Itchen Valley 146

ITCHEN VALLEY

FORUM

FEATURES Hampshire People - The Forum talks with Fred Dinenage MBE (page 68) NEW Our Planet (see page 58)

REACHING 18,750 READERS * ITCHEN VALLEY, WINCHESTER & THE WORTHY'S ISSUE 146 • DECEMBER

NEWS & EVENTS All the Festive News and Events Christmas Market Square Recipe of the month

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

DON'T FORGET WE OFFER A FREE WINTER HEALTH CHECK Is your vehicle safe and prepared?

Ensure your car is safe and prepared for Winters inclement weather by taking advantage of our FREE visual winter health and safety check* * Fluids and parts used are chargeable

We will check: Tyres, Anti-Freeze, Wiper Blades, Lights, Visual Brake Check, Fluid Levels, Exhaust System, Battery and much more!

Call today: 01962 736343 www.phoenixautoservicesltd.co.uk Free local collection and delivery service PHOENIX AUTO SERVICES LTD, UNIT E, PROSPECT COMMERCIAL PARK, PROSPECT ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QF

The Team Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk Director of Advertising Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

Welcome The festive period is now well and truly upon us. It will be lovely to see the streets of Winchester and Alresford adorned with Christmas lights once again. Don't forget to use your local retailers this Christmas for your gifts, they need your support more than ever!

We have a whole host of festive events for you to see and lots of interesting features and articles. We have introduced a new feature which we will be running monthly called

Contents 4 What's On? Page 4 6 Church Services 9

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

12 Professional From photographers to solicitors - every professional service you need 12 Hampshire Mum Not falling for it 17 Garden Make your garden dream come true. Or visit local beautiful country gardens

'Our Planet'. We hope that the articles published on this page will encourage our readers to do their bit to ensure a future for our children. You may agree with the article/s or you may not, please let us know we are only too happy to publish your constructive feedback.

The Forum team would take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Christmas Mark Tubb (Editor)

34 Retail/Market Square Our regular retail feature, Unique, Bespoke, Eclectic and Local shopping 42 Retail Decline

By Peter Pooley 43 Motoring Local services to keep your vehicles running smoothly

47 Education Find local schools and educational experts

48 Claire Thurlow No such things as a Seagull

Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk Director of Marketing Rob Harrison rob@forummedianddesign.co.uk Design Manager James Curtis Advertising & Creative Design james@forumpublications.co.uk Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

Contributors Copy Writers Gill grant, Claire Thurlow, Iris Crowfoot, Jane Brown

Contact Details Forum Publications Ltd 11 Broad Street, Alresford Hampshire, SO24 9AR Tel: 01962 735137 forumpub editor@forumpublications.co.uk www.forumpublications.co.uk Printed on recycled paper

49 Home Trades, services, designers. All you need for your home 58 Our Planet Palm Oil 62 The Mens Shed

20 Leisure & Entertainment Discover local events and days out in Hampshire

68 Hampshire People The Forum talks with Fred Dinenage MBE

22 Wellbeing Looking after your health and yourself!

70 Culture The diverse theatre, music, arts and crafts, of Hampshire

27 Food & Drink Eat out, stay in: food, drink and dining in Hampshire

JANUARY COPY DEADLINE DECEMBER 10th

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 Forums 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, 2018 * Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household

4 4

CO WHAT'S MMUNITY ON?

DECEMBER Saturday 1

Itchen Abbas Village Hall Auction

From 2pm. Drop off lots to sell 9-9.30am Viewing from 12.30pm. To include China, Coins, Ephemera, Collectables, Old Toys, Jewellery, small items of Furniture, NOT Household goods, Car Boot Items or modern Electricals. Sellers booking recommended Please call Claire 01962 734941 or Bob 01962 733475 for bookings or further information www.auctionsinaday.co.uk

Saturday 1

Preston Candover CE Primary School Christmas Fair

Join us for amazing eats and treats ranging from a BBQ, Mulled Wine, Craft Beer, Artisan Coffee, Games & Activities to Christmas Craft Projects and Products. We will have real Christmas Trees for Sale on the day and prior to the event and end off the festivities with a visit to Santa’s Grotto or a Reindeer Ride* for the little ones. Hope to see you there for some festive cheer. *Ponies dressed as Reindeer.

