Itchen Valley Forum - Issue 201 - Sept 23

Itchen Valley

FORUM

HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF WIGHT TRUST

Environmental FeatureKing of the River

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Fried potatoes with bacon, mushrooms & onions

LIFESTYLE FEATURE BY MICA

BALE

Find out what's going on in the Itchen Valley

Cover Illustration: Charm

of Goldfinches by Rachel Hudson (see page

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!

The Team

Editor

Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk

Director of Advertising

Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk

Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

Contributors

Mica Bale Feature Writer

Get in Touch

Forum Publications Offices New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QE 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, 2023

A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer's wave goodbye

Feeling more than a little cheated of your summer? Whereas some in the UK have been basking in beautiful sunlight many of us are already reaching for our woolly jumpers. Even the local pubs have been known to stick a few defeated logs on the fire in an attempt to warm up the patrons with more than just the spirits. Yes, as we welcome yet another new month, many of us are feeling this peculiar transitional moment between the seasons.

As many families are sending the kids back to school and yet another autumn term rolls around, for adults too, this time of year feels like the harbinger of change. Perhaps some are starting new jobs or watching as their little ones progress into the next stage of their education or early work life.

Many of us still feel that back-to-school atmosphere at this time of the year, even if the days of new shoes and slightly too big school jumpers complete with a raid on the local stationery shop are long behind us.

For some of us, the summer has still been busy even if the weather has been more than a little disappointing. From tripping around from festival to festival, planning long-awaited holidays, attending weddings and trying to be spontaneous, it can be exhausting and lead to burn out.

Many of us though have our thoughts turned to the impending wintry weather and the nights slowly beginning to draw in. Instead of this beautiful time of year being a moment before the doldrums set in, actually this month can be all about preparing for a successful and enjoyable quarter ahead.

Perhaps instead of lamenting the months gone we should look forward to the new beginnings. In centuries gone by this was the beginning of a time of year when the labours of the previous months were beginning to be enjoyed, latter crops were beginning to flourish, apples were beginning to fall from the trees and the season of jamming and pickling was beginning to be enjoyed.

In the 21st century, our productivity is not always as dependent on the weather. Many of us still work 9-5 come rain or shine. School uniforms still need washing, shopping trips and nights out with our friends have little dependency on long, bright days or shorter, darker ones other, perhaps, than which shoes or boots we should wear.

How do you fancy a nostalgic autumn ahead? You know the ones, when you may have returned to school after the seemingly never-ending freedom of the school summer holidays and the air just feels a little different. Summer shoes and attire mismatch with early apple crumbles and winter warmers. The mornings are beginning to be a little crisper and thoughts of the long and dark nights lie ahead. It can be a cosy feeling.

For many people this time of year provides a nice opportunity for a reset. Never mind what has gone in the previous months and whether you managed to achieve all your summer goals, what is coming up on your horizon? Perhaps you’d like to plan a cheeky last-minute holiday or maybe you are keen to push towards your health and fitness goals.

Instead, applying the principle of enjoying a reset day but stretched across several weeks can be a rewarding and nourishing experience that helps us to live in the moment instead of pining for a time and season and yes, sometimes, even an atmosphere, that might feel out of reach.

How about prioritising some well-placed wellness activities or maybe you would just like to enjoy the season ahead, complete with country walks in some of Hampshire’s most beautiful natural spots. This time of year doesn’t have to signal a goodbye to summer and its fun. Why not set yourself a local photography challenge and take the opportunity to go outside, get some extra steps in and collate a beautiful album of a Hampshire autumn? With the stunning national parks at our fingertips - and toetips - Hampshire provides boundless opportunities to enjoy the spellbinding nature around us.

Have you taken a tastebud tour of some of the county’s best ciders or sourced local ingredients to make a meal from scratch? As well as supporting local businesses, season-appropriate activities help us to live in the present, especially when that involves what we eat and drink. Food and drink is a mood-setter and that can be used for considerable good.

Why not visit one of the many local gardens to enjoy a little inspiration for the autumn plants to put into your own flower beds and outdoor spaces? Chances are, if local gardens are able to grow a particular variety, it’s possible to replicate similar conditions in your own gardens.

However you decide to enjoy the next few weeks, I hope that you have the opportunity to create some lovely memories and enjoy some rewarding activities. Until next month!

Written by Mica Bale

Price includes

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Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture

One of the UK's top reviewed kitchen companies on Houzz

Happy Kitchens 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 5 star 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 unexciting, yet expensive. This is because most high street ‘kitchen designers’ are

just salespeople with no idea on how a kitchen works.

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.

T: 01962 460169

W: happykitchens.uk

Kitchen makeovers

Make your OLD kitchen a NEW kitchen for a fraction of the cost of buying a new kitchen

We also do kitchen makeovers

We manufacture our doors to order to bespoke sizes, so it doesn't matter who made your kitchen we have the sizes to fit.

Whether you want to just change your doors, or change everything you can see on the face, we can utilise your existing units, and change all the trims and panels, just like in the photos above, yes that really was a makeover, with a couple of small changes.

Call us today for a free of charge home visit.

Happy Kitchens are quite unique as we are able to offer top quality products, available in any size, fitted by the best professionals in the business. Change your kitchen and bedroom with a makeover or design and install a new kitchen and bedroom, whichever suits your needs or price range.

Sales | Property Management | Lettings

A name you can count on in a changing world…

The Alresford Show - Saturday 2nd September

We are pleased to be having a stand again at this traditional agricultural show, and we look forward to catching up with past, present and future clients on the day.

This year we are raising money for The Murray Parish Trust, a local charity which supports projects at Southampton Children's Hospital, which advance children's healthcare, beyond that which is possible through NHS funding. They back innovative health related projects in the local community across central Southern England, which promise to make a real and lasting difference.

Come along to our stand to say hello, and to enter a draw to win a luxury hamper of locally-sourced produce - tickets £5

Image courtesy of Tony Cowburn

To Let, Fully Managed Tichborne, Nr Alresford

A beautifully presented, Grade II Listed four bedroom detached cottage which is located in the Pretty Village of Tichborne on the outskirts of the popular market town of Alresford.

This stunning period cottage is positioned on a quiet lane and is surrounded by mature private gardens with uninterrupted countryside views beyond. The property is now offered for rental having been sympathetically restored by the current owners to modernise yet retain its period character. The accommodation is generous and beautifully styled throughout and is offered either part furnished or unfurnished according to requirements.

On the ground floor is a fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room with a pantry and three reception rooms each with a fireplace

Acts 16:30,31:

Q. ''.....what MUST i do to be saved?''

A. ''...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy household''

Tuesdays 10.15 - Toddlers (term time only)

Wednesdays 7.30pm - Bible study & prayer on zoom

Thursdays 10.00am - Home prayer meeting

and a log burning stove. The first floor is accessed via two separate staircases where there are four double bedrooms and two family bathrooms.

Outside there is a double car port and gravelled driveway, a large private terrace and pretty cottage garden. The village of Tichborne benefits from a highly regarded bistro public house with local footpaths and cycle ways. Alresford is within a short distance and offers an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants.

There are a number of schools within easy reach to include Perins in Alresford, Cheriton Primary, Princes Mead, St Swithuns, Twyford School and Bedales. For commuters there are excellent road and rail links with Alton, Petersfield and Winchester within easy reach.

For full details or to arrange a viewing please call Jess on 01962 571189 www.countryhousecompany.co.uk

Rachel Hudson

Illustrating The Natural World: one small square at a time…

Hampshire illustrator, Rachel Hudson, creates artwork that reconnects people with the natural world, through information, greetings cards, editorial, publishing and site-specific projects. Lively, yet authentic, her artwork evokes the spirit of a place and captures a fleeting encounter with nature.

From Suffolk to The Shetlands

This year, it is Rachel’s greetings cards that are making an impact, following her debut at Progressive Greetings Live at the Business Design Centre in London, (the world’s only greetings card trade fair). Today, you can discover her illustrations in independent bookshops and gallery gift shops from Suffolk to The Shetlands, Hampshire to the Hebrides. Meanwhile, new Winter Birds Christmas Cards are available from the RSPB and eight of her best-selling illustrations have been licensed by the Welsh publisher, Silver Birch Cards. Further afield, from February 2024, a collection of 10 designs entitled, Vie Sauvage, will be sold in bookstores throughout France, published by Zazous Editions.

Valuing Nature

Inspired by daily walks in Hampshire and holidays along the British coast, Rachel’s designs showcase the seasons and celebrate the often overlooked. Her collections include Coastal & Seaward, Wayside & Woodland, Winterscapes and Oddities & Rarities. Rooted in conservation knowledge and a life-long love of nature, Rachel’s art cards for nature lovers aim to help people to feel good and value nature. On the reverse of each card, you can find information about the species featured on the front of each card.

Environmental stewardship lies at the heart of Rachel’s business which is powered by green energy and uses materials that are responsibly sourced. All cards are blank inside, printed in the UK using FSC certified board, matched with eco- kraft envelope, supplied ‘naked’, without plastic or even biodegradable packets (which can also take years to decompose).

Why greetings cards?

Greetings cards are an affordable and environmentally-friendly way to make an emotional connection with a friend or family member. It is a way to show someone that you are thinking about them and can be thought-provoking too, perhaps reminding the recipient of a time and place that they have enjoyed. As a Publisher member of the Greetings Card Association, from 18-24 September, Rachel will be taking part in ‘Thinking of You Week’. All cards purchased and sent by Royal Mail will carry a special postmark with the message: Send a Card Deliver a Smile. A world-wide initiative, the aim is to ‘create a wave of love, caring and happiness’.

