Itchen valley 135

Itchen Valley

FORUM

Wishing all our readers a Happy and Prosperous New Year JANUARY 2018 • ISSUE 135 • REACHING 18,750 READERS * ITCHEN VALLEY, WINCHESTER & THE WORTHY'S OLD ALRESFORD CANDOVER KILMESTON

BIGHTON

GUNDLETON

ITCHEN ABBAS & STOKE ABBOTS WORTHY

TICHBORNE

MARTYR WORTHY

KINGS WORTHY

ROPLEY & ROPLEY DEAN BRAMDEAN

AVINGTON

HEADBOURNE WORTHY

BISHOP’S SUTTON EASTON

ABBOTT'S BARTON

CHERITON & NEW CHERITON

HINTON AMPNER WEEKE

BEAUWORTH

FULFLOOD

NORTHINGTON FOUR MARKS

ST.CROSS

PRESTON

MEDSTEAD

1

WINCHESTER CITY

Your friendly garage with a personal touch Quality Service & Repairs

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

MOT centre

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

Child friendly customer waiting area

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

Free local collection & delivery service

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

While you wait service

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

Tyres & Exhausts

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

Free courtesy car (by appointment)

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

Computer 4-wheel alignment Check

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

Mention this advert to get £10 off your next MOT

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

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

34 WELCOME ISSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

OU R TEAM Editor - Mark Tubb Tel: 01962 735137 editor@forumpublications.co.uk Sub Editor - Emma Sumpster Tel: 07450 575284 emma@forumpublications.co.uk Advertising Director - Steve Walker Tel: 01962 735137 stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk Advertising Manager - Mandy Head Tel: 01962 735137 mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk Design Manager - Mark Tubb Tel: 01962 735137 editor@forumpublications.co.uk Senior Designer - James Curtis Advertising & Creative Design james@forumpublications.co.uk Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Copy Writer - Gill Grant gill@forumpublications.co.uk Copy Writer - Claire Thurlow claire@forumpublications.co.uk

FORUM PUBLICATIONS LTD 11 BROAD STREET ALRESFORD HAMPSHIRE SO24 9AR TEL: 01962 735137

FEBRUARY COPY DEADLINE JANUARY 15th Printed on recycled paper The Itchen Valley Forum contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine. The Itchen Valley Forum takes reasonable efforts to include accurate, current information on its pages, but make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, safety or value of the published items that are displayed. No liability or responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions in magazine content. The Itchen Valley magazine content does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or recommendations of its creators and any reliance upon its content is taken at the user’s sole risk. Adverts designed by Forum Publications remain the magazine's legal ownership. Š Forum Publications Ltd, 2017 * Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household

05 Property

Buying, selling, letting?

Find local estate agents and property management services

10 Garden

Make your garden dream come true. Or visit local beautiful country gardens

12 Community

Keep up-to-date with what is happening in your area

12, 14, 22, 30, 36, 38, 46, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62

15 Wellbeing

Looking after your health and yourself!

18 Features

Hampshire Mum, Claire Thurlow, Iris Crowfoot and many more

18, 24, 26, 28, 34, 48

29 Motoring

Local services to keep your vehicles running smoothly

32 Retail/Market Square

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

36 Professional

From photographers to solicitors - every professional service you need

40 Education

Find local schools and educational experts

42 Culture

The diverse theatre, music, arts and crafts of Hampshire

44 Animals

From Canine to Equine all your animal needs

45 Home

Trades, services, designers.

All you need for your home

make your kitchen a happy kitchen by changing the doors, worktops and accessories

Itchen Valley Forum readers save 30% during January

We are now taking bookings for 2018 and places are filling up fast.

Treat yourself to a new kitchen this January and receive excellent discounts.

Testimonial “We had just moved and wanted to update and bring colour and a contemporary feel into our existing kitchen but wanted to avoid the large Corporate Companies. We found the answer in Happy Kitchens when Ben brought his showroom to us, and the experience of choosing units and colours turned out to be an exciting one, rather than daunting and disappointing.

When it came to installation, the team of fitters including Martin, James and Mitch were spot-on with their time keeping, efficiency and workmanship. We were consulted where decisions mattered and nothing seemed too much trouble. We are both thrilled with our kitchen and can’t believe the transformation. Post customer service is as important and they can’t be faulted. They even returned to check all the units a week later for any ‘tweaks’. A happy team, led by Ben and we would 100% recommend them. They deserve to do well.” Thank you” – Jane Wareham

La Colette - relax in a real family home Set on a hillside amid its own olive terraces, and near the charming, medieval village of Callas in the region of Ver en Provence 58 miles from Nice Airport, La Colette delivers everything you could wish for to give you the perfect holiday

P R OP ER T Y I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Holiday Villa Amenities you can expect Four En-Suite Bedrooms • Fully Equipped Modern Kitchen • Utility Room with Washing Machine and Tumble Dryer • Comfortable Living Rooms Tennis Court • Swimming Pool with Poolside Shower

For further information Please get in touch with Heather Burke T: 07803 610853 or email: hburkeb@btinternet.com

PROPERTY CONSULTANTS Medstead, GU34 5EL

Tel: 01420 561507 email: gakwilliamson@aol.com

FOR SALE Rare Opportunity - Central Alresford

Private Parking Space or Seperate Lock Up Garage adjacent to Broad Street

Suitable for a Private Domestic Car For full details contact the sole selling agent above 5

All about Alresford Sales, Lettings and Property Management | Call 01962 736333 for a free market appraisal Sales | Property Management | Lettings

ALRESFORD Guide Price: £197,500 | EPC Rating: D

ALRESFORD Guide Price: £345,000 | EPC Rating: D

ALRESFORD Guide Price: £365,000 | EPC Rating: B

ALRESFORD Guide Price: £470,000 | EPC Rating: D

WEST STRATTON Guide Price: £645,000 | EPC Rating: F

MARTYR WORTHY Guide Price: £1,400,000 | EPC Rating: TBA

Last year was another record year for Hellards - we are planning to do even better in 2018!

Come and find out for yourself why we are fast becoming the agent of choice for people looking for a high quality, effective service undertaken in a personal way, tailored to your individual needs.

If you are planning on selling or letting out your home this year, come and talk to one of our friendly team at our office in Broad Street, or call us on 01962 736333.

ALRESFORD Guide Price: £1,250,000 | EPC Rating: C

PRESTON CANDOVER Guide Price: £399,950 | EPC Rating: D

We look forward to hearing from you!

ALRESFORD Guide Price: £675,000 | EPC Rating: D

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

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

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F OR U M BU SIN ESS ISSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Happy New Home

‘I

AT HOME WITH PRADO

f March is the month for mad hares, then January may be the month for, slightly mad estate agents,’ suggests Philip Prado.

‘Joanna did wonder if I’d had a little too much of the Christmas spirit when I suggested an idea to mark our brand new, new brand.’

Jo Prado smiles and takes another sip of coffee. ‘It’s OK,’ she quips. ‘I’ve had him tested and apparently he’s still quite sane.’

Estate agency is a predominantly commissionled business; so with a top to toe new look, and a new year ahead, Philip decided to try something bold, new and independent which puts the client firmly at the heart of the process.

‘For the month of January, anyone who signs up with us to sell their home can pay us what they think our service is worth,’ says Philip. ‘I know it’s a gamble, but nothing ventured, nothing gained and our reputation around Hampshire is such that people know how much we do to make the whole process easy and painless.’

Chilly January is a hot month for property. Many a home owner has called in an estate agent hours after the fireworks have sputtered out. And many a potential buyer is surfing the estate agent websites on New Year’s Day. So it’s not as if Prado is scratching around for clients.

‘We’ve just had a total rebrand which involved looking at our business values, our competition and focusing on what we really want to offer clients – and we’re delighted with the results (big thanks to Thomas Miller Creative in Alresford, who helped us do this). New boards, new website, new brand on the car! We’ve also shortened the name to Prado to reflect Joanna’s increasing involvement. It feels like a brilliant time to do something slightly barmy and possibly beautiful.’

It’s this kind of thinking that meant Philip was always destined to set up independently. While working in a national high street chain, he noticed new clients were coming in and asking for him by name.

‘It was really flattering – and for a long time I didn’t know why,’ he says. ‘Joanna finally pointed it out to me.’

‘Yes,’ says Jo. ‘He doesn’t always notice how good he is at this. He’s absolutely straight with people and genuinely fascinated by their stories – what’s going on with them and what it means in terms of getting them a new home. He’s a bit of a matchmaker, really.

‘House moving is both a thrilling and terrifying thing,’ she continues. ‘It really helps to have a good estate agent guide you through.

Someone who can spot potential – and also point out snags; we’re all on a budget, after all. Philip kept getting recommended by happy new home owners. It’s that simple.’

Since starting their own business in 2011, Philip and Jo, based in Alresford, have won something of a reputation as the dream team.

Jo is super organised, writes up the sales particulars, is ready to pick up calls… and to accommodate Philip’s more outrageous ideas.

‘Actually, I love the idea,’ she said.‘I might change my mind if someone offers £1.50, but I don’t think that’s likely. People understand that we give a lot of our time and expertise, from setting up a great, intuitive recommendation to smoothing the complicated stuff during conveyancing.’

‘And always being on the end of the phone,’ says Philip.

At which point a client calls and they are both instantly engrossed…

pradoestateagents.com

AT EASE WITH FEES IN JANUARY

This January YOU decide what fees YOU want to pay us to sell your property.

We’re confident that you’ll be delighted with our expertise and friendly service based on old fashioned values and a contemporary approach, and to prove it, we’re breaking the mould.

When you register your property with us in January 2018*, you can decide what you think our experience and service is worth and we’ll honour your integrity.

That’s right. No strings. No tricks. Just plain old fashioned values. Is it a deal?

01962 734727 contact@pradoestateagents.com

*Offer valid until midnight 31.01.2018

G A R DEN I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Garden

A SHAPELY BUSINESS

UNVEILING OF EEL HOUSE DONORS BOARD

C

llr Jackie Porter unveiled the Donors Board containing some 92 donors who have contributed ÂŁ49,000 to the Eel House Restoration Fund. Jackie entertained the audience with stories of the Eel House and her procuring the stuffed eel, Ellie, from Hampshire Museum.

Ellie is a frequent visitor at all Open Days. The Board will be affixed to the outside wall, which is adjacent to the small bridge over the River Arle. There were 25 attendees including Janet Goodman, the widow of David, who as Secretary of the Alresford Society, was the original driving force in the Restoration.

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opiary goes as far back as the Ancient Romans with its first known appearance in a Tuscany garden. Here in the UK at Leven Halls in Cumbria, its Grade 1 Listed garden dating back to the 1694 boasts the oldest and most famous topiary in the world. Topiary came into being as part of the birth of formal landscaping during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, which has historically led to the common misconception that you need a large garden to enjoy these shapely shrubs.

Holly, bay trees, and conifers are some of the more popular trees to use, although the King and Queen of topiary is the box and yew tree. Traditionally, dramatic effects were created with geometric shapes in the form of balls, pyramids, spheres and spirals. Today, you can be as whimsical as you wish and go for more fanciful forms such as dolphins, peacocks and butterflies, all in the name of living sculptures. Should you want your very own Mad Hatters Tea Party there are even examples of topiary in the shape of a teacup and saucer! www.hambrooks.co.uk 01489 779998

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In conclusion, a very enjoyable afternoon organised by Pam Stevens, and everyone is looking forward to the 2018 Open Days, which will take place on 1st April, 20th May, 15th July, 27th August and 16th September.

PETER CHIVERS PCS FOR ALL YOUR PEST CONTROL NEEDS: Rats, Mice, Moles, Squirrels, Cockroaches, Rabbits, Pigeons, Bird-Proofing, Mole Trapping Specialist

Call Peter Chivers on: 01256 389124 or Mobile: 07803 096642

ALL AREAS COVERED

There are even clever examples of parterres created for the front gardens of small terraced houses, while small box hedging helps to soften edges where a garden has given over most of its land to hard landscaping and raised beds.

The former Winchester Mayor, Chris Pines, who had opened the restored Eel House in April 2008 performed the presentation to David Woods, and reminisced about his 4 years as a teacher in the Dean School, with their star pupil Colin Firth who lived in Grange Road.

ALL AREAS COVERED

In fact topiary in large country gardens went out of fashion during the eighteenth century and it was the small cottage gardens that carried on the art of clipping hedges into clearly defined shapes.

Today we use topiary in small gardens to give form as well as structure in clearly defined spaces and during the winter months topiary comes into its own with very little competing in the garden for attention.

David Woods the Chair of the Eel House Committee was presented with an engraved Pewter Tankard for his leadership over the 11 years of the project.

BPCA MEMBER - FULLY INSURED 9 STENBURY DRIVE, PRESTON CANDOVER, BASINGSTOKE

ROPLEY TREES PROFESSIONAL TREE CARE SINCE 1987, SPARSHOLT TRAINED FULLY QUALIFIED AND INSURED CALL LYNDN GAUNTLETT:

TEL 01962 791180

G A R DEN I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

available now

sleepers 2.4 x 200 x 100 pressure treated green

ÂŁ15.00 each including vat Call Andrew or Ashley on

01962 733990 www.prospectfencing.co.uk

Prospect Road, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9QF

Fencing Installation Service Available

Family owned and run since 1973, built on great service and value for money Please visit our website for all the latest news, information, second-hand machines for sale; and special offers in the showroom.