Subject to weather conditions. Time: 12:00 15:00.Venue: Preston Candover CE Primary School Premises. For more information and pre-orders on Christmas Trees contact anneke@perpetualenergy.org or contact Maria on 07968 262645

Saturday 1 Quiz Night

Fun evening of questions with a fish & chip supper. Ropley Pavilion SO24 0DT. From 7.30pm. A fun night of quiz questions with a tasty supper too! Cash prize for the best quizzers on the night plus 50/50 raffle and bar (cash only). £15 per person, max 8 people per team. In aid of Ropley Playgroup & PreSchool. Email ropleypreschoolcommittee@ outlook.com for ticket info.

Sunday 2

The Raimes Festive Cellar Door

From 2-5 pm on Sunday 2 December at Grange Farm in Tichborne. Come along to taste the wines and meet the team. We will have special case deals running on the day so it’s the perfect time to stock up on fizz for Christmas. raimes.co.uk @RaimesSparkling

Tuesday 4 - Friday 7

The Old Alresford Dramatic Society (TOADS) presents its much-anticipated pantomime, Treasure Island

This is TOADS 33rd pantomime and is stuffed full of buried treasure and much hilarity with songs and live music, plus jokes to grin and groan to. Renowned for amazing set design and beautiful costumes this seasonal treat punches well above its weight and is a fantastic evening for all. Performances run daily from: Tues – Fri at 7.30pm and Saturday at 3pm and 7.30pm. www.ticketsource.co.uk/toads Or call Box Office 01962 736257 Or email

boxoffice@oa-toads.org.uk Bar open through the evening

Causes. As well as books, magazines, dvds and so much more.

Saturday 8 December

Sunday 16

Come and join Alresford Community Choir for a traditional Christmas concert, to be held in St John’s Church, Alresford. Our programme will include beautiful festive pieces from around the world as well as familiar carols and classic Christmas songs, with several opportunities for the audience to sing with us. Doors open 7pm, the concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets £12-£15 each from Oakleaf Stationery, Alresford and www.alresfordchoir.com

In the John Pearson Hall Sunday December 16th. From 2.30 - 4pm Do come and join us for Tea Home made Cake. Conversation and Friendship

Carol for Everyone

Saturday 8

Christmas Dance Party Night

From 7.30pm - 11.00pm. £10 in advance/£12 on the night. Come and join Silvia and Max to celebrate this most special time of year at a Dance Party Night filled with the Spirit of Christmas and all the Dancing Fun you could wish for. Everyone is welcome and no previous dancing experience required -we’ll get everyone dancing. Special West Coast Swing Dance Class 7.45pm - 8.30pm.

Learn to dance this smoothest of dances that can be danced to almost any kind of music.

Bar open all night. Music with DJ Max. Salsa y Sol Dance & Yoga www.salsaysol.co.uk www.dancingwinchester.co.uk FacebookEvent:https://www.facebook.com/ events/2251768001563921/

Saturday 8

Alresford Community Choir - concert

Come and join Alresford Community Choir for a traditional Christmas concert, to be held in St John’s Church, Alresford. Our programme will include beautiful festive pieces from around the world as well as familiar carols and classic Christmas songs, with several opportunities for the audience to sing with us.

From 7pm for 7.30pm. Tickets £12-£15 each from Oakleaf Stationery, Alresford and www. alresfordchoir.com

Saturday 8 - Sunday 9

Contemporary Art & Crafts for Christmas

From 10am - 4pm Free Entry. Meet the makers. Find unique hand crafted gifts. Kids Christmas activities see website for details at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. Jermyns Lane, Ampfield, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0QA www.artfuIevents.co.uk

December 12

Late night shopping

With the Test Valley Brass band

December 12

Late night opening in Alresford

Come to the Library - we will be open between 5.00 pm and 8.15 pm. There will be fun Christmas activities for the children. Craft stalls and Christmas gifts. Cards for Good

Solos Sunday Tea

Monday 17

Christmas Exhibition.

The Story of Christmas from the Bible.

From 2.15pm to 7.00pm Alresford Community Centre.

Wednesday 19

Christmas Concert Itchen Valley Choir

Join us – we will be singing a lovely selection of traditional and contemporary Christmas music and audience participation always adds to our special concerts. At Itchen Abbas Village Hall. From 7.45pm. Admission £10 on the night – to include a glass of wine and a finger buffet supper.

Saturday 22

Alresford Antiques Fair

The Fair is held in Alresford Town Hall in the centre of the town. We offer a wide range of Decorative, interesting and unusual items including good quality Furniture, Silver, Jewellery, Militaria and Books. We will also buy. Free Admission. Limited Free Parking nearby & large car park at the Station.

