Itchen Valley - Issue 209 - May 2024

Itchen Valley

FORUM

Life in your Community

ENVIRONMENT FEATURE

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Trust - Lady of the Stream

RECIPE OF THE MONTH Slow Roasted Tuscan Pork

WIN FAMILY FESTIVAL TICKETS

To Good Festival (see page 50)

THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY WATERCRESS FESTIVAL

Enjoy this year's festivities (see pages 14 & 15)

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!

Director

Advertising

Feature

Alresford, SO24 9QE

Tel: 01962 735137 www.forumpublications.co.uk

May Events

Brocante Market

Monday 6 May

From 8am to 4pm

Broad Street, Alresford

The Brocante flea market has now become a regular twice yearly event in Alresford with many enthusiasts as well as traders offering Antiques, Collectables, Vintage, Curios, Bric-a-Brac, Vinyl records and many quirky ‘finds’ you didn’t know you needed.

Heritage Open Day

Monday 6 May

From 12am to 4pm

Various locations throughout Alresford

Broad Street and Millennium Trail Heritage Open Day at the Eel House, Museum and Medieval Bridge.

Alresford and District Horticultural Society Talk

Wednesday 8 May

From 7.30pm

St Gregory's Parish Hall, 1 Grange Road, Alresford, SO24 9HD

Venue: Alan Horgan will give a talk on ‘Pests and Diseases’. Visitors welcome, £3. Refreshments available. Contact Stephen Morley horti@ allthemorleys.co.uk for more information.

Winchester Go-LD Garden Craft Fair

Wednesday 8 May

From 10am to 4pm

Upper Farm, Down Farm Lane, Headbourne Worthy, SO23 7LA

Join us for gardening inspiration and fantastic shopping with plant nurseries, artisan & homeware products, fashion accessories & delicious foods. Delicious light refreshments and home made lunch will be available in the

Winchester Go LD Cafe Marquee. Winchester Go LD members will be selling our new range of kitchen accessories and whipping up some delicious smoothies. Come and find us by the Smoothie Bike and say hello! Winchester Go LD enables adults with learning disabilities to live life to the full with the choices and independence that they want.

To be opened by Lady Louisa Portal. 35+ Stalls & Talks. Food and drinks available in the marquee. Parking available on site. No dogs please. Entrance £5.

Demonstration of Mediumship Monthly Meeting

Thur 9 May and Thur 13 June

From 6.30pm

The Worthys, Jubilee Hall, Kings Worthy, Winchester, SO23 7AQ

Join us for an incredible evening of mediumship at. This in-person evening will leave you amazed as our talented mediums connect with the spirit world. Experience messages from departed loved ones, and receive insightful guidance. Witness the power of the unseen as the medium delivers accurate and heartwarming messages. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, the evening promises to be a fascinating and thought-provoking experience. A warm welcome awaits you. Free refreshments, mini readings £5, Healing, Gift stall, and Bereavement Support. Members £4, Non-members £5.50. Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm – 9pm. 09 May 2024 - Medium Claire Sutton, 13 June 2024Maria Trowman.

Bramdean Fete

Saturday 11 May

From 2pm to 4.30pm

Bramdean House, SO24 0JU

In the beautiful gardens of. £2.50 entry (under 16s free). Cash preferred. Only assistance dogs

allowed. Plants, Toys, Home Produce, Magpie Gifts, Books, Bottle Stall, Bar, Teas, Children's Games & Races and much more! (all donations welcome). For all enquiries, please contact Alex Hardle on 01962 771354 or email: family.hardie@gmail.com

The Old Alresford Dramtic Society (TOADS) presents - The Big Snooze & Bite Me

Tues 14 to Sat 18th May

From 7.30pm

Christy Hall, The Green, Old Alresford, SO24 9DJ

Written by Bruce Kane and produced by Ewan Gardner & Tony Bevan. Join us for a comedy double bill, performed as 1950s radio plays. Follow private eye Dick Shamus as he investigates the murder of old pal Humpty Dumpty and shenanigans in Transylvania. Tickets £10 - No Bopoking Fee. Buy tickets from ticketsource.co.uk/toadsboxoffice@oa-toads.org.uk.

Alresford Antiques Fair

Saturday 18th May

From 9.30am to 4.30pm

Alresford Community Centre, 7 West St, Alresford, SO24 9AG

The Fair is held in Alresford Community Centre in the centre of the town, usually on the 3rd Saturday of the month - check dates in Antiques Atlas: https:// antiques-atlas.com/dbevents/ The next fair is on 15 June. We offer a wide range of Decorative, Interesting, Unusual & Quirky items including good quality Furniture, Silver, Jewellery, China, Glass and Militaria. We will also buy. Free Admission. Limited Free Parking nearby & large car park at the Station. Open: 9.30am - 4.30pm. Contacts: Carol01264 335769 / 07870 432805 - Steve - 01722 712267 / 07915 663251

The Classic Car Rally

Sunday 19th May

From 8.45am to 6pm

Malshanger House, RG23 7EY

Please note, although this event

is described as a 'Classic Car Rally', we are also delighted to see modern sports cars and other cars of interest. Raising Money for Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) equipment for the Speech and Language Therapy Department at Basingstoke, we are now looking to fund a further £26,700 for a second FEES, to aid the Stroke Department at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester. The Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a mobile and non-invasive bedside camerabased evaluation of swallowing, aimed at enhancing dysphagia management for stroke patients.

Alresford Watercress Festival

Sunday 19th May

From 10am to 4pm

Broad Street, West & East Street and Station Rd, Alresford

Annual free Watercress Festival. From street markets, food & drink stalls, cookery demonstrations with renown world class chefs, the Hampshire Farmers Market, a "Kids Zone" featuring Falcon Displays and Circus Skills, there really is something for everyone. For many the highlight of the day is Watercress Eating Championship which takes place at 15:00 on the main stage - a must see event hosted by our very own redoubtable Paul Rees keeping the participants in order and the crowd in stitches. See pages 14 and 15.

Café at St John’s

Sunday 19th May

From 10am to 4pm

John Pearson Hall, West Street Alresford, SO24 9AG

Visiting the Watercress festival? Be sure to come and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee (squash for children) with a slice of delicious homemade cake in St John’s Church Hall. A warm and friendly welcome awaits you.

For more events see page 18

Any 3 Windows

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Kitchen makeovers

After Makeover

10%

off all makeover orders taken in May Makeovers up to 50% cheaper than fitting a new kitchen!

Before Makeover

Makeover Options

∙ Change all your drawers, doors, panels and plinths

∙ New worktops can be fitted

∙ Small amendmants to existing cabinetry and layout can be made

∙ Built in ovens can be changed to eye level ovens

Kitchen makeovers

Before Makeover After Makeover

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

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.

8 year winner of the Best of Houzz award and one of the highest reviewed kitchen companies on Houzz in the UK

Sales | Property Management | Lettings

BRAMDEAN

Guide Price: £1,250,000 | EPC Rating: Exempt (Grade II Listed)

CHERITON

Guide Price: £695,000 | Residential EPC Rating: C Commercial EPC: A

ALRESFORD

Guide Price: £1,2500,000 | EPC Rating: F

ALRESFORD

Guide Price: £595,000 | EPC Rating: Exempt (Grade II Listed)

A name you can count on in

OWSLEBURY BOTTOM

To Let: £3,250 pcm | EPC Rating: D

WEST TISTED

To Let: £1,900 pcm | EPC Rating: E

We currently have a mouth-watering selection of character and individual properties to buy and rent locally.

From pretty country cottages, to family homes and retirement flats in the town, we’ve got something for everyone.

Wherever you are on your property journey, our friendly and experienced team of property professionals are here to help you make the right decisions to suit your own particular circumstances.

If you are thinking of moving, or renting out your home this year, please call one of our friendly team to book your free valuation on 01962 736333

We hope to hear from you soon!

''....I (God) will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am

the LORD''

Ezekiel 38:23

''So shall the whole house of Israel know that I am the LORD their God from that day forward''

Ezekiel 39:22

v29

''Neither will I hide my face any more from them.....''

[The Bible is the only reliable guide we have to know and understand events in the Middle East, past, present and future.]

NEW FARM CHAPEL

New Farm Road, Alresford, Hampshire

Sunday Services 10.30am and 4.30pm

Check out our website, where you can leave a message or call our number. www.newfarmchapel.org.uk

The Country House Company presents two historic homes in Hampshire FOR SALE, SOBERTON

The Towers was constructed in the late 19th century and has previously served as a private residence, a prep school and a home for Wrens stationed at HMS Mercury in the war. In the late 1970s, it was sympathetically converted into nine homes.

This prestigious property historically the main entrance to the house, retains its elegant façade and the original commemorative plaque laid in recognition of its designer, the late Colonel Bashford.

It is one of the most privately situated properties within the development and the only one to benefit from approximately one acre of grounds.

TO LET, PETERSFIELD

Having been sympathetically restored and refurbished by the current owner, its accommodation is both impressive in its presentation and versatile in its configuration.

Stunning character features have been retained throughout the property to include ornate ceiling cornices, oak panelling, fireplaces, shuttered sash windows and parquet flooring with newly fitted kitchen and bathrooms to ensure comfortable modern living.

Tel: 01962 571189

management@countryhousecompany.co.uk

sales@countryhousecompany.co.uk

lettings@countryhousecompany.co.uk

countryhousecompany.co.uk

This elegant property is the converted western wing of what was once the stately home for the Bonham Carter family and is now divided into three private dwellings.

Keeping the Arle Valley Beautiful

Protecting our waterways

Ways to avoid polluting our rivers and oceans with chemicals and plastic

PERSONAL CARE

Consider using natural soap bars for washing, shaving, shampoo and conditioner Try natural organic toothpaste which can be purchased in glass jars or make your own Choose a plastic free natural deodorant, better for your skin and the environment Switch to makeup brands that use natural organic ingredients and are ethically sourced Never dispose of medications down the sink.

CLEANING

Switch to biodegradable, cleaning products and washing up liquid eg: Method and Ecover. Use cleaning products less – often a damp cloth will surfice. Consider using plastic free, eco-friendly dishwasher tablets eg: SMOL.

REDECORATING?

See: Clean Paint Brushes and Rollers Without Harming The EnvironmentGreenopedia.

GIVE THE SEWAGE SYSTEM A HELPING HAND

Don’t flush wet wipes or anything other than toilet paper down the loo. Switch to bamboo unbleached toilet rolls eg: Naked Sprout.

WHY BAMBOO

It is 100% biodegradable, breaks down faster, has natural hypoallergenic properties and is free from harsh chemicals such as bleach and BPA. It is soft to the skin and strong.