If you’d like to purchase Rachel’s cards, they are available to buy at www.rachelhudsonillustration.com You can find her in person at The Floral Fringe Fair in Loxwood Meadows, West Sussex from 2-3 September. For a 10% discount on Rachel’s Winter Birds Christmas Card Packs until 5 September, visit the RSPB’s online shop.

WE ARE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE ALRESFORD AGRICULTURAL SHOW

We are delighted to be sponsoring the Alresford Agricultural Show, which returns here on Saturday 2nd September, from 8.30am - 6.00pm.

We are looking forward to being part of this iconic event. The show is a celebration of rural life and the communities which live in it. With over 100 years of history, promoting farming, and showcasing the

best of local agriculture, it is still run with the same passion and offers visitors of all ages a full-on, firsthand, experience of the countryside and all that it stands for.

It’s a family fun day with something for everyone and we hope to see you at the 2023 Alresford Show.

“I’ve had both selling and buying property through Charters and I cannot fault them. After giving a brief of what I was looking for when purchasing a new property, they were active in advising me immediately when properties became available that fit my brief. You know you are in safe hands with Charters.”

If you are thinking about selling or letting your home, please get in touch with us.

Winchester Heritage Open Days 8th-17th September 2023

Fun, fabulous and FREE!

It’s almost here! The Winchester Heritage Open Days festival will be taking place from 8-17 September 2023. This year’s theme is ‘Creativity Unwrapped’, celebrating the creativity, history and culture of Winchester and the surrounding areas of Hampshire. As well as the usual favourites there will be some exciting new ones too. Some events require booking through our online box office but others you can just turn up to. All events are completely FREE!

Here are some of this year’s festival highlights…

Creativity Unwrapped

• The Story Desk at P&G Wells, Fri 8th - Sun 17th.

• Talk on the stained-glass commission of Florence Nightingale in Romsey Abbey, Fri 15th. Book in advance.

• Exhibition of Paintings by Local Artists, Fri 8th - Sun 17th.

• “Ruins” Exhibition by Nicholas Gibbs with literary text and poetry at Holy Trinity Church, Privett, Sat 16th.

• The Art of Bollards Tour, Sun 17th. Book in advance.

• Talk on Charlotte Mary Yonge as a Creative Writer, Sun 17th. Book in advance.

• Treasure Trail: A Celebration of Winchester by its Young Artists, Fri 8th - Sun 17th.

• Creatively Unwrapped - Wartime Experiences Unveiled from the Archives, Sat 16th.

• The Great Hall - Creativity Unwrapped Tour, Sat 9th & Sat 16th. Book in advance.

Talks & Tours

• Winchester College Guided Tours, Thurs 14th - Sat 16th. Book in advance.

• Old Southampton Cemetery: A Titanic tour!, Sat 16th. Book in advance.

• Silver at Winchester College: Five Centuries of Collecting, Thurs 14th. Book in advance.

• Going cuckoo: a history of bird migration and the curative explanations that science wants to forget, Weds 13th. Book in advance.

• Guided Tour of War Cloister & War Memorials, Fri 15th. Book in advance.

• Remembering Mary I: Creating a Queen’s Legacy, Sat 16th. Book in advance.

• Royal Logistics Corps Museum Tours, Tues 12th - Thurs 14th. Book in advance.

• Sir Orfeo: A New Translation - poetry reading with Clare Pollard, Sat 16th. Book in advance.

• Central Winchester Regeneration - Archaeological Investigation, Fri 8th - Fri 15th.

• St John the Evangelist Church, Northington, Weds 13th - Thurs 14th. Book in advance.

Open Days

• Uppark House and Gardens, Fri 8th - Sun 17th.

• Buckler’s Hard Museum, Fri 8th - Sun 17th.

• The Brickworks Museum, Weds 13th - Thurs 14th.

• Abbey House - The Official Residence of the Mayor of Winchester, Fri 15th.

• The Hospital of St Cross, Weds 13th.

• The Great Hall Open Day, Sat 16th.

• Chesil Theatre, Sat 9th.

Family Friendly Events

• Lepe Country Park, Fri 8th - Sun 17th.

• Bullington Church Fete, Sun 10th.

• St Denys Church Scavenger Hunt, Fri 8th - Sun 17th.

• Hampshire Scout Heritage Centre, Sat 9th - Weds 13th. Book in advance.

• Queens in Winchester: A Creative Workshop for Children, Sat 16th. Book in advance.

• Hampshire Regency Dancers, Sat 16th.

• Family Backstage Tour of Theatre Royal Winchester, Sat 9th. Book in advance.

• The Princess and the Oil Magnate’s Daughter, Sat 16th - Sun 17th.

• St Bartholemew’s Church / Hyde, Sculpt a Selfie!, Sat 16th.

• Winchester City Mill, Sat 16th - Sun 17th.

For information on dates, times and bookings visit our website www.winchesterheritageopendays.org or scan the QR code.

Winchester Heritage Open Days is organised by Hampshire History Trust. It is grateful to its lead sponsor Winchester College and also to Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council and Winchester BID for their support.

Fundraising Event for Hampshire History Trust

On Thurs 7th September, join Alice Loxton for a talk about her new book: ‘UPROAR!: Satire, Scandal and Printmakers in Georgian London’ at Winchester College. Tickets are £15 & £30, now available via the website.

Delve into Hampshire History

Join

Alresford Rotary

Christmas shoeboxes

Once again Alresford Rotary is inviting all schools, other organisations and individuals to take part in the Wessex Rotary Shoebox Scheme that this year will benefit disadvantaged and displaced children (aged up to 15) in Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania and Ukraine. Can you think of a good reason not to take part?

hotmail.co.uk or phone 01962 738788 or come along to the Swan in Alresford on Monday 11th September at 7pm for a short presentation including wonderful pictures of delighted children receiving the boxes in previous years

still standing in the UK and to learn about the chalk stream flora and fauna and the amazing life cycle of eels from birth in the Sargasso Sea to Alresford and their return to the Sargasso Sea to spawn and how in the past they were caught. The Eel House is well worth a visit and is next open on 28th August (but not on the previously advertised date of 10th September).

Help wanted!

For more information (including the scheme leaflet and boxes of the prescribed size is available upon request) – please contact wjrp@

Winchester City Council Report - Councillor Fiona Isaacs

Alresford Young Artist: Lauren makes it to the Rotary National Finals

Every year Rotary runs a National Young Artist Competition. This year Lauren T, a pupil at Sun Hill Junior School entered her painting, competing with school children across the country and made it all the way to the National Finals. Although coming up short, her painting shows real talent. Well done Lauren!

Eel House Open Day

Supporting New Alresford Town Trust, Alresford Rotary hosted July’s open day at the 1820’s Eel House. Glorious sunshine encouraged many locals and a few from further afield to visit what is one of the few eel houses

break and you won’t get it replaced. (Black and Green bins only)

• Requested a replacement bin but this was refused (Black and Green bins only)

• Paid for the garden waste service but service has been missed and you have not received a refund for the missed collection that you have paid for or have been refused a refund.

It's not right that there is no plan in place to replace older Black and Green bins. These were originally provided free of charge and nothing lasts forever. If bins are broken because they are old this is not the fault of the resident.

Alresford Rotary is a lively, expanding group aiming to recruit more members and Friends. Our membership is increasingly diverse – no longer just old men! Involvement with Rotary need not involve significant expense nor more time than you can spare. Please let us know if you feel you can help Alresford Rotary on a regular basis or on occasions such as the forthcoming November bonfire and firework celebrations, to make a difference, both locally and internationally! If you see this in time we’d love to talk to you at the Alresford Show on 2nd September. We’ll be manning the horse crossing!

Fair Bin Policy Campaign

Many residents know that I have been fighting for a fair bin policy. Please join me if you agree to the following or have been affected:

• Looked after your bin, but it's got older and has been broken by the contractors on collection or you are concerned that it might

Help me fight for this fair bin policy. Please contact me below to register your support or sign the below petition.

https://democracy.winchester.gov.uk/ mgEPetitionListDisplay.aspx?bcr=1&&_ gl=1*wi54p6*_ga*MjA3MTMwMTE4LjE2Nz M2MDE5NjU.*_ga_DTQPZ08RGZ*MTY5 MTEzNDc0Ni4xNzguMS4xNjkxMTM0Nz

Y5LjAuMC4w

James Pinniger and David Marshall Website: https:/alresford-rotary.org

Missed Garden Waste bin refunds

I have been assisting many residents in trying to get refunds or licence extensions in compensation for the missed bins that they have paid for. After discussions with the Strategic Director, it was confirmed after I asked for a formal investigation into this, that WCC have fined Biffa for the poor delivery of service. I therefore find it unbelievable that residents who have paid for a service but not received it have been refused refunds! This is not right or fair on any level. If anyone has been affected by this please contact me and I will happily take this up for you.

Closure of Lloyds bank

Following the meeting with Steve Brine MP, myself and LINK with regard to access to cash in Alresford, I have submitted the relevant forms to start the review by LINK with regard to access to cash within our Town. This will take approximately 12 weeks to complete.

Councillor Fiona Isaacs fisaacs@winchester.gov.uk

T: 01962 808072

St Swithun’s students headed to universities after impressive A Level Results

St Swithun's School is delighted to announce another year of strong A-Level results, showcasing the academic accomplishments of its students. With a dedication to nurturing bright minds and fostering a supportive learning environment, the school is proud to celebrate the achievements of its A-Level students in the 2023 examinations.

