st October to 1st Jan A huge-scale sculptural artwork, the Light of Hope Star, is an illuminated five metre diameter steel piece created to unify and represent hope.

Annual Bridge Tea

Thursday 6 Oct

From 2pm - 5pm

The Manor House, Preshaw, Southampton, SO24 0PB

Come and join us for a friendly competition and a gorgeous homemade tea. To book a table (£80 per table), or to make a donation, please contact: Jo Tyler, email: johanna.tyler@ btinternet.com

Autumn Steam Gala at The Watercress Line

Sat 8 - Sunday 30 Oct

From 11am - 5pm (closed Mon) www.nadiawaterfieldfineart.com

The Old Grain store, Westover Farm, SP11 7LF

Over 60 British & International Artists exhibiting beautiful artworks across all genres at Nadia Waterfield Fine Art. The Old Grain store, Westover Farm, Goodworth Clatford, Nr Stockbridge, SP11 7LF www.nadiawaterfieldfineart.com

Alresford Artisan Craft show

Saturday 8 Oct

From 10am - 4.30pm

Alresford Community Centre, West Street, SO24 9AG

Meet the makers who create Scrabble art, glasswork, handmade pens, bottle lights, decoupage cards, Tiki torches, animal paintings and cards, pottery, hand decorated candles and slate, cross stitch and hand decorated ceramics. For details contact 01252 724968 Call to check latest times or cancellations.

Alresford and District Horticultural Society Talk

John Pearson Hall, New Alresford, SO24 9AG

We will be holding our Solos Sunday Tea on Sunday October 16th in the John Pearson hall from 2.30pm -4.30pm. Do join us for Tea Home Made cakes conversation and friendship. Information 10am-12noon 01962 733545

King Alfred Weekend 2022

there will be a sale table and a Raffle. We look forward to seeing you then. Information Margaret 01962 735185

Alresford Art Society: A demonstration of Birds in pastel

Thur 27 Oct

From 7.30pm

Bishop’s Sutton Village Hall, Alresford Road, SO24 0AH

By Wendy Bramall on Thursday 27th October 2022 at 7.30pm in Bishop’s Sutton Village Hall, Alresford Road (B3047), Alresford SO24 0AH. Nonmembers welcome – admission £3. For further information: 01962 733031 or visit www. artsociety.alresford.org.

Ropley Horticultual Society Talk

Monday 31 Oct

From 7.45pm

Sports Pavilion, Vicarage Lane, Ropley SO24 0DJ

Thur 20 Oct to Sun 23 Oct

www.hyde900.org.uk

Hyde900 is the name initially given to a programme of community-led events designed to mark the 900th anniversary of the foundation of Hyde Abbey, the burial place of King Alfred the Great. The festival, designed to commemorate Alfred and the Abbey’s place in English history, celebrates the history of Hyde, explore the locality and environment, and showcase the wide variety of talents of the people who live in the area.. For more infomation visit: www. hyde900.org.uk

All meetings are held in the Sports Pavilion, Vicarage Lane, Ropley SO24 0DJ. Talk: The Answer Lies in the Soil with Geoff Hawkins

Rotary Fireworks Display & Bonfire

Friday 4 November

From 7pm

Friday 7 - Sunday 9 Oct

www.watercressline.co.uk

Station Road, New Alresford SO24 9JG

The Watercress Line look forward to welcoming you to our ‘steam’ packed THREE-day event, recreating the atmosphere of a rural branch line railway. Mid Hants Railway Ltd 'Watercress Line'.

Wed 12 Oct

From 7.30pm

St.Gregorys Church Hall. Grange Road, Alresford

This month’s talk is All Things

Michael Project Coffee Morning

Sat 22 Oct

From 10am to 12 noon

John Pearson Hall, New Alresford, SO24 9AG

The Michael Project Coffee morning. Do Join us for Coffee Homemade Cake and scones

Broad Street, Alresford

Torchlight procession from the top of Broad Street at 7pm. Bonfire and fireworks at 7.45pm at Alrebury Park. Tickets purchased online before 31st October - Child £3, Adult £7. Purchased between 1st Nov and 4th November, Children £5, Adults £10.

We are pleased to release our latest issue of Market Insight this month which has been distributed across Alresford and the surrounding areas. Market Insight looks at property data and statistics from across our region, combined with commentary from your local team of experts based in our office on West Street. We continue to experience high demand from our extensive database of ready-to-go buyers and tenants. If you have any questions about moving home, please do not hesitate in contacting Charlie and the team. We are always on-hand to answer any questions you may have about your home moving options in the current market.

THEIR PROPERTY KNOWLEDGE IS SECOND TO NONE...

During my dealings with Charters I cannot speak highly enough of their service and knowledge. Joshua has been amazing and there is nothing he will not help you with, superb customer service. And then there is Alex, he is the font of all knowledge with the ability to speak in normal language. A credit to the company, well done all!

Paul R

Forager, for Poorer

© Lucia Foster-Found 2022 www.luciafosterfound.com

“Now, this one is an Amethyst Deceiver. And it’s edible!” announced the expert with glee.

“Oooh!” Lots of interest from the group who’d come on the ‘Fungi Foray’.

“Or… it could be a Lilac Fibrecap… in which case it’s poisonous.” The expert assumed a funereal tone.

“Aaah..” Lots of disappointment from the crowd, except Himself who said “really? There’s not ‘mush-room’ for error, then…” turning away and stifling a snigger.

“But I think it is actually a deceiver, which means that you can safely eat it.” The expert was again upbeat.

‘Thank goodness’, she thought. Earlier, when she’d handed Himself his waterproofs, he’d looked up at her with sad, Labrador eyes; “are you really dragging me out on a wet October afternoon to grub about looking at toadstools?”

“Yes.” She’d said sternly “We might learn something. Nature can provide a delicious smorgasbord. For freeee!” Costs were more upwardly mobile than a yuppie in the eighties - and she was on an economy drive. “And at least we won’t be at home with the lights and heating on,” she reasoned. Back in the present, the expert was speaking again. “Of course, these fungi can absorb quite a lot of arsenic from the soil.” She saw Himself was trying to appear interested. “Are they safe for human consumption?”