Open: 9.30am - 5.00pm. Contacts: Carol - 01264 335769 / 07870 432805 Steve - 01722 712267 / 07915 663251 Lakewood Smith - 07970 797306

Saturday 22

Tree of Remembrance at St John's Church

You are again warmly invited to come and place a star on this tree in memory of someone who will be especially in your thoughts this Christmas time. There are stars in church next to the tree and you simply need to write the name of the person you are remembering on one of them. The tree will be in church from Monday 10th December until the New Year. There will also be a very short service of prayers around this tree at 12.30.

JANUARY Saturday 19 Race Night

At St. John’s Church. You are invited to a fun packed evening when you have the chance to ‘ride/pull’ your horse to the finishing line.

Paddock opens at 7.00pm / Races start at 7.30pm / John Pearson Hall. Tickets £10 / Fish and Chip supper included / Bar available Also you can…Sponsor a race - £25/Own a horse - £5. Tickets – cash or cheques to PCC of New Alresford / Rosie Waring Green 733237 rosie@22rwg.co.uk

2017 2018

5

6 6

CO CHURCH MMUNITY SERVICES

New Alresford St. John the Baptist Sunday 2 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion 18.00 Advent Carol Procession Sunday 9 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Second Sunday 16.00 Choral Evensong

at Itchen Stoke Sunday 16 08.30 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion 18.00 Community Carols

& Christmas Readings Saturday 22 12.30 Prayers around the

Tree of Remembrance Sunday 23 08.30 Holy Communion 09.30 Informal Communion 18.00 Festival of Lessons

and Carols Christmas Eve 17.00 Crib Service 23.30 First Communion of Christmas Christmas Day 08.00 Christmas Communion 09.30 Christmas Family Communion Sunday 30 10.00 Benefice Communion

at St.Peters, Ovington Every Friday 10.00 Holy Communion Parish Office: 01962 733545 stjohnsalresford.org.uk

Old Alresford St.Mary the Virgin Sunday 2 11.00 Village Family Service Sunday 9 09.30 Parish Commuion Sunday 16 11.00 Morning Praise Sunday 23 17.00 Carol Service Christmas Day 10.00 Christmas Family Communion Sunday 30 10.00 Benefice Communion

at St.Peters, Ovington Every Thursday 09.00 Holy Communion

Old Alresford Place Parish Office: 01962 733545 stjohnsalresford.org.uk

Ovington St.Peter's Sunday 2 10.00 No Service

Sunday 9 10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 16 10.00 Morning Prayer Sunday 23 16.00 Carol Service Christmas Day 10.00 Christmas Family Communion Sunday 30 10.00 Benefice Communion Parish Office: 01962 733545 stjohnsalresford.org.uk

New Alresford Methodist Church Sunday Worship 1st Sunday 10.30 Morning Worship.

Holy Communion monthly Midweek Activities Tuesdays 10.00 Come in for coffee

- at Tiffins 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 Prayer Time www.newfarmchapel.org.uk

Bighton All Saints Sunday 2 11.00 First Sunday Sunday 9

11.00 Morning Prayer Sunday 16 17.00 Carol Service Sunday 23 11.00 Morning Prayer Christmas Eve 23.30 First Communion

of Christmas Christmas Day No Service Sunday 30 10.00 Benefice Communion

at St.Peters, Ovington Parish Office: 01962 733545 stjohnsalresford.org.uk

Upper Itchen Benefice Sunday 2 10.15 Cheriton All Age Holy

Communion Service Sunday 9 09.00 Beauworth

The Advent Story (Matins) 09.30 Beauworth

Holy Communion 15.00 Bramdean Church in the Wood

Carols in the Wood 18.00 Kilmeston Carol Services with Christingles 18.00 Bramdean Carol Services Sunday 16 09.30 Cheriton

Holy Communion 11.00 Hinton Ampner

Carol Service 11.00 Beauworth

Carol Service 18.00 Tichborne

Carol Service Sunday 23 09.30 Cheriton

Holy Communion 15.00 Cheriton

Carol Service

Christmas Eve 16.00 Cheriton

Crib Service Christmas Day 08.30 Beauworth and Tichborne

Holy Communion 09.30 Cheriton

Holy Communion 11.00 Kilmeston and Bramdean

Holy Communion Sunday 30 09.30 Hinton Ampner

Holy Communion

New Alresford Catholic Church of St. Gregory the Great Every Sunday 11.00 Mass All other enquiries: 01962 852 804