It grows more than 20 times faster than trees so can be harvested more frequently without causing deforestation. It requires less water and no pesticides or fertilisers to grow.

LAUNDRY

Seek environmentally friendly laundry soap and fabric conditioner eg: Ecover - Use less washing powder/liquid and let the agitation in the machine get clothes clean.

Where possible choose natural fibre clothing which, when washed, won’t shed microplastics like synthetic garments.

Maybe research how to capture microplastics and microfibres such as the Guppyfriend laundry bag, Cora Ball or microplastic filters for washing machines.

EVERY SMALL CHANGE MAKES A DIFFERENCE - NEED HELP TO GET STARTED?

There are many websites offering advice about products and how to help our waterways such as:

∙ Certified Organic Health and Beauty Brands | Soil Association

∙ www.biggreensmile.com

∙ www.zerowasted.co.uk

∙ www.peacewiththewild.co.uk

∙ Guide to Homemade Cleaning Products

∙ New Leaf Alresford – Why its time to turn over a New Leaf

Cleaning and beauty products certified by the Soil Association contain natural ingredients that reduce chemicals and pollutants which affect air and water quality

St John's Creation Care & Bees Knees

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE ALRESFORD WATERCRESS FESTIVAL,

SUNDAY 19 MAY 2024

Charters Alresford is delighted to once again sponsor the highly esteemed annual festival in this thriving market town. Join us at our stand on West Street and meet our team at the event.

Don’t forget to participate in our ‘Guess the House Price’ contest for a chance to win a delicious fresh produce hamper from Mange2 Deli in Alresford!

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE…

“Exceptional service from the team. Their professionalism, expertise, and communication made our experience stress-free and enjoyable. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a reliable and dedicated estate agent!”

If you would like a FREE lettings or sales market appraisal for your home, please call us on 01962 734633 today.

www.chartersestateagents.co.uk

alresford@chartersestateagents.co.uk

Charlie Dixon, Branch Partner 01962 734633

Jodie, Trustpilot

Events begin with the street cavalcade at 10am with jazz musicians, Morris dancers and local school children accompanying the Watercress King and Queen atop a horse and cart, distributing the first of the season’s watercress harvest to festival goers.

The Hampshire Farmers’ Market in Broad Street, are joined by others to create a massive food market plus the Cookery Demo unit is a great place to learn about how to use our local super food Watercress. In West Street and Station Road you

will find arts, crafts, jewellery and much else besides. There are activities for children of all ages, including circus skills workshops, face painting, kids roundabout, plus Spider Mountain.

Music is also high on the agenda, with jazz, blues, ukuleles and brass on the main stage and in St Johns church. Everyone is sure to enjoy the delights of the street entertainersfrom Morris sides to Brass bands. It’s a full day of free entertainment!

ALRESFORD WATERCRESS FESTIVAL ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE

ROAD CLOSURES

Bridge Road – between its junction with The Avenue & its junction with De Lucy Avenue

Broad Street – entire length

East Street – entire length

Great Weir – entire length

Jacklyns Lane – between its junction with West Street & its junction with Grange Road

Pound Hill – entire length

Station Approach – entire length

Station Road – entire length

The Avenue – between its junction with New Farm Road & its junction with Pound Hill

The Dean – entire length

The Soke – entire length

West Street – entire length

Drove Lane – no entry from The Avenue (B3047)

RESIDENT ACCESS

As in recent years, we shall put in place arrangements that enable residents of properties directly affected to drive their vehicles away from/back to their properties during the period the roads are closed (0600 – 1800hrs)

ENTERTAINMENT

Alresford Bowling Club News

The Green and Facilities Committee has been working hard over the winter period making the grounds of the club look amazing. As one member said, ‘I haven’t seen the club look so good for years’ and armed with mops, buckets and a huge amount of enthusiasm our wonderful volunteers tackled the annual spring clean which took place on 13 April ready for our Opening Day. Our Opening Day was very enjoyable with members bringing along an array of sweet and savoury dishes to share, which were hungrily consumed after a great afternoon of bowling and loud conversation. It’s great to be back!

Events are being planned and the club is holding a Bingo Night on 29 June with a fish and chip supper. We hope to engage the services of a member for our caller who knows their Clickety Click (no 66) from their Duck and Dive (no 25)!

The annual bowling holiday takes place on 15 – 19 July to the Cornish Riviera, Torquay. Two

matches have been arranged with local clubs. Fingers crossed for good weather and the seagulls not invading the green as per last year!

The committee is actively seeking sponsorship of the club. If you are a company who would be willing to provide sponsorship and would like to promote your business locally, then we would love to hear from you. Come and see what we can offer you in return!

We currently have 65 members, 11 of which are non-playing social members. One new member, who joined last year, said of their experience, ‘I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first year bowling. Very friendly bunch of people, lots of help and encouragement’. If you are interested in joining then why not come along and have a go? We are a very friendly club with new and experienced members who are always willing to share their knowledge and love of the game. Not only will you be playing within beautiful club grounds, you will be keeping active, making new friends and learning a new skill which is all good for your

mental health. You are allowed two free trial sessions before becoming a member (although you are always welcome to come along and watch). Once a member roll-ups cost £2 which includes tea or coffee and a biscuit (sometimes cake!) – amazing value!

Don’t worry if you don’t have any bowls, you can borrow the clubs until you purchase your own. Dress is informal but flat soled shoes must be worn at all times.

Interested? For further information please contact Lindsey (Secretary) at alresfordbowls@gmail.com and visit our website: www.alresfordbowlingclub.org.uk she would love to hear from you!

Garden party

Friday 21st June

Join us for a summer evening filled with joy, melodies, and tasty treats. Our kitchen garden will be transformed into a lively oasis, offering a chance to mingle, enjoy cocktails and canapés, all whilst listening to acoustic guitarist, Paul Thorne.

Friday 21st June

6pm - 9.30pm Cocktails and canapés £50 per person

One for the food lovers, each bite is a celebration of summer flavours, each sip a refreshing break from the daily hustle and bustle. Secure your tickets now for our summer garden party.

01962 776088 lainstonhouse@exclusive.co.uk exclusive.co.uk/lainstonhouse Alresford Forum - 19th April.indd 2

HEAVENLY VOICES

Choral classics from the Baroque to the 21st century

TUE 14 – SAT 18 MAY

7.30PM Christy Hall, Old Alresford WRITTEN BY BRUCE KANE Produced and Directed by

Ewan Gardner & Tony Bevan BUY TICKETS ticketsource.co.uk/toads boxoffice@oa-toads.org.uk

Join us for a comedy double bill, performed as 1950s radio plays. Follow private eye Dick Shamus as he investigates the murder of old pal Humpty Dumpty and shenanigans in Transylvania. PERFORMANCES

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/musicinromsey SATURDAY 8 JUNE 2024 7.30 p.m.

Heavenly Voices – concert at Romsey Abbey on Saturday 8 June

Singers from Southampton Philharmonic Choir and Southampton University Philharmonic Choir (SU Phil) are looking forward to their début concert at Romsey Abbey, on Saturday 8 June. The Abbey offers the perfect setting for a different repertoire from their usual fare of large-scale works with orchestra; an opportunity for a slightly smaller ensemble from the combined choirs to explore some of the most beautiful, smaller-scale choral pieces – both sacred and secular – of

the past three centuries. Stirring anthems by Handel and Parry contrast with the drama of a Cornish folk song by Holst and the serene harmonies of Mozart, Elgar and Whitacre.

Taking the evening’s music-making into another dimension are the legendary Crispian Steele-Perkins, whose trumpet will soar alongside the choir's voices, Ian Le Grice at the organ and piano, and the crystalline voice of soprano soloist, Alex Kidgell, who is also a member of the celebrated choral ensemble, The Sixteen. David Gibson conducts.

Programme highlights include:

∙ I was glad – Parry’s vibrant coronation anthem.

∙ Laudate Dominum – Mozart’s sublime expression of divine praise.

∙ Lux Aeterna – a moving adaptation of Elgar’s Nimrod, arranged for choir by John Cameron.

∙ The Blue Bird – Stanford’s exquisite and serene setting of Mary Elizabeth Coleridge’s poem.

∙ Let the bright Seraphim – the famous soprano aria from Handel’s oratorio, Samson.

∙ Trumpet Voluntary – John Stanley’s rousing and celebratory

May & June Events

Day out with Thomas and Friends

Sat 25 May to Sun 2 June

All day event

Watercress Line, The Railway Station, Station Road, New Alresford, SO24 9JG

Day out with Thomas Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends return for another exciting week. See www.watercressline.co.uk for more details.

Ropley Pram Race & Plant Sale

Monday 27 May

From 10am

Recreation Ground, Vicarage Lane, Ropley, SO24 0DU

Come and have fun watching the Pram Race and buy plants from the Ropley Horticultural Society Plant Stall. Lots of other stalls and activities. Parking free.

Alresford Art Society: A demonstration of Flowers in Mixed Media by Wendy Jelbert

Thursday 30 May

From 7.30pm

Bishop’s Sutton Village Hall, Alresford Road (B3047), Bishops Sutton SO24 0AH

Non-members welcome –admission £3. For further information: 01962 732043 or visit www.artsociety.alresford.org

East Stratton Fete & Dog Show

Saturday 1 June

From 1pm to 4pm

For directions use SATNAV to SO21 3DU

Join us on the village green opposite the Northbrook Arms. Magician, Dog Show, Gourmet

voluntary for organ, later arranged for organ and trumpet…and works by Bach, Handel, Haydn, Bruckner, Fauré, Holst, Barber, Gjeilo, Stopford, Whitacre and others.

The singers have already been thoroughly enjoying rehearsing this varied programme, which includes personal favourites for many of the choir. ‘I must have sung Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring hundreds of times as a boy chorister,’ says Alan (now a bass), ‘but it still brings a lump to my throat because it’s so beautiful.’ For Claire, an alto who first joined as a member of the SU Phil, and “graduated” to the SPC after university, Holst’s I love my love has become a new favourite: ‘I’m particularly enjoying the Holst, which is new to me – I love a good folk song.’ It all adds up to a concert not to be missed!

Tickets are available online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/musicinromsey or from Romsey Visitor Information Centre (Tel: 01794 512987).

For more information about this concert or about joining the choir next season, visit the SPC’s website at https://www.southamptonphil.org/web

'An illustrated talk which will show a wide range of plants suitable for that challenging area of the garden. In addition Ray will cover essential tips to aid the establishment and maintenance of plants in difficult places'.

Old Alresford Village Fair

Saturday 15 June

From 1pm to 4pm

Bar-b-que, Pimms Bar, Grand Draw, Sideshows, Jazz Bands. Free parking. For SATNAV please use SO21 3DU.