86% of A levels were graded A* to B against a backdrop of a decline in top grades nationally to pre-pandemic levels. Half of U6 girls achieved AAA or higher, 61% AAB or above and 73% ABB or better.

The Class of 2023 has therefore been accepted into prestigious universities, with students securing placements at world class institutions such as Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, Exeter, Imperial, LSE, Manchester, Oxford, St Andrews, UCL, Warwick and York while 10% of students gained places at Oxbridge. The St Swithun's School community eagerly awaits the future success of our graduates and the positive impact they will undoubtedly make in their chosen fields.

100% of A level results were graded A* to B in the twelve individual subjects of art and design, Classical civilisation, English literature, further mathematics, German, Greek, history of art, Latin, music, product design, psychology and Spanish. In addition, all the students who undertook the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) gained A* to B grades, with 86% at A* and A. The EPQ is equivalent to half an A level and is held in high esteem by universities for the skills of self-directed, independent study that it cultivates.

Headmistress Jane Gandee said, "The success of our A-level students is testament to their hard work and intellectual curiosity, in addition to the support provided by our dedicated staff. At St Swithun's School, we strive to instil a passion for lifelong learning, and these results exemplify our students' genuine interest in their studies.”

Head of Sixth Form, Nick Fyfe, also shared his delight stating, "We are immensely proud of our students' achievements and their personal growth during their time in our Sixth Form. Our tailored support and guidance have allowed them to flourish both academically and as well-rounded individuals."

Maite, a high-achieving student at St Swithun's School, has excelled in this year's A-Level examinations. Obtaining five A*, she has consistently demonstrated a thirst for knowledge and a dedication to their studies. With these exceptional results, she is ready to embark on a promising future studying Medicine at Cambridge.

Another outstanding performer, Emily has achieved an impressive set of A-Level results, securing A* A* A. Her academic journey at St Swithun's School has been characterised by commitment to academic and sporting excellence exemplified by her role as Head of Sport. With these exceptional results, she is ready to embark on a promising future pursuing Geography at Durham University.

We are also thrilled to announce that our Head Girl, Jamie S, has achieved exceptional A-Level results. Throughout her tenure as Head Girl, Jamie has demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication, leaving an indelible impact on the school community. As she begins her journey to Oxford University to study History and Economics, we are confident that she will continue to shine brightly, making a positive difference in all she undertakes.

Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HA T: 01962 835700 www.stswithuns.com

Town Trust Community Minibus Update

During 2023, we’ve seen the retirement of two of our stalwart Volunteer Drivers. Ray Hedger was our busiest driver until he retired in March, he went ‘the extra mile’ personally so many times to ensure the minibus was always there for everyone. And Margot Power has just retired in July, after many years generously giving her time. Both were ‘waved off’ with a tea party at the Swan and a certificate of our appreciation.

D1 licence – which most people over 55 have automatically – and need only commit to one or two trips per month. It’s really fun and rewarding, and you can do your own shopping whilst you’re taking the bus to Sainsburys!

• Could you help organise the schedule? We need help answering the phone and managing drivers and passengers, as part of a small supportive team. It’s just a few hours and you can do it wherever you are.

The Town Trust’s Community Minibus is a familiar sight in and around Alresford. It offers a unique door-to-door service for local people who need help to get to the shops in town, to the larger supermarkets, or to social events such as the Lunch Club. Without the commitment of our volunteers, many of the older and less physically able members of our community would miss out on a lot.

Fortunately, we’ve managed to recruit and train up several new drivers in 2023, including full MIDAS training, which has kept our buses on the road. Several members of Rotary and the Pigs have stepped up, which has been brilliant for the Community Minibus, and also helps those organisations to be able to use the vehicles for their own events. But we always need more! We have many ideas and requests for new routes and trips, and we’re keen to register new passengers, but it all depends on volunteers.

• Could you drive the minibus? You need a

• Could you help to manage the vehicles, compliance and training? This is VITAL and our current brilliant manager is retiring from the role in November. This involves ensuring the buses are being inspected and maintained, and the drivers are all trained correctly. It’s not time consuming but it is an important responsibility, and without someone taking this role, we will struggle to continue our minibus service at all.

If you think you could help, please email minibus@towntrust.org

…. or along the River Arle footpath in Alresford there is a surprise to be enjoyed by children and adults, residents and visitors alike. New information boards – from Mill Hill to the Eel House – because the river has an important story to tell about Alresford, the built heritage assets along its banks and the wildlife there. The project to ‘capture’ this story, lead by the Alresford Society and called ‘The Arle: History, Heritage & Future’, was possible thanks to the Watercress & Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme (W&W) with Heritage Lottery funding, and additional contributions from the Alresford Society, New Alresford Town Council, New Alresford Town Trust and Alresford Rotary.

‘W&W’ is working to monitor and improve local chalk stream habitats, and this was an opportunity to celebrate the Arle. Since the late 12th century, drove lanes brought sheep and cattle to market; the river flooded the water meadows to grow spring grass to fatten them. The river powered mills for tanning, cloth ‘fulling’ and grind corn. Brown trout and eels fed the growing population and were part of the vital food chain including insects, reptiles, fish, mammals and birds. Watercress grew abundantly and the railway (opened 1865) carried local produce quickly to London markets.

The Arle is a very precious chalk stream: some 200 globally, 85% in England. The water is filtered through the underground chalk ‘aquifer’, resulting in a clear watercourse rich in dissolved oxygen and minerals to support a wealth of biodiversity. But chalk streams and their wildlife are increasingly threatened by excessive water abstraction, sewage, sediment washed from fields and roads, fertilisers and pesticides.

Researching and writing these information boards about the river was fascinating: there are lots of sources written by local historians and photographers provided extraordinary images – like the ones in the attached example. Special thanks to Godfrey Andrews, whose ‘Alresford Heritage’ collection of photos, amassed and re-mastered over many years, for stunning

B&W and early, coloured photos of a bygone Alresford, and to the Town Council for use of their charming pictorial map of Alresford. Others have taken a ‘hands on’ approach. For months, local ‘citizen scientists’ have been checking water samples for pollutants, counting invertebrates (indicators of the river’s health), and clearing excess weed growth. Local biologists and ecologists shared their knowledge and experience too. And thanks to the small team of co-workers: Howard Boardman, David Boddy, Jenny Craddock, Jon Cranfield and Jon Pittam, and the Committee of the Alresford Society, especially Colin Scott-Morton.

Thanks to all for your generous help. A good community effort all round.

Jan Field, Chairman, The Alresford Society

If you go down in the woods today ….

Alresford Chamber of Commerce

I personally want to thank Tiffin for the kindness they gave when I had to cancel an afternoon tea which was a treat for a very sick friend, who was not well enough to attend and after explaining the situation, Sharon prepared a take away afternoon tea for me to take to her at home. It was most kind and very much appreciated!

Chamber Chat

We would like to thank all that attended the chamber chat in July held at the Swan Hotel in their Watercress Room. It was presented by Coral Benham and Julie Eckersley of The Hampshire Chamber of Commerce who outlined the various Hampshire Chamber Membership options and explained what benefits they have to offer.

Alresford Chamber AGM

Tiffin Tea Rooms is a well known place to go when you want a nice cuppa and a slice of cake, Or maybe one of their afternoon cream teas! It has been part of Alresford for 11 years and during that time Sharon and her team have worked hard to provide a first class customer service and delicious cakes. They have received many awards over the years including The Tea Guilds Award of Excellence & Trip Advisor Award Of Excellence. Also, lets not forget the sweets, ice cream and hand made chocolates they have.

New Leaf Alresford has conducted a local business food waste survey

Inspired by conversations at the monthly ‘Natter’, local charity New leaf has been investigating food waste in Alresford. Globally, 40% of food produced goes to waste, with the UK throwing away 9.52 million tonnes per year. To put that in perspective, this volume of food waste would fill 190 Royal Albert Halls! The majority is generated by households, though, rather than businesses.

We surveyed most businesses in Alresford that sell or serve food, and we are pleased to report a very positive response. Business owners and managers were very happy to participate and shared some brilliant examples of good practice. These included freezing or cooking pasttheir-best fruit and vegetables to be made into jam and vegetable stock respectively. Excess produce is often donated to staff, and many businesses use the ‘To Good To Go’ and ‘Olio’ apps to distribute surplus. In many cases, coffee grounds are offered free for composting at home or mulching in the garden. Most carefully plan to avoid waste, with some using predictive software to do this.

Overall, the food waste generated in our town is minimal, which is fantastic news. Where there is occasional waste, we are exploring options to redistribute the produce locally. It is also clear that a community composting facility would greatly help Alresford businesses deal with some of the waste that is generated.

Our thanks to all the wonderful businesses which took part.

Considering the subject of waste more widely, we know that access to information on local recycling facilities helps us all manage our household waste better, and that’s why we feature a local Recycling Directory on our website. Did you know, for instance, that you can recycle Tetrapak and other cartons at the recycling point in the station

On 5th September 7pm we are holding our AGM at The Naked Grape, The Old Exchange, Station Road, Alresford. Please feel free to join us for drinks and nibbles! Any Businesses wishing to join the Chamber, please contact alresfordchamber@gmail.com

Together we are stronger Keep track of our events, follow us on Facebook Twitter & Instagram @AlresfordChamberofCommerce / AlresfordCofC / alresfordchamber@gmail.com /www.alresfordchamber.co.uk

car park? Batteries are collected for recycling at both the supermarkets in town, or can be placed along with small electricals in a bag on top of your council bin for collection. Co-op also accepts flexible plastics. Both opticians welcome soft contact lenses and associated packaging as well as old glasses. You can find our directory at newleafalresford.org/reuserepair-recycle-directory/ The recyclenow.com website is also very useful.