Laceys Farm, Bramdean Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0JT

TEL: 01962 771800 steve.cann@btconnect.com www.georgecanngardenmachinery.co.uk

Supply and planting large specimen trees and shrubs Espalier, pleached and instant impact hedges All trees and shrubs carefully selected Design, landscaping and ongoing maintenance Free site visit and consultation Bosque is a trading name of Just Limegrass Ltd. Harko: 07710 502798 Tom: 07855 656984 www.bosque international.co.uk

COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Church Services NEW ALRESFORD St. John the Baptist

Sunday 7 January 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion 17.00 Christingle

@Powerhouse Sunday 14 January 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Second Sunday 18.00 Choral Evensong Saturday 21 January 08.30 Holy Communion 09.00 Parish Communion 18.00 Sundays at Six Sunday 28 January 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion 18.00 Lango Service Every Friday 10.00 Holy Communion Parish Office: 01962 733545 stjohnsalresford.org.uk OLD ALRESFORD St.Mary the Virgin Sunday 7 January 09.30 No Service 18.00 Old Alresfdrd

Cottage Service Sunday 14 January 09.30 Parish Communion

(Old Alresford Place) Sunday 21 January 09.30 No Service Sunday 28 January 11.00 Village Fanily Service Every Thursday 09.00 Holy Communion

at Old Alresford Place Parish Office: 01962 733545 stjohnsalresford.org.uk OVINGTON St.Peter's Sunday 7 January 11.00 Café Church Sunday 14 January 10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 21 January 12

10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 28 January 10.00 Morning Prayer Parish Office: 01962 733545 stjohnsalresford.org.uk NEW ALRESFORD Methodist Church Sunday Worship 10.30 Morning Worship 1st Sunday

Café Worship. Holy

Communion

Monthly Midweek Activities Tuesdays 10.00 Come in for coffee 3rd Tuesday

Men Who Lunch Thursdays 14.30 1st and 3rd Thursdays

Womens Fellowhip 19.30 1st Thursday -

Lydia Group for

ladies Saturdays 09.30 1st Saturday

Bacon Butties Contact: Revd Ruth Fry Tel: 01962 882828

NEW ALRESFORD New Farm Chapel Sunday Services 10.30 Morning Worship,

with creche and

KOSMIC for

children 16.30 Will vary between

talk or discussion

with praise and prayer Midweek Activities Mondays 16.30 Kidz Club Tuesdays 10.15 Toddlers Group Wednesdays 19.30 Alternate Bible

Study / Prayer

Thursdays 10.00 Home Prayer Group 1st Saturday in the month 10.00 (2nd in each month)

Prayer Time www.newfarmchapel.org.uk

11.00

11.00

18.00

BIGHTON O All Saints

NEW ALRESFORD O St. Gregory's

Sunday 3 December 11.00 First Sunday Sunday 10 December 11.00 Parish Communion 16.00 Choral Evensong at

Itchen Stoke Sunday 17 December 17.00 Carol Service Christmas Eve 23.30 First Communion

of Christmas Sunday 31 December 10.00 Benefice

Communion

at St. Peter's,

Ovington Parish Office: 01962 733545 stjohnsalresford.org.uk

Every Sunday 11.00 Mass All other enquiries: 01962 852 804

UPPER ITCHEN BENEFICE Sunday 7 January 09.00 Cheriton

All Age Holy

Communion Sunday 14 January 09.30 Cheriton

Matins 09.30 Bramdean

Holy Communion 11.00 Kilmeston

Family Worship 11.00 Tichborne

Holy Communion

& Plogh Blessing Sunday 21 January 08.30 Beauworth

Holy Communion 09.30 Cheriton

Holy Communion 11.00 Hinton Ampner

Prayer and Praise

with Holy

Communion Friday 28 January 09.30 Cheriton

Holy Communion 09.30 Beauworth

Blessing of the

Plough

Kilmeston Holy Communion Bramdean Morning Worship Tichborne Evensong

ITCHEN VALLEY BENEFICE Sunday 7 January 08.00 Avington

Holy Communion 10.00 Itchen Abbas

All Age Service 11.00 Easton

Matins Sunday 14 January 11.00 Easton

Parish Communion Sunday 21 January 08.00 Martyr Worthy

Holy Communion 10.00 Easton

Valley Worship 16.00 Avington

Evensong Sunday 28 January 08.00 Itchen Abbas

Holy Communion 10.00 Martyr Worthy

Parish Communion 18.00 Easton

Taize

G A R DEN I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

professional, friendly tree & garden services All aspects of tree surgery undertaken Felling & Woodland management fencing • garden services • hedge cutting tpo applications • storm damage utilities • fully qualified & insured

free no obligation quotes

TEL: 07456 232389 enquiries@willow-tree-care.com www.willow-tree-care.com

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

Complete Garden Construction Professional Garden Design & Construction

LANDSCAPING & BRICKWORK SERVICES • GARDEN MAKEOVERS • PATIOS & DRIVEWAYS TURFING & FENCING • FLINTWORK • GARDEN MAINTENANCE (LAWNS , HEDGES ETC ) AND GARDEN CLEARANCE ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN BY EXPERIENCED LOCAL TRADESMEN LOCAL SHOW GARDENS & REFERENCES AVAILABLE

OFFICE: 01962 735750 MOBILE: 07766 900092

geoff_amey@btinternet.com www.completegardenconstruction.co.uk

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

Tel: 01962 732498 Mob: 07879 448141

C&D Trees All Tree & Hedge Care

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

www.cdtrees.co.uk

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

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COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Community CITIZENS ADVICE WINCHESTER DISTRICT Lesley Rose, Advice Services Manager at Citizens Advice Winchester District discusses unfair terms in a gym contract.

Q A

My gym will only allow me to cancel my membership in person. This is written in the contract but I’ve since moved away from the area. What can I do?

If the gym won’t accept your written cancellation ask if they’ve got a complaints procedure in place which you can follow. If not, then send another letter giving them a final chance to end the contract.

If they still won’t agree to cancelling your contract get in touch with an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme - an independent complaints body which settles disputes. The gym may belong to one already, or should provide details of an approved scheme and say whether they’d be prepared to work with it.

You can also contact the Consumer Service or your nearest Citizens Advice for help on cancelling contracts which include possible unfair terms.

To end your gym membership you will need to follow the terms of the contract. However, it’s also possible to challenge any terms which cause unnecessary hassle or are designed to keep you tied into the contract. For this reason, you could try to challenge the term which states you need to end the contract in person.

Advice Winchester District The Winchester Centre 68 St George’s Street, Winchester, SO23 8AH Tel: 01962 848008, Fax: 01962 848005 comms@cawinchesterdistrict.org.uk www.citizensadvice.org.uk/winchester-district

SPORT AND LEISURE PARK CONCEPT DESIGNS - WE WANT YOUR VIEWS

COME ALONG TO WINCHESTER DISCOVERY CENTRE FOR A FREE AWARENESS SESSION AND BECOME A DEMENTIA FRIEND

S

tride Treglown architects in conjunction with LA architects, invite your comments on the initial concept designs for the new Sport & Leisure Centre and the Urban Design Framework for Bar End on Saturday 6th Saturday from 10am - 4pm at the Guildhall Winchester.

River Park Leisure Centre is now more than 40 years old and its capacity to meet the needs of a growing population in Winchester is limited. We have looked at various options for replacing or refurbishing it and has commissioned work from external consultants to test the various options. In September 2015, having looked at the cost and practicality of these various options, the Council agreed that the preferred option, if it is affordable and deliverable, would be a new leisure centre built at Bar End. We purchased the Garrison Ground at Bar End in December 2016. This will secure the future of the Garrison Ground for community sport and leisure use and means that part of the site can be evaluated as an option for the location of the city's new sport and leisure centre. The current estimates from consultants indicate that a new leisure centre at Bar End would cost in the region of £37 million. It would take approximately three years to design and build.

If you would like further information about the project then please email your enquiry to leisurecentreproject@winchester. gov.uk or visit: www.winchester.gov.uk and search sport and leisure park concept designs.

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Start by writing a letter or email explaining you want to end your membership and why you can’t do so in person. If writing a letter, it’s best to use recorded delivery so you have proof that the letter arrived.

A

Dementia Friend learns a little bit more about what it's like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action - anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend.

Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. From telling friends about Dementia Friends to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts.

Information Sessions are run by volunteer Dementia Friends Champions, who are trained and supported by Alzheimer’s Society. Each Information Session lasts around one hour. Learn more about dementia and how you can help to create dementia friendly communities.

Sessions are held at Winchester Discovery Centre on: January 18th 2018 at 12:00 January 18th 2018 at 13:00 February 22nd 2018 at 18:00 February 22nd 2018 at 19:00 March 24th 2018 at 11:00 March 24th 2018 at 12:00 Winchester Discovery Centre, Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8SB Contact Information - Tel: 01962 848 083

Tuesdays 6.15pm

Available to all residents living in the Winchester district with a landline telephone connection

from 16th January onwards

ISSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

BRAND NEW BEGINNERS CLASS STARTING

WELLBEIN G

WANT TO TRY PILATES IN 2018?

Vulnerable relative or friend?

Alone for long periods of time?

Places limited and allocated on 'a first come first served basis'

Call/Text: 07771 522665 Email: sallyhogg@btinternet.com www.alresford pilates.co.uk

The Studio: 26A The Dean, Alresford, SO24 9AZ

Turn their telephone into a lifeline allowing them to call for assistance with the press of a button • No more struggling to get to the phone • Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year • Friendly operators with access to named contacts and emergency services • Neck Pendants available • One button to activate

• Less than 50p a day For more details contact Winchester Lifeline  01962 855335  Lifeline@winchester.gov.uk

15

F OR U M BU SIN ESS ISSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

THE FORUM TALKS WITH

David Keighley: Therapy Retreats

T

o be in the company of therapist David Keighley is an education. If therapy is designed to make one stop and really think, acknowledge, learn, accept and change, then David is a conduit and guide to enable that to happen. For the purposes of my visit the relationship between interviewee and interviewer were clearly defined; I came away intrigued and thoughtful.

David’s qualifications warrant an article of their own, suffice to say he has held teaching positions in an Adolescent Crisis Unit in a psychiatric hospital and in state and special schools. He has also trained RAF staff in counselling Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and in the Obesity Unit of Addenbrooke's Hospital, as well as posts within Universities.

“We were living near Saltash in Cornwall and then near Fowey before moving to Hampshire some twenty years ago now. Having studied theology and psychology I was working as an Anglican clergyman within the church but was also increasing my therapy work. I was able to work part time within the church and work at my therapy practice at the same time. Now I have retired from church life I have returned to my original career as a psychotherapist”.

David continues to review neurological research and it’s implications for counselling and is currently studying for a Diploma in philosophy, “It’s the next logical step in a lifetimes study of humanity”.

David’s professional development is derived from many different psychological and spiritual sources - Christian and Buddhist teachings, Jung and Socrates, and authors such as the American Bishop Jack Spong and Hampshire’s Krishnamurti.

So is his therapy based on brain or soul - science or theology? The answer is both.

“Within Christian teaching there are stories and ‘miracles’ that have become increasingly questionable in this age, but it is important to take on the meaning behind them.When Christianity talks of the ‘Resurrection’ I think that it is possible for people to be reborn in the ‘now’ to challenge and ultimately change their problematical thought processes of the past and their behaviour in the future, but my therapies are not exclusively based in Christianity” In March 2016 David launched IIT – Instant Image Therapy – at the Royal Society of Medicine, of which he is a senior associate. He had developed IIT over four decades of evidence based practice which now underpins David’s ‘Therapy Retreats’ business. A business which offers intense, cognitive therapies for a range of emotional conditions, e.g. anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and relationship concerns. The most popular of his couple-therapy retreats is ‘Save your Marriage in Three Days’, designed to rescue a failing relationship.These retreats are

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located in select rural locations across Hampshire according to client’s requirements.” Some clients like a spa environment, others like a B&B atmosphere, while others want to immerse themselves in private hotel accommodation”.

All retreats are on a one to one or one to one couple basis.

Whatever the preferred location or type,Therapy Retreats can provide a perfect venue to suit.

David’s web site contains many glowing and grateful testimonials to the success of Therapy Retreats.

David explains, “It’s crucial to get people away from their everyday life in order to truly help, away from the city, their careers, family and all that goes with that 24/7 contact via phone, email and internet so that they can reflect and truly focus.”

It is the findings of our age that David is concerned with, “I believe there are significant problems with unrealistic educational attainment as a starting point, as well as traditional cultural and religious teachings which influence our past and hence our futures. Krishnamurti advocated the consideration and ultimately the rejection of all ideological teaching whether religious or political as a way forward.”

In microcosm, David’s cognitive therapies release client’s from those constraints by analysing the notion that living in the fears of the past or the worries of the future are both areas of stress and we should ultimately live the present.Time is, after all, ‘now’.

“The brain can be lazy and tries to encourage you to continue living with long term habits from the past. If you are a bad driver the brain will continue to let you drive badly – until you make the effort to change and learn new, better habits. In this current age many people seem to exist in the past.Their conditioning, memories and learnt experiences are allowed to contaminate their present lives. And their concern for their future encourages stress and anxiety concerning things we have no control over.What is missing is our existence in the ‘now’. If we lived in the now, in this very second, in this heart beat then the taught traits of the past would be dissolved and the potential stresses and loss of control regarding a future not yet lived would disappear. I see the education of our children as fundamental to the problems we, and they as adults, will face in the future.The constant drive to achieve, be better, judge others and ourselves without any notion of what makes an individual happy, misses the point of what life is all about. Many people I see have so much materially but happiness is totally missing from their lives. I show them a new take on their life. ” If you would like more information on any aspect of David’s work please visit: www.therapyretreats.com

OUR RETREATS

OUR VENUES

Our retreats have been refined over nearly four decades of clinical experience and counselling expertise. During this time we have addressed, and specialised in meeting, the major emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of thousands of clients. We are now able to offer the benefits of this validated experience in our successful range of professional programmes and therapies.

The venues chosen for Therapy Retreats have been carefully selected to offer clients a comfortable and peaceful base in a rural environment for the duration of their stay.They are ideal locations for rest and relaxation as well as being the base for the confidential therapy sessions of your retreat. Each venue is private to each client or couple. Cadhay is used for occasional training or group work.

OUR THERAPIES Our therapies and approaches to dealing with the concerns of our clients are a unique combination of the most effective and validated treatments available. They range from aspects of ancient spiritual wisdom of the past (long before the new 'science' of psychology was established 150 years ago) to those utilising the most recent research from neurology and the biological sciences. Cultural and social research also make significant contributions to our approach.Therapy Retreats offers programmes devised from the clinical experience of nearly four decades. You can have complete confidence in choosing one of our retreats to help you resolve your concerns. "All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts." James Allen 1864 "You can't stop negative thoughts from popping into your head, but you can choose to stop letting them control you and your life." You are what you think! Therapy Retreats shows you how to overcome your past for the benefit of your future. group work.