“Oh yes,” said the expert earnestly. “But they don’t make very good eating…”

On the way home, Himself giggled. “Not once did the word ‘magic’ pass that man’s lips and he wasn’t the ‘fun guy’ I anticipated. Let’s stick to buying mushrooms from a shop – it all seems a bit dodgy if you don’t know what you’re doing. And we don’t.“

She had to agree; dim memories had resurfaced of a famous author, she couldn’t recollect who, but he’d inadvertently poisoned his family with what he’d thought were ceps. The words ‘’dialysis’ and ‘kidney transplants’ had been mentioned. Horrific. She shuddered.

“Perhaps we should stick to foraging for nuts.” She stopped the car next to a promising walnut tree. Picking up the remains of the crop, time and the weather having helpfully liberated the wrinkled brown shells from their hand-staining jackets, they stuffed them into dog poo bags.

“Wonderful!” Himself enthused. “Look, if you put two in your hand and squeeze them together, you can crack them.” He demonstrated, happily popping a sweet English walnut into his mouth.

“Ow!” she yelped as she tried to emulate the ease with which his massive

hands crushed the walnuts into submission. “I think I’ve sprained something,” she complained, rubbing her painful right wrist. Distracted by the sight of some hazel bushes, she pointed with her good hand, “look – we can get some of those too. I’ve got a recipe for fried chicken in crushed hazel nuts and cheese.”

Himself enthusiastically set about gathering up the small nuts. “Say no more - you had me at ‘fried chicken’.” Pausing, he said, “better check there’s actually something in them,” and popped one in his mouth, biting down hard on the shell.

“Ow!” Rubbing his jaw, he said “I think I’ve cracked a tooth.”

“Oh dear. Well, before we both completely fall apart, let’s gather some of these late blackberries. I haven’t picked any this year and at least they’re idiot proof.”

A week or so later she was dishing up a meal of chicken coated with crushed nuts and parmesan. Himself hovered and pushed a spoon into the crumble destined for pudding; blackberry and apple.

“We’ve had blackberry sorbet, pork with blackberry sauce, blackberry pancakes and quite a lot of blackberry and beetroot smoothie. I’m not complaining, but I’m a bit blackberried-out. The pips get stuck in my bad tooth. Um… darling, please tell me this is the last of them?”

“Yes it is.”

“Oh good.” He sounded relieved.

“What I mean is that it’s the last of last year’s blackberries that I discovered in the freezer when I went to freeze this year’s blackberries.” She smiled sheepishly and passed his plate.

Carefully eating on one side of his mouth, Himself said conversationally, “Dentist said I’ll need a crown.”

Cutting up her chicken with her left hand, she nodded and commented, “Chiropractor’s going to realign my wrist.”

They looked at each other and said in unison, “expensive month.”

“So much for the free food,” Himself concluded.

“You know,” he smiled across the table at her “how you’ve been talking about renewing our vows?”

“WE’ve been talking about..” she gave him a look.

“Yes. We. Anyway, before the ‘in sickness and in health bit’ perhaps we should substitute the ‘for richer, for poorer’ with, wait for it… ‘FORAGER, for Poorer’.. Gettit?” Himself winked and chortled.

She chuckled with him; his hilarity was infectious - and she reflected that laughter, like love, really was free.

Lawn Pests

Lawn Pests

There was a time when I rarely came across a chafer grub or leather jacket in a lawn – that was before the withdrawal of Merit Turf, the insecticide used for controlling these tenacious pests. Since then, we are seeing an explosion in the population of these unpopular pests. Let’s take a look at their lifecycle, the problems they cause in a domestic lawn and what can be done.

Crane Fly/Leather Jacket

The larvae of the crane fly are nicknamed Leather Jacket due to its tough brown outer skin. Beginning life as an egg, laid into damp soil. Once hatched the larvae feeds on the roots of lawn grass plants. The larvae pupate in late summer, emerging as a flying insect in early autumn. The adult only lives to mate and has a short life of around 15 days. After finding a mate the female returns to lay eggs in the soil then dies. The cycle begins once again. Like moths, the crane fly is attracted to light so you probably come across them flying erratically around your house on a warm autumn evening.

long hair! After around a week of mating the female returns to lay hundreds of eggs back on the surface of the soil and off we go again.

Lawn Problems

Grass relies on its roots, not just to anchor it into the soil but as its lifeline to moisture and nutrition. In addition, there is an essential gaseous exchange between roots and the atmosphere. In times of drought, grass leaves die back and the plant stores essential moisture in its roots. When the rain returns the grass absorbs moisture and moves out of dormancy and back to producing green leaves. If your lawn is carrying a burden of root eating pests then it has fewer roots to access essential nutrients and moisture and gaseous exchange. Grub damage is often first noticed after a period of drought when the lawn fails to come back to life after the rain returns. If you have localised areas of dead grass, further investigation as to the cause is recommended.

Secondary Attack

These lawn pests are a favourite food of birds– rooks, ravens, magpies etc. Foxes and badgers are also known to eat them. Once this secondary attack begins it’s unlikely to stop until the food source is gone. These grub eating animals can decimate a lawn in a relatively short period of time.

Control

Following the withdrawal of Merit Turf, we are now dependant on biological controls to manage the population and reduce lawn damage. Total eradication is unlikely, getting the population under control is the first step. Pheromone traps can be purchased online and placed in the garden to catch breeding adults. In addition, the use of parasitic nematode worms is reported to be effective. Nematodes are applied to the surface of the lawn and move through the soil to burrow into the body of the grass-eating grub, digesting it from the inside, increasing in population and moving through the soil to find more grubs.

Management

Looking like an alien invader, the chafer grub is the larvae of the garden chafer beetle. In my experience they appear most often in mossy lawns, where they can live for up to four years, devouring grassroots as they grow. After they pupate, the adult beetle emerges from the soil in May or June giving it the common name of May Bug or June Bug. The beetle doesn’t fly well and buzzes around annoyingly on early summer evenings – threatening to get stuck in

If your lawn is carrying these pests it’s essential that you do all you can to help the grass cope with the burden. Focus on root development through the application of the right nutrition and mechanically aerate the lawn regularly – both of which will aid root development. In addition, the application of wetting agents can help the grass deal with drier conditions. Watering in times of drought is essential. If you suspect problems of this kind then contact a lawn care professional for advice.