While correctly disposing of materials for recycling is a good thing to do, it is better to reduce consumption of single-use waste items in the first instance. If you are holding an event, we can help you do this via our reusable Alresford Music Festival cup hire scheme. Sadly, the last AMF took place in 2019 before the pandemic, and so New Leaf rescued the branded pint and half pint cups. You can find out more about the rental scheme at newleafalresford. org/reusable-plastic-cup-hire/

After securing a grant from Winchester City Council, we are pleased to announce that New Leaf will be hosting a community sustainability event in early November! Keep your eyes peeled for more details to follow…

Our monthly New Leaf Natter takes place on the second Thursday of each month in The Snug at The Swan from 7.30pm. Please come along and say hello.

September / October Events

Befriend The End Are you curious?

Do you have questions about death and dying? If so, come along to our informal afternoons and meet like-minded people to share and discover more about living well and dying well over a cuppa and a slice of cake. At the Alresford Library on the 1st Wednesday of every month at 2 - 3pm. For further information email; contact@befriendtheend. co.uk

The Hinton Arms Annual Vintage Car Show

Sunday 3rd September

From 10am to 5pm

The Hinton Arms, Cheriton, SO24 0NH

Raising St Peter’s

A Lecture and Tour by John Alexander of Alexander Designs

Friday 8th September

From 6.15pm

St Peter’s Church, Ropley, SO24 0DS

John will talk about the history of the church and the impact of the fire, the decision process of the rebuild and how it took account of the preservation and the conservation. Doors and bar open at 6.15pm. Tickets £15 per person www.stpetersropleyvenue. org.uk or on the door. All proceeds to the Churchyard Lighting and Pathways Appeal stpetersropleyvenue@gmail.com

Cheriton Village Show

Saturday 9th September

Cheriton Village Hall and Primary School

Cheriton Village Show (produce, flower arranging, art, crafts, photography). Show Schedule available in Cheriton Post

Office and Stores. Entry open to everyone. Viewing of exhibits from 1.30, Prize-Giving, Raffle, Sale of Produce approximately 3.15. This is a cash only event.

Heritage Open Day

Sunday 10th September

From 11am to 5pm

Various locations around New Alresford

On the river Alre and Broad Street. Heritage Open Day at The Eel House, Museum and Norman Bridge. Visit the 19thC Eel House astride the river (Open 11.00 - 5.00) and the Museum and 13thC Norman Bridge (Open 12.00 - 4.00) at the bottom of Broad Street.

Talk by Mark Porter: Creating a Winter Garden

Wednesday 13th September

From 7.30pm

St Gregory's Parish Hall, Grange Road, Alresford

Visitors welcome, £3. For more information contact the Chairman, Janet Pooley on 01962 732779 or pooleyj99@google.com

Solos Sunday Tea

Sunday 17th September

From 2.30pm to 4pm

John Pearson Hall, East St, Alresford, SO24 9AG

Do come and join us for Tea Home Made cakes conversation and friendship. For Information call: 01962 733545 between 10am-12noon.

Alresford Brocante

Sunday 24th October

From 9am to 4pm Broad Street, Alresford

Brocante Market Antiques, Collectables, Vintage, Curios,

Bric-a-Brac, Vinyl records and many quirky ‘finds’ you didn’t know you needed.

Alresford

Art Society Demonstration

Thursday 28th September

From 7.30pm

Bishop’s Sutton Village Hall, Bishops Sutton, SO24 0AH

Our first demonstration after our summer break will be by Roger Dellar who will show us how to depict People in Paintings in oil on Thursday 28th September at 7.30pm. Non-members welcome – admission £3. For further information: 01962 732043 or visit www.artsociety.alresford.org

Opera for St Peter’s

Friday 6th October

From 7.30pm

St Peter's Church, Ropley, SO24 ODS

A programme of passion, drama and humour, of well-known opera arias and ensembles. We have engaged singers from London Festival Opera, a professional company that has performed for the Royal Family, at embassies and other events throughout Europe. The venue is the wonderful space offered by the church rebuild following a fire in 2014. Tickets are available at www.stpetersropleyvenue. org.uk or contact us at stpetersropleyvenue@gmail.uk

Medstead WI Talk

Thursday 12th October

From 2.30pm

Medstead Village Hall, GU34 5LG

You are invited to join Medstead WI for a talk about the work of SERV Wessex. Their volunteers assist with delivery of blood, samples and

other medical essentials across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. Refreshments are available. There is no charge but a collection will be taken for this worthwhile cause.

Southern Counties Heavy Horse Association

Sunday 22nd October

From 10am Charford Manor Farm, Breamore, Hampshire SP6 2DW

Horse Ploughing Match - Show and Country Fair. Located (on the A338 between Fordingbridge and Downton). By kind permission of Belinda & Lisa Harding and Will Dixon. Adults £10, Senior Citizens £6. SCHHA Members Free, Children under 16 Free, Free Car Park, Heavy Horses, Ploughing, Show Classes, In-Hand & Ridden, Fun Dog Show, Trade Stands, Refreshments, Childrens Amusements, Ring Displays, Ferret Racing Secretary & Trade Enquiries: Anne Dawson 07773 155817.

Ropley Christmas Market

Thursday 30th November

From 6pm to 8pm Ropley Parish Hall, SO24 0DU

Meet Santa, Chat with friends, buy presents, support local businesses, listen to carols, eat mince pies, toast the season in mulled wine. Thursday 30th November from 6pm to 8pm at. Free entry, please bring cash and cards. 07879 483708 for more details.

To add your event free of charge to this page please email: editor@ forumpublications.co.uk Please note we cannot guarantee publication.

C&D Trees

All Tree & Hedge Care

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

www.cdtrees.co.uk

Telephone - 01962 738 420 - 07900 987 609

Bishops Sutton, Alresford

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

PETER CHIVERS PCS

FOR ALL YOUR PEST CONTROL NEEDS: Rats, Mice, Wasps, Moles, Squirrels, Cockroaches, Rabbits, Pigeons, Bird-Proofing, Mole Trapping Specialist Call Peter Chivers on: 01256 389124 or Mobile: 07803 096642

Chris Matthews

Tree Care and Woodland Management

• Tree surgery / TPO applications

• Hedge maintenance

• Fencing / Garden structures

• Woodland management / tree planting

732498

07879 448141

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.

Tel: 01962 771800

steve.cann@btconnect.com www.georgecanngardenmachinery.co.uk

LACEYS FARM, BRAMDEAN, ALRESFORD, HAMPSHIRE, SO24

The Benefits of Professional Lawncare

Most people haven’t used a qualified lawncare specialist to look after the needs of their lawn. Let’s take a look at what’s involved, and how we can help achieve a lawn you can be proud of – all year round.

What do we do?

We are lawncare specialists – we don’t cut hedges, we don’t cut grass, we don’t even lay turf. We are focused on delivering the right input to existing lawns, to create a healthy lawn, that can be enjoyed all year. Our founder, Ian, has a background in agronomy. We are focused on soil science, as healthy soil grows a healthier crop. Our aim is to grow healthy, disease free, and drought-resistant grass. Our lawn technicians are trained and qualified in all aspects of domestic turf-care. Ian also sits on the committee of the UK Lawncare Association, which is about shared learning, best practice and ensuring higher levels of service in independent lawncare across the UK.

some intensive care along with treatments, then these renovations will usually be a one-off process to get your lawn back to good health, where it can then be sustained by its seasonal treatments.

Renovations typically include scarification to reduce moss, thatch, and dead grass, by power-raking this from the surface. If you then have bare areas, overseeding with more suitable grasses for your lawn environment, soil type and how you use your lawn. And topdressing if the lawn is particularly uneven or the soil is of poor quality.

Using our services

We start by measuring your lawn online. This way we can give you an indication of price, and provided you are comfortable with that, we would arrange a convenient time for your lawn survey. We don’t charge you to survey your lawn. During your survey we check the condition of the soil and measure the soil moisture levels and acidity. We check grass condition, looking for disease and any damaging lawn pests. We also offer any relevant advice on how you can achieve a lawn you can be proud of.

How our treatments plans work

What services do we provide?

Our services fall into two areas. On one side we have lawn treatments, on the other lawn renovations. If you have a lawn that is in relatively good condition, perhaps weedy, mossy, or not growing too well, then seasonal lawn treatments will give you a lawn to be proud of.

What are lawn treatments and are they safe?

Treatments typically care for nutrition, moss, and weed control. Drought stress, disease and grub damage. We also provide soil improvers and bio-boosters to improve soil microbial activity. We usually put treatments together into a seasonal plan, to meet the exact needs of your lawn, and most of our clients choose to pay for these monthly, to spread the cost over the year.

Everything that we use in your garden is safe for everything that uses your garden. Not just you, your family, and pets, but also wildlife, birds, bees, and butterflies. Our products are government approved and we are members of the BASIS Lawn Assured scheme, monitoring best-practice.

Are treatments enough to sustain my lawn?