T: 0845 226 2730

M: 07736 799262

E: info@therapyretreats.com

THERAPY RETREATS LTD, SUITE 503, ANDOVER HOUSE, GEORGE YARD, ANDOVER, HAMPSHIRE, SP10 1PB

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F EAT U R E I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Saving Winchester City Mill, one brownie at a time

T

here’s nothing better than the smell of chocolate brownies baking on a chilly Saturday afternoon.

That morning, my family had bought fresh stoneground flour from Winchester City Mill and we got the brownie recipe there too – the National Trust has produced it as part of a fundraising campaign to help save the Mill.

view and a special interest in observing what happened next.

‘The Mill was the pinch-point in the river, so the Environment Agency installed a pump and an enormous pipe from up by The Willow Tree pub, along Water Lane, round the Mill and back into the river.’ Eventually the trapped water was pumped away and the Mill emerged from the flood. It was still standing, but how much damage had been done inside?

My sons stayed up at street level, watching a miller feed grain into a hopper which trickles it steadily down between two mill stones. The upper stone grinds the grain as it turns, flour is sprayed out through a chute by the lower stone and this is bagged up for sale in the shop. The power house is at river level. The force of the River Itchen rotates the paddles of the mill wheel and its energy is transmitted upwards through a mighty set of gears to the mill stones. The Saxon millwrights who first built here picked a good spot: the site beside Bridge Street is at the narrowest point of the main channel of the River Itchen in Winchester. It’s the perfect location for harnessing the maximum power from the river - but not so good when the river floods, as it did in February 2014.

The paddle wheel and milling machinery had been completely destroyed, but insurance covered this and they were repaired within a year. Inspectors took the opportunity to remove old wall partitions and ceiling panels which had been installed throughout the basement in the 1970s, during the YHA’s tenancy of the building. They revealed a wonderful surprise - ancient timbers made from wood which had been growing during the time of the Norman Conquest. They also revealed wet rot, expedited by the flood, galloping through the structure.

Ric showed me an antique lintel with the consistency of Weetabix and a joist, which was supposed to be resting on the lintel, floating in mid-air. More than 50 emergency props were promptly installed to support the two stories above.

I went down to the basement to see the damage. The room seemed dry and I could hear the controlled rushing of water through the fast channel next door and the Mill rumbling industriously above. However the manager, Ric Weeks, remembers standing neck-deep in water there nearly four years ago. ‘It was like a giant washing machine, with water coming in around the window frame and running out through the walls.

The whole building was shaking as debris washed down the river and crashed into it.’

Since then, the public has come to the Mill’s rescue, supporting raffles, events like a ‘Millathon’ (30 hours non-stop milling) and a duck race. So far, they have raised £80,000 of the £125,000 required to secure the Mill, enabling the restoration work to start. Despite the complexity of the repairs, most of the Mill remains open.Visitors can watch conservation carpenters from a special viewing platform, as they gradually take down the ancient timbers, exposing the bowels of the building, before replacing the rotted parts with modern wood, then putting them back again. If all goes to plan, the Mill should re-open in time for Easter when families can watch hot cross bun-baking demonstrations or explore the Mill’s nooks and crannies on a Cadbury egg hunt. And I highly recommend chocolate brownies made from fresh stoneground flour – they’re delicious.

Winchester was saved from flooding by a bold scheme. The Environment Agency closed one lane of the M3, allowing the fire brigade to lower 70 one-tonne bags of gravel into the swollen river, damming it and filling the floodplain near Easton.

This stopped more water entering the city and the floods subsided in most places after a couple of weeks. But this did not help the Mill - water could not escape downstream and it remained submerged. Ric said, ‘Those were the worst three months of my life, trying to fire-fight the flood in the hope there would be something left at the end of it.’

Volunteer miller, Charles Lidbury, lives in a nearby cottage with a garden running down to the river. He had a ring-side

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Iris Crowfoot Iris.crowfoot@gmail.com www.HamboneJunior.com Donate - You can donate online to the National Trust on call: 01962 870057. Or you can stop by the mill any time and donate or buy a National Trust Special Places raffle ticket.

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Wellbeing

ISSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

THE MOMENT HAS FINALLY ARRIVED: YOGA CLASSES FOR CHILDREN ARE COMING TO WINCHESTER!

ALRESFORD SURGERY NEWS Teenage boosters The teenage booster, also known as the 3-in-1 or the Td/IPV vaccine, is given to boost protection against 3 separate diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and polio to children in Year Nine.

Previously this vaccination was given to patients at the Surgery but this will now be carried out by the School Nursing team at your child's Secondary School. Parents will be sent a letter from their child's school shortly before the vaccinations are planned to ask for their or their child's consent.

Looking after yourselves and your children Coughs. Did you know? The common cold lasts about 10 days and a cough about 3 weeks. Most of them are caused by viruses and so cannot be treated with antibiotics. Most healthy adults will not need antibiotics if they do not appear particularly unwell.

However frail, elderly patients, or adults with other medical conditions or medications which make them more susceptible to bacterial illness, may need to be assessed.

S

ilvia from Sol Yoga has been teaching Yoga since September 2012 and she now feels the time has come to offer Yoga to our young ones too. “You are never too young to do Yoga” she enthuses, “Yoga is a Science of Inner Wellbeing and the younger we start, the easier it is for us to stay balanced within the storm of life.”

“Yoga has made such a difference in my own life – it has given me so much strength and resilience! And the time has come now for me to share my passion for Yoga with children. I love children and so enjoy my weekly Dance Classes with them.Yet children are so overstimulated these days, they have a lot of impressions thrown at them on a daily basis and most of them are finding it very difficult to calm themselves down.Yoga provides a wonderful way of learning how to re-balance yourself even at a very young age.”

“Parents have been asking me for the last couple of years, when I shall be offering Yoga for children, so here we are starting with one Yoga Class for children aged 4 to 13 from 5pm - 5.30pm on Monday 8 January 2018 at the Winchester Discovery Centre SO23 8SB. We expect great interest, so we are asking parents to book as soon as possible.”

Looking forward to welcoming your youngsters on the Yoga Mat! Silvia - Sol Yoga www.sol-yoga.co.uk

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We know that, when faced with an unwell child, parents often find it difficult to be sure whether the child needs to see a doctor, or whether they can be managed with sensible self-care at home.

It can also be hard to judge how urgently a child might need to be seen.

Should the child wait for an appointment? Should the child go to A and E? There are two excellent sources of help for parents who are concerned about their children with cough. One is the Healthier Together website http://www.what0-18.nhs.uk which covers a large range of childhood conditions.

Another is the Caring for children with coughs website; http://child-cough.bristol.ac.uk which has been produced by Bristol University.

We have an example of this leaflet on our “Looking after yourself and your children” noticeboard at the surgery. If you walk straight ahead on entering the surgery, you will see it on the left hand wall before dispensary.

Urine Specimens If the doctor has requested that you bring in a urine specimen please ensure you follow these simple guidelines • We can only accept samples which are in appropriate sample containers, as using jars or containers from the home could contaminate your sample. You can collect urine sample bottles from reception • Ensure your specimen is labelled with your name and date of birth. Any sample not labelled will not be able to be identified by the nurse, and will be disposed of.

• Please ensure you hand your urine sample to a Receptionist and not just leave it on the Reception desk, we understand that at times our Reception desk does get busy but it is important that you hand the specimen over to the Receptionist wherever possible.

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

HAIR

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Closed 9.00 - 5.30 9.00 - 7.00 9.00 - 8.00 9.00 - 5.30 9.00 - 5.00 Closed

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To make an appointment please call Tel: 01962 733100 www.alresfordhaircare.co.uk

Half Price Cut and blow dry with any full price colour (selected stylists)

50% off Kerastraight treatment selected stylists

BEAUTY

ISSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

NEW YEAR OFFERS

WELLBEIN G

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Tues 3 for 2 on all waxing Wed Shellac manicure and pedicure £40 Thurs 20% off back, neck and shoulder massage Fri 50% off full body spray tan Sat 20% off luxury facial Please cut out and bring this voucher with you when you book to receive these fantastic offers. Or alternatively make your booking using voucher code: FORUM135. (Only one voucher offer per person)

18 West Street, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9AT

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Jikiden Reiki, Holistic Massage and Bodywork Therapies, Hair Analysis Testing

The Natural Cleanse Effect With so much focus on the best way to cleanse & detox after the festive season, why don’t we pay more attention to the health of our lymphatic system? It’s your body’s natural detoxifying system that protects you from infection & disease, by cleaning up after almost all of the other systems in the body.

07780 953 143 www.greenwood-therapies.com carol@greenwood-therapies.com

Keeping the lymphatic system moving is important as it relies on the contraction of our muscles and the pumping action of deep breathing, so it can become sluggish if you’re not very active, this is where Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD) can help.

RLD, a specific foot treatment, can help to stimulate and move lymph fluid effectively around your body to help reduce fluid Specialising in retention, calm inflammatory conditions, and rejuvenate your women’s health, mind & body - providing that boost your lymphatic system wellbeing and & vitality at this time of year. needs for better health

Your Local Chiropody Clinic is at:

For more information Based in Ropleyor to book a RLD treatment, 07981Harriet 994188 on: 07981 994188 call

1 East Street Alresford Hants SO24 9EE

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Alresford Pharmacy Tel: 01189 67 58 53 www.mystreetfeet.com

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COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Clubs & Societies Nick: 07931 456214 info@cheritoncc.com www.cheritoncc.com

65+ SPORTS & FITNESS O ACA Badminton Club For more information contact: Call Clive Earthy: 01962 733812 O Alresford Badminton Club For more information contact: Contact: Martin Brickwood, email: brickwoods@talktalk.net Phone:02380 693711

O Children’s Judo Club For more information contact: Lance Wicks - Telephone: 07787 565233 Email: lw@ judocoach.com O Cyclists’ Touring Club For more information contact: Tel: 01962 864479 www.southhampshirectc.org.uk

O Alresford Bowling Club For more information contact: Barry Morgan (club secretary) 01962 733477 and on the club www.alresfordbowlingclub.org.uk

O Fitique Run Club For more information contact Melissa (07708) 532210 / sales@ fitique.co.uk Facebook page: Fitique Run Club

O Ropley Bowling Club For more information contact Gill Moore on: 01420 563139 gillianfmoore@yahoo.co.uk

O Fitique Women’s Cycle Club For more information contact Victoria on (01962) 733154 victoria@fitique.co.uk

O Alresford Golf Club For more information contact Tel: 01962 733746. secretary @alresfordgolf.co.uk www.alresfordgolf.co.uk

O Judo Club For more information contact: Steve Fullick, 10 Perins Close, Alresford Tel: 01962 732883

O Alresford Netball Club For more information contact Donna: 01420 561755 or 07860 931150 donnabirtles@fsmail.net

O Practical Wing Chun Classes For more information contact: Contact Gary: 07986 298283 or see www.uctuk.co.uk

O Alresford Rugby Football Club For more information contact: Seniors’ Head Coach: 07964 423001. Minis contact: alresfordminisrugby@gmail.com or visit www.alresfordrfc.co.uk O Alresford Tennis Club For more information contact: Howard Lewis on 01962 733818 O Alresford Yacht Club For more information contact: Contact Valerie: 01962 808827 valeriej.powell@tiscali.co.uk O Chawton Park Indoor Bowls Club For more information contact: Chawton Park Road, Alton.

Tel: 01420 541546 O Cheriton Cricket Club For more information contact:

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O Cheriton Tennis Club For more information contact: Donna at Don Perrin Tennis: 07928 855175. www. cheritontennisclub.co.uk

O Ropley Tennis Club For more information visit: www.ropleytennis.org.uk O Tai Chi For more information contact: call: 02380 651223 or email taichienquiries@gmail.com O Tichborne Park Cricket Club For more information contact: Andy Joyce on Tel: 01962 734316 andypjoyce@hotmail.com

MUSIC & DANCE O Alresford Community Choir (ACC) For more information visit: www.alresfordchoir.com O Alresford Ukulele Jam For more information visit: alresfordukejam@outlook.com Tel: 01962 710385 http://facebook.com/ AlresfordUkeJam

Tel: 079474 10394 www.zumbaaround-winchester.com or sue@ plays-r-ussell.com O Zumba Classes Bramdean Village Hall Every Thursday 6pm to 7pm.

Zumba Kids (Aged 8 to 13) Alresford St. Gregory Church Hall, 1 Grange Rd, SO24 9HD every Monday 4.45pm to 5.30pm.

More details www.murielezumba. com Tel. 07821 545403

O Bishops Sutton Handbell Ringing Team For more information contact: 01962 736211 O Four Marks Folk Band For more information contact: Peter Treacher on: 01420 562794 O Minden Rose Garland Dancers For more information contact Imelda on: 01962 773487/07762 902143 to check we will be there.

O The Candover Valley Bell Ringers For more information contact Carol: 01256 389387 O The Cheriton Singers For more information call 01962 771796 or visit www. cheritonsingers.hampshire.org.uk O The Medstead Players For more information contact: Lesley Rae, Fiver, High Street, Medstead.Tel: 01420 56563916 www.medsteadplayers.co.uk O The Waynflete Singers For more information visit: waynflete.hampshire.org.uk O Winchester Music Club For more information visit: ww.winchestermusicclub.org.uk O Wessex Mature Dancers Classes held in Alresford, Bishop's Waltham and Winchester including the new RAD Silver Swans! Tel. Maureen on 07817 502260 Wessexmaturedancers@gmail. com Wessexmaturedancers.co.uk

65+

O Zumba Classes For more information contact

ARTS & CRAFTS O Alresford Area Craft Club For more information contact: Sandy: 01962 732995

65+

O Alresford Art Society For more information visit: www.artsociety.alresford.org Tel: 01962 736751 artsociety@ alresford.org O A.C.T.S - Alresford Community Theatre Society For more information contact Debbie: 01962 732055 markwick34@gmail.com O The Cheriton Players For more information visit: www.facebook.com/groups/ 120589672533. Or contact David Cradduck: 01962 771700 www.thecheritonplayers.org.uk O Wessex Sculptors For more information contact: Carole Scobling: 01962 771259

FOR DETAIL ON THESE LISTINGS VISIT www.forumpublications.co.uk Click on the local information button on the menu. Select the Itchen Valley and browse all your local clubs and societies in detail with direct links to their websites

65+

FEATURE

Help needed to mend The South Downs Way

ISSUE 135 | JANUARY

P

lease donate to help mend the South Downs Way is the plea going out to everyone who loves and uses the 160km national trail which runs all the way from Winchester to Eastbourne. The 20,000 people who walk, cycle or ride its length each year, the millions more who explore sections of the trail and everyone who loves the trail are being asked to help raise £120,000 to mend broken sections of the trail.