New Alresford WI - "Easy plants for difficult spaces" talk by Ray Brauton

Wednesday 5 June

From 7.30pm

St Gregory's church hall 1, Grange road, Alresford, SO24 9HD

The Green, Old Alresford, SO24 9DJ

A traditional village fair on the Old Alresford village green Free vintage bus rides from and back to Alresford. Plants, Grand Draw, Tombola, Dog Show, Bouncy Castle, Duck Race, Model Boats, Sideshows and the famous children’s Tug o War! Cakes, teas, licenced bar and BBQ. Fun for all of the family and don’t forget to bring your dog!

If you would like to include an event in this column please email: editor@ forumpublications.co.uk

Common lawn problems

At this time of year, we begin to venture out into our gardens more often and become aware of how our lawns have coped over the winter months. We see plenty of lawn issues, lets take a look at what can be done.

Compaction

Healthy soil needs air spaces within it. Roots don’t grow in the soil; they grow in the gaps within. Gradually, over time, through regular use of your garden your lawn is likely to become compacted. Areas where your lawn is walked on more often are likely to show signs of poor grass growth and more often than not, this is due to the compaction below the surface. You’ll see this more often close to washing lines, the entrance to gates or where you have to walk over the lawn to access another area in your garden. It may be tempting to scatter grass seed on the surface, but unless the compaction issue is addressed, that new seed is going to struggle to establish as there is no space in the soil for its roots.

Compromised root development means the grass has limited access to moisture and nutrition, meaning compromised grass growth. In addition, the roots are responsible for a gaseous exchange with the atmosphere, without which your grass will be less healthy and more susceptible to disease and pest issues. If you want a lawn to be proud of, deal with the compaction in your lawn. Aeration of the lawn, at least annually, should make up part of your lawn care plan.

Dog Urine Burn

Since Covid lockdown, there are many more lawn owners that are now also dog owners. That increase in dog ownership has seen an increase of dog related lawn damage. The most common of which is scorching, and bare patches caused by dog urine. Urine is high in nitrogen. Used correctly, nitrogen is an essential lawn nutrient and good for your grass. As anyone who has spilt lawn fertiliser on their grass will know, a concentration of nitrogen will kill grass. And this is what we are seeing with dog urine burns. The high concentration of nitrogen burns the grass and then the lower concentration around the edge creates a halo of lush growth – great for drawing attention to the unsightly burn!

The best way to deal with this is prevention. If you can train your dog to pee elsewhere then that’s ideal. If not, try flushing the area with water after your pet has relieved itself. This isn’t always practical,

and you may need to adopt strategies to repair these bare areas. Raking, spiking, and seeding is a good way forward. Another great tip is to grow some small plant pots of soil and grass seed. When the burns appear, you can dig out the area, using an empty plant pot as a template and then pop the new grass in to fill the gap.

Insect Damage

There are two main groups of insects that cause lawn issues – leather jackets and chafer grubs. Both live in the soil, both eat the grass plant, both cause major, unsightly damage. The pesticide used to control these insects has been withdrawn and therefore we are seeing increased numbers. Turf growers are struggling to supply pest-free turf and we see major problems in lawns that have been recently re-laid. To avoid this problem, if you are thinking of replacing your lawn, it’s far better to establish it from seed than to bring in new turf and possibly bring in lawn destroying insects too. Check with a lawncare professional if you suspect insect damage issues and they will be able to advise the best way forward.

Lawn Treatments

All living things need the right nutrition to remain healthy. Your lawn is no different. Without the correct seasonal nutrition, grass growth may be weak and the plants more susceptible to pests and diseases. In addition, regular weed and moss control will ensure your lawn looks its best all year long. Many lawn owners, who choose to apply their own lawn treatments, soon realise that shop-bought products are often not as effective as they would like. In addition, they tend to be expensive and don’t come in pack sizes to fit the size of your lawn – resulting in a shed full of part used boxes of ineffective products. It’s important not to under or over-dose a lawn, so the right applicator should be used, and that applicator should be calibrated too. Many people realise that the convenience and value offered by professional lawn treatments far outweighs shop bought alternatives and guarantees a beautiful lawn you can be proud of all year.

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

C&D Trees

All Tree & Hedge Care

Sparsholt college trained & qualified Free advice & written quotations 15 years experience Bishops Sutton, Alresford

www.cdtrees.co.uk

Telephone - 01962 738 420 - 07900 987 609

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

Rats, Mice, 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

Qualified in arboriculture and countrsyide management. 15 years experience Tel: 01962 732498 Mob: 07879 448141

National Garden Scheme - Hampshire

More news from the forthcoming NGS, fully funded, Show Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. One of the outstanding features of the garden is the Shed. To call this structure a Shed is little disingenuous - it will be a place of peace, calm and sanctuary. After its staring role at Chelsea it will eventually move to its final home as part of the Chelsea Garden which will be re-constructed at the Maggie’s Centre (an NGS Beneficiary) at Addenbrooks Hospital, Cambridge, for use by the gardeners, cancer patients and their families - a place to relax, have a cup of tea and maybe cake! You can read more about the materials and construction on the NGS website (ngs.org.uk) click on the Lifestyle section. As I write this there are still tickets available for our Bonsai Experience Garden in Fleet.

STREAMSIDE TREES - BONSAI EXPERIENCE

43A Basingbourne Road, Fleet, GU52 6TG

Visitors can enjoy a guided tour around the 140 ft wildlife garden with bonsai nursery, then enjoy an informal bonsai demonstration from Julia, an enthusiast who also holds 'Create a Bonsai' hands-on experiences and is a member of bonsai societies. Finally relax with refreshments and Q & A. Starter trees will be available to purchase. Tour & Demonstration: Thursday 9th May 10am and 1pm: Sunday 25th May 10am and 1pm: The tours starts promptly at 10am and 1pm: Admission: £20.00 per adult. Pre-booking only - simply click on the above link. Limited tickets available. Price includes refreshments. For any clarification contact streamsidetrees@gmail.com

NOW FOR A SEASONAL FAVOURITECRAWLEY GARDENS

Crawley, Winchester, SO21 2PR

Opening: Thursday 20th & Sunday 23rd June 2pm to 5.30pm Admission: Combined for 4 gardens - £10.00 children free. Cashless Payments available. Refreshments: Home-made teas in Village Hall.

Crawley is a pretty period village nestling in chalk downland with thatched houses, C14 church and village pond. Bay Tree House has bulbs, wildflowers, a Mediterranean garden, pleached limes, a rill and contemporary borders of perennials and grasses. Little Court is a 3 acre country garden with carpets of spring bulbs, herbaceous borders and a large meadow. Paige Cottage is a 1 acre traditional English garden surrounding a period thatched cottage (not open) with bulbs and wild flowers in spring and old climbing roses in summer. Tanglefoot has colour themed borders, herb wheel, kitchen garden, Victorian boundary wall supporting trained fruit and a large wildflower meadow.

Best Wishes to you all - Pat Beagley (Head of Publicity) National Garden Scheme - Hampshire - pat.beagley@ngs.org.uk

London Fire Brigade Heroes Rescue Eight Kittens: A Heart-warming Tale of Compassion

In a heart-warming display of compassion, the London Fire Brigade recently came to the rescue of eight helpless kittens found abandoned in a guinea pig cage at the side of the road. This act of kindness not only saved the lives of these vulnerable furballs but also paved the way for a brighter future for all of them.

The story behind this rescue begins with the diligent efforts of Isaac, one of the firefighters who responded to the call. Living locally, Isaac was aware of the work carried out by the Feline Friends Rescue (FFR) in Winchester thanks to a previous encounter a few years ago. Back then, FFR had stepped in to assist with a feral cat and her kittens on Isaac's relatives' farm, leaving a lasting impression of their dedication to feline welfare.

Isaac also brought a furry friend to FFR's doorstep "Fireman Sam," a tiny bundle of black fluff, was discovered by firefighters during a "shout" and was promptly entrusted into the care of FFR. Today, Fireman Sam is living the good life in Alresford, thanks to the tireless efforts of the firefighters and the compassionate team at FFR.

Back to the present rescue, despite the efforts of the London Fire Brigade, no local London rescue centre was able to accommodate the eight kittens, highlighting the critical role played by organisations like FFR in providing sanctuary and care for abandoned animals.

Now under the loving care of FFR, the kittens are awaiting vaccination, neutering, and eventual rehoming.

In a heart-warming twist, some of the kittens are being adopted by their very own rescuers, forging a bond born from a shared experience of compassion and rescue. For the remaining kittens, plans are underway to find them loving homes within the local community. Meet the eight adorable bundles of joy: four girls named Cinders, Flare, Blaze, and Sparkle, and four boys named Ash, Sparky, Chas, and Dave.

As we celebrate this remarkable rescue, let us also remember the countless other animals in need of a helping hand. Presently at our rescue centre we have available Pumpkin & Patch, Ziggy, Luna, Mouse, we also have a couple of pregnant feral cats!

We are always full to brim and constantly get emails of further cats needing to be rehomed. Donations really do help us to keep going! We have a donation button on our website and we would be extremely grateful for whatever you can give, we also have an amazon wish list set up if you would prefer to send a physical item.

Together, through acts of kindness both big and small, we can make a world of difference for those who cannot speak for themselves. Donate using paypal QR code

Or via our website https://www.felinefriendsrescue.org.uk/ category/donate

Improve Your Lawn Now...

Spring is a great time for lawn improvements - As the days lengthen and warm, recovery is rapid. Spring renovation work will help your lawn become what you want it to be. We've helped hundreds of customers improve their lawns - now is the ideal time to improve yours. Lawn Moss Control - Lawn moss can seriously impact grass health. Our moss treatment and moss removal (scarification) services will reduce lawn moss issues and help your grass through the challenges of winter.

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New TownAlresford Council

Fly Tipping

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste. It's a crime that damages the environment, risks public health, and costs taxpayers to clean up.

Fly-tipping includes:

• Dumping waste on land where there is no waste management licence, including public highways.

• Giving your waste to someone else to fly-tip.

• Leaving rubbish or waste outside household waste recycling centres.

Fly tipping carries a maximum 5 year imprisonment at Crown Court and that since November 2023 there have been four prosecutions for fly tipping in Winchester District area. All offenders convicted of fly tipping offences receive a criminal record.

If you wish to report fly tipping, you must gather as much information as you can about the following:

• The circumstances, for example if anyone witnessed the fly-tipping, the date and time it happened, and a description of any vehicles involved.

• Land type, for example relevant land or privately owned.

• Location, for example highway verge, back alleyway, railway embankment or river

• The amount and type of waste, for example solid, liquid or gas

• It’s potential effects, for example how it may harm people, animals, or the environment. Then report to Fly-Tipping - Winchester City Council.