Itchen Valley Benefice Sunday 4 08.00 Martyr Worthy

Holy Communion 10.00 Easton

All Age Service 18.00 Itchen Abbas

All Souls Service Sunday 11 10.50 Martyr Worthy

Parish Communion 18.00 Martyr Worthy

Choral Evensong Sunday 18 08.00 Itchen Abbas

Holy Communion 11.00 Easton

Friends Service and

Valley Worship Sunday 25 10.00 Martyr Worthy

Parish Communion 18.00 Avington Evensong

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Micah 5:2 Sunday Services (See our Christmas advert on page 8) Further details on website, or Telephone: 01962 851299 www.newfarmchapel.org.uk

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ALRESFORDCOMMUNITY

Wish you all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas Alresford Methodist Church (Methodist)

St. Gregory's New Alresford (Roman Catholic)

St.John the Baptist New Alresford (Anglican)

St. Mary's Old Alresford (Anglican)

Sunday 16 December 15.00 Carol Service with

Mince Pies Christmas Day 09.30 Christmas Morning Servcie

Christmas Eve 20.00 Midnight Mass

(with Carols) Christmas Day 11.00 Christmas Day Mass

Sunday 16 December 18.00 Community

Carols and Readings

Sunday 23 December 17.00 Carol Service Christmas Day 10.00 Parish Communion

Sunday 23 December 18.00 Festival of

Lessons & Carols Christmas Eve 17.00 Crib service 23.30 First Communion

of Christmas Christmas Day 08.00 Christmas Communion 09.30 Christmas

Family Communion

7

8

PROPERTY CO MMUNITY

CHURCHES

REPORT FROM WINCHESTER COUNCIL – MARGOT POWER On Street Parking – The Plot Thickens. We have had verbal confirmation that there are no plans to charge for what is currently free on street parking in Alresford, despite what the decision notice says – that’s the legal bit that officers need to work to. Thank you to all those that made their views known.

However, this apparently good news could be much much worse. If there is no revenue from parking charges there will be no enforcement.

Hampshire County Council are requiring that all costs are covered.

Those of you that lived here before 2007 will remember when it was impossible to park in the town centre as the same cars were parked there all day. The Town Council asked Winchester to enforce the parking restrictions and paid the estimated costs.

We have five retail premises empty in Alresford. As we lose the range of shops, we lose reasons for people to visit Alresford. If you like living in and around a market town, we need to keep up the battle to ensure quick shoppers can park quickly.

The Winchester Movement Strategy - is now available on the Winchester and Hampshire websites for your comments. If you ever go to or around Winchester this will affect you. Book some time between Christmas and New Year to take a look and provide constructive criticism.

Are we affluent? - Not all of us, and even in Alresford and the Itchen Valley there are families that have needed to use the Basics Food Bank, and there will be more in the future. As you fill your shopping baskets at Christmas please make a purchase for the Food Bank, there are donation boxes at the Co-op in Alresford, Sainsbury’s stores at Badger Farm and Middlebrook Street and Waitrose in Stockbridge Road, Weeke.

Happy Christmas, and a Peaceful New Year to you all. I hope to see you at one of my councillor surgeries, 0930-1045, first Friday each month, Alresford Community Centre, by kind permission of the Trustees.

ST NICHOLAS, BISHOP'S SUTTON BLOODWISE - CONCERTS 2018-19 The December concert is just over two weeks away – a little earlier in the month than usual as we are approaching the time when the turkeys are getting nervous and we are busying ourselves for Christmas. This is what lies ahead in St Nicholas Church, Bishop’s Sutton: Saturday 1st December at 6.00pm Classical guitar duo of Adrian Neville and Jennifer Oborn, playing music from Vivaldi to Karl Jenkins. Tickets cost £10 and are available via me on this email or stnbconcerts@gmail.com or on the door.

Doors open at 5.30pm and there is parking at the village hall on the main road (it’s a good idea to bring a torch). Here are the dates for your new diaries (all the concerts start at 6.00pm and finish by 7.00pm) Saturday 9th February: The Thomas Weelkes Singers Saturday 9th March: Adrian Adlam, violin (and possibly the Wykeham Ensemble again) Saturday 6th April: Lester Simpson & Nigel Corbett, ‘Will ye go to Flanders’, songs and music with stringed instruments, accordion and bagpipes As always, Bloodwise is grateful for your support – and we really enjoy seeing you!