Lawns benefit from annual aeration. This mechanical process relieves soil compaction, creating space for roots to grow. Promoting a healthy root mass gives more access to moisture and nutrition. Lawns that have never received professional care can often be deteriorated and benefit from lawn renovations services to kick-start their recovery. If your lawn is deteriorated, to the point where it needs

On our first visit we ideally like you to be at home to meet your lawn technician. That gives you the opportunity to discuss any concerns and ask any questions. For subsequent visits you don’t need to be at home provided we have access to your lawn. You receive a notification from us 5 days before we are due to visit, and a reminder the day before we come.

When your technician arrives at your home, he will check in with you to see if you have lawn concerns to discuss with him. He inspects your lawn for disease and evidence of grub damage, and fully investigates any issues before applying the appropriate seasonal treatments.

We send you an email after service, confirming what we have done. If your technician has any concerns or things to bring to your attention, it will be in that email – this might be something simple, like advice on mowing height or issues with grass stress. If he has any recommendation of services to benefit your lawn health, they will be in that email too.

Do you deserve a better lawn? If so, get in touch.

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

DPGARDEN DESIGN

A garden should add real value to your home if done properly, in the same way an extension or well designed interior can do so too. It is therefore a great investment. You also want to enjoy this outside ‘room’ of your house to the maximum, otherwise it is simply wasted space.

At DP Garden Design we will take the surrounding area, style of our clients home, scale, materials and planting into consideration to design an outdoor space you will treasure large or small.

Services Include

• Site Analysis

• Complete bespoke design package

• Planting plans & Plant Sourcing

• Setting out and Construction Drawings

Daren George - your local pest controller from Alresford

• Rats & Mice, Moles, Squirrels, Rabbits, Wasps, Crawling & Flying Insects, Live Bee removals

Fully insured - Discreet service assured at all time

T: 07778 141505

E: info@darengeorgeltd.co.uk

www.traditionalpestcontrol.co.uk

• Management of tender process with landscape contractors

• Project Management

• Maintenance Plans

Please contact us on info@dpgardendesign.co.uk, 07376114531, and visit our website at www.dpgardendesign.co.uk

Fencing

Supply and planting large specimen trees and shrubs

Espalier, pleached and instant impact hedges

All trees and shrubs carefully selected

Design, landscaping and ongoing maintenance

Free site visit and consultation

Bosque is a trading name of Just Limegrass Ltd.

Harko: 07710 502798

Tom: 07855 656984

www.bosque international.co.uk

Gates

Pergolas Trellis

Panels

• equestrian maintenance

• field cultivation • Hedge cutting • Forestry

• spraying specialist

• wood thining

Tree Felling & branch lopping

Load of logs - £80 per truck load

Tel: 01962 735452 / Mob: 07880 527049

www.appletoncontracting.co.uk

King of the River

Of the many birds that frequent our chalk streams, the brightly-plumed kingfisher is perhaps the most celebrated. Ours are actually Eurasian kingfishers – one of over 100 such species worldwide, including Australia’s laughing kookaburra. Our local kingfishers make a high-pitched call when in flight, so keep your eyes peeled if you hear several short whistles.

Unlike many of our feathered friends, kingfishers make their nests by burrowing into riverbanks. The tunnels are barely wider than the birds themselves, but can be 90 centimetres long. After teaming up in February, breeding pairs will raise up to three clutches of eggs through the spring and summer. Of the two, you can spot the female by the reddish patch on her beak.

Though stocky, kingfishers are surprisingly small, weighing a mere 40 grams on average. Despite this, they earn their name with their impressive fishing skills. While they mostly eat sticklebacks and minnows, they will snack on insects, freshwater

shrimp and tadpoles. You may see them perched on low-hanging branches, waiting for their next meal to swim by.

Once their prey has been spotted, they will assess its depth before taking the plunge. A third eyelid draws shut when they enter the water, so the catch itself is done almost blindly. But if their aim is true, they return to their perch and deliver the final blow. Since they must eat their body weight in food each day, they will soon be back in the water.

A key factor in this formidable fishing ability is the shape of the birds’ beaks, the cross-section of which resembles a diamond with curved edges. When they dive, water flows along their beaks instead of being pushed away, allowing for a seamless entry. In fact, this shape is so effective that it inspired the design of the Japanese bullet train!

Sadly, our local kingfishers have to contend with a number of pressures. Flooding can threaten their nests and prevent them from fishing. Disturbance can scare them

away from their nests, stopping them from feeding their young. Chemical and nutrient pollution can affect insect, amphibian, and fish numbers, reducing their food supply.

One of the best ways to support these beautiful birds is by keeping their homes in a healthy condition. To learn more about our chalk streams and their wonderful wildlife, visit www.hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes

The Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Free Online Talk

‘The Devastation and Restoration of England’s Chalk Streams’ 21st September, 7-8pm

Our chalk streams are some of nature’s greatest gems, but just how natural are they? Join us to explore how these precious habitats have been altered throughout history, and how restoration is returning them to health today.

Book at www.hiwwt.org.uk/events

Photograph © Malcolm Brown

Caring for Cut Flowers: Our guide to enjoying flowers in your home

our commitment to not using chemicals on the flowers while growing in the field.

sitting flat on the bottom of the vase which can create a seal.

5. Cut the twine holding the bouquet together and gently lower the flowers into your vase. Check there are no leaves below the water line as these will quickly start to decompose adding to the bacteria in the vase.

Nestled in the depths of the Test Valley lies Featherstone’s English Flower Co. A mixed flower farm and florist growing huge quantities of beautiful cut flowers used for weddings, funerals, events, workshops and bouquets. The farm was founded by us, Katie and Jess. We are both passionate about British flowers due to their romance, elegance and that they can be grown in a way which promotes nature and protects the environment.

Here, we share our guide for enjoying your flowers in your home for as long as possible: We do not use or include flower food or floral preservatives with our flowers. This is a conclusion we have reached after lots of trials and research into maximising vase life as well as

1. Clean your vase: A clean vase is one of the most important steps to ensuring maximum vase life. A dirty vase will contain bacteria which clog up stems and prevent them taking up water which will significantly reduce the flowers' vase life.

2. Fill your vase to about 2/3rds full with cool, clean water.

3. Carefully remove the wrapping from the bouquet. All our wrapping can be re-used, recycled or composted at home.

4. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle with a sharp, clean pair of scissors or secateurs. This increases the surface area available for the flower to take up water and prevents the stem

Featherstone’s English Flower Co.

Bring the beauty of nature into your home with Featherstone's stunning seasonal flowers, harvested right in the heart of the Test Valley. Our farm's commitment to sustainability and biodiversity means that our flowers are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also grown with the utmost care for the environment. From delicate spring blooms to colourful summer bouquets and rich autumn arrangements, we offer a variety of fresh and unique options to suit any occasion.

Use code Forum10% to gain 10% off a Bouquet or Bucket of Blooms to treat yourself or a loved one. Easy online ordering and delivery available.

Bouquets

6. Place your flowers in a cool room, out of direct sunlight and away from draughts. It is a good idea to keep your flowers away from the fruit bowl as ripening fruit give off the gas ethylene which will also make your flowers go over more quickly.

7. Change the water in the vase regularly and recut the stems: For the longest vase life change the water and clean the vase at least every other day to prevent the bacteria building up. Recut the stems at the same time, again at the 45 degree angle to refresh the flower's drinking capacity.

8. Remove any flowers as they start to fade or go over.

Gift bouquets can be ordered online and delivered within a 20 mile radius of Stockbridge and are always crafted from seasonal flowers from the field or other British growers in the South West.

Events

Workshops

Weddings

Funerals

Pick Your Own

Flower Club

Subscriptions • Buckets of Blooms

www.featherstoneflowers.co.uk

@featherstoneflowers 01264 302980

On Your High Street

Enticing and eclectic items now available on your high street this summer. Stay local and support your diverse retailers!

Delilah Boutique

New season has arrived at Delilah Boutique with sustainable brand Thought Clothing leading the way 34 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 738470 | www.delilahboutique.co.uk

Kingsworthy Foundry

The amazing outdoor fire from GIRSE in Germany. Now available in 3 sizes and 3 colours with a plethora of wood fired cooking accessories. Tel: 01962 883776 | www.kingsworthyfoundry.co.uk

Alresford Beauty

Selection of bags, scarves and gifts at up to 50% off. See our display in the window and inside the salon

24A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AT Tel: 01962 735553 | www.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

On Your High Street

Enticing and eclectic items now available on your high street this summer. Stay local and support your diverse retailers!

Ragamuffin

NEW SEASON in store now Organic Cotton Rompers from one of our favourites Pigeon Organics - £24 2 Bakehouse Yard, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 734488 | www.ragamuffin-uk.com

Alresford Gift Shop

Michel Design Works liquid soap in beautiful packaging - £10.95

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

Naked Grape

Grower’s Touch Wines Estate - Handmade Australian Wines now 2 for £20.

Exclusive to our Alresford shop.

The Old Exchange, Station Road, Alresford Tel: 01962 732002 | www.thenakedgrape.co.uk

Billy Goat

Autumnal ECCO waterproof boots - Gore-TEX lined with an inside zip - £90 (up to an adult 6.5-7) 43 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AB Tel: 01962 733926 | www.billygoatshoes.co.uk

Davina’s SALE

50% OFF EVERYTHING

Tel: 01489 880900 or shop online at: www.davinasladiesfashion.co.uk

7 Warsash Road, Warsash, Southampton SO31 9HW Open Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm 4 hours free parking opposite

Silver Swans ballet class (over 55s)

at Bishops Sutton Village Hall from September 11th at 4.15 - 5.15

Classes will be run fortnightly

For more information contact: Judy on T: 01962 735543 or email: christeljudy@aol.com

Alresford Surgery News

Flu vaccines and COVID Boosters Autumn/ Winter 2023

We are preparing now for the delivery of 2 vaccination programmes, which will be co-administered and will commence in October 2023 (Seasonal influenza and the COVID autumn booster).