Be Tick Aware

Ticks are common in spring and summer, especially in grassy and wooded areas, but

the potential risk of Lyme Disease from tick bites shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. There are preventative measures you can take and things you can look out for including:

• Using an insect repellent that prevents ticks.

• Wearing long sleeves and long trousers to prevent direct skin exposure.

• Keeping to clearly defined paths and avoiding brushing against vegetation.

• Checking for ticks on young children, especially around their heads and necks.

• When you’re back indoors, checking again for any ticks on you, your children, and pets. If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible with a tick removal tool or fine tweezers.

More information about ticks and Lyme Disease can be found in - 'What is Lyme disease and why do we need to be tick-aware?' – UK Health Security Agency (blog.gov.uk)

Visiting Alresford

For information on the history of Alresford and what to do and see, why not use the link: https://www. newalresford-tc.gov.uk/Document/Default. aspx?DocumentUid=8E57F314-E7BB-4182B14C-F36D92E2F559 and download the Alresford Pocket Guide, or why not try out the Alresford Millennium & Arle Valley Trails. All versions can be obtained at the Town Council office.

May Elections

Elections are taking place on Thursday 2 May. Polling stations open at 7am and will close at 10pm. This year there are City Council elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections. There is also one county council seat for election in the Meon Valley. We’ll be counting the City Council votes overnight on Thursday 2 May and results will be published to our website as they’re declared.

May Calendar

Please see this months Calendar of events and meetings. You are very welcome to attend all meetings with an opportunity at the start of the meeting to share any thoughts or ideas. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Town Clerk Richard Doughty: townclerk@newalresford-tc.gov.uk

Tuesday, May 7 - 6:00pm Planning Committee

Tuesday, May 14 - 7:00pm Annual Meeting of the Council Further meetings to be announced.

New Alresford Town Council Recreation Centre, The Avenue, New Alresford, SO24 9EP Tel: 01962 732079 www.newalresford-tc.gov.uk

Supply and planting large specimen trees and shrubs

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All trees and shrubs carefully selected

Design, landscaping and ongoing maintenance

Free site visit and consultation

Bosque is a trading name of Just Limegrass Ltd.

Harko: 07710 502798

Tom: 07855 656984 www.bosque international.co.uk

Daren George - your local pest controller from Alresford

• Rats & Mice, Moles, Squirrels, Rabbits, Wasps, Crawling & Flying Insects, Live Bee removals Fully insured - Discreet service assured at all time

Sixth Form Politics Students enjoy trip to the Houses of Parliament

Students from St Swithun’s sixth form politics class had a unique opportunity to witness democracy in action during a visit to the Houses of Parliament earlier this month.

The highlight of their visit was a meeting with the Meon Valley Member of Parliament, Flick Drummond, who engaged with the students in a lively discussion about the workings of government and the importance of political engagement.

The students were given a comprehensive tour of the historic Westminster Palace, including the House of Commons and the House of Lords. They had the chance to learn about parliamentary procedures and gain insight into the day-to-day responsibilities

of MPs. Additionally, the students had the opportunity to explore the historic Supreme Court chambers as part of their visit to the Houses of Parliament.

During their meeting with Flick Drummond MP, the students had the opportunity to ask questions about her role as their representative in Parliament, as well as about current political issues affecting their community and the nation as a whole. Mrs Drummond was impressed by the students' knowledge and enthusiasm for politics, and she expressed her hope that their visit would inspire them to become more actively involved in the democratic process.

Head of Politics Alex Wilson commented on the significance of the visit, saying, "Experiential learning opportunities like this are invaluable for our students. It's one thing to read about how Parliament works in a

textbook, but actually being here and seeing it brings the subject to life in a way that simply can't be replicated in the classroom."

In response to the students' questions and enthusiasm, Flick Drummond MP remarked, "It's always a pleasure to meet with young people who are interested in politics and eager to learn more about how government functions. I hope that today's visit has inspired these students to become more actively engaged citizens and perhaps even consider a career in public service in the future."

The visit to the Houses of Parliament provided the students with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the political process and to engage directly with their elected representatives.

Stswithuns.com

Woods Mortgages Independant Mortgage Advice

Following 22 years working for a local IFA firm in Alton, Jonny Woods has realised his longheld passion, setting up his own Independent Mortgage Advice business, Woods Mortgages Ltd, in Alresford. A long-term resident of Alresford, Jonny is now enjoying working in the town he loves.

Jonny explains that we all know how hard it can be for first time buyers to get onto the housing market and demonstrate the income they need but, did you know that, there is a product that can allow up to 6 different incomes to be used for the mortgage income assessment! In addition, 4 of these people, while helping to make the mortgage affordable, do not need to go on to the property deeds which can save paying higher stamp duty costs. These helpers are usually close family members but some lenders will even allow non family help!

These can be interest only or capital repayment and if you do not want any monthly payment, there is equity release. Product options can include pre agreed draw down reserves allowing the no fuss draw down of funds as and when you need them and making voluntary payments to stop the debt increasing.

Jonny explains that Woods Mortgages takes the time needed to explore their clients’ needs and circumstances before conducting a thorough search of the mortgage market to find the best solution. By the end of the process, Woods Mortgages is confident that their clients feel empowered, understanding the choices they made, and happy that they have a good value mortgage. Jonny goes on to say that not everyone wants mortgage advice and that it is possible to stumble upon the best product available, but if you do not know the market, mortgage features and lender requirements, it is not likely.

What Jonny finds interesting about the mortgage market is that it is dynamic, responding to challenging economic conditions. And the areas that have undergone the greatest product development are mortgages for First Time Buyers and Later Life Lending. Both areas can feel daunting for clients but both have exciting products that can give clients great outcomes.

Advice has never been more important and more and more meetings involve not just the potential buyers, but their wider family, wanting to explore how to give the next generation a leg up.

When children go to university, these same products can help buy the student a house giving them good accommodation, saving them rent and allowing them to let out a room. And these same products can help when couples separate, allowing families to help their loved one to keep their home and reducing the disruption on any children.

At the other end, we are living longer and more people want to use the money tied up within their home. It might be for home improvements, toping up income to make life more comfortable, holidays or to make gifts to loved ones when they really need the help. Meetings sometimes involve wider family groups, working together and helping each other to fully explore their options.

Now, some standard mortgages can go into your mid 80s and beyond.

Woods Mortgages can help with most mortgage situations including house purchase, remortgage and buy to let. The process is the same. Finding the best solution by brining time, skill and expert product knowledge to a problem. And, because Woods Mortgages provides an initial review free of charge, you can find out if they think they can help you without paying anything.

Contact Woods Mortgages by calling 01962 656431, emailing jonny@ woodsmortgages.co.uk or through their website at www.woodsmortgages. co.uk

Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Equity Release products are complex products. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.

Woods Mortgages Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Alresford Chamber of Commerce

Member of the Month - Winchester Bar Services

Like a lot of small businesses

Winchester Bar Services started as a side hustle. In 2012 I was working for a company installing equipment into pub cellars, my wife had gone back to university and money was tight. My brother, who was working in the events industry said, “why don’t you set up a bar company, alcohol doesn’t go off, there’s no risk.” From there Winchester Bar Services was born. Fast forward to 2024 and it has been my full-time job since 2017, we have over 30 people who work our bars across the busy summer months, and we have a huge range of events that we service each year.

Some of the local events we provide bars at include The Alresford Show, The Romsey Show and we are the bar provider for events at The Guildhall in Winchester. We are proud to have worked with the British Army, BMW and many other local events including The Hat Fair, Winchestival and Southampton & Oxford Pride. We even worked at an event where the Queen was present!

But these large events are not all we do in fact they are only a small proportion. We mainly work with private clients to ensure an incredible bar service at weddings, parties, and corporate events. We bring our fantastic service to your workplace, venue, or home where our team members will set up, serve and then break down the bar set up. Our bars can also be customised to match the surroundings ensuring the look is exactly how you imagined it.

Winchester Bar Services can be contacted at winchesterbarservices@ gmail.com, 01962 571799 or 07886 359611.

New Chamber Member - The Mane Dealer

Recently opened selling a wide range of items for Men, Women and Home – Why not pay them a visit at 20, West Street Alresford, or online at themanedealer.co.uk

Neighborhood Plan Business & Residents Survey

Just to remind all of those who own or run a local business or shop in the Town there is still time to complete the Business Survey on The Alresford Town Council Website. This is a great opportunity for you to have your say and to give the town council & advisory group a better understanding of the employment and economic development needs of the town for many years to come.

Together we are stronger

Keep track of our events, follow us on Facebook Twitter & Instagram @AlresfordChamberofCommerce / AlresfordCofC / info@ alresfordchamber.co.uk /www.alresfordchamber.co.uk

Winchester Beer & Cider Festival

Welcome to Winchester Beer and Cider Festival 2024 . This year the festival will showcase up to 75 cask ales, featuring a range of high quality traditional ales, new and exciting craft ales, brewery collaborations, and one-off specials. This vast range of beers will also be matched by a range of real ciders and perry, a craft beer bar and a selection of bottled/canned beers - something to inspire and appeal to all tastes.

This year's festival will consist of four sessions:

Friday 7th June 11:30-16:00

Friday 7th June 18:00-22:30

Saturday 8th June 11:30-16:00

Saturday 8th June 18:00-22:30

To find out more about the festival, please follow us on facebook (https://www. facebook.com/WinchesterBeerFestival). Winchester Beer and Cider Festival is run by volunteers from Southern Hampshire CAMRA.

Tickets are now on-sale online from our website: winchesterbeerfestival.camra.org.uk/2024/tickets/

All ticket prices include the festival programme and the festival’s commemorative glass. CAMRA members can claim £3 of free beer tokens (on presentation of a valid membership card).

Unlike other festivals organised by Southern Hampshire CAMRA, the venue prohibits food and drink being brought into the festival. The venue will be selling a range of food and soft drinks for consumption at the festival. www. winchesterbeerfestival.camra.org.uk

Mr. Mac

Ever pondered how you drift off to sleep, perhaps with a snore or a murmured conversation? Well, there's a range of apps ready to unveil the mysteries of your slumber. Sleep Cycle is one example, delving into your sleep rhythms while detecting snoring, sleep-talking, coughing, and more. Other contenders like Sleep Tracker, SleepWatch, and Sleep Cycle are also available from Apple’s App Store. There is a catch, no outright purchases, only 7-day trials before commitment. Currently, I’m experimenting with Sleep Tracker, which entails an £18 annual subscription. You can read my thoughts in my next newsletter! Should you wish to subscribe, kindly drop me an email or text.