Christmas at New Farm Chapel Sunday 16th December

10.30am - Morning Service 5.30pm - Family Carol Service with a nativity presentation by the children.

Guest Speaker at both services: Gordon Curley. (seasonal refreshments after the Carol Service)

Friday 21st December From 5.30pm to 7.30am - Makaton Carols (seasonal refreshments after the Service)

Sunday 23rd December

10.30am - Morning Service - The Light has Come 5.20pm - Carol Service

Christmas Day

10.30-11.15am - Christmas Day Service

Sunday 30th December 10.30am - Morning Service (at end of 2018) No afternoon Service

A very warm welcome to all who are able to join us

New Farm Chapel, New Farm Road, Alresford, Hants, SO24 9QH

Tel: 01962 851299 www.newfarmchapel.org.uk

CHURCHES

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With our extensive range of services, you can be sure we have plenty of options for you.

• Innovative designs to maximise your living space • A beautiful end result through quality workmanship

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ALL AT MORRIS PARKER WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

info@morrisparker.co.uk

www.morrisparker.co.uk

PROPERTY

9

At All Home in Alresford Hampshire about

Sales | Property Management | Lettings

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

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

Wayfarer Place, Alresford The long-awaited McCarthy & Stone retirement scheme in the middle of Alresford will be ready to move into over the summer of 2019. If you would like to find out more about this exciting addition to the Alresford scene, please call Julie from McCarthy & Stone on 07917 630125. Alternatively, feel free to pop into our ALRESFORD Guide Price: £1,250,000 | EPC Rating:Broad C

PRESTON CANDOVER

Street office to £399,950 meet |with her Din person.

Guide Price: EPC Rating:

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

WEST STRATTON For Sale: £600,000 | EPC Rating: B

ALRESFORD For Sale: £1,150,000 | EPC Rating: N/A

ALRESFORD For Sale: £450,000 | EPC Rating: D

ALRESFORD For Sale: £295,000 | EPC Rating: C

ALRESFORD For Sale: £390,000 | EPC Rating: D

TICHBORNE For Sale: £775,000 | EPC Rating: D

ALRESFORD To Let: £1,850pcm | EPC Rating: N/A

ROPLEY For Sale: £735,000 | EPC Rating: C

ALRESFORD To Let: £975pcm | EPC Rating: E

ALRESFORD For Sale: £362,500 | EPC Rating: D

OLD ALRESFORD For Sale: £995,000 | EPC Rating: D

ROPLEY For Sale: £635,000 | EPC Rating: C

12

PROFESSIONAL

COMMUNITY

ALRESFORD CHAMBER PROJECT – LIGHTING UP ALRESFORD Christmas lights are ready - Thank you for volunteers from to the Alresford PIGS for their project coordination, Chamber members and those that supported with refreshments, transport and general motivation.

A successful project to ensure Alresford is lit by over 170 trees for 2018 Boosts the festive atmosphere for residents, businesses and visitors. The value of an independent shopping & dining destination cannot be underestimated and needs to be nurtured by us all. Support our local individual town businesses to keep Alresford thriving Market Town Events • December 12th - Late night shopping with our sponsored Test Valley Brass band • December – Lighting up Alresford – Christmas trees go up.

Any companies wishing to participate, sponsor or advertise on these events please do contact us.

Chamber Events • Watch this space More to follow….

Together we are stronger

N FINE ART AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS

FINE ART, ASIAN ART, ANTIQUES, INTERIORS & COLLECTABLES AUCTION Tues 11th and Wed 12th December Viewing: Thur 6th, Fri 7th, Sat 8th, Mon 10th Sale mornings for 8.30am

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

STRATEGIC & FINANCIAL COMMUNICATION CONSULTANT FRENCH TRANSLATOR & CONVERSATION TEACHER

ALISON ALLFREY BA HONS OXON MODERN LANGUAGES • Advice on company messaging and positioning, website content, strategic announcements, perceptions work • High level translation work, both financial and general • French conversation lessons • Over 20 years experience in the City and with leading Financial PR and IR agencies • References available

CONTACT - T: 07519 409931 ALISON.ALLFREY@HOTMAIL.CO.UK

SEASON OF GOOD WILL Make yours in January

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

www.gibbonsolicitors.co.uk

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

“My solicitor ticks all the boxes”

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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

14

FEATURE

HAMPSHIRE MUM

NOT FALLING FOR IT

I

t’s funny the ageing process, before I was in my fifties I would occasionally hear older ladies explain, ‘Well I had this fall you see and it has taken me a week or two to get over it’.