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: T: 01962 460146 www.shrekfeet.com

Garden Chafer Beetle/Chafer Grub

Cranefly Leatherjacket

Chafer GrubChafer Beetle

Alresford Surgery News

Alresford Neighbourhood Watch

When people think about Neighbourhood Watch they tend to focus on the reduction of opportunities for crime and the reporting of suspicious incidents. However, the objectives are much wider than that and also include building up community spirit so neighbours can work together for everyone’s benefit. So not only should we be looking to help our older residents when they need it, but also look out for the children growing up in our community. With that in mind, we like to draw your attention to the notice published in the last few weeks by Hampshire Police. Hampshire Constabulary’s Child Abuse Investigations Team want to give you a brief insight into child-centred policing and how together we can help keep children safe.

Flu & Covid Boosters Autumn/ Winter 2022

As previously mentioned, we will be co-administering Flu & Covid boosters this Autumn. Patients will be prioritised by vulnerability. Invitations will be going out to eligible patients via SMS text message with a simple online booking option and/or an invitation letter in early September. In order to avoid clogging our phone lines please wait for us to contact you.

We will be offering appointments from late September onwards & these will be pre-bookable appointments & we will have availability throughout the week & some Saturdays. Vaccination clinics will be held here at Alresford Surgery. Both flu and covid vaccinations will be given at the same time and the appointment will be for both vaccines. Please feel free to share this information. Thank you, once again, for your support with this vaccination programme.

Child Flu Clinics

We will also be contacting parents whose children are aged 2-3 or aged 4-17 and have a condition which puts them at greater risk if they get flu. Children in years R-7 will be vaccinated in school by Schools Health. Please wait until you get an invitation letter before contacting the surgery.

Abusing our staff

I am sad to say our reception team have been experiencing some levels of abuse recently. This is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. All NHS staff should be able to come to work without fear of violence, abuse or harassment from other staff or the general public.

Community Information Volunteers

It is our commitment to provide children and young people with a firstclass policing response that is child-centred and part of an integrated and effective partnership approach. The key to this approach is putting the voices and needs of children and young people at the heart of the services we deliver.

To give you more of an insight, Hampshire’s Child Centred Policing Strategy (https://www.safe4me.co.uk/child-centred-policing/) sets out our commitment to improving the quality of policing for children and young people in order to make them SAFER.

So how can you help make children safer? Our Safe4me website (https://www.safe4me.co.uk) contains a whole host of information and guidance for parents, carers and professionals on a range of topics to help you support, educate and guide children on various issues they may face, to help them stay safe. It also gives details about the various charities and organisations you can contact should you need any help or advice about a child you may be concerned about; whether that be concerns they may be a victim of crime or being exploited and becoming involved in crime themselves. We really would encourage anyone who has or works with children to take a look at this resource. Together we can all help keep them safe.

To report any concerns to the police, you can call on 101 or report online at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/

In an emergency or if a crime is in progress, always dial 999. To contact the ADNWA, email us at contact.adnwa@gmail.com

in the area and can help put people in touch with the right help at the right time.

• Connect – Provide a bit of tailored support to help a person to get connected to the service they need. This may be making a phone call, filling in a form on their behalf of making first introductions to a group.

Age Concern Hampshire’s Community Information Volunteers (previously known as Village Agents), help people – and their family, friends and carers – find the information and support they need to stay living safely and independently.

• Find – Provide information on a range of topics, such as finding help to manage around the home, social activities locally or what government help someone may be eligible for.

• Help – Get to know the local charities and support groups working

Examples include: reviewing benefit eligibility; completing forms, such as Attendance Allowance and Blue Badge; locating tradespeople for your home and garden; finding transport; signposting to home services, such as cleaners and meal delivery, and much more.

You can contact Denise, Alresford’s Community Information Volunteer, on 07969 376023 or enquiries@ ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Alresford Rugby Football Club News

As many people in local clubs, societies and voluntary organisations will recognise, we live in challenging times and must redouble our efforts to attract recruits and retain existing members. This is certainly true of grassroots rugby, where last season we celebrated ‘rugby’s return’ post-pandemic and in recognition of ARFC’s 30-year anniversary we held a lunch with honorary guests that included our first ever coach, Mike Gander and some of the retired players he had coached.

As the adage has it “Pride comes before a fall”, but let’s hope it’s more of a stumble with player and committee churn at ARFC. Nevertheless, “cometh the hour, cometh the man” and woman I might add! Both players

Protecting and Enhancing the Biodiversity of St. John’s Churchyard

Churchyards can offer a valuable open space in which to nurture the environment and provide areas of natural habitat for wildlife. St John’s already has a designated wild area and there are other areas that can contribute.

You may have seen the orchids earlier in the summer near the war memorial. Jon Cranfield, who lives locally and works with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Amphibian & Reptile Group (HIWARG), was responsible for highlighting them. He is advising the Church’s Creation Care Team and the Churchyard Manager Mick on nurturing the biodiversity of the Churchyard. He hopes to gradually increase the orchids to over 100 spikes for everyone to enjoy. Caring for this area involves hand pulling the longer grass to mimic grazing animals and cutting the grassland in the late summer once the orchids have set their spores. Orchids have also emerged towards the railway and there are other plant species coming through.

and non-players have stepped-up and taken responsibility for which they have our sincere thanks. We’re also immensely grateful to the committee members that stayed in post, to our loyal sponsors and to all our supporters on the touchline.

Off the pitch, we’ve faced pitch access intimidation from the New Alresford Town Trust (NATT); however, having taken legal advice we are dismissing these threats and await a resolution between NATT and our landlords, New Alresford Town Council (NATC). The Alresford Show resumed in September after a three-year absence and ARFC was delighted to assist the Alresford Pigs in car parking as well as having a stand and bouncy castle, largely manned by parents of our ever-growing band of mini rugby players. The stand attracted interest from new minis, senior players and potential coaches, so a great success! Regarding minis, two of ARFC’s former minis are now in the Player Academy system at London Irish, namely Archie Cleeve and Joe Witchard who both

This is very exciting and we are very grateful to Jon for his help and advice. However, this still has to be managed alongside keeping other areas neat and tidy, especially around graves and memorial stones. We don’t want to allow the whole Churchyard to go wild and this is where the Church really needs the help of other local residents.

Future Care of the Churchyard

Up until this year, the Church has received a grant from the local council, which has allowed us to employ contractors to assist with the care of the Churchyard alongside the invaluable help of volunteers. This grant has now been stopped and the Church does not have the money or the people to maintain the upkeep.

The work of volunteers is further hindered by the number of items which have been placed on some graves and memorial stones. There should only be one container on each site so, if you have more than this on your loved one’s memorial, please help us by removing the additional items.

deserve huge congratulations on their rugby achievements thus far, no doubt with more to come!