Another useful application is Home Contents that lets you create and control your home inventory. It is an app on your phone that you can catalogue your home contents room by room. Take photos, add details such as date of purchase, serial numbers, and cost. Great for cataloguing what you have especially if you are thinking of moving.

Consider using the messaging app Signal as an alternative to platforms owned by Meta (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) if you're concerned about your privacy. Signal offers similar functionality to WhatsApp but is independent from Meta, providing a secure and private communication platform.

Finally, this month; a reminder that there is no need to pay Microsoft a monthly or annual subscription when for Office 365 when for £18.99 (Windows) or £19.99 (Mac) you can purchase outright a legitimate single user licence. Contact me for further information and installation tips.

Andy – Mr Mac andy@mistermac.co.uk Tel: 07392 552592

Understanding your pension annual allowance

Making the most of your pension annual allowance is a great way to boost your retirement savings tax-efficiently. But complex rules around calculating individual allowances mean many people risk exceeding limits and facing surprise tax bills.

Figures from HMRC show the number of people who reported pension contributions exceeding their annual allowance soared from just 5,450 in 2015/161 to 53,330 in 2021/221. Meanwhile, the total value of contributions exceeding the allowance rocketed from £143m to £1.2bn2

Understanding your pension annual allowance and managing it effectively is essential to avoid unexpected tax charges. A financial adviser can offer advice on your individual circumstances but here are some of the key considerations.

What is the pension annual allowance?

The pension annual allowance is the maximum amount you can save into your pensions in any one tax year without having to pay a tax charge.

For most people, the standard annual allowance is £60,000, though you can only receive tax relief on up to 100% of your UK relevant earnings.

What happens if I exceed it?

If you exceed the annual allowance, you’ll pay a charge, which essentially claws back any excess tax relief received. The rate of charge you’ll pay will depend on the tax band(s) that your income plus the excess contribution fall into.

For example, a higher-rate taxpayer who exceeds their annual allowance by £10,000 would pay a charge of £4,000 (£10,000 x 40%).

Can I avoid charges using carry forward?

You may be able to ‘carry forward’ unused annual allowances from the previous three tax years.

Carry forward can be a really useful way of reducing or avoiding tax charges, as well as making use of unused annual allowances. However, the rules are complex, so please seek advice.

Why might my annual allowance be lower?

Although £60,000 is typical, your allowance could be lower due to the annual allowance taper if your ‘adjusted income’ exceeds

£260,000 a year and ‘threshold income’ exceeds £200,000 a year. Your allowance then reduces £1 for every £2 of excess adjusted income, down to a minimum of £10,000.

Your allowance might also fall to £10,000 if you have flexibly accessed your direct contribution (DC) pension, triggering the money purchase annual allowance (MPAA), which limits the amount of contributions you can make to DC pensions while still receiving tax relief.

Is it ever worth exceeding the annual allowance?

In some cases, it can make sense to exceed your allowance and pay the charge, especially if receiving generous employer contributions that would cease if you stopped paying into your pension.

The rules are complex, so speaking to a financial adviser can help you evaluate your options and maximise unused tax allowances. By getting some advice, you’ll feel confident you’ve made the right decisions.

We live and work local to you. We would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.

Alice Proctor

Investment Manager

Assistant Director

E: alice.proctor@brewin.co.uk

Kirsty Simpson

Financial Planner Divisional Director

E: kirsty.simpson@brewin.co.uk

46 Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8RY

T: 01962 798000

W: www.brewin.co.uk/our-offices/winchester

1 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5d8a45c3e5274a0849b8d7bc/Table_7_Personal_Pensions_Annual_Allowance_Statistics.pdf

2 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/personal-and-stakeholder-pensions-statistics

The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness.

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• Financial planning

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Full range of Accountancy, Taxation and Payroll services tailored to suit your needs

Small Business Consultancy and Business Start Up

Farming and Equine Specialists

Licensed to provide non-contentious probate services by the ICAEW

FREE Half Hour Initial Consultation

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

WARNER AND RICHARDSON LLP ARE INDEPENDENT SOLICITORS LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC CITY OF WINCHESTER.

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On Your High Street

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

D.Barker & Son

Colourful necklace from the latest Coeur De Lion Spring/Summer collection - £159

Hand made sterling silver Torq bangle with gold terminals - £195

40A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU

Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

Billy Goat

Pepino sandals, water-friendly and machine washable - £48

43 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AB

Tel: 01962 733926 | www.billygoatshoes.co.uk

Applique Strawberry Sundress in Organic Cotton by Lilly & Sid - £30

2 Bakehouse Yard, Alresford, SO24 9AU

Tel: 01962 734488 | www.ragamuffin-uk.com

- £15.99 per bottle.

The Old Exchange, Station Road, Hampshire, SO24 9JG

Tel: 01962 732002 | www.thenakedgrape.co.uk

Ragamuffin

Naked Grape

Paraiso Sur Pinot Noir - Spring Fresh Organic Pinot Noir at The Naked Grape “simply perfect”

Mylo Art, Stockbridge

MYLO ART was founded by Kate Anniss in 2014 with the aim of bringing beautiful, decorative art to interiors. They have long established connections to an extensive network of artists who work in many different styles and media. Mylo’s HQ is at Meadow, a combined gallery, coffee shop and event space housed in a wonderful, light Georgian townhouse in Stockbridge. Meadow’s ethos is one of collaboration and creativity and they are renowned for hosting imaginative and inspiring events and workshops. Recent highlights include an evening in conversation with Edward Bulmer and a planting design workshop from RHS Chelsea sward-winning garden designer Lottie Delamain. Mylo’s curation of art hangs in the gallery room and throughout the building.

May sees the return of Mylo’s annual Summer Art Show (10 May-14 June). This year the gallery will be showcasing artists they have worked with for the past decade as well as exciting and dynamic new artists. The collection of over 100 paintings, collages, ceramics, original prints and drawings will be hung in the gallery room and throughout their beautiful home at Meadow.

This year, to celebrate their 10 year anniversary, Mylo has collaborated with the Interiors Collective, to bring together art and design in a 3 day pop-up, throughout the top floor of Meadow (15-17 May). The Interiors Collective have curated an inspiring selection of furniture and home accessories from some of the best interior designers and artisan makers. Brands include Kate Guinness Design, Sarah Vanrenen, Tate & Darby Rugs and SARAH.K homewares.

More events to look forward to include a pop-up from clothing brand Day Dress (5-8 June) led by Gabby Deeming. The collection is focused on the art of block printing on the softest cotton, is stitched in original patterns and hand block printed in Jaipur by a team of skilled artisans. Molly Mahon will be hosting a block printing workshop (6 June) and Gabby will join her to give a talk on Inspired Design followed by a gallery supper by Meadow on the evening of 6 June.

meadowstockbridge.com myloart.co.uk

Slow Roasted Tuscan Pork

INGREDIENTS

(SERVES 6-8)

FOR THE PORK:

2.5kg pork leg joint

3 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic cut into slivers

2 tbsp fennel seeds

2 tsp dried chilli flakes

2 tbsp dried oregano

2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

FOR THE MINT CAPER SAUCE:

2 tbsp tiny capers

2 shallots

20g fresh mint, stems removed

1 clove garlic

3 tbsp balsamic vinegar

4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

METHOD

Prepare the Pork - Preheat the oven to 140˚C. Take a sharp knife and cut small slits into the meat. Insert the slivers of garlic all over the meat. Mix together the herbs and chilli. Rub the pork roast with 1 tbsp of olive oil and salt and pepper. In a very large frying pan, sear the meat on all sides until browned. Rub the remaining oil over the pork and then roll in the herbs. Arrange on a roasting rack over a roasting tin. Place in the hot oven and cook for about 4-5 hours.

The meat will be tender and fall apart when the string is removed. Slice the pork and place on a platter with rosemary sprigs and other fresh herbs. Serve with sauce and some roasted or mashed potatoes.

PREPARE THE SAUCE

Finely chop the capers, shallots, garlic and mint and place in a small bowl. Add the vinegar, oil, salt and pepper and a large pinch of sugar. Mix well and pour into a serving jug.

MAY HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS

Hamble - Sat 4th, Alresford - Sat 4th, Petersfield - Sun 5th, Romsey - Sun 5th, Alton - Sat 11th, Winchester - Sun 12th, Emsworth - Sat 18th, Alresford - Sun 19th, Southsea - Sun 19th, Ringwood - Sat 25th, Winchester - Sun 26th For more information visit: www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk

“Casting around for a stylish stay? Look no further”

Mr

& Mrs Smith

We’ve been welcoming guests to The Grosvenor since 1822. Our hotel sits in the middle of Stockbridge High Street, and we’re at the heart of the community in every sense. With over two centuries of warm welcomes behind us we provide a buzzy atmosphere for coffee, cocktails or celebratory dinners. There are plenty of quiet corners to have a private meeting or check your emails. And if you want to explore the chalk streams and other sporting opportunities our corner of Hampshire is famous for, you couldn’t find a more comfortable pitstop.

An exciting recent arrival is Head Chef Oli Abbott. Formerly of The PIG in Brockenhurst Oli is a keen forager and brings with him a commitment to celebrate all that’s seasonal and local. One of his favourite new dishes is Mackerel with Yoghurt, Beetroot and Apple: “Such an underrated fish, and I love how the simple flavours marry together”. Other hotplate favourites include the couldn’t-be-more-local ChalkStream Trout with Romsey Watercress, the range of Butcher’s Block steaks cooked to perfection, and the Venison Haunch with celeriac and braised red cabbage. Sweet treats include a Lime Meringue

Tart with White Chocolate Crumb, and a Rhubarb & Custard that’s a far cry from the nursery staple.

Many of our guests use as their home from home, for celebrations with friends or meetings with business associates. We serve a sensational Afternoon Tea, all the more enticing when accompanied by a glass of local Hampshire fizz, or pop in any time to sample one of our finest infusions. Afternoon Tea is available daily from 2.30-5.30pm, and you’ll be treated to Cornish Tregothnan

tea, four different wraps and sandwiches and a selection of delectable cakes. Will the Flower Pot with Chocolate Mousse or Peach and Lavender Pannacotta be your favourite? There will also – of course! – be homemade scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. In warmer months our suntrap of a Terrace is a beautiful place to dine alfresco or enjoy a drink with friends. It’s so quiet you won’t believe you’re moments from the High Street, and you can indulge with flatbreads cooked to order in our wood-fired oven and a range of larger platters including our Mussels in White Wine with Wild Garlic.