“We know how much people love the South Downs Way,” says Andy Gattiker, South Downs Way trail officer. “They share glorious photos and stories with us every day – now we’re asking for their help to mend it. Fifteen thousand pairs of boots, 10,000 tyres and 800 hooves travelling the length of the trail each year cause a lot of wear and tear! Our existing funding allows us to make most repairs but there are a number of significant projects which, because they are on more remote sections of the path, are too expensive to tackle using existing funds. Each year, as the erosion and mud gets worse, they get more damaged and become harder to fix.”

The ‘Mend our Way’ campaign is being run by the South Downs National Park Trust, a new charity which works with partners to protect the National Park for future generations. Find out more and pledge your support at www.southdowns.gov.uk/mendourway

What needs to be done?

Inglorious mud!

Old Winchester Hill is a scheduled ancient monument with an Iron Age Hill Fort, a Bronze Age cemetery and is also a National Nature Reserve. No wonder that it’s one of the most iconic hills in the National Park. But the route up to it becomes a slippery kilometre of boot-churned mud every winter. Being inaccessible to machinery

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and vehicles makes it a great place to be (when it’s dry) but almost impossible to fix. We need £50,000 to scrape away the mud and replace the surface with stones.

Remote location seeks sensitive scar repairs For one of the most remote sites on the South Downs Way Millpond Bottom, between Beacon Hill and Penn Hill, has some impressive scaring. Successive feet, wheels and hooves have more than doubled the width of the chalk track – putting nearby sensitive Scheduled Ancient Monuments at risk. We need £15,000 to safely transport materials to the site, mend the trail and keep walkers on the straight and narrow.

Paying the price of popularity More than 80,000 people walk the high Plumpton Plain track between Ditchling Beacon and the market town of Lewes every year and although it’s 200m above the sea, the path is flat so surface water is a big problem. At more than 1km long and at least 3m wide, we need £25,000 to repair, strengthen and add drainage so the path can continue to give joy to thousands of people.

Water water everywhere Hyden Lane near Butser Hill sits on top of the chalk ridge but suffers from a lack of drainage. As large puddles get trapped on the busy track the surface breaks up and becomes muddy. It will take £35,000 to fix 1.6km of the track – replacing the existing surface with new layers and creating a camber to help it drain.

‘Mend our Way’ is part of the national ‘Make a Million’ initiative, run by the British Mountaineering Council, which seeks to raise £1,000,000 for some of the UK’s most treasured trails. Find out more at mendmountains.thebmc.co.uk

COMMU N IT Y WELLBEIN G

Clubs & Societies 65+

ISSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

SENIOR CITIZENS O The Royal British Legion For more information contact: www.britishlegion.org.uk/ branches/eastleigh

Wellbeing NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS – ZUMBA STYLE!

O New Alresford W.I. For more information contact Kate at kitcat1108@aol.com or 01962 733785 O The Alresford Society For more information contact Sue Alexander on: 01962 732043 suealex13@gmail.com O The Giles Group For more information call Nick Denbow on: 01962 734824

O Alresford Day Care Centre For more information contact: Tel: 01962 735612

O Dog Training Classes For more information contact: Janet Gray: 01420 562869 www.janetgraydogtraining.co.uk

O Senior Citizens Hour For more information contact: Mrs Jill Hardiman, 6 Mallard Close, Alresford.Tel: 01962 733765

O Learn To Play Bridge Contact: Margaret Blewett on 01962 734797 or email: bridgewisembl@gmail.com

O Alresford Senior Citizens Lunch Club For more information contact: Liz Garton: 01962 733125 or Elaine Secluna: 01962 733192

O Royal Air Forces Association For more information contact: Derek Sweetenham (Chairman) 01962 733559, or Brian Gabriel (Secretary) 01962 734482

65+

1. Eat lots – you will burn it off in class!

2. Drink lots - maybe keep that glass of wine til after class, alcohol doesn’t always aid coordination!

3. Attend lots of classes (Bishops Sutton class Wednesdays 7.45pm (Village Hall) and Itchen Abbas classes Mondays 6.30pm and Fridays 10 am (Millennium Village Hall) the better you know the music, the more you’ll enjoy the routines 4. Smile and laugh lots – laughter is the best medicine especially at this time of the year!

5. Forget your inhibitions – make 2018 the year you ‘just do it’ (..still talking zumba here) 6. Forget the gym – music can lift you without any equipment!

7. Forget the ‘no pain no gain’ jargon. Exercise at your own level – injury is no fun.

8. Travel the world – zumba music is from all continents.

9. Make new friends – all classes friendly!

10. Stop making excuses – come to Zumba! What are you waiting for?

Happy New Zumba Year - Sue Still not convinced? Ring me Sue Russell on 07947410394 or email me sue@plays-r-ussell.com or check out my website www.zumba-around-winchester.com

Discover for yourself why you should make Fresh Air Fridays part ofwhy your life….

Discover forfor yourself you should make Discover yourself why you should make Fresh AirAirFridays your life...

Fresh Fridays part part ofofyour life….

O Alresford Royal Naval Fresh Air Fridays gives you time to: Fresh AirFridays Fridays gives you Association Fresh Air you time to: time to: Relax Stillgives your mind Learn For more information contact: Relax Still mind Learn Relax Stillyour your mind Learn Move your body Connect with nature Make friends Secretary – Mike Edwards Labelle Move your your body Connect with Make friends Move body Connect withnature nature Make friends drakkarcowes@aol.com

In and aroundIn Alresford, SO24 Inbeautiful and around beautiful Alresford, SO24 SO24 and around beautiful Alresford,

HORTICULTURE O Alresford & District Horticultural Society For more information contact: Clare Read on: 01962 735172 O Ropley Horticultural Society . For more more information contact Jill on 01962 772425 or Ropley.hort.soc@btinternet.com.

O Alresford Flower Club For more information contact Pearl Court: 01962 734441

OTHER CLUBS AND SOCIETIES O Alresford Rotary Club For more information visit www.alresfordrotary.co.uk or contact secretary Jon Pittam on: 01962 733903

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O Alresford Twinning th Friday of every month 4th Friday of every 4month 4th Friday of each month Association 9.30 am – 12.30 pm 9.30 am – 12.30 pm 9.30am - 12.30pm For more information contact: Jeanette Pratt, Fresh Air Fridays Facilitator Jeanette Pratt, Fresh Air Fridays Facilitator Further details at: www.freshairfridays.co.uk/Jeanette-pratt/ Jean on 01962 733131 Jeanette Pratt Email me on: jpratt62@gmail.com or Further details at: www.freshairfridays.co.uk/Jeanette-pratt/ jahalresford-twinning@ Further details at:Call Fresh Air www.freshairfridays.co.uk/Jeanette-pratt/ memeon: 119960 for more Email on07709 jpratt62@gmail.com or information and to Fridays Facilitator yahoo.co.uk book your on ainformation session and to book your free first Call me on 07709119960 for more session Email me on jpratt62@gmail.com orplace Call me on 07709119960 for more information and to book your free first session

O Itchen Reading Group For more information contact: to Jane on: 01962 735020.

O Alresford Historical and Literary Society Bob Fowler - 01962 734125 secretary@alresfordhistandlit.co.uk O The Alresford Ladies Group For more information contact Pearl Page: 01962 734665

WELLBEIN G ISSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Traditional Chinese Medicine· Cosmetic Acupuncture Alresford· Southampton • Free consultation • Pay for 8 treatments and receive the 9th free • Pay for a course of 8 cosmetic acupuncture treatments to receive 10% discount See website for further details

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Ayurvedic Kansa Wand face and body treatments Gentle, healing and luxurious treatments to promote peace and wellness; ease stress, exhaustion as well as reviving the skin tone.

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Contact me on: 07887 878567 www.sallycurson.co.uk

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F EAT U R E I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

The Deer Dilemma

BY CLAIRE THURLOW

C

hristmas is over for another year, and with it all signs of Dasher, Dancer and the rest of the team.There haven’t been any wild reindeer in Britain for around 800 years, but a herd was successfully introduced in the Cairngorms.

You might see one roaming in the National Park, but it’s unlikely they will ever become numerous enough to be a nuisance.

In the south-east we may not have reindeer, but we certainly have plenty of deer, and in some places, far too many of them. Not only do they cause thousands of road accidents every year, but they are voracious eaters who don’t confine themselves to the countryside. In 2014 the city of Salisbury faced the dilemma of deer taking up residence in the cemetery beside a busy road on the edge of town.The image of fawns curled up between the gravestones may be endearing, but not for grieving relatives when funeral flowers have been devoured.The authorities were forced to remove all the rose bushes from the Garden of Remembrance as these were decimated by the deer. Debate continued about how to get rid of these stubborn, if photogenic, pests. A deer fence?

Impractical at nearly two metres high. A cull? Unpopular. As an official commented: “I don’t want to be on the council that shot Bambi!” Driving past this spot last year, I noticed two deer, unperturbed by the traffic, grazing in the cemetery as if they owned the place.

Less likely to be seen in town is the muntjac, which prefers woodland, farmland and scrub. But it will happily forage in gardens, trample on crops and has even been seen grazing on a traffic island. It’s about the size of a large dog, and is known as ‘the barking deer’ due to the canine sounds it produces. I had forgotten how peculiar they look, until one stepped out in front of my car recently (fortunately it was on a quiet, straight

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road so I could avoid hitting it).These are stocky creatures, with longer legs at the back than the front, giving them a hunched appearance, and they have short, rather devilish horns, rather than elegant antlers. Unlike other deer, the muntjac prefers to fight like a boar, having canine front teeth which protrude from its mouth as tusks. Looking at those, I can see why muntjacs are blamed for widespread damage to tree trunks.

This one sauntered from thick woodland and stopped in the middle of the road to stare at me. Apart from the ginger face, its coat is brown in winter with white undersides and tail, which it flicks when agitated. Although plentiful in Britain, and increasing steadily, the muntjac is not a native species, having been introduced from China in the early twentieth century. A number escaped or were deliberately released from private estates and feral populations have thrived ever since. One factor in their success may be that, unlike other deer, they have no fixed breeding season and can produce young at any time of year.

The muntjac is certainly a survivor. Fossils date the species to the Miocene period, meaning it was walking the planet as much as 23 million years ago. It’s incredible to consider that this diminutive deer has changed little since the days of the sabre-toothed tiger and the woolly mammoth. It has survived predators and climate change, including an ice age or two. No matter what this winter throws at us, there’s little doubt that the muntjac will take it all in its stride.

MOTOR IN G I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Repairs Servicing M.O.T

WILCAN MOTOR COMPANY LTD

Servicing, MOT, Tyres & Bodywork Repairs

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

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

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

Independent Garage and MOT Testing Centre Established in1999 - All makes of car serviced and repaired - Saab approved repairer and Subaru specialist Free collection, delivery and courtesy car (when available) Competitively priced tyres - Batteries - Vehicle Diagnostics - Exhausts

Telephone Gary or Andy on 01962 771331 or 771881 www.northmotor.co.uk info@northmotor.co.uk

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

01962 732338 L.P.G.A approved autogas conversions www.autogas.com

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

The government has committed to this fuel difference for the future.

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

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

CERTIFICATED ENGINEERS • RECOVERY AVAILABLE •

29

COMMU N IT Y

Community

AVAILABLE FOR:

MOTOR IN G ISSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

VILLAGE AGENT - ALRESFORD SAFE AND WELL VISIT

D

enise and Fiona are the local Age Concern Hampshire ‘Village Agent’ volunteers for Alresford.

Their role is to help older people in their local community to find information and services such as:

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

A LRESFORD g’ !

not m y c, its ba sti la

Good news! Anyone aged 65 and over in Hampshire, who is registered with a GP, now automatically qualifies for a Hampshire Fire and Rescue Safe and Well visit, which is designed to help you stay safe in your home for longer.

This free home safety visit will be arranged with you in advance, so there should be no surprises when the uniformed member of Hampshire Fire and Rescue (HFRS) calls at your door. He, or she, will talk with you about what it is like living in your home, and carry out a Home Safety check to reduce the risk of fire and accidents.

They can even fit some equipment there and then, if required.

HFRS can provide free of charge: • A custom-made information pack • Install new and check existing smoke alarms • Advice on where to get additional help if needed

OR VISIT WWW.PRESTIGECARSALRESFORD.CO.UK

OUR NEW FREE ITCHEN VALLEY

T

CALENDAR 2018 IS AVAILABLE

he useful and long awaited 2018 Itchen Valley Calendar is now available. This year we are trying to reach as Itchen Valley many homes as possible Calendar 2018 door to door. If you have not had a calendar delivered to your home then copies are freely available from Hellards Estate Agents, Broad Street, Alresford or the Hampshire County Library also in Broad Street, Alresford.

ALRESFORD CALENDAR 2018_2.indd 1

20/11/2017 09:27:28

If you are someone who would benefit from a Safe and Well visit, you know someone who would benefit, or you just want to know more about how your Village Agent can help you, then please call Denise and Fiona on 07969 376023 or if unavailable phone Age Concern Hampshire on 0800 328 7154 or email villageagent@ ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

The calendar is a FREE publication created with the kind support of local businesses in the Itchen Valley. We have tried to include as many local events as possible for each month, also the calendar contains useful contact number for the community. We would also like to thank Stephen Morley for some of the beautiful local photographs.