Eligibilty

• Those aged 65 years and over

• Those aged 6 months to 64 years in clinical risk groups

• All children aged 2 to 13 on 31 August 2022 (i.e. up to school Year 9)

• Those in long-stay residential care homes

• Carers

• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals aged 5+

• Frontline healthcare workers, social care workers and care home workers

For more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/ flu-influenza-vaccine/ We will be in contact with official invitations. You will receive either an SMS text message with a simple online booking option and/or an invitation letter.

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 text/letter before contacting the surgery.

Welcome to out new GP trainees

As many of you will know, we are a training practice which means we regularly host doctors who are undergoing their specialist GP training. Prior to starting the GP Specialist Training Programme a doctor will usually have worked in a number of different hospital departments gaining skills, knowledge and experience. The GP training programme takes 3 years and during the first two years of this a GP trainee will undertake placements in a number of different medical specialties including a six month placement in a GP surgery. The final year of the training programme takes place in a different practice where the trainee (or Registrar as they are known) will use the knowledge and experience they have already have to gain the particular skills of a GP.

We are very pleased to introduce our new cohort of trainee GPs, Dr Alia Qaisar and Dr Ayobami Owonifari. We also congratulate Dr. John Foreman on completing his GP training with us and he joins us permanently from mid/late August as a salaried GP working every, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Travelling abroad

Immunisations and advice are available through our Travel Service. Please collect a form from Reception, or follow the link on our website to complete the form online, and then make an appointment in our Travel Clinic. The form should be returned to the surgery prior to your appointment. You will have a telephone appointment initially to discuss all your travel arrangements, then if required a follow up face-to-face appointment for the vaccinations. You should allow at least 12 weeks to enable vaccination courses to be completed. There may be a charge for certain vaccines.

For more information please visit our website; https://alresfordsurgery. co.uk/clinics-and-resources/

Chris-Still-Healing

Psychic Medium in Alresford and the Surrounding Areas available for Readings and Holistic Healings.

To make contact please call or message Louise on: 07719 011854

SKIN & BEAUTY EXPERTS

SKIN & BEAUTY EXPERTS

Get the glow with a Hydrafacial!

TREATMENTS INCLUDE:

TREATMENTS INCLUDE:

Medical Facial Aesthetics, Microneedling, Pain Free Laser Hair Removal, Skin Tightening, Hydrafacial, Skin Tag & Thread Vein Removal, Pigmentation Treatments, Chemical Peels, Beauty & Massage, Skincare & Packages.

Medical Facial Aesthetics, Microneedling, Pain Free Laser Hair Removal, Skin Tightening, Hydrafacial, Skin Tag & Thread Vein Removal, Pigmentation Treatments, Chemical Peels, Beauty & Massage, Skincare & Packages.

Nurse led Medi-Spa of Excellence

Nurse led Medi-Spa of Excellence

Private parking in a beautiful location

Private parking in a beautiful location

BOOK YOUR BESPOKE CONSULTATION NOW

BOOK YOUR BESPOKE CONSULTATION NOW

Tel: 02380 518558 www.saddlehouse.co.uk

Tel: 02380 518558 www.saddlehouse.co.uk

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

Western Court, Bishop's Sutton, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0AA

Western Court, Bishop's Sutton, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0AA

New TownAlresford Council

local Government Act of 1894. There is no legal difference between a parish council and town council. They both have the same functions and powers. The only difference is the name. The main role of the parish and town council is to set out law and includes spending money from the precept and raising capital or taking out loans to provide a variety of local services.

Parish and town councils also have by law the right to be asked about their view on some services that are the responsibility of other level of government. They also have the right to be represented at public enquiries.

The list below highlights some services that local councils may be responsible for:

• Common & town greens

• Allotments

• Traffic Calming

• Crime Prevention

Improvements to the River Path

Hampshire County Council has commissioned works to repair the riverside path known as New Alresford Footpath 10 which, on the ground, leads from The Dean to Ladywell Lane. Mobilisation on site will commence from the 29th August and works are programmed to continue until mid to late October. The contractor’s compound will be sited in the nearby recreation ground and the footpaths emanating from The Dean will be subject to closures to facilitate the works.

The works will consist of repair and replacement of the failing bank revetment and the raising of the path height by approximately 100mm, to help avoid flooding of the path during the periods of high-water levels. Native species planting will be incorporated into the bank repair to soften the existing hard revetment and increase the biodiversity of river.

Hampshire County Council apologises in advanced for any disruption that may be caused.

New Alresford Neighbourhood Plan

On 10th August 2023, Winchester City Council announced a revision to the Local Development Scheme and the outline of work to achieve it. They have published information at Winchester.

gov.uk under the banner Your Place Your Plan. There is also a link to this on the New Alresford Town Council website.

The New Alresford Neighbourhood Plan Advisory Group has discussed this revision and agreed to continue community engagement. They will maintain progress by continuing research on the things you, the people of the town, feel are important as the place you have chosen to live in and maintain the momentum on the Town Plan. The Advisory Group will meet quarterly to complete the components of the Plan that are achievable and align with the evolving Winchester District Local Plan. The next meeting will be 13th November 2023.

As well as the above, the town council have the legal right to be informed or consulted on the following areas:

• Byelaws

• Public Transportation plans

• Heavy Lorry Route Proposals

• Local Plans (Town, Village, Conservation Area)

• Sewerage Schemes

We warmly welcome our new Administrative Officer, Claire Boniface to the Council. She can be contacted by email: adminofficer@newalresfordtc.gov.uk

Here is a list of the Team, their roles and their perspective contact details:

Town Clerk: Richard Doughty Townclerk@newalresford-tc.gov.uk

Deputy Clerk: Sarah Johnson deputyclerk@newalresford-tc.gov.uk

Committee Clerk: Frances Simpson committeeclerk@newalresford-tc.gov.uk

We still have a vacancy for a councillor. If you are interested, please contact the Town Clerk for more information.

Ever wondered what a local council is or what it does?

Parish and Town Councils are established by the

T: 01962 732079

www.newalresford-tc.gov.uk

Alresford Apple Day

by Charlotte Ryton

Apple Wassail Day when we all dressed up in greenery and went round the orchards chucking mugs of cider over certain trees and singing. Some of the men fired rifles and other people rang bells or made a racket in another way. All this was to please the Old Apple Man who lived in the oldest apple tree in the orchard and was the guardian of all the fruit.

The song we sang went something like this: Here'stothee,oldappletreeman Mayyousoonblossomasthickaswool Andgiveusasmuchfruitasyoucan. Hatsfull!Capsfull!Bushel—bushel—sacks full,Hurrahtothee,oldappletreeman.

By the time we had finished it was dark so the end was torchlit. Once we had done that there was a celebration in the community hall with games including apple bobbing, food, cider and apple brandy for the grown-ups and various stalls. It was huge fun.

rather different, but just as much fun. It is held in October and rather than being a prayer for fruit it is a celebration of the apple harvest. Anyone who has any apples can bring them to be pressed and turned into juice. And there a lots of apple themed activities as well as a range of stalls and entertainment.

Eat sausage and apple hot dogs and wash them down with apple juice or cider. Listen to the entertainment - Various groups will perform including the Alresford Ukelele Band, the children’s Sunshine Singers doing some numbers from Peter Pan Craft stalls.

When I was a child in Somerset in late January or early February – usually at half term, there was a local event called Apple Day or

Volunteer Befriending Service

We are looking for Volunteers in your Community - Could you be a ‘Befriender’?

What will I be doing?

As a Volunteer

Befriender your role will be to provide social companionship to patients who have a chronic or life limiting illness and who are isolated or lonely. Visiting patients in their own homes, you will help them to feel more supported and help to improve their emotional wellbeing and confidence.

How much time do I need to commit?

Just 2 hours a week, or less, can make a real difference to a patient living in your local community.

What support will I be given?

All relevant training will be given, as well as regular and on-going support and supervision.

Interested?

For further information contact Caroline Nash, Befriending Manager on: 01264 835293

Email: caroline.nash@hhft.nhs.uk

Interested volunteers will be invited to an informal interview and the role is subject to references, simple health checks and DBS clearance.

A few years ago, I moved to Alresford and found that they had an apple day too, though

Alton U3a’s Autumn Events Which Are Open To All

Local businesses and charities will have stalls for browsing and buying. Games to play and other children’s activities most with an ‘apple’ theme. Cakes and more cakes and other goodies from St John’s Apple café. Buy the programme some have lucky numbers so will win a prize. So come and enjoy.

Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal

Our new 2023/24 programme kicks off in September with x55 different groups and activities; but if you’re not sure about joining us yet, why not come along to one of our Coffee Mornings or Afternoon Talk & Teas? We meet in the charming Allen Gallery from 11am on the second Friday of each month, so that will be Friday 13th October, Friday 10th November, and Friday 8th December.

And the programme for Talk & Teas, which starts at 2.30pm in the Alton Community Centre is:

Friday 15th September

“History of Winchester Pt 2” by Andrew Negus Friday 20th October “The Role of the Town Crier” by Jonathan Jones

Friday 17th November

“The Butler’s Christmas” by Dr Bob France. There is no need to book, just turn up on the day, and tell us if you’d like a copy of the programme as well – we look forward to meeting you!