Our overnight guests are a convivial mix of fishing folk, weekenders, newlyweds and culture seekers keen to explore Stockbridge, Winchester and our other local attractions. Plenty of locals check in for a night or two away to relax without the hassle of a long drive. Enticing breaks include the Lazy Sunday:

a guaranteed late check-out on Monday morning following a hearty Hampshire breakfast, with Broughton sausage and Laverstoke black pudding produced only a few miles away (unless you’d prefer the Roast Tomato and Goats Cheese on Toast, or Trout with Scrambled Eggs on Sourdough?). Please bring your dogs to stay too – we are very keen on canines, and a jar of bone-shaped treats takes pride of place on our reception desk.

We regularly organise weddings and other large special events, intimate lunches and meetings in our antique book-lined Library. Keep an eye on the Events page on our website. With live jazz, tapas & rosé evenings, regular bridge suppers and fine dining events there is always a lot going on. The Grosvenor team would love to welcome you soon.

Grosvenor Hotel High Street Stockbridge SO20 6EU 01264 810606 info@thegrosvenorstockbridge.com www.thegrosvenorstockbridge.com

Alresford Surgery News

Veteran Practice

This means that, as part of the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant, we have a dedicated Clinician, Dr. Hannah Harring, you can read Hannah’s statement here, who has specialist knowledge of military related health conditions and veteran specific health services. This is important in helping ex-forces to get the best care and treatment. If you are ex-forces, please let your GP know to help ensure you are getting the best possible care.

A veteran is someone who has served in the British Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve) for at least one day. Veterans also include any member of the Merchant Marine who has served in a war zone. This includes crew from convoys in World War 2 and more recently in the Falklands conflict and Gulf Wars.

About 18,000 service people move back into civilian life every year and whilst most of these individuals have similar levels of health to the general population, around 2,000 leave on medical grounds. The top reasons for medical discharge are for issues relating to back, knees, mental health, and hearing.

Being accredited means that a practice can better identify and treat veterans, refer them, where appropriate, to dedicated NHS services (such as the Veterans' Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison service (TILS), the Veterans' Mental Health Complex Treatment Service (CTS) and the Veterans Trauma Network) and capture better epidemiological data to improve future health provision. It also means that the NHS is better able to meet the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant, whereby the Armed Forces community, including veterans, should face no disadvantage in accessing health services and should receive priority care for military attributable conditions, subject to clinical need. If you are a veteran, please let us know!

The surgery will be closed for the bank holiday weekend from 6.30pm Friday 3rd May until 8am on Tuesday 7th May then again from 6.30pm Friday 24th May until 8am on Tuesday 28th May.

Covid spring booster programme

COVID-19 is more serious in older people and in people with certain underlying health conditions. For these reasons, people aged 75 years and over, those in care homes, and those with a weakened immune system are being offered a spring COVID-19 vaccine. Those eligible will be contact by the surgery either by text message or telephone call. The vaccination will take place at the surgery unless the patient is residing in a care home or is housebound. In order to keep our phone lines free, please do not contact us until you have been invited. Thank you.

Abusive patients

Sadly, our reception team have been on the receiving end of some abusive behaviour. This can be very demoralising for the team and affects their own well-being. Please be kind. Help us focus on you. We have the right to refuse treatment and take further action against anyone who threatens the safety of our staff & our patients. Thank you.

Did Not Attend - Missed Appointments

People not turning up to their appointments - something called a “DNA” or “Did Not Attend”. In February, we recorded 65 missed appointments, across both the Doctor & Nursing teams. These appointments could have

been utilised for others. We understand that life gets in the way sometimes, and things change. Any notice you can provide, even last minute, will enable your appointment to be offered to somebody else. Please remember to change or cancel your appointment if you are not able to attend. Please do not rely solely on text message appointment reminders from the practice as this is not a fail-safe system!

What service should I use?

Whether it's knowing when to visit your GP, heading to a pharmacy for expert advice, or dialling 111 for urgent medical help, making the right choice ensures you get the care you need and frees up emergency services for people who really need them.

Remember these simple steps:

1. Self-Care: Minor illnesses like coughs, colds, or headaches

2. Pharmacy First: sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, UTIs and other non-urgent conditions

3. Book a GP Appointment: For non-urgent concerns or ongoing issues

4. Minor Injury Unit: Minor burns, sprains or other non-life threatening injuries

5. A&E: Life-threatening emergency

Making the right choice means getting the right care, at the right time, in the right place. Let's all #ChooseWell and keep our NHS services available for those who need them most - go to https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/ #NHS #Healthcare #ChooseWellCampaign

The Alresford Surgery, Station Road, Alresford, SO24 9JL Telephone: 01962 732345 www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk

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

ELIZA WALKER

ALRESFORD PODIATRY

Providing Care since 1999

Welcome to Alresford Podiatry, where we are dedicated to providing the highest level of podiatric care to your feet. With over 25 years of experience in the private and NHS sectors, Owain Harris BSc (Hons) is committed to providing the most comfortable experience possible, which is why we offer home visits to care for your feet in the comfort of your own home. Trust him to help diagnose your condition and provide the best possible treatment for happy, healthy feet.

Wrinkles

© Lucia Foster-Found 2024 www.luciafosterfound.com

Her dressing table and mirror now resided near the bedroom window, affording her a pleasing view of the pear tree. This was, however, a fringe benefit and not why she’d dragged her furniture noisily across the floor.

No, no, no.. She was there for the light; the glorious, celebrated, natural daylight.

But, as she contemplated her reflection in the mirror, now bathed in daylight (it transpired) that was actually not glorious at all, but unforgiving and harsh, she came literally face-to-face with the roadmap of her life. Every laugh, every frown, each unhappy episode and hilarious occasion was there; forever etched.

Turning away from the mirror-mirror-not-on-the-wall (not mentioning anyone fairest at all), she saw there’d been an overnight frost and the blades of grass were grey-dusted, white-edged and crisp.

‘A frost in May’ - she recalled the phrase from some cobwebby recess of her memory. Wasn’t that an idiom for something showing promise, yet struck down before it’d reached its full potential? Or had she dreamed that one up, along with ‘no peace for the wicket’ which she used to think was to do with poor batting?

Good job the pear blossom had arrived early this year and was over and done. And seemed she’d been right not to plant out her rather titchy geranium plugs just yet. Himself appeared as if by magic, much like the shopkeeper in Mr Ben. “I heard a noise - what are you doing?”

“Looking at my wrinkles. They’re even more many-and-various than I had realised. I think I might move my dressing table back into the shadows.”

“Not that I’ve noticed any wrinkles,” he said with a wink, “but perhaps you should celebrate you’ve lived long enough to earn some.”

Himself was wise. She loved that about him. Mostly. There was that time she’d insisted on buying the absolutely beautiful, hugely expensive, unbelievably uncomfortable settee. Himself had sat on it. He’d laid on it. He’d walked around it. And then he’d stood back and wisely pronounced it a ‘looking-at sofa’. And he’d been annoyingly right; when she eventually sold it on, it’d hardly been used..

But mostly, such as now, his wisdom made her adjust her perspective. He was as right as he’d been about the blasted sofas. Absolutely. She could have been struck down like a frost in May – or anytime from her January to her

September (where she felt she currently resided). She was indeed lucky to have wrinkles.

But there were other wrinkles. Good wrinkles. Helpful wrinkles. Picked up along the way like the ones on her face, were the little wrinkles of life.. The shortcuts, the side benefits, the handy tips - like cooking a chopped potato in food you’d over-salted, or rubbing a walnut into the scratch on a wooden table and watching it vanish. Although Instagram et al referred to them as ‘hacks’, she’d always called them ‘wrinkles’.

‘Hacks’, to her, brought visions of world-weary journalists. ‘Hacks’ chased down headline stories and employed dubious and underhand methods to get them. ‘Hacks’ stood in darkened doorways on rain-slick city streets, lighting up cigarettes, turning up the collars of their raincoats and pulling down the brims of their trilbys. ‘Hacks’ waited in the shadows to catch the suspect/witness/victim unawares and elicit an unguarded quote or a noholds-barred exposé…

Coming out of her reverie and reflecting that she’d been watching far too many old black-and-whites on Talking Pictures, she decided that more contemporary viewing might be in order. She’d take Himself out on a date –she’d heard that dating your husband was considered a ‘life hack’ too. Well, in any event, it was a good idea. She’d use her online video subscription; two cinema tickets for a tenner. Also, her supermarket vouchers; worth double their value in certain restaurants. Wrinkles..

Later that day, she moved her dressing table a little further from the cruel and uncompromising light from the window. She got ready for her date, adopting a ‘what the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve about’ approach to applying her make-up and felt more youthful already.

In town they watched a newly-released blockbuster. It was in colour, set in the 21st century. Not a trilby in sight. And nobody, but nobody, smoked.

Emerging from the dark of the cinema and walking towards the welcoming lights of the pizzeria, Himself took her hand as they crossed the road. As they ordered their food, he observed, “This is nice.”

It was nice. And, courtesy of the wrinkles, nice and cheap, she mused.

And as for those other wrinkles: the earned wrinkles, the weather wrinkles, the laughter-and-tears wrinkles, the inevitable evidence of a life lived wrinkles.. what of them?

As Himself held her hand again across the table, in the soft, forgiving candlelight, she gave no thought to those wrinkles at all…

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Lady of the Stream

If I asked you to name a chalk stream fish, which one would you choose?

For many, the brown trout or Atlantic salmon will come to mind – the most famous fishy mascots of these rare freshwater habitats. But today we’re looking at another amazing member of the salmonid family: the European grayling. Or, to use its wonderfully romantic nickname, the ‘Lady of the Stream’.

The grayling belongs to the genus Thymallus – so named because its members exude a faint scent of thyme. Although widespread across Europe and native to England, this fish was not originally found in the Test and Itchen. Records suggest that it was introduced to these rivers in the early 19th and 20th centuries respectively, possibly by moving fish from the Hampshire Avon.

Ironically, grayling would later be routinely culled in many southern chalk streams, due to fears of them out-competing brown trout. This practice declined as studies showed key differences in the diet, growth, habitat,

and spawning behaviour of the two species. Today, grayling are particularly popular with anglers, as they can be pursued in the winter when brown trout are prohibited.

The grayling can be recognised by its glittering pewter scales and red-fringed dorsal fin. This ruby colour is much brighter in the males, especially during the breeding season. From March to May each year, they attempt to woo females with a vibrating dance. Fertilised eggs are nestled in the gravelly stream bed and – if all goes well – two to four weeks later, the water is filled with baby grayling!

After hatching, juveniles stick to the slower-flowing stream margins until they get large enough to swim further out. As they grow, their diet expands to include worms, insect larvae, and small crustaceans like freshwater shrimp. Grayling can gain twice the weight that trout and salmon manage in their first year, but end up a little smaller – the largest adults weigh around two kilograms.