If you have any suggestions for next years calendar then please let us know.

Alternatively, if you would like to know more about Safe and Well visits, then call HFRS on 023 8062 6751 (weekdays 9-5) and ask for the Community Fire Safety Team, or visit their website, www.hantsfire. gov.uk or email community.firesafety@hantsfire.gov.uk

The Editor - Forum Publications Ltd 11 Broad Street, Alresford, SO249AR Tel: 01962 735137

ALRESFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS Come join us, let us help represent your interests. Meet fellow business people, both retail and a wide range of small bespoke companies / sole traders. Share your knowledge and experience. Alresford Chamber of Commerce are applying for three projects for the town from the Town Council….. Watch this space Up and coming Chamber events: Three events – dates yet to be set.

Informal, informative evenings at one of our local business locations giving members a chance to catch up with fellow members, update on business & local issues.

• Introduction to GDPR- new data protection regulation becoming law on 25th May 2018

30

AIRPORT TRANSFERS OTHER JOURNEYS

Designed by Forum Publications Ltd - www.forumpublications.co.uk

‘P

• Getting out and about: finding transport for shopping, organised trips, medical appointments and local activities • Around the Home: finding reputable trades people to help in the house and garden • Money Matters: your entitlement to claim benefits grants and loans

PRIVATE HIRE

• Visit to House of Gallet • Visit to Hellard’s offices Keep track of our events, follow us on Facebook & Twitter @AlresfordChamberofCommerce / AlresfordCofC Alresford Chamber Project – Lighting up Alresford Thank you again to volunteers from Chamber members and The Alresford PIGS for all the man/woman hours which went into Lighting up Alresford last month.

Thank you to the Test Valley Band, whom the Chamber sponsor, who played for the town at the late night shopping info@alresfordchamber.co.uk www.alresfordchamber.co.uk Davina – Chamber Secretary

MOT TEST CENTRE

Carefully Selected Cars Approved by trading standards

'WE DON'T BUY ANY OLD CAR' BUT, WE BUY VERY GOOD CARS OF ANY AGE, FOR CASH! SO IF YOU HAVE ONE TO SELL, OR WOULD LIKE SOME FREE ADVICE PLEASE GIVE ROSS A CALL. AND, WE DON'T CHARGE A FEE! The following cars have been carefully selected because of their low mileage, excellent condition and service history.

2015 (64) Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Hybrid 4X4

Estate, 1 owner, zero road tax, 8,500 miles £17995 2015 (15) Honda Jazz 1.4 ES Automatic,

1 owner, 1,300 miles £10995 2014 (64) Seat Leon 1.2 SE Estate Technology

pack, £20 road tax - 16,000 miles £10795 2013 (63) BMW 116 D SE 2.0 5 door

24,000 miles £20 tax

£9995 2014 (64) Ford Focus C Max 1.6 Estate 18,000 miles £9695 2014 (14) Skoda Roomster SE 1.2 1 Owner,

14,000 miles

£7995 2014 (64) Fiat Punto 1.4 GBT 1 owner, 11,500 miles £6995 2012 (62) Kia Picanto 2, 1.25 Automatic 5 dr,

18,000 miles

£6495 2012 (62) Skoda Citigo Elegance Automatic, 5 dr.

Sat. Nav, parking sensors, 2 owners, 35,000 miles £5395 2010 (10) Ford Ka 1.2 Zetec, air con, family owned

10,800 miles £4595 2010 (10) Citroen C3 VTR+ 1.4 HDi .2 owners,

52,000 miles £3995 CLASSIC CARS 1974 MGB GT, Fantastic condition and history,

matching numbers, only 50,000 miles

• • • • •

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

MOTOR IN G I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Andrews Autosource

ALRESFORD MOTOR SERVICES LTD

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

All makes serviced and repaired.

Class 4 MOT's

Class 1 & 2 Motorcycles

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

Tel: 01962 733888 e:mike1ams1@aol.com

ID VALETING BESPOKE SERVICE ALRESFORD PROFESSIONAL VALETING GET THAT NEW CAR FEELING BY BOOKING A FULL VALET

OPENING TIMES

£11995

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

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

TEL: 01489 878 879 EVENING TEL: 01962 732995

Mon - Fri: 7.30am - 5.00pm APPOINTMENTS CAN BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE All weather facility, dry and warm waiting area ID VALETING, UNIT 4, SHELF HOUSE INDUSTRIAL NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QE TEL: 07967 730584 idt45@btinternet.com

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R ETA IL I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Market Square UNIQUE - BESPOKE - ECLECTIC - LOCAL

LE

SA

E L A

S

Moda Rosa

Interior Style

No.42

Dress by Scala - Originally £399 - NOW £239 35 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AB Tel: 01962 733277 | www.modarosa.co.uk

Ceramic Oasis Bowl £55 (48cm diameter) 29 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AB Tel: 01962 736311 | www.interiorstyle.biz

Wrap up warm in the cold weather. Winter coats are back in stock. (Chiara in Grey/Eggshell) Tel: 01962 733242 | www.42weststreet.co.uk

Delilah SALE

32

Alresford Gift Shop

Delilah Boutique

Billy Goat

January sale with some items including cards, gifts and jewellery at half price.

Tel: 01962 732192 | 10 West Street, Alresford

SALE starts 27th December 34 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 738470 | Delilah Boutique

Camper boots NOW £49 - all winter boots now 30% off 11 East Street, Alresford, SO24 9EQ Tel: 01962 733926 | www.billygoatshoes.co.uk

Fitique Studio

Equestrian Fencing & Timber Ltd

More by Design

New classes in 2018. Antenatal Pilates, Tone up, Baby Ballet New Years promotions available, visit our website Tel: 01962 733154 | www.fitique.co.uk

Crate of clean, efficient burning logs from £150 + VAT High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath

Transitional hand knotted Illusion rugs available in a selection of colours and sizes.

Tel: 01962 734504 | www.handmaderugs.co.uk

Tel: 01329 835100 | www.equestrianfencing.com

R ETA IL I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

A place for local retailers to display their wares and provide readers with seasonally evocative, inspirational gift and style ideas.

Alresford Linen Co.

Andrew Smith & Son - Auctioneers

JoJo Inspired

Keep cosy with a super soft lambswool throw (Eloise Blue Fjord) Tel: 01962 734221 | www.alresfordlinen.co.uk

Antiques & Interiors Auction - Tuesday 13 Jan - Viewing Friday 12 Jan, from 10am to 7pm and 8.30am on day of sale Tel: 01962 735988 | www.andrewsmithandson.com

Wrap up warm this winter with a JoJo Inspired Parka Instagram: jojo_inspired Tel: 07973 688251 | jojoinspired.com

Naked Grape

D.Barker & Son

Design Realities

January wine sale. Wines from £5 The place to go for all wines, spirits and ales Tel: 01962 732002 | www.nakedgrape.co.uk

English made child's silver beaker - £335 40A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

Beaded Decorative Mat with ‘Pineapples’, 39cm diameter, £55 36 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 732507 | www.design-realities.co.uk

Equestrian Fencing & Timber Ltd

Alresford Beauty

Billy Goat

Double dustbin store - £165 + VAT. High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath

Don't miss our January Sale before our refurbishment We close from 13th Jan for two weeks. Re-opening 29th January Tel: 01962 735553 | www.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

Remember to check school shoes are still a good fit, before the new term starts!

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

Tel: 01329 835100 | www.equestrianfencing.com

33

F EAT U R E I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Jane's Kitchen

I

MIXED FRUIT MARMARLADE

came across this recipe using windfall apples, but at this time of year I am sure you will have some left over fruit from the festive fruit bowl. However it can be made almost at any time of the year and takes a lot less time to prepare than the traditional Seville Orange variety.

Ingredients

• 2 Grapefruit or (1 Orange and 1 grapefruit) • 4 Lemons • 2lb (900g) apples (I have used a mixture of cooking and eating), peeled and cored.

• 5pts Water • 5lb Sugar • Fresh parsley if available or a teaspoon of dried tyme • Salt and pepper (to taste)

34

Method

Wash the citrus fruit and peel off the coloured part of the skin (a potato peeler is good for this). Then shred finely.

Peel away the pith and chop the flesh roughly. Chop the apples and place with the water, peel and flesh in a large heavy pan. Tie the citrus pith, pips apple peel and cores in a piece of muslin and tie this to the pan.

Simmer gently until the citrus peel is tender and the quantity reduced by half. Remove muslin bag, squeezing well. Add the sugar stir until dissolved then boil rapidly stirring occasionally until setting point is reached.

Allow to stand to cool slightly before putting into clean warm jars with a well fitting lid.

From Jane’s Kitchen. An eclectic collection of seasonal recipes. Available from Leckford Farm Shop, Leckford and Chilbolton Village Stores Price £6.99

R ETA IL I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

N FINE ART AUCTION EERS & VALUERS

MONTHLY ANTIQUES, & INTERIORS AUCTION Saturday 13th January Commencing 10am Viewing: Friday 12th 10am - 7pm and sale morning from 8.30am Art Deco Style Cluster Ring in 18ct Gold Cushion Shaped Cut Diamond ArtSurrounded Deco Styleby Cluster Ring in 18ct Gold Calibre Cut Sapphires Cushion Shaped Cut Diamond surrounded by Centre Diamond 0.60ct £3,175 Calibre Cut Sapphires Centre Diamond 0.60ct

Illustrated catalogues available to view online at www.the-saleroom.com www.andrewsmithandson.com Enquiries: t:01962 735988 e:auctions@andrewsmithandson.com THE AUCTION ROOMS, MANOR FARM, ITCHEN STOKE, ALRESFORD SO24 0QT

40a West Street, Alresford, Hants £3,175 Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

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

35

COMMU N IT Y R ETA IL P R OF ESSION A L ISSUE 135 | JANUARY

Community STEVE BRINE M.P

B

efore we go any further, Happy New Year. I hope 2018 brings you joy and grace in equal measure.

This month I am going to focus exclusively on a subject you’d expect a Member of Parliament to cover in these pages because there have, as you may have read, been significant developments of late around the future provision of local hospital services. What you won’t have read is a wholly accurate (or political free), precis of the actual position.

The long-term configuration of acute hospital services (ie; where we go when we’re seriously unwell) has been the subject of many reviews over many years. The Trust (HHFT) favour building a new Critical Treatment Hospital at Junction 7 of the M3 between Winchester and Basingstoke to centralise consultant-led specialisms including stroke, cardiology, emergency surgery and obstetrics.

For me as your MP, even though it would require serious compromise around Winchester Hospital and some very tough decisions, I was prepared to consider such a change. In more than seven years doing my job I have yet to meet a constituent who doesn’t want the right care, in the right place, with the best people, when they’re acutely unwell. To close myself off to the possibilities in this space would be falling well short of what you expect of someone holding my position.

Last month however, the commissioners (West Hampshire CCG) finally confirmed they do NOT support a new build. My hunch for some time now has been that this was likely their view and, while hugely frustrating, it at least gives us clarity. No deal with the CCG was always better than a bad deal which would have seen the piecemeal reconfiguration of services away from Winchester.

And, as I have consistently said, it’s important to understand what Winchester Hospital is now before we get worked up about its future. So, while ‘A&E under threat’ fits neatly into a lazy headline, it misleads and frightens people. I am clear the RHCH must retain a front door - let’s call that an emergency department - but only with safe and sustainable services behind. What goes on inside is far more important to me than what the sign says outside.

We have to maintain a sensible and balanced discussion about the future of acute care and we have to think of the bigger picture. I will be working closely with the Trust and its Commissioners this year to focus on securing the RHCH in the light of the CCG’s decision by supporting the local NHS to deliver its local plan and press for much needed capital investment on the Winchester site.

You can find more about my work, locally and in Westminster, online and my comprehensive health pages sit at www.stevebrine.com/ prioritynhs Steve Brine MP for Winchester, Alresford & Itchen Valley

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Oakleaf Stationery Ltd OFFICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

OPENING TIMES Mon to Fri - 9am - 5pm Sat - 9.30am - 1pm

Why travel all the way to Winchester for office supplies when we have a comprehensive range available on your doorstep A wide range of print cartridges in stock Services available: Photocopying, Laminating, Document Binding, Faxing, Scan to Email, Professional Personalised Printing Agent

56 West Street, Alresford, Hants, SO24 9AU Tel:01962 736116 info@oakleafstationery.co.uk

Catherine Paget catherine.paget@pagetwillwriting.co.uk MA (Cantab) Law Member of the Society of Will Writers Affiliate Member of STEP

Tel: 07786 626979 www.pagetwillwriting.co.uk

HAPPY NEW YEAR…HAPPY NEW HOME?

Spotted your dream house, fancy a change or want to release some equity in your property in 2018?

Whether you are selling, purchasing or re-mortgaging - at Sousa Law we offer expert advice in all areas of property law.

Our primary focus is, and always will be, our exceptional client care – we ensure that you know precisely where you are in any transaction every step of the way! We also provide clear positive advice ensuring you fully understand all the options available to you, allowing you to make balanced decisions at every stage.

Why Choose Us? Free initial, no obligation consultation – however long it takes No hidden costs – the price we quote is the price you will pay Responsive & Proactive – same day responses Direct personal contact – you have direct contact with your lawyer We’re local – offices in Southampton and Alresford We offer competitive fixes fees with no hidden extras and we will provide you with a full quote at the outset of your matter.

Give our conveyancing team a call today to discuss your plans Legendary House • 4a Broad Street • Alresford • SO24 9AQ T: 01962 670510 www.sousalaw.co.uk enquiries@sousalaw.co.uk 16 College Place • Southampton • SO15 2FE T: 02380 713060

ADDRESS FOOTER

COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Professional GODWINS SOLICITORS LLP SECURES LAW SOCIETY'S The well-known Cheriton Talks are coming round again. We are delighted to announce that we have held the price for 5th year running!