Fixtures in October are as follows:

• 1st First XV v Tottonians (home); Vagrants v Andover III (away)

• 8th First XV v Ellingham & Ringwood (away) – rescheduled from 3rd September); Vagrants no fixture

• 15th First XV v Sandown & Shanklin (away); Vagrants v Basingstoke II (away)

• 22nd First XV v Fawley (home); Vagrants v Farnborough (away)

• 29th First XV v New Milton (away); Vagrants no fixture

Also worth mentioning is a Tweed Walk scheduled for Sunday 30th October and a double-header (two home fixtures) v Millbrook and Farnham IV, respectively on 5th November when a club lunch is planned.

John Weston Chairman ARFC

The Alresford Churchyard and Burial Site offer a quiet haven and pleasant space to walk through or to sit a while, but without more volunteer help from the community, it will sadly become more overgrown and unkempt. Many hands make light work, so the more people who offer to help, the less onerous the task becomes and with enough people to form small working parties it could also be a lot of fun. If you would like to know more about getting involved, please email Mick at: alresfordchurchyard@gmail.com

©Alamy Stock Photo

Remember, Remember the Fourth of November - Gunpowder, Treason & Plot!

After missing 2020, Alresford Rotary came back last year with a bang for its annual firework display enjoyed by a fantastic turnout from the local community and wider. This year’s event will be held on Friday 4th November. Nowadays the event is always held on the Friday nearest to 5th November as we are unable to access the site at weekends when Arlebury Park is busy with sporting activity.

So why don’t you join us again this year? Buy your flaming torches and glowsticks at the top of Broad Street in good time to take part in the colourful procession, which starts promptly at 7pm. You will follow the fire engine and Guy, down West Street and into Arlebury Park. The bonfire is lit at 7:45pm and the fireworks display starts at 8pm.

Pains provide the fireworks and their costs have increased by 20% this year but, as we provide a charitable community event and have been a regular annual customer for nearly 30 years, the price increase for us is 10%. We know that cost of living increases will be eating into household budgets this winter, so we have not increased our prices. However, to make the event sustainable, we ask you all to support us again this year with a good turnout to cover our costs and to make a small surplus towards our charitable projects both locally and internationally.

Pains advise that contrary to inaccurate reports often made about the environmental impact of fireworks displays the truth is that a medium sized firework display produces pollutants equivalent to those produced by an average car travelling about 20 miles. To counter that pollution Pains has taken steps to ensure that from this year all of its displays are carbon

neutral and (partnering with “Just One Tree”, a non-profit organisation which funds the restoration of forests around the globe) is making donations which will enable new trees to be planted and the carbon produced to be offset. Pains comments that “There is also a growing perception that firework displays should be replaced by so-called greener alternatives such as drone shows and lasers which are perceived to be more environmentally friendly. However, the reality is that the electricity consumption of multiple drones and lasers is likely to create a far greater carbon footprint than that of a firework display”.

Advance tickets will be on sale online this year at a discounted price of £7 for an adult and £3 for a child (5-16 years) until 31st October through www.ticketsource.co.uk/alresfordrotary Full price tickets of £10 (adult) and £5 (child) can be purchased online from 1st November. Cash sales will take place outside Wessex Pharmacy on Saturday 29th October from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Card and cash ticket sales will be available at the top of Broad Street or the gate to Arlebury Park from 6.30pm. on 4th November.

It takes a lot of time and effort to put on this event, but it is also fun to do. We welcome helpers to join in the fun and hard work in getting everything set up on the day, or to help steward the event in the evening. If you are interested, please contact us at www.alresfordrotary.org or en-gb.facebook.com/alresford. rotary. Please put the date in your diaries and wrap up warm to join us on 4 November

Snake Golf Day comes up trumps!

Alresford Rotary has recently received £1200 towards its support of local community projects, being the proceeds of a very successful

golf day at Paultons Golf, conceived and organised by local businessman Geoff Amey! Thank you, Geoff and all who contributed to the success of the day.

Make a Child’s Christmas

There’s still time to support the Rotary Wessex Christmas shoebox scheme for disadvantaged and displaced children in Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Romania.

In most years recently between 25,000 and 30,000 boxes of Christmas gifts have been channelled through Rotary Wessex (broadly Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands) reaching children wherever they are - in homes, orphanages, hospitals or even living on the street! The boxes are always distributed through local Rotary clubs or other known contacts. Several years ago Alresford Rotary collected more than 500 boxes but in recent years that has gone down to about 300. If you participate your box may be received with delight by a child who has never received a present previously and, but for you, would receive no present this Christmas. Without ignoring others there is this year's emphasis on remembering children and teenagers displaced from Ukraine. The appeal being made to us is to fill a box with gifts or to donate suitable contents for others to pack.

If you can contribute, please contact James Pinniger (wjrp@hotmail.co.uk 738788) for more information. Boxes must be 30 x 16 x 12 cm (no larger, no smaller) and can be supplied.

Alresford Rotary needs you!

If you like contributing to your local community and worldwide projects and having fun at the same time please let us know!

Jon Pittam & James Pinniger

New TownAlresford Council

New Alresford council budget

As the nights draw in and the children are settling back into a new school year, now is the time for the council to plan for its next fiscal year, reviewing ongoing maintenance programmes and considering new projects - a busy time for Council office staff. The budget must be set prior to calculating the precept, the details of which will be available on New Alresford Town Council website.

Grants

NATC award grants to local groups or charities serving our community on a quarterly basis. The next Town Council that will be considering grant applications is in October. Completed grant application forms must be received by Tuesday 4 October 2022. If you feel your organisation would benefit from an award, please read the Grants policy and return your completed application form. Full details are available on our website. We look forward to hearing from you.

River path

Good news - Hampshire County Council is planning repair works to the surface of the path for next summer 2023, on the section that runs from the Fulling Mill to The Dean.

Outdoor gym at Arlebury park

In July, a new outdoor gym was installed at Arlebury Park, we are pleased to see many

residents using the equipment. If you are unsure how to use the equipment, why not sign up for a free session with a personal trainer? All adults and abilities are welcome. Just send your contact details to deputyclerk@ newalresford-tc.gov.uk or call on 01962 732079.

Cogswell Memorial

carrying a full bomb load, got into difficulties over Alresford. Captain Robert Cogswell ordered his nine crew members to bail out remaining on board the aircraft himself to steer the bomber away from the town.