I must confess part of me thought ‘oh for goodness sake!

Really?, but not any more. In fact, just recently it seems I have become one of those ladies who fall over regularly and take a while to recover.

So there I was in the middle of a local wood, the sun was shinning, the Pagan Pup happily going about his mischief and I was in the midst of a day dram regarding how I would distribute my, (dead certain), Euro Lottery win amongst my friends and relatives when….

Do you know that feeling? It's like the Laurel and Hardy trying to maintain balance and dignity knowing only too well that you can’t save yourself. And so down I went, with all the grace and elegance of a hippo in a tutu making that ‘euff ’ sound as the air left my lungs followed by a rather pathetic ‘oooh ouch’. I lay there for a minute pondering which bit of me hurt the most ankle, hand, back, neck even teeth- but it soon became apparent it was definitely my hip.

The Pagan Pup turned up and stood over me as if to ask ‘what are you doing?’ He watched unconcerned as I struggled to my feet and I set about brushing the debris from my clothes before attempting to walk on. Clearly that was not going to happen so I apologised to Pagan Pup that his walk would be cut short and limped back to the car.

The next day I felt as if someone had got a hold of my skeleton and shaken it until everything was in the wrong position, but thankfully there was no damage, not even a bruise, so no harm done.

I did wonder if there were any external signs of the pain in my hip, so a couple of days later I decided the only way to find out was to take a photo of my upper thigh, not being the owner of a full length mirror – which goes a long way to explain my

numerous fashion faux pas, Anyway there it was, the biggest black and purple bruise I had ever seen with a hard lump in the middle of it. Large enough to cover my enormous upper thigh it actually made a pleasant change aesthetically from the normal white puffy surface.The Husband actually hadn’t noticed but was suitably repulsed when I showed him, which is quite normal.

The following week I was coming out of the bathroom post shower and yes, over I went again landing on the same hip! It’s not every day a 15 year old finds his mother in a heap on the landing desperately trying to cover herself up with a bath towel while deciding if anything was broken.

“Ugh, Mum, that’s disgusting!’

Thanks.

Such was the enormity and ever-changing aubergine hues of said bruising Stars I and II wanted regular updates. But as the bruise faded so did their morbid interest and all I was left with was a sort of yellow stain with a mauve edge, until….

I was walking from my car at a friend’s house when I found myself getting up close and personal with her gravel. Fortunately nobody saw. I felt almost tearful, falling on the same hip yet again, this was getting beyond a joke.That evening I was the proud owner of a purple thumb, a new bruise experience, and a dinner plate sized hard swelling on said hip which had already begun to colour up beautifully.

As old wives tales insist that bad things ‘come in three’s’ I have concluded that for the moment at least I’ve had my quota.

Friends various have suggested all manner of explanations for falling in the same way three times, the most ghastly of which is ‘old age’!

Well, you know what? No way! I’m just not falling for it.

Old age? No way you’re meant to wear purple not be purple.

Personally I think I am just clumsy!

Sandra Pagan

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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

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

www.wiseandco.co.uk

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

Serving Hampshire Since 1860

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GARDEN COMMUNITY members,” said Candover Valley Community Store chairman Richard Walker. “We have been working very hard to make this happen as we all believe that a shop and post office are key to maintaining the vigour and life of the village communities in our area.”

WORK BEGINS BUILDING A NEW COMMUNITY STORE FOR PRESTON CANDOVER Remember, remember the fifth of November was certainly the case for a group of villagers in the Candover Valley who have seen work begin on their project to build a new community store and post office in Preston Candover.

Several years of planning, preparation, consultation and fundraising led to ground being broken this week. Designed by architects ProVision of Ampfield, near Romsey, construction of the 95sqm timber-clad building is being undertaken by Alresford-

JACKIES COUNTY CORNER

I hope this Christmas period is a happy time for you.

You may be thinking of making a new start in 2019 If you have childcare experience (including your own children) have you thought about fostering?

You can get in touch to find out more by calling 0300 555 1384 for more details or go to www.hants.gov.uk/adoptionandfostering.