SATURDAY 10TH FEBRUARY Life of a Chalkstream Simon Cooper, Managing Director of Fishing Breaks, Stockbridge SATURDAY 17TH FEBRUARY Shipwrecks and Drowned Landscapes: From Henry VIII’s Mary Rose to the lost worlds of the Black Sea Professor Jon Adams, Founding Director of the University of Southampton’s Centre for Maritime Archaeology and Principal Investigator on the Black Sea Maritime Archaeology Project SATURDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2018 – A Political Perspective Lord Andrew Adonis, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission; Former Transport Secretary and Schools Minister SATURDAY 3RD MARCH The Impact of Communist China on our Children and Grandchildren Leo Austin, Chairman, The Jinliufu Spirits Company, Beijing; and Vice President of China’s largest luxury spirits retail chain SATURDAY 10TH MARCH Monet – the Joy and the Torment Douglas Skeggs, Art Historian Venue: St Michael’s Church, Cheriton Time: 6.30pm for canapés and a complimentary

glass of wine, the talks commencing at 7.00pm Tickets: Subject to available seating and please note below • •

•

•

G

odwins Solicitors LLP in Winchester has once again secured membership to the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme - the mark of excellence for the home buying process. This is the sixth year in a row that Godwins has achieved CQS accreditation.

Godwins underwent rigorous assessment by the Law Society in order to secure CQS status, which marks the firm out as continuing to meet high standards in the residential conveyancing process.

Law Society President Andrew Caplen said that the CQS accreditation is the hallmark of high standards and establishes a level of credibility for regulators, lenders, insurers and consumers.

"CQS is the quality mark of the home-buying sector and enables consumers to identify practices that provide a quality residential conveyancing service. With so many different conveyancing service providers out there CQS helps home-buyers and sellers seek out those that can provide a safe and efficient level of service."

Rupert Morton-Curtis, Head of Residential Conveyancing at Godwins says: Godwins are delighted to have secured CQS status.

Buying and selling a home can be a stressful time. By looking for a CQS firm like Godwins the public can seek out a firm that has proved its commitment to quality.

“The overall beneficiaries will be clients who use Godwins when buying a home. They will receive a reliable, efficient service as recognised by the CQS standard."

The scheme requires practices to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self reporting, random audits and annual reviews in order to maintain CQS status. It is open only to members of the Law Society who meet the demanding standards set by the scheme and has the support of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the Building Societies Association, Legal Ombudsman and the Association of British Insurers.

The price will be £12 for each talk Tickets will be for sale in January and can be requested by sending a stamped addressed envelope with your cheque (payable to Cheriton PCC) to: Penny Scott, Burnt Platt, Cheriton, Hampshire SO24 0PY. Tickets will also be on sale in January at Cheriton Stores and the Flower Pots.

There will be no refunds given unless tickets can be re-sold.

Enquiries to Penny Scott on 01962 771 263, and see www.cheritontalks.com All proceeds to St. Michael’s Church Cheriton 38

CONVEYANCING QUALITY MARK

For more information on the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme visit www.lawsociety.org.uk/cqs Or contact the CQS Unit on 020 7316 5550 or CQS@lawsociety.org.uk

“My solicitor ticks all the boxes”

Efficient



Focused



Approachable  Friendly



Professional



GODWINS SOLICITORS LLP E S TA BL I S H E D 1 8 2 3 BASED IN WINCHESTER, SERVING CLIENTS ACROSS THE UK

12 St Thomas Street, Winchester SO23 9HF 01962 841484

info@godwins-law.co.uk

www.godwins-law.co.uk

EDU CAT ION

Education

P R OF ESSION A L ISSU E 135 | JANUARY

LOCAL LANGUAGES TEACHER SAYS BONJOUR! AND GUTEN TAG! TO NEW BUSINESS VENTURE!

A

local teacher is opening up the world of modern languages to young children with the launch of a new language venture in Winchester and surrounding areas. Katrin Penzkofer, who lives in Alresford with her partner and 2 children, has recently launched her own children’s languages business, in a bid to share her passion and engage more youngsters in the joy of learning foreign languages.

Lingotot is a multi-award winning languages program being delivered to over 12,000 children across the UK each week. They run fun, interactive classes through community groups, nurseries and schools, teaching languages such as French, Spanish, German, Mandarin, ESL and even Arabic!

Katrin was born and grew up in Germany and after studying photography, travelled Europe and the world with her camera.

Her passion for travel lead her to work in the tourism industry which allowed her to spend years living in France then back in Germany and 3 years in Greece, before moving to the UK with her partner.

Katrin says: “I’ve always loved travelling and learning new languages.

It is a wonderful feeling to be able to talk to and understand someone from another nationality. Speaking different languages has opened doors to wonderful adventures and opportunities around Europe and the world and I would recommend the experience to everyone!”

She continues: “Lingotot is the perfect platform to introduce languages to young children and I am really excited about bringing it to Winchester and surrounding areas. I am a native speaker of German and fluent in French. To play a part in helping young children and their families discover the joy of learning a language is wonderful and I can’t wait to get started!”

Katrin will be delivering German and French classes within community groups, nursery settings and primary schools - both through MFL PPA teaching and as after school clubs.

If you would like to see what all the fuss is about, join Katrin for a free taster session at one of her first community classes starting 16/01/18 at Lanterns in Winchester and 17/01/18 in Alresford at the ARC. Please go to lingotot.com/centre/winchester, facebook.com/LingototWinchester or email to winchester@lingotot.com to find out more.

40

Candover Valley Preschool Nurturing children to build a

secure foundation for their learning Located in the heart of the beautiful Candover Valley, our pre-school has been established for over 30 years.

We welcome children aged from 2 years.

Our last three Ofsted inspections in 2007, 2010 and 2015 were graded Outstanding.

T: 01256 389008 E: cvpadmin@btconnect.com candovervalleypreschool.co.uk CANDOVER VALLEY PRE-SCHOOL, ALRESFORD ROAD, PRESTON CANDOVER, RG25 2EE

P R OF ESSION A L ISSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

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

Accounts audit •accounting Business advisory Tax • Bookkeeping Payroll IT &&online • VAT •• Buying or selling a•business • Business start-up • Wealth planning & protection • IT &Payroll online accounting • VAT • Wealth planning & protection • • Business start-up • Wealth planning & protection Buying or selling a business • Forensic accounting • Business start-up

Contact Steve Morgan, an Alresford resident for a free initial consultation on 01252 smo@wiseandco.co.uk Contact Steve Morgan, an711244, Alresford resident on 01252 711244 or email smo@wiseandco.co.uk for a free initial consultation

www.wiseandco.co.uk

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

www.wiseandco.co.uk

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

Your Local Accountants Celebrating 25 years in Alresford

 Full range of Accountancy, Auditing, Taxation and

Payroll services tailored to suit your needs

 Small Business Consultancy and Business Start Up  Farming and Equine Specialists 

FREE Half Hour Initial Consultation

???

Someone close to you, acting a little strangely?

Do them and yourself a favour, find out about Lasting Power of Attorney and the alternatives.

The 31 January 2018 Tax Return deadline is approaching fast!

Don’t incur a late filing penalty Please contact: Butler & Co, Bennett House, The Dean, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9BH T: 01962 735544 E: julie@butler-co.co.uk

www.butler-co.co.uk

Connect with us:

Gibbons Solicitors Limited Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority no. 617854’

41

CU LT U R E I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Inspirational artist is part of Rum’s Eg showcase

I

t is an amazing story of triumph over adversity - a Romsey teenager who is deaf, cannot speak and has cerebral palsy has produced beautiful works of art to be exhibited at Rum’s Eg art gallery. The inspirational and colourful work of 16-yearold artist Tjili Grant Wetherill will go on show at the the popular Bell Street venue when it introduces an exciting programme of featured makers during 2018.

a starting point to a painting, allowing her to create abstract structures, textures, colours and shapes.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists through a series of demonstrations, workshops and events during their time in the gallery. Each month, three or four artists working in different disciplines will be participating in the gallery alongside their exhibited work on show. General manager Rebecca Maddox said: “Rum’s Eg is looking forward to showcasing the work of a diverse and talented array of artists next year. Our new programme will give members of the public the opportunity to interact with the featured makers at a series of events.”

Born in Cambodia in 2001, weighing just 1kg, Tjili was the only survivor of triplets abandoned on a hospital doorstep in Phnom Penh. Fortunately, Tjili was adopted by a British couple, James and Vik Grant Wetherill, and lived in Singapore Tjili Grant Wetherill until October 2016 when the family moved to England. Tjili, who lives in Middlebridge Street, is Check the Rum’s Eg website www.hampshireartandcraft.org for self-taught and creates stunning art in her own unique style to details of the featured artists’ demonstrations and events. critical acclaim. Two vibrant bird paintings were recently selected from thousands of worldwide entries to be displayed by the Royal Watercolour Society in London for its 2017 Contemporary Watercolour Competition.

5

GALLERY CAFÉ WORKSHOPS

Tjili, who uses sign language to communicate with others, boldly expresses her view of the world through her distinctive art.

Proceeds raised from the sale of her work at Rum’s Eg will support her ongoing medical treatment.

The January launch will also include ceramicist Dave Sutherland, textile creator Helen Murchie and painter Lynne Reeves. Ceramicist Dave, from Lyndhurst, has enjoyed pottery from an early age, but since retirement has produced large stoneware storage vessels, bowls and pitchers decorated with tenmoku, chun and copper red glazes.

Dave Sutherland

Textile artist Helen is from Scotland, and now lives in Locks Heath.

Her passion is Harris Tweed on to which she embroiders digitised designs. She uses the embroidered panels to make cushions, cushion kits, notebook covers and a variety of accessories.

Romsey painter Lynne is inspired by life, people, places, the light and mood of the day, the warmth of the sun, and the music of the sea - in particular, the beauty, history and light of St Ives in Cornwall. Experimenting with different types of media and techniques, Lynne incorporates paper collage and acrylic inks as

42

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A N IMA LS I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Animals

KEEPING YOU PET FIT AND HEALTHY FOR THE NEW YEAR

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anuary is the time of year that many of us make a New Year’s resolution. The most common one is to improve one’s health and fitness usually by way of improving our diet, losing weight and increasing the amount of exercise we do. We can also do this for our beloved furry friends, helping them to maintain a healthier lifestyle and increase their lifespan.

Obesity in pets is very much on the rise with one study by the PDSA citing that around 1 in 4 cats and 1 in 3 dogs are currently overweight. Obesity can cause many long-term medical conditions that can significantly reduce your pet’s quality of life as well as shorten their life span. Some of these medical conditions include heart conditions, diabetes, joint dysfunction and pain, high blood pressure, breathing difficulties and exercise intolerance as well as putting them at greater risk during procedures involving the need for a general anaesthetic.

A veterinary professional can help to determine if your pet is overweight by way of a clinical examination. This will involve carrying out a general health check and body condition score to

determine fat and muscle condition as well as a weight check as even individuals of the same breed may have a different body shape or frame size from the next and so the ideal weight for one pet may not be the right weight for another.

Cedar Veterinary practice in Alton currently runs ‘Cuddly Club’ clinics by qualified veterinary nurses who support both you and your pet through their weight loss journey. The nurse will take a detailed diet and exercise history of your pet and devise a personalised and achievable weight loss plan to fit your lifestyle and that of your much loved pet. In the long run, maintaining your pet at their ideal weight will enhance their welfare and quality of life whilst contributing to a reduction in costs for you in both food and vet bills.

The Cedar Veterinary Group Cuddly Club clinic will provide the ideal opportunity and environment to receive individual treatment plans and advice from a veterinary nurse specially trained to deliver information in a personalised way and free from medical jargon. Please call Cedar Veterinary Group, Alton branch for more information.

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COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Alresford Town Council Reports NATC Report

This forthcoming year will see the Town face a wide range of challenges, from increased pressure for more new housing, the hosting of major festival events, and the threat of closure (or restricted access) to basic local facilities.

Hampshire County Council are looking to reduce their budget by £140 million, and as such facilities such as the Alresford Recycling Centre could come under threat of closure again. At NATC we will do all we can, but it is vital that as many residents as possible, respond to consultations on these issues.

Please do look out for the Consultation details on these matters, and submit feedback where you are able.

For NATC, January is the month when all the previous months of budget preparation comes together. Over the past three months each of the various committees has being looking at expenditure for the year 2018, and identifying items that will eventually require substantial future expenditure. In these circumstances we need to set aside monies each year (in reserves) to meet the eventual cost. Generally these items are considered in a rolling five year plan.

Town Clerk Vacancy

As many residents will be aware, for the past 12 months the Council has been well served by a Locum Town Clerk, Karen Ross. However the time has come to secure a permanent Town Clerk.

To this end, later this month advertisements will appear

46

inviting applications for the position of Town Clerk at NATC. The Clerk will take overall responsibility for the Council’s day to day operations, whilst helping to develop and implement its future growth strategy. It is an interesting and demanding full time role which does include attendance at evening meetings. The Town Clerk is based at the Council’s offices at Arlebury Park. If you would like further details of this role, before the official advertisements appear, please do not hesitate to contact Karen Ross for a confidential conversation. Contact details for Karen are Tclerk@ newalresfordtc.org.uk or telephone 01962 732079.

Local Plan

As reported at the end of last year, the Outline Planning Application has now been submitted. Following the submission, and as part of the City’s review of these proposals, the transport assessments submitted with the application are being reviewed. It is hoped, that later this month, a statement will be made available on the progress of this application.

In the meanwhile, there has been considerable media coverage of the government’s consultation on Objectively Assessed Need housing policy, which intends to change the formula used for the calculation of each districts required new housing quota.

The proposals may not affect Alresford, but it is understood that the focus of the change, is on areas where house prices are higher, such as Hampshire.

Current Alresford Planning Development Matters

The construction of the Extra Care home in the Dean, which secured Planning Consent last year, is now well under way. The new veterinary surgery and adjoining town housing in the Dean has now been approved by Winchester City Council and it hoped that construction will start during this year. At the time of writing the proposals for the redevelopment, of the premises formerly occupied

by Huxley, remain with the City. The proposal comprises 45 dwellings. If you would like to monitor major developments in the area, information is available on the following link; Http://www.winchester.gov. uk/major-projects

Fly-Tipping

Fly-tipping is when bulky items are left/dumped on public or private property.