The plane crashed just east of Old Alresford Pond; Captain Cogswell having jumped to safety himself shortly before it crashed.

His actions saved Alresford from potential disaster. Full details of an official opening ceremony will be posted on the council website in due course.

Group is keen to receive responses to in support of developing a robust plan for the town.

Business survey – Key themes in the Neighbourhood Plan are ‘Employment’ and ‘Economic Development’. In order to collate up to date information we are requesting that those of you who own or run a business in New Alresford, please take the time to complete the survey on the website.

Call out for sites – This is an opportunity for landowners, developers, and the community to propose available sites within New Alresford. This exercise will not in itself decide whether a site would be supported or allocated for development by the Neighbourhood Plan, nor will it commit the proposer(s) to apply for planning permission. All sites will be considered through an objective and transparent site assessment and site selection process.

Further information and documents are available on the website under Neighbourhood Plan.

The refurbishment of the Cogswell Memorial at Soke Gardens to honour the memory of Captain Robert Cogswell of the 303 Bomb Group, US Air Force is now complete. The restoration was completed jointly with the Alresford Society and Alresford Historical and Literary Society.

On the 26 September 1943, the B17 Flying Fortress "Lady Luck",

Neighbourhood Plan

Alresford Town Council Alresford Recreation Centre, The Avenue, SO24 9EP Call us: 01962 732079 E-mail us: townclerk@ newalresford-tc.gov.uk

The Neighbourhood Plan is progressing and currently, there are two topics that the Neighbourhood Plan Advisory

The New Alresford Town Council office is open to the public: Monday - Friday 11am - 1pm

Theatre & Shows

Wed 5 Oct - Sat 15 Oct

From 7.30pm | 2.30pm on 9 Oct titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com

73 St Margarets Lane, Titchfield, Fareham, PO14 4BG

1920s New York, speakeasys and jazz. The underground nature of drinking made for a Wild West atmosphere. Join the fun, frolics and insubordination at Titchfield Festival Theatre. One young woman's journey to find love, to know love, to feel love. Join her as she questions what love means and how some journeys are better not taken but to stand still is even more painful. The story of the first woman to face the electric chair in New York. How, why and what made her murder her husband.

Sweeney Todd

All ticket prices are inclusive of a £1 Restoration Levy

An Evening with Sir Geoff Hurst

Monty Python and The Foley Grail - Eastleigh Film Festival

Associates presents & Mugged

Wed 26 Oct - Tue 1 Nov

From 7.30pm t titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com

Sat 15 Oct

Tue 11 Oct

From 7.30pm theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

21-23 Jewry Street, Winchester, SO24 8SB

An evening with England's hat trick hero, world cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst. Sir Geoff comes to Winchester to talk amusingly about his illustrious West Ham and England career. Following great acclaim for his previous tour, Sir Geoff is back on the road with his great friend and agent Terry Baker who will once again be asking the questions. The second half of the evening includes a Q&A session.

Peppa Pig's Best Day Ever

From 7.30pm thepointeastleigh.co.uk

Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9DE

Grab your coconuts and join us and Compass Presents on a quest for the Holy Grail (or Foley grail if you will!) See one of the most laugh-out-loud films of all time made even funnier by the additional element of audience participation live sound effects. Upon your arrival you will be handed a package of foley-delights and instructed to follow your cuemaster to add live sound effects –en masse. While most of the foley items remain a surprise, Python fans are assured that coconuts are involved!

The Color Purple

73 St Margarets Lane, Titchfield, Fareham, PO14 4BG

Two plays that explore crime and young people. Mugged by Andrew Payne, tells the story of a group of teenagers living in fear of a gang, when something tragic happens, they are caught up in the media blame game. How will they come to terms with all of the attention and the truth?

DNA is a hard-hitting play by Dennis Kelly on the GCSE curriculum for drama. This masterpiece of youth theatre explores authority figures, guilt, panic and harmony ultimately asking the question, when you do something really bad, how do you get away with it? A dark and comic play with a terrifying finale.

The Proclaimers

Wed 5 Oct - Sat 8 Oct

From 7.30pm & 2pm on Sat 8th thepointeastleigh.co.uk

Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9DE

The infamous tale of Sweeney Todd, the unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th century London seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barbers practice. Mrs. Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up, and the carnage has only just begun! Suitable for ages 5+ with parental guidance, recommended age 12+.

21-23 Jewry Street, Winchester, SO24

Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig - it’s going to be her best day ever!

Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and icecreams to muddy puddles – there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy, including Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, Gerald Giraffe and more! Prepare for the brand new Peppa Pig live show packed full of songs, games and laughter, it really is the best day ever for Peppa Pig fans!

Tue 25 Oct - Sat 29 Oct

From 7.30pm and 2pm www.mayflower.org.uk

22-26 Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE

Based on the Pulitzer prizewinning novel by Alice Walker and adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winner Marsha Norman, The Color Purple tells the story of courageous heroine Celie, as she journeys through joy, despair, anguish and hope in her own personal awakening to discover her unique voice in the world.

Titchfield Festival Theatre Youth

Sun 30th Oct

From 7.30pm www.mayflower.org.uk

22-26 Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE

Strikingly individual, twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid emerged 35 years ago with their debut album This Is The Story and Top 3 single Letter from America. Since then, their enduring appeal across generations has seen them enjoy huge success across the globe.

This is a taster of the exciting shows and performances available at these venues. For more information visit the relevant website.

Bees bouncing back inSouth Downs National Park with new wildflower havens

The South Downs were alive with the beauty of wildflowers and buzzing bees this summer, thanks to the success of an inspiring nature project.

Bee Lines is going from strength to strength, with the South Downs National Park Trust giving 11 grants in recent months to create new wildflower oases at farms, community fields, recreation grounds and road verges.

It comes after eight projects received funding last year and have now blossomed into beautiful areas for bees and butterflies to flourish. Early reports show biodiversity has increased significantly in the new wildflower patches.

Bee Lines launched three years ago to create a new network of wildflower corridors to help support bees and other pollinators. These insects have been on a steep decline across the UK for several decades and are now under threat from climate change. New planting will effectively create a “road system” for pollinating insects, allowing them to move through the landscape more easily. The community rallied round to raise £75,000 for the campaign.

Among the projects has been the transformation of a field at Sompting, West Sussex, to create a vibrant wildflower meadow.

Peter King, Director of Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, said: “The funding from the South Downs National Park Trust has allowed us to create 2.5ha of wildflower meadows on Sompting Brooks.