Grayling need cool, clean, oxygen-rich water, in addition to areas of silt-free

gravel for spawning. If their homes aren’t healthy, then sadly they can struggle to thrive. To learn how the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme is helping grayling, brown trout, and other chalk stream species, visit hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes. Our work is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Free Events

‘The Role of the River Keeper’ Often responsible for habitat management in fisheries, river keepers can play a crucial role in protecting our precious chalk streams. Online on 14th May at 7pm.

‘Tales from the Riverbank Literature Festival’

Join us in Andover, Whitchurch, Overton, and Alresford this June. Hear from amazing nature authors and get creative with writing workshops for children and adults.

Book your tickets at hiwwt.org.uk/ winterbournes.

Photograph - Grayling © Paul Colley

Tales from the Riverbank Literature Festival

1st June, Alresford

2nd June, Whitchurch

4th June, Alresford

8th June, Andover

9th June , Overton

15th June, Overton

16th June, Whitchurch

19th June, Andover

22nd June, Andover

23rd June, Overton

26th June, Whitchurch

29th June, Alresford

Children’s Poetry Workshop

Nature Writing Workshop

Talk by Tom Moorhouse

Nature Writing Workshop

Children’s Poetry Workshop

Talk by Matt Gaw

Children’s Poetry Workshop

Talk by Lisa Schneidau

Children’s Poetry Workshop

Nature Writing Workshop

Talk by Amy-Jane Beer

Nature Writing Workshop

7 days a week at your home or place of work

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2020 (20) Citroen C3 Aircross Flair 1.2 Automatic. 5 door, satellite navigation, parking sensors and camera, climate

2017 (67) Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge, Pan roof, air conditioning, bluetooth, Parking sensors, alloy wheels, 26,000 miles £7,695

2009 (09) Mercedes A Class SE Classic CDi Automatic, 1 lady owner from new with FULL service history, Only 11,000 miles

Engine Diagnostics

Offsite M.O.T Tests

Nissan Elgrand Specialists

Cambelt Replacement

Exhaust Supply & Fitting

Tyre Supply & Fitting

Electrical Repairs

• Welding specialists

• Tyres for cars and motorcycles

• 4 wheel laser alignment

• LPG for sale for cars

• Recovery services

• Free collection

• Diagnostic testing (including Landrover)

• Courtesy cars

• Certificated engineers

Clutch Repair

Courtesy Car Opening Times Mon - Thur 8-5pm Friday 8-3pm

Contact Steve on: 01962 735777

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

New Farm Motor Services Ltd

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

Winchester Councillors May Report

Tell Us!

The election season gives us the opportunity to visit residents. We find it is very useful to have door step conversations all over the ward and sometimes in the district, as it gives an a great opportunity to talk and to hear residents’ views and of their problems. We thank you for the welcome you extend. Some time we are told of a problem that could have been fixed if only we know about it earlier. Don’t suffer in silence, let us know and we will take action, or help you to the proper route.

Casework confidentiality

One of the most interesting aspects of our work as councillors is casework, when a resident asks for our help in sorting out a particular problem. The variety is immense. Our town and villages are small communities, it is only in very rare circumstances, for example where action by parish councils or the community could prevent recurrence or mitigate consequences, that we would mention this in our communications. It would be all too easy to breach confidentiality, which remains paramount. Even an anonymous description of the case, can allow particular residents to be identified. Hence neither Margot nor I would publicise the casework we have undertaken.

Upgraded Waste Water Treatment Plants for Itchen Abbas and Cheriton

Two water treatment works owned by Winchester City Council in the Itchen Valley, at the Northington Road plant near Itchen Abbas and at the Goodens plant near Cheriton have now been upgraded to reduce the phosphate and nitrate nutrient output. These WWTP serve residential areas that are not on main drainage. The results so far are encouraging, but it does take time for the residual nutrient content to be addressed. The waste water will be monitored monthly.

Winchester Council manages fifty waste water plants of varying types, and there is a plan to upgrade them all. The plant at Hobbs Close in Bishops Sutton is the next to be considered for improvements. There are twin benefits; the first is that the water quality in the headwaters of our wonderful chalk streams is improved, the second is that the council gains phosphate and nitrate credits which enables our council house building programme to move forward. Winchester City Council is one of the first in the country to install this new generation of treatment plant. A pleasing contrast to the usual news of sewage pollution.

59 Colebrook Street

In a city and district of high property values and a severe shortage of rental property it is sad to see a neglected building, with peeling paint and rotting woodwork. The house holders amongst us know very well that ignoring maintenance doesn’t save money in the long run. It is pleasing therefore to see 59 Colebrook Street is to be restored and brought into use as six one bedroom flats. WCC has allocated a good sum for this work and two weeks ago planning permission was given for the construction work to be started. The building has had many uses in the past, private residence, barrister’s chambers amongst others. We

look forward to seeing six new tenants moving in to enjoy secure rentals and energy efficient flats. A much improved exterior to the building will smarten up this corner of the city centre.

Going greener Faster

Our Winchester Park & Ride buses are making the switch to renewable

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel to significantly reduce their carbon emissions. The HVO fuel which will only be purchased from accredited, sustainable sources, produces around 30% fewer fine particulates and hydrocarbons, 25% less carbon monoxide and 10% less nitrogen oxide than diesel, meaning a smaller impact on air quality in the city. This green upgrade is part of a new contract we recently agreed with bus operator Stagecoach.

Save Our Tip Again

Save Our Tip (AGAIN), and the 240 bus and 67 bus. These campaigns all sound sadly familiar. Many have asked if we have managed to have these proposals from Hampshire County Council rejected. The decision will not be made until after the elections in May.

Margot Power T: 01962 734167 mjpower684@gmail.com

Russell Gordon-Smith T: 01962 733219

rgordon-smith@winchester.gov.uk

. MICHAEL J SLY

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SATURDAY 16TH JUNE DUMMER, BASINGSTOKE

TICKET GIVEAWAY

WIN a family ticket* to Good Festival on Saturday 16th June at Dummer Down Farm, a festival raising funds for the Hampshire Medical Fund.

TO ENTER, SIMPLY:

1. Follow @goodfestival and @hampshiremedicalfund on Instagram

2. Comment ‘GOOD TIMES’ on our ticket giveaway post

Giveaway closes on 16th May. Winner will be contacted via Instagram. Find out more at goodfestival.co.uk.

T&Cs: Person entering must be at least 18 years of age.

*Two adults and up to three children

The Big Help Out in Alresford

As part of the biggest mass volunteering event of the year, the “Big Help Out” weekend from 7th to 9th June 2024 “Co-ordinating Alresford” is encouraging everyone to make a difference to our local community on the morning of 8th June. Come along to the gazebo that will be in St John’s churchyard between 9.00 a.m. and (at least) 1.00 p.m. armed with enthusiasm and suitable gardening tools to help tidy up currently neglected areas in the centre of town including Station Road, Broad Street and St John’s churchyard or anywhere else you may wish to suggest. Co-ordinating Alresford is an informal group facilitating and encouraging the opportunities in and around Alresford for volunteers to make the area an even better place to live and work supported by local schools, New Alresford Town Trust, New Alresford Town Council, Alresford Rotary, the Alresford PIGS Association, Alresford Chamber of Commerce, the Men’s Shed and Churches Together in Alresford amongst others. If you are interested in volunteering on other occasions please let us know. Representatives from many of the local volunteer groups will be available for a chat on the day. There’s no need to register in advance – just turn up - but it would be helpful if you could let us know if you plan to help on 8th June so we can try and ensure best use is made of the available resources! If there is a suitable project that you wish to suggest please let us know! Refreshments and toilet facilities will be available in the John Pearson Halll. Please contact wjrp@hotmail.co.uk

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

Our boutique showroom showcases some of the finest kitchen and bathroom furniture available, with a strong emphasis on UK and European manufacturing. Bathroom manufacturers on display include Ambiance Bain, Kudos, Roper Rhodes, Tissino and Arte Form, with Porcelanosa and Ca’Pietra tiling throughout the showroom. Our kitchens are expertly crafted by Schuller, one of the largest German kitchen manufacturers, and Mackintosh, their products are made exclusively in Britain. Both have an extensive and inspiring collection ranging from the contemporary to the more traditional.

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

Visit Town & Country

8 The High Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO3O 2EA

Telephone: 01489 536187

Email: sales@town-and-country.co.uk www.town-and-country.co.uk

NEW SHOWROOM FORDISPLAYS 2024

New Alresford Town Trust Open Days

NATT Open Days

With an early Easter comes an early start to the NATT Open Days calendar, as the Museum, Medieval Bridge and Eel House all open to visitors on Easter Monday, April 1st. We received a total of almost 1000 visitors across the three sites, despite the chilly weather – luckily the rain held off.

Fire Service History at the Museum

The Museum is housed in the Old Fire Station building at the north end of Broad Street, and as well as lots of general displays about the history of Alresford, it is known for the beautiful 1893 Victorian Fire Engine that is kept in such great condition by the efforts of Rich and Ann Pay. This engine used steam to pump the water, and horses to draw the wagon to where it was needed. It was originally owned by the Tichborne Estate, then acquired and displayed in the main Fire Station in Alresford, and is now kept in the Museum . It is manned by ‘Sam’ our fireman mannequin in full uniform, and there are many other interesting artefacts about the history of the fire service on display.

In addition, we were lucky to be joined by a wonderful 1970s fire engine, which provided another opportunity for children to climb up

The Alresford Pigs will be at the Watercress Festival.

So, another month goes by and we find ourselves fast approaching one of the town’s popular annual events. Yes, the Watercress festival is nearly upon us!

into the cab and imagine life as a fire fighter, and even to be driven around the town! Huge thanks to Bill Witchard and Tim Graham for bringing this great vehicle along.

Visitors to the Museum came from all over the world – including two families from Melbourne, Australia – but there were also local stories. The Museum has on show the helmet and whistle of Mr Jackson, who was a police officer in Old Alresford during WW2 – which was a wonderful surprise to his grandson Mark, who discovered the display and realised the connection!

The Eel House – rushing water and invertebrates After the very wet spring, the water is certainly rushing through the 3 arches of the Eel House, and keeping the water levels high. Many people in the area have walked past the Eel House many times when strolling along the river, and are delighted to finally get a chance to look inside, to see the eel trap grills and understand how eels were once so plentiful that thousands could be caught in one night. And some come from much further

As usual the APA will be involved in managing some of the road closures at the bottom of the town, a job that we view with anticipation and dread, probably in equal measure. As an organisation we like to say a big “yes” to people in need, but on this day of the year we find ourselves having to say a big “no” to people who want to drive into the town! This doesn’t come easy to us, so please give us a smile rather than a frown - it’s for the safety of everyone.