Such items may include furniture, cookers, fridges and other items of waste. If these items are from your domestic property you can take them to your Local Household Waste Recycling centre free of charge.

It is illegal to fly tip with a potential of up to £50,000 in fines in addition to a maximum prison sentence of two years. Please check where your contractors are intending to dispose of your waste building materials.

Fly-tipping is removed from public land and highways by Winchester City’s contractor

The Landscape Group. Please remember that Winchester City cannot accept responsibility for fly-tipping on private property, it is up to the land owner to arrange removal.

Residents can help the City Council maintain the high success rate in fly-tip prosecution by following this advice: •

•

•

•

Do not remove anything all evidence is vital to identify perpetrators.

Report it on-line or via the telephone system.

Make a note of the logging number if you wish to check what progress is being made.

Wait for the Council to remove the fly-tip material – allow at least 24 hours for the area to be visited and a further 48 hours for removal. Please note that if an initial inspection of the fly-tip reveals a hazardous substance, such as asbestos – removal may be delayed whilst specialist contractors are engaged.

To report an incident of flytipping please contact Environment Team on: 0300 300 0013 or report it online. http://www.winchester.gov. uk/waste-and-recycling/ flytipping

Contact us New Alresford Town Council Arlebury Park, The Avenue, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9EP Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 11am to 1pm 01962 732079 www.newalresfordtc.org.uk

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F EAT U R E I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Hampshire Mum

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THE NEW BROOM

n some cultures there is a tradition when one gets married of jumping over a broomstick to signify the start of marital bliss. Ah yes if The Husband and I had been true to our Celtic roots and partaken of that tradition on our wedding day I can just hear him saying, “Ah don’t worry love I left that broom there, I’ll put it away later”.

And there you have it, forget the whole ‘men are from Mars and women from Venus’ thing it’s simply that men are ‘oh I’ll do it later’ and women are ‘ok I’ll do it now’- simple.

Now in The Husbands defence, (what do you mean you never thought I would say that?), I absolutely get why he doesn’t want to come back from work and start on my numerous and brilliant ideas for DIY projects.

By the way while we're on the subject I’ve had an idea about increasing storage space by going subterranean - a simple spiral staircase down into the bowels of the earth just off the kitchen for wine and essentials - perfect!

See, even while I am typing I am thinking if ‘we’ should make a start in the New Year holidays, that way it will all be done by Spring. I can also hear The Husbands reply that cannot be put into print…

Way back just over thirty six years ago when The Husband’s knees buckled under my weight as he heroically man handled me across the threshold of our first home, the die was cast.

I loved our house and set about turning it into a home with gusto, I should point out that The Husband had spent eighteen months of hard graft building it and thus was in no mood

48

for anymore ‘little jobs’. So unwittingly I became somewhat of a nurturing domestic goddess ensuring all was ‘lovely’, home cooked everything, gleaming surfaces and ironed underwear – pre-children obviously.

The years passed to include more major building projects leading The Husband to conclude he’d done his bit aside from infrequent bouts of decorating.

For my part living in a house of men I’ve had to learn patience.

I made a number of New Years’ resolutions dedicated to ‘sorting them out by making them share the household chores and cooking’, only to see them crumble to dust (which I’ve had to hoover up) by the end of January.

There was no point, so now I live happily with the familiar phrases-“Yeah alright don’t go on, I’ll put it away in a minute”, and my personal favourite “Why don’t you do it later”; because I need to do it now as for certain they’ll be something else to do later.

There are no such resolutions this year, if the truth be known I rather love looking after them all. Being married is rather like working for the Forestry Commission you have to do lots of maintenance to keep things from getting overgrown or stunted, plant your seedlings and wait a long time for them to mature.

Although sometimes you get a rogue tree or plant that springs up from nowhere.

So I attentively planted the magic bean of an idea about a new stair runner and before I knew it The Husband had set forth with vigour - job done! Then as if they had actually developed the ability to read my mind Stars I and II finally learnt how to load the dishwasher and cook a family meal from scratch!

I reckon they went out and brought a new broom that sweeps cleaner! Mind you they would have jumped over it, I bet I’m the ‘someone’ who will put it away later!

Happy New Year.

Sandra Pagan

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COMMU N IT Y ISSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Winchester City Councillor Monthly Report More money for District council housing?

Proposals by Government to allow councils in areas of high housing costs to bid for more cash from the additional £1 billion allocated nationally could see Winchester City Council bring forward a number of sites it previously had no way of funding.

agreed to reduce the sports hall courts. We can host international basketball and netball; it’s much larger than the current facility at River Park and hugely improved playing surface, plus we have a number of new larger studios which means activities can be jiggled around to free up time in the sports hall.

The Dean, Alresford In January, WCC should see approval to purchase the car park land and bring that forward. It is a smaller car park than originally hoped, however it will be a welcome addition to our current pressures.

(Build timeframe unknown as yet.)

However, not everyone agrees with this decision and the advice we have received! Our consultants have demonstrated there is an excess of sports halls, club sizes and usage patterns (where our peak-time issues occur – this is a national issue), predicted population growth determining how many people are likely to use the facility.

Apparently, though some feel they know better … I’ll leave it there.

Winchester District Sports Awards Nominations can be made online with the closing date for entries on Friday 5 January 2018 for the following categories: Junior Sportsman; Junior Sportswoman; Senior Sportsperson; Disability Sportsperson; Making a Difference; Team; Coach; Club;Volunteer; Service to Sport. All nominees must one of the following: A resident in the Winchester District; Attending an educational establishment in the Winchester District; Linked to a sports club based in the Winchester District. To nominate email www. winchester.gov.uk/sport/winchester-district-sports-awards-2017 or for further information please contact the Sport & Physical Activity Team on 01962 848329 or email sport@winchester.gov.uk Sport & Leisure Park – Bar End There is currently public engagement running on the initial design concepts and park facilities for the future. All the documents from the exhibitions are available online and we would very much welcome your input. Closing date 12 January 2018. http://www. winchester.gov.uk/projects/consultation On a more controversial note around this project, you might be aware that the original approval for working up a business case was based on a 12 court hall and 50m pool (plus all the at a leisure centre). Councillors knew the pool was going to be more expensive, and approved it knowing that information. Investigation on site has revealed underground water issues more extensive than anticipated, and in addition the impact of a building with a 12 court hall is such it would have a detrimental impact on the site. This is a gateway to the City and as such needs to be an improvement and not a vast completely overwhelming build.

It is important, because we act in the interests of residents, that we provide a centre which covers its costs (even make a profit to return further leisure facilities for the future), and so Cabinet

52

Central Winchester Regeneration Project Another controversial project, formerly known as Silver Hill. The draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for the Central Winchester Regeneration Area (CWR area) has been devised with public input and received a great deal of applause for the very detailed document. Closing date 12 noon 5 February 2018 http://www.winchester.gov.uk/projects/engagement-andconsultation Winchester’s residents help keep Air Ambulance flying Winchester residents have helped raise a staggering £24,000 for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, by using council clothing recycling points around the district to turn their unwanted clothing, shoes and textiles into cash. Keep up the good work!

You can contact your City Councillors as follows Cllr Kim Gottlieb kgottlieb@winchester.gov.uk Tel : 07795 494919 Cllr Lisa Griffiths lgriffiths@winchester.gov.uk Tel : 01962 738646 or 07545 375632

Cllr Ernie Jeffs ejeffs@winchester.gov.uk Tel : 01962 734629 or 07887 536966

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COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Community WINCHESTER CABINET GIVES GO-AHEAD FOR WINCHESTER CITY CENTRE REGENERATION PLAN TO GO TO FORMAL CONSULTATION

Dates for the Exhibition

Wednesday 10th January 11am - 2pm & 4pm - 7pm at Alresford Community Centre Thursday 11th January 11am - 3pm at The Brooks Shopping Centre Friday 12th January 4pm - 7pm at Winchester Train Station Saturday 13th January 9.30am - 5pm at The Brooks Shopping Centre Saturday 14th January 9am - 2pm at St Maurice's Covert (Winchester Farmers Market Day) Monday 15th January 11am - 2pm & 4pm - 7pm at Kings Church, Bishops Waltham The draft SPD can also be viewed at local libraries in Winchester, New Alresford, Bishops Waltham, Waterlooville, Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford, Fareham and Romsey from 11 December. Please visit the website for address and opening details: www.winchester.gov.uk/ engagement-and-consultation Full details about the consultation can be found at: www. winchester.gov.uk/CWR. The formal consultation will run until noon on Monday 5 February.

What's On 13

T

he Central Winchester Regeneration area’s draft Supplementary Planning document (SPD) was approved for formal consultation by Winchester City Council’s Cabinet at its meeting yesterday (6 December).

The formal consultation will be launched at a public exhibition in the Guildhall’s Wintonian Room on 11 December. The master planners and architects behind the new vision for Central Winchester’s regeneration (JTP) and Council officers will be on hand to give more information about the content of the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) at the launch exhibition. Members of the public are invited to ‘drop in’ to the exhibition anytime between 2pm and 9pm on 11 December. Cabinet approval follows extensive work by the Central Winchester Regeneration Informal Policy Group over the last year and scrutiny by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee last week (27 November).

Cllr Caroline Horrill, Council Leader and Chair of the Informal Policy Group said “I’m thrilled that we are now in a position to formally consult on the planning guidance framework. There has been significant engagement already and so I’m hopeful that residents share my excitement about our partnership work becoming a reality to create a great new vibrant centre for our city.”

I would like to thank my fellow IPG [Informal Policy Group] members, officers and JTP for their hard work and commitment to making this as inclusive as possible.

A week-long touring exhibition has been planned for 10 – 15 January 2018 which will enable people to see the latest materials and meet JTP and Council staff in a range of locations including Alresford, Bishops Waltham and Winchester. The exhibition display will also be available to view in The Brooks Shopping Centre from 12 December until 8 January.

54

JANUARY

Claire Tomalin - In Conversation with John Miller In aid of Home-Start Winchester - From 6pm at The Guildhall, Winchester. Sponsored by Dutton Gregory Solicitors.Tickets £12 including booking fee available online at: www.claire-tomalin-inconversation.eventbrite.co.uk or call: 01962 851177

20

JANUARY

Kasbah Swing Band - Playing jazz, swing, rock & blues at Bighton Village Hall from 8.00pm. Licensed bar - Doors open at 7.30pm.Ticket admission: £10 Book on-line at www.bighton.org.uk or call 01962 736556

17

FEBRUARY

Alresford Badminton Club - Pub Quiz 2018 From 7.30pm at St Gregory's Church Hall. Local Cheeses with French Bread will be served halfway through the evening. Please bring your own glasses, nibbles and tipples to quaff. Inclusive price £10 per person (teams of 6 – or we can team up for you). Half Case of Prosecco for the winning team! Contacts: Martin Brickwood Mobile: 07974 967938 or Tim WalkerArnott Mobile: 07850 797481

18

FEBRUARY

Snowdrops at Brandy Mount Brandy Mount, East Street, Alresford will be open for snowdrops on between 12pm-4pm

24

FEBRUARY

Alresford District Friends of Girlguiding Host a Family ‘Beetle Drive’ in The Phair Hall, Community Centre, Alresford from 6 - 9pm. Tickets from Jo Curtis on 01962733629 or e-mail: rayjo.curtis@btinternet.com Cost – Adult is £8 and Child (4 - 15 years) is £4, ticket price to include a Ploughman’s supper. Bring your own drinks and glasses. Please support Friends of Girlguiding raising funds for Alresford District Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Senior Section. We look forward to seeing you for a FUN evening.

H OME I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

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LOG & SWEEP OFFER Have your chimney swept and a load of logs delivered and stacked for £125 (saving you £10!)

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55

COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Useful Information EMERGENCY SERVICES O Emergency Only (Ambulance, Fire, Police) Tel: 999

O Alton Community Hospital Alton, Hampshire Tel: 01420 82811

O Non Emergency Medical Services Tel: 111

O North Hants Hospital Basingstoke, Hampshire Tel: 01256 473202

O Electricity Emergency 24hrs, 7 days a week Tel: 08457 708090

O Royal Hampshire County Hospital Winchester, Hampshire Tel: 01962 863535

O Gas Emergency 24 hrs, 7 days a week Tel: 0800 111 999 O Water Emergency 24 hrs, 7 days a week Tel: 0845 278 0845

POLICE For non-Emergency Services Call Hampshire Police using: 101

CITIZENS ADVICE O Winchester Citizens Advice Bureau Winchester Citizens Advice Bureau is back at the Alresford Surgery If you need help Contact CAB on 01962 848000 or drop in to the surgery on Mondays between 1- 3pm (not bank holidays)

COUNCILS O Alresford Town Council Arlebury Park,The Avenue, Alresford, Hants. SO24 9EP. Clerk: Mrs Stevie Kavanagh, skavanagh@newalresfordtc. org.uk Tel: 01962 732079 O East Hampshire District Council Penns Place, Petersfield, GU31 4EX www.easthants.gov.uk Tel: 01730 266551 O Hampshire County Council The Castle,Winchester, SO23 8UJ www.hants.gov.uk Tel: 0845 603 5638 O Winchester City Council City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester, SO23 9LJ www.winchester.gov.uk Tel: 01962 840222 56

HOSPITALS

LIBRARY O Alresford Library Monday 10.00 - 1.00 (Knit and Natter 10.30 to 12pm) Tuesday 2.00 - 5.00 (Storytime 2.15 to 2.45) Wed/Sun Closed Thursday 10.00 - 1.00 Friday 10.00 - 7.00 Saturday 10.00 - 1.00 alresford.library@hants.gov.uk www3.hants.gov.uk/library.htm

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH O Alresford and District Neighbourhood Watch Association Newsletter available at www.alresford.org/ neigbourhoodwatch.To report a crime anonymously call Crimestoppers:Tel: 0800 555 111 contact: Administrator Jennie Roberts Tel: 01962 736505 e-mail jenniero987@gmail.com

RECYCLING O Prospect Road Recycling Centre Open seven days a week Tel: 01962 735961

SCHOOLS O Cheriton Primary School Cheriton, Alresford, SO24 0QA Tel: 01962 771278 O Four Marks Primary School Four Marks, Alton, GU34 5AS Tel: 01962 772200 O Itchen Abbas County Primary School Itchen Abbas, SO21 1BE

Tel: 01962 779310 O Medstead Primary School Medstead, Alton, GU34 5LG Tel: 01420 562824 O Perins School Pound Hill, Alresford, SO24 9BS www.perins.net Tel: 01962 734361 O Ropley Primary School Church St. Ropley, SO24 ODS Tel: 01962 772381 O Sun Hill Infant School Sun Lane, Alresford www.sunhill-inf.hants.sch.uk email: beverley.minall@sunhill -inf.hants.sch.uk Tel: 01962 732632 O Sun Hill Junior School Sun Lane, Alresford www.sunhill-jun.hants.sch.uk Tel: 01962 732801

SURGERIES & CHEMISTS O Alresford Dental Care 4 Pound Hill, Alresford www.alresforddentalcare.co.uk Surgery Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00 to 17:15.