“Since sowing the seeds, the field has seen exceptional growth and diversity of species.

“It’s too early to attribute any specific species or biodiversity increases specifically to this meadow habitat, however, we have recorded a 72 per cent increase in pollinator species using the site since the arable fields were reverted to meadow. We have also seen an overall species diversity increase of 98 per cent of monitored species, including birds, bats, reptiles, invertebrates, and small mammals. Overall species records from the site have increased from 179 to 624 since the project as a whole was completed.”

Before at Sompting

After at Sompting

Meanwhile, wildflower corridors have been created at Sussex Meadow, a farm and holiday let business near Petworth. Sophie Green said: “On quick glance we are noticing more butterflies in the patches with a greater range of species.”

Lewes Cemetery has also been transformed thanks to wildflower planting, with a recent survey finding a total of 55 different species of wildflower at the site. Chris Bibb, who works at Lewes District Council as a consultant on green projects, said: “The wildflower seeding and plug planting was a great success and the variety of flowers has been popular with visitors to the Cemetery and butterflies, moths, bees and bugs alike.”

Although the £75,000 target has now been reached, the Trust is continuing to seek donations to help further wildflower projects.

Nick Heasman, who leads Bee Lines for the National Park, said: “It’s wonderful to see this wildflower planting making a significant difference to biodiversity and that effect can only multiply in future years as the habitat becomes more established. Bees are vital ecosystem engineers and it’s so important we try to halt and reverse their decline.

“This is nature recovery in action and a key strand of our overarching ReNature project to create new wildlife habitat in the National Park.”

Anyone interested in future rounds of Bee Lines funding should contact Miriam Swan at grants@southdowns.gov.uk to be put on the notification list.

To donate visit www.southdownstrust.org.uk/beelines/

Plant conservation charity Plantlife is supporting the project by providing landowners with advice on establishing and enhancing wildflower habitats.

To find out more about ReNature visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/ renature/

Alresford Community Cinema

The next film at Alresford Community Cinema (run by the Friends of St John's) is on October 4th, starting 7.00pm: 'Phantom of the Open'.

Cogswell Memorial

with RAF Benson and members of the Alresford branch of the Royal Airforce Association to the town. Their role is to unveil a new memorial to a WWII American pilot, Captain Robert Cogswell.

In 1943, he ordered the crew to bail out of his failing B-17F Flying Fortress and piloted it - ten 500 lb unexploded bombs on board - away from the town to crash on the eastern side of Alresford Pond. The B-17 earned its name that day - the 'Lady Luck' - although Captain Cogswell was later Killed in Action over Korea.

The Alresford Society, Alresford Town Council and Alresford Historical & Literary Society have banded together to create a new memorial following justifiable concerns raised by American visitors to the town, as well as local people, unimpressed by the sadly decayed state of the original, wooden memorial. (Photo attached & I will be able to take a couple of photos of the new installation as well). Erected by the self-same sponsors in 2003, it was no longer a fitting tribute to a brave man and his crew and the important presence of American troops in and around the town in WWII.

An Agatha Christie without the Queen of Crime in sight

Prepare for a cunning thriller when Who Killed “Agatha” Christie? comes to Theatre Royal Winchester from Thursday 22 September.

With nothing to do with the Queen of Crime herself, this story sees playwright John Terry inviting scathing theatre critic Arthur “Agatha” Christie to his flat to expose what he suspects – that their respective partners are having an affair – yet all is not what it seems and events take a decidedly sinister turn. Written by former theatre manager turned screenwriter and playwright Tudor Gates – who also worked on episodes of TV series The Sweeney and Doctor Who – this enthralling West End comedy thriller will keep you guessing to the end.

On October 26th at 11.00am, we will welcome a USAF Officer, XXX, stationed

Death of an Author & Broadcaster

John Miller has died at the age of 85. He read Politics at Nottingham University before joining the BBC as a General Trainee. He was a producer in Schools TV; was seconded to UNESCO to create the Broadcasting Training Institute in Kuala Lumpur before returning to the BBC Open University as a Senior Producer, Educational Studies. He was a founding member of Television South (TVS) as Head of Features & Education from 1981-1992.

John has been a guest interviewer at the National Theatre; for many literary festivals and was a regular contributor to the Cheltenham Festival. His address book was

The site for the new granite memorial and the accompanying information board - with the original brass plaque from 2003 - is behind The Soke, looking across Alresford Pond.

a veritable Who’s Who of the literary world, stage and screen and he brought many of those friends to festivals in the south of England. He was Artistic Director of the Winchester Festival from 1998-2011.

His many books have included authorised biographies of Ralph Richardson, Peter Ustinov and Judi Dench, indeed writing no less than four books with Dame Judi. He collaborated with John Geilgud on his memoirs for radio, TV and two subsequent books and he was BAFTA nominated for the Huw Weldon award for the Best Arts Programme of 1988 for An Actor’s Life, John’s TV profile of the great man. He also collaborated with John Mills on his updated autobiography Up in the Clouds, Gentlemen Please.

For the Millennium celebrations, John wrote and produced Men in Scarlet - a Son et Lumiere history of the Chelsea Pensioners,

Who Killed “Agatha” Christie? is brought to the stage by Tabs Productions, formed in 1989 and with over 150 productions to their name – from Shakespeare to modern classics, musicals and children’s shows including Educating Rita, Great Expectations, Pinocchio, Macbeth and Dangerous Liaisons. Who Killed “Agatha” Christie? will be at Theatre Royal Winchester from Thursday 22 to Saturday 24 September. Age guidance 14+. For more information or to book tickets visit theatreroyalwinchester. co.uk or call 01962 840 440.

staged at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. In 2016 John masterminded the Alresford Historical & Literary Society’s Golden Anniversary, bringing John Julius Norwich, Robert Hardy and Edna O’Brien to the town.

A great supporter of local charities, John brought special guests to events to raise funds for both Bishop’s Sutton and Ropley Churches and he brought Dame Judi Dench to Winchester on no less than four occasions, twice to raise funds for HomeStart Winchester, most recently in October 2021.

John lived in Bishop’s Sutton for 40 years and is survived by his wife Aileen. (A date for a funeral service has yet to be announced)

John Miller 25.5.37. - 1.9.22.

Whether it is an look

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Smoked Hampshire trout and spinach roulade

Wilt the washed spinach in a large pan or in a colander, pour over boiling water. Squeeze out as much water as possible.