Broadband The delivery plan for Rural Broadband through BDUK Government &HCC funding is continuing until the end of 2019. I asked for an update and have discovered there at least 490 addresses still unconnected in the

based building company CPFM and is expected to take around four months. After fitting out during March and April the target opening date is set for May 2019.

Over half the money needed to build, fit out, stock and operate the new store has been raised through local donations and a share scheme that now has 245 shareholder members. Additional funds from successful applications to a number of grant-giving bodies including the Hampshire County Council Rural Communities Fund and National Lottery Awards for All have allowed the £220,000 project to go ahead.

“Today really is a very exciting day for our many supporters and for our committee Micheldever/Wonston area, and small pockets elsewhere in the division, including Alresford and the Worthys. If this affects you, please contact me with your name and postcode and I’ll endeavour to find out the situation for you.

The county now has faster broadband to 97% of addresses, but you may have heard in the Budget statement that we are being promised that all homes will have fibre to the premises by 2033. So the BDUK programme starts again!

Massive flytipping This has occurred at several places including the Orr’s Meadow layby on the A31. Please- if you see any flytipping, report it as soon as you can, and if you see anything that looks like evidence, please photograph, but do not move it. To report flytipping go to: www.winchester. gov.uk/report or call 01962 840222 The whole programme of road maintenance is now best done online.

So for the fastest response, please use the Hampshire website if you can. Please let me know if nothing happens soon afterwards.

For Leaf Clearance or other street issue, you may like to refer to www.winchester.gov.uk/ waste-recycling/grounds-and-streetcare for the schedule.

You can report any Rights of Way fault on the hants.gov.uk website or call 0300 555 1388 www.hants.gov.uk/

The new store which will be largely staffed by volunteers will provide vital local services for residents in the Candover Valley and be a welcoming place for people to visit to shop for top-up groceries, to post their parcels or to sit for a while with friends for a chat over a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. The owners of the existing village shop, which is set to close, have shown the project great support and their patience as it has come to fruition has been greatly appreciated.

A bank of volunteers will provide the additional help needed by a paid manager to run the store and in the months leading up to the opening, the CVCS committee is seeking offers of assistance in a number of areas from marketing and branding to book-keeping, carpentry and decorating. If you would like to be involved in any way, large or small, or have skills that would benefit the project, your contribution would be welcomed.

For further information please visit our website www.candovervalleycommunitystore.org.uk or call Richard Walker on 01256 389238. landplanningandenvironment/rightsofway You can request a blue badge , request a licence or permit or report a pothole on road or footway (tarmac ) on www.hants.gov.uk/ transport Bus cuts totalling £449,000 Were agreed by the Exec Member, Rob Humby in the last week of October: despite protestations from me and from Lewis North, the 67 will be reduced at non peak times, the C41 Alresford to Basingstoke will be cut to two days a week. Mervyn’s bus timetable will not change.

Street Lighting will be cut off between 1 and 4pm On residential streets– but lights can be left on street by street if there is a strong case to do so. If you need the lights on between those times, please let me know: I am keen to ensure everyone in this division feels safe, walking at night. The Cart and Horses junction now has lighting-and I am assured that the CCTV will be in place very soon. I’d be interested to hear your views on the works there.

Cllr Jackie Porter, Jackie.porter@hants.gov. uk01962 791054, text/mobile 07973 696 085 Twitter: @JackieLibDem

GARDEN

Chris Matthews Tree Care and Woodland Management

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.

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

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ROPLEY TREES PROFESSIONAL TREE CARE

Laceys Farm, Bramdean Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0JT

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

Daren George - your local pest controller from Alresford Wasps • Rats • Mice • Squirrels • Moles • Rabbits • Crawling & Flying Insects Fully insured - Discreet service assured at all time

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WHEELIE BIN CLEANING Wheelie bins are a known harbourage for a variety of pest species, from flies and maggots, to wasps and rats!

Bins can also attract a range of bacteria including Listeria, Salmonella and E.coli.

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T: 07778 141505

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GARDEN

COMMUNITY

THAT SURPRISE CHRISTMAS PRESENT FROM ALL SAINTS - HINTON AMPNER CHURCH TEA TOWELS & CARDS Not so very long ago a still life with flowers fetched £2.1m at auction, it was painted on a Tea Towel by Van Gogh. Unlike Banksy’s “A Girl with a Balloon”, the All Saints Tea Towel is not a work of art on canvas. It’s a bespoke work of art, screen printed, on the finest cotton cloth. And, unlike the Banksy stencil sold at over £1million, your Tea Towel will not shred itself! It’s washable up to 40 degrees and our hammer price is only £6 each, or 2 for £10.