Friday 08:00 to 13:45 Tel: 01962 733580 O Alresford Pharmacy 1 East Street, Alresford Tel: 01962 732858 O Alresford Surgery Station Road, Alresford www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk Tel: 01962 732345 O Mansfield Park Surgery Lymington Bottom Road, Medstead, GU34 5EW Tel: 01420 562922 O Out of Hours Service Anyone requiring a chemist service out of practice hours will find their nearest point is either Winchester, Basingstoke or Andover. Call one of the below for details. Out of Hours Service - Tel: 0844 8113060 O Wessex Pharmacy Broad Street, Alresford.

Tel: 01962 732445 O Winchester Cancer Support Centre Offering free, non-clinical support to anyone affected

by cancer. 2nd Floor, 68 St Georges Street,Winchester.

Chat to trained befrienders, try a complementary therapy or use our professional counselling service. Tue to Thur, 10am to 4.30pm.Tel: 01962 868576 or winchester@wessexcancer.org

TOWN & VILLAGE HALLS O Alresford Community Centre Secretary: Robbie Winters (after 6pm)Tel: 01962 733950 O Beauworth Village Hall Contact Felicity Morrogh.

Tel: 01962 793075 O Bighton Village Hall Gail Johnson: 01962 736556 email: bighton.hall.bookings@ googlemail.com. www.bighton.org.uk O Bishop’s Sutton Village Hall Please contact Vera on: 01962 736211 or email veralipscombe@gmail.com O Bramdean and Hinton Ampner Village Hall Tel: 01962 771945 O Cheriton Village Hall Tel penny on: 01962 771263 O Christy Hall, Old Alresford Diane Cox: 01962 735388 O Itchen Abbas Village Hall Jenny Sloan - Tel: 07969 113630 www.iaavillagehall.co.uk O Kilmeston Village Hall www.kilmestonvillagehall.co.uk or phone Di Bye on: 01962 771086. or email bookings@ kilmestonvillagehall.co.uk O Ropley Coffee Room Church Street, Ropley, Alresford, SO24 0DS. For bookings contact David Ottley: 01962 772440 O Ropley Parish Hall Vicarage Lane, Ropley, SO24 0DU. For bookings contact Norma Day: 01962 772267

Come & Visit Our Yard & Display Area

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COMMU N IT Y ISSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Community

Please keep coming, keep your positive support, spread the word and lets go and all find out how high we can finish.

Alresford Rugby Club wishes you all a very happy, and try scoring New Year.

ALRESFORD RUGBY CLUB

A

s this goes to print and with one game remaining for both sides before we break for the Christmas Holidays, and we start looking ahead to the New Year, this is a good a time as any to reflect on our season so far.

Our 1ST's have clearly demonstrated that we more than belong in this new league. At the time of going to print our record stands at: Played 10, Won 4, Drawn 1,Lost 5 and currently sit 7th in the league. The step up from league to league is massive, and despite most promoted clubs in the past usually propping(no pun intended!) up the table at Christmas, we sit 7th. Even in defeat we are giving very good sides a very good game, and the feedback from these clubs are massive compliments to the coaches and players.

Our 2ND'S as mentioned in the last edition our a credit and life blood of this club. Each week coaches get numbers together and take on all comers in their new promoted league. After their last outing, demolishing a very good Portsmouth side, they currently sit 4th in the league. It is a fantastic achievement.

However, we are only half way through a very difficult and testing season so no-one within ARFC is getting carried away. That is one of the reasons why this club is so competitive. We have many testing moments to come until the end of the season, and with cold weather, serious injuries and unbeaten sides to face, we are under no illusion that the hard work is far from done. Not at all. By playing so well and testing the opposition in the first half of the season, we know they will really start to sit up and take notice of us for the reverse fixtures.

This, I hope, is where you come in. The support we have received from the touch line is immense and cannot be underestimated. For all the commitment of players, coaches and members, the extra 5% to literally get over the line, or keep the opposition away from ours,comes from you, the supporter.

ALRESFORD & CHERITON SCOUT GROUP NEEDS YOU

RESULTS SNOWS GROUP HAMPSHIRE LEAGUE 1 25/11/17 BOGNOR (A) 0 - 15 LOSS

RESULTS SNOWS GROUP SOLENT LEAGUE 2 25/11/17 LYMINGTON (H) HOME WIN 09/12/17 PORTSMOUTH 3 (H) 38 - 7 WIN

JANUARY FIXTURES-(ALL KICK OFF'S 2.30PM-PLEASE CHECK WEBSITE FOR LATEST UPDATES) 1STXV 06/01/18 MILLBROOK (A) 13/01/18 SANDOWN/SHANKLIN (A) 27/01/18 US PORTSMOUTH (A) 2ND XV 06/01/18 OVERTON 2 (H) 27/01/18 TOTTONIANS (A)

alresfordrfc.weebly.com surprisingly popular) and trips to the Jurassic coast, the House of Commons and Edinburgh. Our young members are an integral part of our community, selling programmes at the Alresford Show, picking up litter at the Watercress Festival and carol singing in a local care home at Christmas. Our much-loved Scout Hut off Bridge Road has reached its sell-by date, but there is good news.

With the new Sun Hill housing development comes a wonderful opportunity for us to build a new Scout headquarters suitable for 21st century Scouting on this site. The design of this new hut is still at the planning stage. We are looking for a community volunteer, ideally with some corporate fundraising experience, to coordinate fundraising activities for this new project. Could this be you?

T

he new year brings new year's resolutions and a new opportunity to help in your community. Alresford & Cheriton Scout Group has been encouraging Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers to develop their resilience and daring for over 100 years. Our young members learn life skills and take part in excursions and trips which, over the years, have included: archery, night hikes, a live 10-mile Monopoly game across London using the actual streets, cooking, ironing (yes, really and

58

No-one works alone in our Group so there would be plenty of support from other committee members, leaders and parents. We are also looking for a general fundraiser to help us organise fundraising social events throughout the year. If you are interested in giving us the benefit of your time, expertise and enthusiasm we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Roy Naismith our Group Scout Leader for a chat. Happy New Year!

Roy Naismith - Group Scout Leader Tel: 01962 735607

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H OME I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

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59

COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Alresford & District Neighbourhood Watch

T

his time of year tends to be a time of reflection on things that we have done (or haven’t got around to doing!) during the past 12 months. The New Year often spurs us into making New Year’s Resolutions, starting something we’ve been meaning to get around to for a long time … joining the gym, decorating the house, trying to shed that weight the doctor keeps saying we should.

Here are a few alternative New Year Resolutions that you may wish to consider for 2018: If you love it – register it By registering your valuables on www.immobilise.com you can put details of your prized possessions on a national database that police can access and compare against items that have been found or recovered from suspected criminals. The on-line service is totally free and is quick and easy to use. Items marked as being registered with Immobilise are less likely to be stolen, and households displaying Immobilise stickers are less likely to be targeted by burglars. With the high price of gold and the fact it’s easy to sell gold jewellery for cash, even modest gold earrings, bracelets and chains are sought after property for burglars. If jewellery has to be left in the home, then ensure that it is kept out of sight and securely locked up in a safe that is bolted into the brickwork or masonry.

Do not leave keys in obvious places. If possible, you should always photograph, separately, high value pieces.

Vehicle Crime – Protect Yourself Did you know that most vehicle crime is preventable? It can take

ALRESFORD MEN’S SHED – WE’RE OPEN!

seconds for a thief to steal something from your car and so, if at all possible, leave nothing on view, not even empty bags.

NEVER leave valuable items in your car and always remove the Sat Nav mark on your windscreen, and ask yourself – do I really need to keep all those things in the glove box?

On-line Change your login passwords and update your security on your laptop or PC regularly.

At home Check your carbon monoxide alarms and fire alarms are in full working order regularly.

Get in touch If anyone has suggestions for topics that they think would be suitable for future Neighbourhood Watch articles in the Forum, please get in touch - e-mail contact.adnwa@gmail.com Meanwhile, we wish you all a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

CONTACTING ADNWA OR POLICE: ADNWA website: www.neighbourhood.watch.alresford.org e-mail us at: contact.adnwa@gmail.com CRIME IN PROGRESS: RING 999 NON-URGENT ISSUES: RING 101 (if you observe suspicious activity) CRIMESTOPPERS: 0800 555 111

Please watch Facebook (All things New Alresford) and Notice boards for our opening times. So “Give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses of things that need new life breathed into them”, most of us throw away vast amounts of stuff, things with almost nothing wrong with them that could be recycled after a simple repair, or that small job that you can’t get a tradesman to do – we can probably fix it for you!

A permanent home for the Shed is still our aim. Regrettably our request for land lease at Arlebury Park was rejected by New Alresford Town Council. However, in addition to trying to persuade the Council to change their minds we will continue to seek other alternative land/ buildings to achieve our aim. But if you support our cause please lobby your Councillors.

D

ue to the generosity of Gavin and Marian Baldwin a temporary Shed has been set up at Unit 1 The Dean (Lorem) and will continue to run there principally as a Repair Shed, until the building is demolished in 6-9 months to make way for a new public car park.

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If you are interested in joining us, get in touch, and if you have time on your hands and the ability to make or mend things come along and join in - share your skills, or even just drop by, have a cup of tea and see what the Shed has to offer.

Contact Brian Durham: 01962 738677 Ralph Pointer 734833 Peter Tudor 733666 alresfordmensshed@gmail.com

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H OME I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Alresford Floors

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www.jameswhitefencing.com 61

COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 1 35 | JANUARY

Community WORK CONTINUES ON WINCHESTER CITY COUNCIL AFFORDABLE HOUSING SCHEME IN ALRESFORD

WHO ARE THE ALRESFORD PIGS?

I

t’s a very good question, and with so many newcomers to Alresford over the past few years it’s one worth answering.

The Alresford Pigs Association started in the 1970s when a number of locals decided that they wanted to provide financial help for people in the town who needed it. Since then hundreds of people and organisations have benefited from donations and support.

A

n affordable housing scheme in Alresford is continuing to take shape. The nine home development at Mitford Road is a Winchester City Council development that will help the authority to deliver 600 affordable new homes by 2021, underlining the Council’s aim to prioritise offering more choice around housing to residents. Construction work on six new one bedroom affordable flats started on November 20, and should be completed by June 2018.

The scheme also includes two semi-detached two bedroom homes. These new homes will be ready for occupation in January 2018 and are available to buy through shared ownership, also known as ‘part-buy, part-rent’. The Council’s shared ownership scheme is designed to help people onto the property ladder, whether as a first-time buyer or as somebody who wants to get back into home ownership.

Alongside the new housing, other improvements were made to the area including a re-engineered roundabout to create an area of attractive open space for local residents to use. There will be works to the highway in December 2017 and January 2018 to facilitate the building of the new flats and widening of the remaining carriageway.

Portfolio Holder for Housing and Council Leader of Winchester City Council, Councillor Caroline Horrill said: “The plans for Mitford Road are taking shape and I am pleased to see them benefit a range of our residents. We are always looking to develop affordable housing schemes in the District and alongside Mitford Road we also have new affordable homes at Hillier Way, and other affordable housing schemes planned for the coming years.

Our aim is to make the Winchester District an affordable place to live and work.”

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We raise money by organising or contributing to community events such as: • Taking entry fees, manning the gates & acting as security support at the annual Alresford Show • Organising traffic control at the annual Watercress Festival • Organising the bi-annual Duck Race (next one June 2019) • Working with the Alresford Chamber of Commerce to erect, maintain and remove the towns spectacular Christmas trees and lights • Working with the Alresford Tree Committee to organise the arrival of Father Christmas We consider any request for financial support from within the town to local clubs, organisations, individuals and good causes – relying upon the local community to inform us where our help is required.

It is impossible to list all of the requests for help we have supported down the years, but these include: • Organisations such as the scouts, guides, sports and youth groups • Local schools for specific projects • School children unable to pay for school trips • Single families needing white goods • Families who need support that cannot be provided by other services • Mobility scooters – we have our own fleet!

• Park benches • Senior residents events and activities The Pigs are relatively small in number and all members either live or work in the town. With an emphasis upon participation & fun we welcome new members, with the membership process started by recommendation from any one of our existing members.

We are always seeking needy causes to support so do you need our help or do you think YOU can help?

Phone us: 01962-658961 Online: www.alresfordpigs.org Email us: secretary@alresfordpigs.org Facebook: @AlresfordPigs Write to us: PO Box 121, Alresford, SO24 9XX Please get in touch. We’re waiting to hear from you.

Est. 45 years

Experts in your Garden

Titchfield

Garden Design Centre

FO R U M | HEADING

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Every Garden Tells a Story 16 Show Gardens • Design Studio • Coffee Courtyard also Garden Maintenance • Planting Plans • Border Makeovers OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK For over 45 years we have specialised in the high quality Design, Build & Maintenance of gardens

Find us at PO14 4PR • 01489 572285

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