Put the sauce and the spinach together in a blender or food processor and blend together. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

In a clean dry bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks. Use a metal spoon to fold in the egg whites folding gently into the spinach mixture. Season to taste.

Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 15 – 20 minutes until the mixture has risen and is springy to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius/fan 180/gas 6. Line a 20cm swiss roll tin with non-stick baking paper. In a saucepan melt the butter over low heat. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the flour then cook for 3 mins until pale gold. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring regularly until it is smooth and glossy. Cool slightly before adding the egg yolks and mixing well.

Loosen the edge of the roulade with a knife and invert it onto a large sheet of baking paper. Gently peel off the used baking paper and spread the cream cheese lemon zest and chives over the cool roulade. Arrange the slices of smoked trout on top of this leaving a 2cm border. Working from the short side, use the baking paper underneath to roll the roulade, gently but tightly into a roll. Chill for 2 hours seam side down.

Remove from fridge 20 mins before serving. Some Hampshire Watercress makes a perfect garnish. see us on

Dear Stockbridge Forum Reader, Value conscious local residents love a great deal.

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The next thing for you to do is call us on 01962 690 005we’ll welcome your call, answer your questions and take care of everything for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Councillor Fiona Isaacs

and the lack of parking enforcement from Winchester City Council. This is hopefully being rectified as recruiting for interim enforcement officers is now finally taking place. Everyone agreed that the enforcement has been less than ideal.

There were discussions on the subject of more cycle parking and I raised the issue again about an old tree stump, a trip hazard on Broad Street. This is now going to be removed to help prevent any more residents from falling.

Broad Street and West street were also discussed with regards to the plans and how things could be moved forward.

I feel I cannot start my report this month without acknowledging the extremely sad news about HRH Queen Elizabeth II. Her grace, dedication to duty and service to our country and her people was an inspiration and this beloved Queen will be missed worldwide. May she rest in peace.

Market Town Meeting

I was pleased to attend a meeting with officers and key portfolio holders for the economy and climate change from Winchester City Council along with some members of New Alresford Town Council, on key issues raised by residents and businesses along with discussions on how to improve certain things key to our market town moving forward. Topics raised were parking issues, especially on a Thursday

Curtis Museum & Allen Gallery

ALLEN GALLERY

HALF-TERM FUN

Make your own spider puppet

This is a drop-in session on Tuesday 25th October, any time between 11am and 1pm. (Accompanied) children £3.

EXHIBITIONS

Ceramicus returns to the Main Exhibition

Space from 1st to 30th October 10.30 - 4pm. This talented group of local potters will be exhibiting a range of techniques, colours and surfaces in their work. The exhibition gives visitors a chance to buy unique items, direct from the artists, for the home or as a gift. (Free).

From 1st October, Walk Alton will be showing entries from the Alton Walking

Parking

The Proposed Dean Car Park had a public consultation in the lightroom on the dean on the 28th September. I also asked what plans and provisions were being made with the lease for The Station car park which is due in 18 months. Signage from the last changes is only just going in now 18 months later.

PublicToilets

Officers confirmed that the cleaning contractors had been issued a default notice and that Estates had been commissioned to refurbish the toilets. I am sure everyone will welcome this news.

Grass Cutting Issues

In a meeting I raised the grass cutting issues that the town had been experiencing over

Festival Photography Competition. This exhibition runs until 20th November, in the Café area. (Free).

TALK

Mary Russell Mitford - Margaret Simmons will talk about this interesting woman, born in Alresford in 1787. At the age of 10 Mary won her father a lottery ticket worth £20,000, but by the 1810s the family was in financial difficulties. Mary became a writer of plays, poetry and novels – including Our Village, a series of scenes of village life. She was a prolific writer, helping to support the family. Her poetry also garnered praise, and she became a friend of Elizabeth Barrett Browning among others. 13th October, 7.30pm. In the Gallery. (Free), donations welcome.

Quakers and the Museum and Gallery

The front garden wall of Alton’s Quaker Meeting House (in Church Street) has

the last 2 years, I also provided feedback from businesses and residents. Many were unhappy and felt the town had never looked such a mess. I also informed officers and portfolio holders that I had been asked by residents to formally represent their request for the removal of grass project areas in some places due to ongoing issues.

Residents issues

I had been disappointed to learn that many council residents had experienced poor service from contracted repair teams. I have managed to resolve many of these complaints, and the rest are being dealt with and monitored. As I sit on Business and Housing I am passionate about ensuring that the council are held accountable when services are less than adequate. I am pleased to say that council officers feel the same way and are keen to resolve these matters quickly.

Green Bin collection issues

A disabled resident contacted me in desperation for getting their bin collected as it had been missed 3 times. Having difficulty in getting through to the department was one of the issues raised, along with others. I was appalled that this case had not been dealt with after 6 weeks! I arranged for the bin to be emptied the next day. Please let me know if anyone else is having issues.

Fiona Isaacs

the date 1672 - hence this year is its 350th anniversary. To celebrate this heritage the Museum and Gallery are displaying various items with Quaker connections. The Curtis family, after one of whom the Museum is named, were Quakers for over 200 years. The Gallery is home to a comprehensive collection of ceramics from about 1500 to the present day, and several of the pieces have a Quaker background. Among these are 5 items by Richard Champion, a Quaker potter, working in Bristol from 1773 to 1782.

There are also paintings and other items associated with botanist William Curtis.

OPENING TIMES

Tuesday to Sunday Curtis Museum 10am – 4.30pm. Allen Gallery 10.30 – 4pm www.hampshireculture.org.uk/allen-gallery Tel: 01420 82802

Many people have Yahoo email accounts, if you are one of them you might already have been hacked. You will know soon enough if you have been because you will probably receive a lot of calls from people in your contacts list asking why you are asking them

for money! If this is the case, you might want to contact Yahoo for help. You will not be happy to learn that they will not assist you unless you subscribe to their online support service for £4.80 per month. You will then be told that you should also have an up-to-date antivirus software installed and a VPN. Their high-handed attitude is a bit rich, and you really should consider why are you staying with Yahoo and not opening a new free email account with Gmail or Microsoft. Opening a new account is simple and there are ways to let your existing contacts your new details. This is not to say that you should leave your computer, Windows or Mac, unprotected. There are many more threats out there and now is definitely the time to consider your internet security. Please contact me if you need any further information or assistance.