Every year Alresford takes part in the RBL Poppy Appeal. Shops, schools, the Library, churches, the Town Council and local clubs all contribute and we have a busy week collecting in the town. Members of the Royal Naval Association, the Royal Air Force Association and a large team of local volunteers take shifts of 2 hours to collect in Broad Street and West Street for the RBL funds. It is a most rewarding time meeting so many different people who have stories to share of themselves or their families.

If you would be interested in helping with the street collections in the week commencing Monday November 4th 2019 then do please get in touch with Sue Cox on 01962 732043 or at suealex13@gmail.com

I will be delighted to hear from you and be very pleased to welcome you to our great team.

Mister Mac

A cheap alternative to extend your wireless signal around your house is available from TP Link. This company has been manufacturing similar networking products for many years. This model, the TP-Link AC1750, costs approximately £60 and is great for extending your wi-fi to the garden, or rooms in your house that are a long way from your main router. If you need any help installing and setting it up, please let me know.

I have always recommended that when purchasing a new computer, Mac, or Windows, that John Lewis should be at the top of your list. They have a great choice of laptops, desktops, tablets, and mobile phones. For Apple products they are the same price as Apple direct and in some cases cheaper. I set up a lot of computers for my customers that have been purchased from John Lewis and the big advantage is the extra 12 months warranty that they include in the sale price. The other advantage is their exchange policy if you are not happy or if the product has any problems. I have had first hand experience of this with some of my customers recently and their service is second to none.

Before you ditch your old computers, tablets and mobile phones please consider passing them on to a charity. I have been doing this for some time now and work with someone locally who is able to donate equipment for use by refugees. I can help to clean older devices and remove all personal data. If you are interested, please contact me on the number below.

That is all for this month. If you need my assistance or advice please contact me on 07392 552 592 Andy – Mr Mac

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Fried Potatoes with Bacon, Mushrooms & Onions

SERVES 4 - 6 PEOPLE

INGREDIENTS

• 750-800g baby potatoes (any waxy kind)

• Sea salt

• 200g bacon lardons

• Olive oil or avocado oil

• 1 large onion thinly sliced

• 300g of chestnut mushrooms or other mushrooms of choice - sliced

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary (optional)

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Handful of parsley or dill - chopped

METHOD

Put the potatoes in a pot, cover with water and salt well. Bring to a boil and boil until just cooked, 10-15 minutes. Drain the potatoes, let cool, and slice thinly.

Meanwhile, heat a large cast iron pan (or another non-stick pan) over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom. Add the onion, bacon and a pinch of salt, and saute for 7 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Add the mushrooms and rosemary, if using, stir once to coat in the oil, then let the mushrooms brown, undisturbed, for about 10-15 minutes. Once the mushrooms are browned and all the liquid they release evaporates, season them with more salt and black pepper, mix to coat. Remove the mushrooms and onions from the pan and set aside for now.

Wipe the pan if needed. Add more oil to generously coat the bottom of the pan and turn the heat up to medium-high. Add about a third of the potatoes to the pan and season them with salt. The potatoes should cover the pan in one layer and shouldn't be too crowded. Fry the potatoes for about 5 minutes, until the undersides are golden and crispy, then flip and fry the other side for another 5 minutes, or until golden.

Transfer the fried potatoes to a plate and continue frying the rest of the potatoes in batches. Add more oil between batches if necessary.

Once all the potatoes are done, return them to the pan along with the mushrooms and onions, mix carefully until warmed back through. Serve the potatoes and mushrooms right away, sprinkled with parsley or dill.

Winchester Councillors August Report

Pollution and who pays? Part 1!

The classic black and white image of smoking factory chimneys is one which has been relegated to history in the UK. In the past factory owners discharged coal smoke, soot and all sorts of toxic materials into the atmosphere with no thought to who would breathe in the results. Many can remember the black covering of soot on buildings in London, now expensively cleaned. It was not of course just factory owners, but also millions of coal burning houses that contributed. Burning coal was a cheap solution for power and light. Cheap for some, but expensive for others; the ‘Great Smog’ of London in 1952 is estimated to have cost 12,000 lives, as people with lung problems choked to death. The severity of the problem was recognised, and public and private money spent to sort the problem, at least in part.

What has all this to do with Winchester now?

We accept the idea that businesses and residents cannot increase their profits or save money by offloading the cost for pollution to the public – either hitting them in their pocket or by damaging their health.

So why is taking action on air quality questioned?

Winchester, and particularly its centre, suffer from poor air quality, due to heavy traffic movement, exacerbated by a valley topography. Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council recognise this problem and are legally obliged by Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 to improve air quality. Much is made of local authorities ‘hating motorists’, a curious idea given that most people are both motorist and pedestrian by turn.

The local Air Quality Management Plan set out in 2017, a series of actions to improve air quality. For those who believe air quality is

fine in the City, and that all this fuss is an invention of the Council, measurements at various locations clearly shows that is not the case.

The central Winchester readings can be found at https://www.ukairquality.net/

Winchester measures air quality at 26 (originally 34) locations across the District. In 2016 four locations: St Georges Street (2), Jewry street and Romsey Road, showed levels greater than 40 Micrograms/M3. An improvement from 2011 when only 10 sites were less than 40. Discouraging parking in city centre car parks and encouraging parking further out is a simple way of reducing traffic movement along the one way system. This was one of the first measures proposed by the Air Quality Management Plan adopted in 2017. There are other means of improving air quality as well - better cycle and walking routes.

More modern internal combustion cars have to meet higher emission standards (Euro IV at the moment). Electric vehicles and bio fuels help reduce nitrous dioxide. Reducing

particulates is a problem as some come from brakes and from car tyres.

The Winchester Movement Strategy, a joint initiative by both Winchester and Hampshire Councils, will take this further, https://www. hants.gov.uk/transport/transportschemes/ winchester-movement-strategy

There are no safe levels of air pollution, the WHO recognises that realistically standards can only be improved bit by bit. The average per year is a general figure and there can be much higher local fluctuations.

Air pollution health risks:

Particulates (PM2.5) less than 2.5microns: Tiny particles can diffuse into the blood stream through the lungs.

Particulates (PM10) 10 microns: These collect in the lungs and cause serious damage, lung cancer and heart problems.

Nitrous dioxide NO2. Respiratory problems.

Pollution and who pays? We all do, and those that can’t afford to move to a cleaner area pay most, sometimes with their lives.

Margot Power - 01962 734167

mjpower684@gmail.com

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

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Barbies Galore at Charity Boot

A plethora of Barbie dolls were the stars of the show along with yummy food, gifts for your faithful hound and bargains galore - including didgeridoos and carnivorous plants - at Home-Start Winchester’s annual car boot sale in Bramdean at the weekend (13 August). The charity’s volunteers were up with a lark to greet hundreds of keen buyers and sellers from 7am, dodging showers to get ready for the early morning scrum. The annual event, now in its 36th year, was held in Bramdean courtesy of the Stewart family, raising £1,300 in just a few hours for the family support charity.

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Booters came from across the south to display their wares including, Jennifer and David White from Midhurst who brought their scary pitcher plants and Venus fly traps, while Claire and Isabella from Alresford seemed to be selling the entire contents of their home in readiness for their move to Italy.

Fourteen year old Felix Walker-Nix from Preshaw brought his beautiful wildlife photos, and this young man was recently seen on BBC TV’s Countryfile with presenter Hamza Yassin, picking up tips on capturing wildlife on camera.

”We are so grateful to Hellards estate agents who sponsored the event and to the Stewarts for hosting us again,” said Home-Start organiser Chrissie Barlow. “It is such a great venue with separate parking and acres of fields, though there were a few sleepless nights wondering when, and if, the crops would be cut in time.”

To find out more about Home-Start visit www.home-startwinchester.org.uk

Your local furnishing care specialist Malcolm Skeet

Eleven year old Harvey from Colden Common with Barbies galore

21 month old Bonnie, shopping for Barbies with Mum Clio and Dad Ewan

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Silk Self Storage have a selection of containers and individual units, 24 hour CCTV, easy access, gated entry and based in a friendly rural location offering very competitive rates.

Looking for secure storage facilities?

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Contact us on 01962 771815 or email: storage@silkservices.co.uk

Silk Self Storage have a selection of containers and individual units, 24 hour CCTV, easy access, gated entry and based in a friendly rural location offering very competitive rates. Contact us on 01962 771815 or email: storage@silkservices.co.uk

Silk Self Storage have a selection of containers and individual units, 24 hour CCTV, easy access, gated entry and based in a friendly rural location offering very competitive rates.

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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 and Ca’Pietra tiling throughout the showroom. Our kitchens are expertly crafted by Schuller, the second largest German kitchen manufacturer, and Uform. Both have an extensive and inspiring collection ranging from the contemporary to the more traditional.

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Jackie's County Corner

and Horses junction improvements’. The two alternatives proposed are traffic lights or a roundabout. We should know the outcome of the consultation by December.