This year you’ll also see us manning a stand at the festival. We’ll be outside the Co-op where we can hopefully meet many of you and tell you more about what the APA is all about. You never know, you might also be able to buy a bottle of The Pigs gin, although we don’t think there’s much left, so you might want to come earlier rather than later.

afield - a doctor of Landscape Ecology came specially from Wiltshire, with her daughter, to see the Eel House as she’s writing a book on water meadows.

We’re very fortunate that the Watercress and Winterbourne Volunteers provide a fascinating display of invertebrates that they’ve caught that morning in the river – so that visitors can see what a wide range of creatures live in our crystal-clear chalk streams. Children especially love to count the legs and wings! (and of course all are carefully replaced in the river afterwards).

Our next Open Days will be:

Bank Holiday Monday 6th May

Eel House - 11am to 5pm

Museum - 12pm to 4pm

Medieval Bridge - 12pm to 4pm

Bank Holiday Monday 27th May

Museum - 12pm to 4pm

Medieval Bridge - 12pm to 4pm

Sunday June 16th

Eel House - 11am to 5pm

Museum - 12pm to 4pm

Medieval Bridge - 12pm to 4pm

Note: the Medieval Bridge is near the Museum, please ask the Museum volunteers for directions. On June 16th, the Bridge will be open as part of the Broad Street Open Gardens scheme. There will be further Open Days in July, August and September – dates to follow.

We’re aware that there are some people in the community who would like to get more involved with the various activities that we do, but who don’t want to make a permanent commitment to the APA. So why not come and have a chat about becoming ‘a friend’ of The Pigs? As ‘a friend’ we’ll keep in touch with you and let you know what events we are involved in and how you could help.

Please remember, if you know of anyone who needs our help, we are only a phone call, or email away.

Website: www.alrefordpigs.org

Email: info@alresfordpigs.org

Helpline: 01962 658961

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Jackie’s County Corner

So good to see lighter nights at last! With summer events starting this month, please look out for The Watercress Way stand at local fetes and fairs. If you are running an event, please let me know- we’d love to come along.

Since the County Council took over responsibility for parking on roads right across the county, issues are arising right across the division, especially in Alresford. This also means that all concerns about road markings, flooding, and road and street works faults must be reported online to Hampshire County Council.

For simpler problems (including reporting fly tipping), you can use www. FixMyStreet.com too. The County Highways team does not have inspectors and relies mainly on public reports. If

Royals Spotted In Alresford

The Alresford Museum is celebrating the arrival of two new members of the Royal family. Obviously, the paparazzi were out in force to see them for the first time on Easter Monday at the museum in the town’s Old Fire Station in Broad Street.

Young Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are the latest acquisition for the Museum which is building a collection of the town’s most famous exports.

you see a pothole without a surrounding white line, it means one of two things: either it hasn’t been reported or it isn’t deemed bad enough. So please retain your tracking number and track it online as you would a parcel. If nothing gets done, please let me know., so I can chase it too.

The www.hants.gov.uk search box can help with most things, but recently, I have been asked how to apply for a Disabled Parking Bay (called a Blue Badge parking space) on the road near to the home of a household. This information may be of use to readers too.

https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/parking/ bluebadge/bluebadge-parking-place

The County Council has many roles, including social care of adults and children, but it isn’t a housing authority. But I’m acutely aware that inadequate or expensive housing can make life more difficult. I’m often asked ‘how can I apply for a Council house or flat’? To make a start, you need to look at the Hampshire Home Choice pages on the Winchester City Council website https://www.hampshirehomechoice.org.uk. This describes the process and what you will need to do to get started on your journey. If you still live at home with parents, getting to the top of the list may take a while, and meanwhile you can see what is available for rent or for shared ownership.

“Word has got around,” said Museum Trust Chairman Roy Gentry, “and we’re being contacted from around the world by people who want to return Alresford Crafts toys to their rightful home. This latest acquisition of five dolls was given to us by the son of a lady from Lymington. She had an extensive collection, gathered over many years and, after her death, he wanted them to go to a good home.”

John and Margaret Jones started Alresford Crafts trading from the two lower floors of the Town Mill, at the bottom of Mill Hill and, for around 25 years, it was a major business in the town, employing local people. Perhaps more than any other, this business promoted the name of Alresford to consumers across the world. The company adopted a logo that just used the word ‘Alresford’ - adding “… say it Alls-ford” to help with the problem of pronunciation, particularly for their Chinese and Japanese customers!

Originally the company made just soft toys, but in 1977 Alresford Crafts started planning a workshop where doll’s heads, hands and feet

The rain is pouring (again) as I write this, but even so, Water Companies are saying there may be a water shortage in the summer.

A gentle reminder if your tap ran dry earlier this year: have you claimed your compensation yet? Affected residents have been granted sums from £30 to £400 so if you haven’t made your claim yet, it may be worthy doing so. If you are struggling with your bills, you can also apply for a hardship grant using this link. https://www. southernwater.co.uk/water-for-life/community/ customer-and-community-grants/customerhardship-fund

The HCC ‘Future Service’s consultation is now closed, but the threat of loss of School Crossing Patrols, School and Subsidised Bus transport, and the smaller Recycling Centres (Alresford is the smallest of 24) is very real. We really need facilities within villages and towns to make sense of our community: without them we risk being merely a development of houses. I am currently asking residents who use the bus services -do they enable you to manage without a car? If they do, I’d love to hear from you. If they don’t-please let me know why.

Cllr Jackie Porter Jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk Tel: 07973 696085

www.jackieporter.co.uk

could be produced. Initially these were made of bone china, but then production switched to using porcelain. They were proud of producing their dolls wholly in England, and did not call their dolls ‘China dolls’.

Alresford Crafts closed in 1992, but now the Museum is bringing these wonderful toys back to life for the people of Alresford and they will no doubt bring back many memories for the people who worked there. The Museum will be open on August Bank Holiday Monday, entry is free.

The Alresford Museum is part of New Alresford Town Trust a Registered Charity No.239052 and is located

at The Old Fire Station, 54 Broad Street, Alresford, SO24 9AN

Alresford Floors

Unless you attended “Probably mid-Hampshire’s Quiz of the Year 2014” on 22nd March did you realise that “A Divorced Man” is an anagram of David Cameron? An enjoyable well supported evening raised more than £1700 to be shared between the Rotary Gaza appeal https://shelterbox.org/gaza/appeal/ and the Emily Collins school in Uganda https:// emilycollinsschool.com/ . The financial success of the evening was only possible thanks to the very generous support of local independent estate agent Nony Kerr-Smiley https://nonykerrsmiley.com/ , Ragamuffin https://www. ragamuffin-uk.com/home.php, IVC https:// www.ivcuk.com/ and the Academy of Beauty Therapy https://theacademyofbeautytherapy. co.uk/, Soles Butchers https://www. solebutchersofalresford.co.uk/ ,the Naked Grape https://www.thenakedgrape.co.uk/ and the Flowerpots Brewery https://www.theflowerpots. co.uk/

Alresford Rotary will be manning the northern Watercress Festival car park on 19th May and after that its next major community fund

As the weather starts to improve, we are now celebrating the end of another season.

Although it has been a difficult season from a results perspective, our teamwork, positive attitude, and standard of play has been on a constantly improving arc. We played the top two teams in the league in our last two games and, despite losing both games, produced some of our best performances, receiving many positive comments from the opposition coaching staff. All of this has generated a positive mood within the club that we are getting back to a level where we should be and are able to look forward to next season with some optimism.

We have just celebrated our end of season awards dinner, where individual achievements were

raising event will be the 18th annual 10k run from Alresford to Abbotstone and back on the morning of Sunday 16th June. Have a look at https://alresford-rotary.org/10k-race for further information particularly if you’re interested in entering the main event or the children’s fun runs organised by Sun Hill Junior School. If you can help us on the day please contact us in advance and let us know - we would love to see you! Although at the time of writing this piece plans are at a very early stage Alresford Rotary (as part of “Co-ordinating Alresford”) aims to be involved in the “The Big Help Out” on Saturday 8th June https://www.thebighelpout.org.uk/ Do you have a local project where two or three hours intensive input would make a difference?

Hopefully this spring you have enjoyed the flowering of the crocuses and daffodils planted over the years by Alresford Rotary in various local locations including The Avenue, Arlebury Park, Pound Hill, Broad Street and St. John’s churchyard. More purple crocus corms will be planted in the autumn to continue to raise awareness of the Rotary fight for a polio free

acknowledged, stories told, and a good time had by all.

Our Minis/Junior section have had successful Hampshire tournaments recently across the different age groups and the U11s have just returned from a great rugby tour to Haywards Heath.

The season comes to a close on Sunday 28th April but there will be Touch rugby over the summer for children and adults starting on Thursday 13th June so come and give it a go, it’s all free. Although the season has ended, we have a number of events coming up, at which all are welcome.

∙ The Watercress Festival on Sunday 19th May. We will be marshalling the event as usual and will have a stand, so come and say hello, and see details regarding of all the rugby opportunities available to you with the club.

∙ Saturday 15th June – A Celebration of Rugby Day at the rugby pitches behind the Arlebury. There will be a barbecue, touch rugby and other events to keep you entertained on the day.

∙ The Alresford Show on Saturday 7th September. As with the Watercress Festival, we

world. The planting in the border outside Rousseau at Perins revitalised by Alresford Rotary last autumn is becoming well established to welcome students, staff and all comers! At Sun Hill the refurbishment of the nature pond has for the moment been completed with the installation of new decking in early April.

By way of reminder Alresford Rotary considers its “patch” to include not only New Alresford but also the local mid Hampshire villages and continues to aim to expand its involvement with such communities … and hopefully to encourage interest and involvement of those communities in the activities of Alresford Rotary! Although as has been the case for many years the monies raised at this year’s quiz have been donated to international causes, Alresford Rotary is also each year able to give several thousands of pounds to help local needs so please don’t hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can help with. Unless you let us know, we can’t help you and the worst that can happen is that we turn down your request!

James Pinniger

email:indri50@me.com

Phone: 07743 698841 Website: https://alresford-rotary.org

will have a stall there and will be gearing up for the start of the season, plus helping the Pigs in parking cars!

∙ We will hold one or two recruitment events in the late summer/early autumn so please look out for these if you’d like to find out more about volunteering or playing for the club.

As always, our thanks to our sponsors for their continued support during the season and we hopefully look forward to seeing some of you at our upcoming events.

Alresford RFC

Alresford Recreation Centre Arlebury Park The Avenue Alresford Hampshire SO24 9EP www.alresfordrfc.co.uk

Alresford Rugby Club