On a lighter note, for those of you that were born in the 40s, 50s and 60s, check out Boom Radio. Go to boomradiouk.com where you can download their app and listen live online. Give it a try, especially if BBC Radio 2 does not cut it for you anymore. Happy listening!

Andy Mr 07392552592

Winchester Councillors Report

The writing of this report has sadly been overtaken by the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and of the accession of King Charles III to the throne. Great admiration and respect is due to someone who so diligently applied herself to undertake so many duties and responsibilities for so very long. Countless stories are coming out about her kindness and consideration for all who worked either with her or for her. Much evidence too, of her sense of humour, which became more apparent in her later years. So very much for us to be thankful for.

God save the King! And so back to the everyday………..

The day-to-day work of the Council continued, but not business as usualmeetings that had been publicised had to be opened but then adjourned; bin collections were paused due to the unexpected bank holiday, and there was a great deal of work for officers in organising ceremonies at short notice under National Mourning criteria, for which they have little experience! That these events ran so smoothly, is a tribute to our hard-working staff.

writing, Winchester City Council (WCC) are pulling together various pots of money to assist those organisations that support others. There is also a small discretionary pot that will be targeted towards Council tax payers who receive additional help from the state but pay reduced or no council tax.

Inevitably, WCC is also affected by increased costs - not only with respect to our own staff and operations but also for contracted services. Likely inflationary pressures have been reviewed and the £2m set aside to cover these risks is adequate for the rest of this year and next year. However, the medium-term financial strategy is a great deal more challenging.

With building costs escalating at about 40%, many projects that have been approved are in a difficult position.

Local Plan

The Local Plan includes both comprehensive plans of designated areas for development and policies covering many aspects of Planning, such as demanding higher environmental standards for new buildings, protecting green spaces and increasing biodiversity. The plan once completed in its final form goes through a legal process, which determines its validity. The legality of the plan can be challenged, by developers and many others and it is not unknown for the local plan to be turned down.

no likelihood of these soon or even in the medium term, we are having to press on as not having a Local Plan in place leads to developmental chaos in every field!

The Consultation version, known as the Regulation 18 stage or ‘Reg 18’ will be out by the end of the month and the closing date for comments is 14th December. Once the final version (Regulation 19) is completed, there is a lengthy approval process by His Majesty’s Planning Inspectorate.

Comments from residents are very important so please do contribute.

Margot Power 01962 734167

Russell Gordon -Smith 01962 733219 rgordon-smith@winchester.gov.uk

Margot Power

Costs of Living

With a conspicuous lack of any visible signs of support from elsewhere at the time of

The process of getting a Local Plan agreed upon and signed off seems akin to the punishment of Sisyphus - condemned to roll a boulder uphill for eternity, only for it to roll back down. No sooner do we get one done and dusted than we have to start all over again.

Despite the lack of any firm figures for the housing formula from the government, and

Russell Gordon -Smith

"A powerhouse of a Prep school"

Welcome to Prince’s Mead

AN

Alresford Chamber of Commerce

A Fond Farewell to our Beloved Queen

We thank you for such dedication and devotion to duty, you embodied strength and stability. Your passing is such a sad loss to our nation, and we are honoured to have been able to call you, our Queen.

Neighbourhood Plan

We have representation on the Neighborhood Plan and URGE ALL Businesses within Alresford to complete the Business Survey, so that your voice can be heard. Please go to the NATC website https://www.newalresford-tc.gov.uk/ Neighbourhood_Plan.aspx, where the survey is held and should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete.

Chamber Events

Our next event is on 20th October, hosted by The Naked Grape for Wine & Chat. What a great way to taste and choose some wine for the Christmas table!

Alresford Ghost Hunt 22nd – 31st October

A spookily time will be had by all when the Spooks of Alresford descend on us between Saturday 22nd and Monday 31st October. This is the time for everyone to go on the Ghost Hunt and see how many you can find! Look out for the Leaflets which will be left soon in many shops, downloadable from our website as well as being available from local schools, Have fun! Our thanks go out to New Alresford Town Council for their continued support of this project.

Any businesses or individuals wishing to participate, sponsor or generally assist with any of our projects please do email us. Together we are stronger.

For more information on Alresford Chamber of Commerce visit: www.alresfordchamber.co.uk

CURRENT

Alresford Pigs Association

Following on from the record success of the Alresford Show – and what a turnout! – the Alresford Pigs are gearing up for the Autumn and Winter seasons. We will be busy with a fully stocked calendar of goodies and events – we might even have our beady little eyes on preparations for the (dare I mention it!) Christmas Trees!

We are planning an Autumn Fundraising entertainment event in November – a fun family quiz, so watch out for news of this! Tickets will be on sale soon.

We would like to thank the many people who have made donations to the Pigs this year, but particular thanks must go to the Broad Street Open Gardens for making us one of their charities this year.

Another popular event, the Tichborne House Open Garden, has chosen the Pigs as their charity this year. Delightful in the early autumn weather this private garden, with moat, river and kitchen garden, will be open to the public on Sunday 9th October, from 12-4 pm. Parking available, tickets £7.50 at the gate (cash and card).

We’ve received many requests for help over the last few months including from Ukrainian refugees, from simple jobs such as helping The Alresford Wine Society transport and erect marquees for their summer event, to providing funding for children and adults in need of specific help.

Cost of Living

We’re all seeing the impact of climbing inflation and the rocketing cost of living are very real concerns for many of us. For some of the course tighter finances mean making hard choices, sometimes deciding between heat or food. It can be an embarrassing and stressful thing to ask for help, we understand this, and all enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence, by people who care, and are responded to with a willingness to help - if at all possible.

Mobility

We are pleased to continue to provide this service, demand is rising, and we are fortunate to have a dedicated team with many years of experience. Please remember we have supplies of walking frames, Rollators with wheels, and wheelchairs. If you are just out

of hospital and need some extra aids, please call us as there are lots of bits of equipment available, recycled from others who found them useful. We also have several powered mobility scooters in stock, please just ask, we have the experience and expertise to help – and it’s free!

The Alresford Pigs recycle various walking aids, like 3 and 4-wheel Rollators, as well as wheelchairs. Currently, we have several relatively new home trolleys available. These are useful for helping transport a plate of food or a cup of tea from one room to the next, as well as providing a stable platform to hold. The height of these trolleys is adjustable, to suit the user.

In addition, there are several other home accessories available, particularly for the bathroom, like shower seats and toilet frames. 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 scattered all round Alresford, plus donations to others in the wider area.

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.