Meanwhile, I have attended and spoken at several ‘Issue Specific Hearings’ (ISH) for the M3 Junction 9 Development Consent Order application. Issues have included the C&H junction, the impact of the diversions on local traffic during the construction period, predicted journey time improvements, air quality, the carbon footprint of the site/greenhouse gases emitted during construction and operation, and the impact of the landscape changes on the National Park. You can see more and listen to the hearings on the NSIP website https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate. gov.uk/projects/south-east/m3-junction-9improvement/

Whether you are a frequent or occasional rail user, please don’t forget to complete the Railway ticket office consultation! It is open to 26th September after public outcry. To respond by phone, call 0300 123 2350 or go online: www. transportfocus.org.uk/ticket-office-consultation/

Are you going to be an ‘empty nester’ this autumn? Have you considered fostering a child? Hampshire has over 1000 children who need loving homes. The foster families are linked so you can learn from others who are more experienced, receive training and get a break now and then. See more by searching ‘fostering with Hampshire County Council’.

What is that black bud? For the answer - see below!

The Cart and Horses junction consultation continues until the 17th September and there is an in-person exhibition at the Winchester Rugby Club in Winchester on the 5th September from 3 to 7pm.

You can also see the plans and reply online if you prefer on www.hants.gov.uk search ‘Cart

Curtis Museum & Allen Gallery

Allen Gallery - All Fired Up

The exhibition detailing the rediscovery of the Allen Gallery with help from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, continues until 12th September. FREE

'China's Influence on English Ceramics'.

A talk by Professor Nigel Wood presenting a fascinating insight into how Chinese export wares helped to drive the development of ceramics. Local potters' responses to Chinese export wares have helped to drive the development of Eurasian, East Asian and South East Asian ceramics since the ninth century CE, with a common pattern of importation and imitation, closely followed by innovation. English ceramics are no exception to this principle. They show a particularly rich response to imported Chinese wares in areas as various as design, material, technology and organisation of production. The Allen Gallery's collection illustrates this story well, with its important holdings of Staffordshire red stoneware, tin glazed earthenware, white porcelain and twentieth century studio ceramics of the 'Leach

As you read this, Alresford’s Millennium path should be closed for full repairs. This will last for about five weeks, and so the path is closed for a while. I hope the resultant path will give an even surface which will last another hundred years. From time to time, Hampshire County Council seeks your view on general county wide mattersthis month the subject is the Climate Change website. Called ‘Hampshire Perspectives’, you can see more and sign up on this link:https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/ haveyoursay/hampshire-perspectives

School' - all of which draw on Chinese originals for their particular characters. Wednesday 6th September, 7pm - £6 bookable in advance from the website.

Alton's 20th Century Market

A talk by Jane Hurst on the changes to the Market brought about by wars, foot-andmouth disease and the replacement of large animals by small; the "dead stock" auctions; the families whose records and photographs form an invaluable guide to the Market's history. Thursday 14th September at 7.30. FREE - sponsored by The Friends of the Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery.

Allen Gallery Cinema

On Saturday 23rd September we will be showing Love and Friendship (PG), a witty adaptation of Jane Austen's novella Lady Susan. There will be a short introductory talk at 7pm followed by the film. The café and garden will be open for drinks from 6.30pm. Tickets £9.50 standard; £6.00 concessions, available online or from the Gallery.

Family Drop-in Craft sessions

Wednesday and Saturday mornings, starting in mid-September. £5 per child. Please visit the website for details. https://www.

So, lastly, the ‘black bud’ picks up sounds of Boomtown far away from the site. ‘Receptor sites’ monitors sound levels from Boomtown at properties all across the area. If you have one, I’d be interested to hear your feedback and indeed on the impact of Car Fest for neighbours there too. Hopefully the festivals will have dry weather this year, but I know many of you have standing water near your home after recent massive rainstorms. Please let me know if it comes into your home so I can arrange urgent action.

County Councillor Jackie Porter

tel/text: 07973 696 085, email: Jackie.porter@ hants.gov.uk website: www.jackieporter.co.uk

hampshireculture.org.uk/allen-gallery

Curtis Museum

There is a small exhibition about the (old) Alton Sports Centre Health and Fun Club. It was formed in 1979, and offered a wide range of activities to anyone from the surrounding area who was over 50. The then manager of the Centre, Bob Tedder, was instrumental in the early days. The club featured as a role model for the National Sports Council's 50-plus campaign, and inspired other sports centres to set up similar schemes. The exhibition is on the first floor of the Museum.

Museum Trail

We regularly have a free trail for children to follow while exploring the Museum - this autumn's is called Match the tree to the leaf. Unscramble the letters on the clues to find which leaf matches which tree, and discover some fascinating facts.

OPENING TIMES

Tuesday to Sunday

Curtis 10am – 4.30pm. Allen 10.30 – 4pm

www.hampshireculture.org.uk/curtis-museum www.hampshireculture.org.uk/allen-gallery

Selected Cars

AT BRAMDEAN GARAGE A272 BRAMDEAN WANTED CARS FOR CASH

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.

2019 (19) Honda Jazz 1.3 EX Nav Automatic, 5 door, Sat Nav, front and rear parking sensors rear camera, climate control, cruise control, 22,000 miles, SOLD

2019 (69) Honda Jazz1.3 SE Nav Automatic, 5 door, sat nav, front and rear parking sensors, air conditioning, cruise control, alloy wheels, 14,000 miles, £15,995

2017 (17) Skoda Rapid 1.2 SE Spaceback Sport, Sat nav, parking sensors, moon roof, cruise control, 1 private owner 12,500 miles. £11,495

2014 (14) Audi A1 Sport 5 door, Air conditioning, cruise control, 58,000 miles, £8795

2003 (53) Toyota Corolla T3 1.6 vvti Air conditioning, full service history 66,000 miles £2795

Viewing by appointment only please.

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All makes of truck and horsebox up to 7500kg maintained and prepared for ministry plating tests

National Garden Scheme Hampshire

We are rapidly approaching the end of our Garden Visiting year - impossible as it seems. I would just like to let you know about one of our lesser talked about charities, but no less important. The National Garden Scheme has been supporting ABF (Army Benevolent Fund) The Soldiers’ Charity since 2010, with a donation in 2010 and 2011, then annual donations from 2017, totalling £590,000. The NGS has now renewed its partnership with ABF The Soldier’s Charity for the following three years, committing to donate £240,000 to their invaluable work.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is the Army’s national charity, here for serving soldiers, past and present, and their families for life. The charity stands at the forefront of support for the Army family, last year supporting 65,000 people across 48 countries around the world. As one of the largest funders in the sector, they award grants to individuals and families, and fund specialist organisations that support soldiers, former soldiers, and their families. When they hear of a person or family in need, they aim to respond within 48 hours.

In 2022, NGS donations were used to support the following:

• Ten grants to individuals to provide lifechanging education, training and employment opportunities in the outdoor sector, including horticulture and gardening. This also included mobility support which enabled better access for veterans to outdoor spaces. This assistance provided physical health benefits, as well as improving mental fitness, wellbeing and quality of life.

• Grants to four service delivery charities providing horticultural related activities and health projects for both serving soldiers and veterans. This also included a capital grant to a charity partner, enabling them to develop an outdoor space for activities, rehabilitation, and recreation for veterans and their partners who live with disability or dementia.

Our garden visitors, along with our garden owners are vital to the important work the National Garden Scheme charity carries out.

For information on open gardens in your area visit: https://ngs.org.uk/find-a-garden/ pat.beagley@ngs.org.uk

Alresford Twinning Association - Quiz Night

Academic Success for Godolphin A-level students 2023

Come and join us for a Quiz Night at the John Pearson Hall on Friday 20th October in aid of the Twinning Association, who will be hosting our guests from Bricquebec in 2024. We hope to make it first and foremost a fun evening, with a few rounds of questions thrown in to stimulate the grey cells. The Quiz is open to all comers, so spread the word and put a team together. Decide early to secure your place, as we will only be able to cater for 80 people at the venue.

Kick off will be at 7.30 sharp, so we would recommend to arrive from 7.00 to get your table and first drinks. We will be running the bar ourselves this year but there will be draft beer, wine and soft drinks available. Please bring cash along, as we are not sophisticated enough to have a card machine.

A chilli and jacket potato supper will be served at 8.30 and is included in the ticket price. We will have a vegetarian chilli option available, but please advise us in advance if you would like this option or if you have any other dietary requirements that we need to be aware of. Teams will be up to six, but do not worry if you want to come but do not have a team. We can help on the night to fit you into a team. All tickets are numbered and should be brought on the night to ensure participation in a lucky ticket draw.

Additionally we will be running a raffle during the evening, hopefully with some interesting prizes.

The cost will be £15 per person and tickets can be obtained from Terry Foreman at foreman2007@btinternet.com or text 07841 629999, or Ali Love at alison.love54@ btinternet.com or text to 07933 298323 We look forward to seeing you there, Terry Foreman

Godolphin students have produced a fantastic set of A-level results. The hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our Upper Sixth has truly paid off, and we couldn't be happier. Achieving such an impressive set of results is a testament to their commitment to learning and the unwavering support of the Godolphin community.

We are proud that our students will go on to read subjects across the broad academic spectrum, demonstrating specialism and cross curricular expertise in equal measure. Alongside Oxbridge, Medicine, Russell Group and top 10 institutions, students will also continue their study at Art Schools, and take up prestigious apprenticeships in engineering and cyber security in the aerospace, defence and communication industries.

True to their values, this cohort will offer so much to their chosen destinations, through their sporting and cultural prowess, their sense of community and their academic passions. We wish our Godolphin Sixth all the best for the future and look forward to welcoming them back to inspire and nurture future generations.

Jenny Price, Head

For further information, please contact Godolphin Marketing Department sowtons@godolphin.org