All Saints Church has thousands of visitors every year and also unlike that destructive Banksy, All Saints is kept under continuous maintenance, renovation, improvement and repair. The most recent state of the art project? A new lighting system. How to pay for these works? Our hand crafted Tea Towels and our Christmas Cards; of All Saints Church Chancel, its Altar & Patrick Reyntiens Windows decorated for Christmas, are not only affordable, they will help All Saints raise much needed funds.

Like Banksy and Van Gogh you could put your Tea Towel to some new and innovative use, or even keep it as a work of art. It’s available, in sage green on a white background, so why not buy two, keep one and send the other one together with our Christmas card as “That surprise Christmas Present”?

“No room at the Inn,” and not much in the stable, with Shepherds, Magi, Mary, Joseph, the heavenly host and a baby using the manager as a cot! But, there is always room for you at this important time in the Christian year, to see our Nativity Scene and much else besides.

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

Now taking bookings for Autumn / Winter Garden work Fruit Tree Pruning, Hedge Cutting, Winter Garden Clearances, Leaf Clearance, Green waste removal, Jet washing patio areas, Basic custom made log stores & veg beds, Supply & Installation of top grade sterilised garden mulch, ideal for beds & borders, Gutter cleaning

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

Details of the Services and the many activities in the Upper Itchen Benefice are in www.upperitchen.org and there’s “Definitely room for you on Christmas Eve at The All Saints Midnight Mass”!

With your support, at this important time in the Christian year, all who receive our Christmas card and Tea Towel, will share in the true meaning of Christmas. Both are on Sale at All Saints. And Christmas Cards are also available at The Cheriton Village Shop £6 for a packet of 10, or 80p for a single card. We guarantee profits from all sales will be used to maintain and improve All Saints.

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

GARDEN

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C&D Trees All Tree & Hedge Care

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

Supply and planting large specimen trees and shrubs

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PETER CHIVERS PCS

Design, landscaping and ongoing maintenance

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

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

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

ALL AREAS COVERED

Espalier, pleached and instant impact hedges

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All trees and shrubs carefully selected

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

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ENTERTAIMENT

HOTEL'S TRANSFORMATION PLAN TO INCLUDE A LUXURY SPA AND NEW RESTAURANT The four star Holiday Inn Winchester, is planning a complete transformation of its internal public areas, and the creation of a new luxury Spa, with the project costing over £2 million.

The redevelopment will provide a new ‘open lobby’ to the upper ground floor, which will feature a new restaurant with outside dining. An elegant long and curved bar will also be located on the upper ground floor next to the restaurant and will also serve the large lounge area, that is so popular with business visitors for casual meetings and there will also be a “To Go” café. A special workplace will be also be available in the lounge area, and for those who want to be entertained there will be a media/fun relaxing area.

The refurbishment will begin in January 2019 and will be completed in a number of smaller phases that will enable the hotel to continue to provide its existing facilities of restaurant, bar, reception and lounge areas until the upper ground floor transformation is completed in April 2019. This will be followed by the creation of a new Spa on the lower ground floor level that will be completed in July 2019. The Spa will also have a private screened outdoor terrace with a relaxing hot tub. Luxurious treatment rooms will offer peaceful spaces for visitors to be pampered and there will be a relaxation zone, a gym, a studio and a large hydrotherapy pool. Spa memberships will be available for local people.

BUSINESS AS USUAL Marc Solarz, the hotel’s General Manager commented: “It will still be business as usual at the hotel during the refurbishment, as our architects and designers have carefully planned a phased approach to the transformation, so we can still offer hotel guests and visitors the same facilities. Every aspect of the project has been carefully planned in specific phases, with areas screened and sound proofed to avoid disturbance to residents and visitors.”

THE CURTIS MUSEUM AND ALLEN GALLERY, ALTON

The four star Holiday Inn Winchester, is planning a complete transformation of its internal public areas, and the creation of a new luxury Spa, with the project costing over £2 million.

The redevelopment will provide a new ‘open lobby’ to the upper ground floor, which will feature a new restaurant with outside dining.

An elegant long and curved bar will also be located on the upper ground floor next to the restaurant and will also serve the large lounge area, that is so popular with business visitors for casual meetings and there will also be a “To Go” café. A special workplace will be also be available in the lounge area, and for those who want to be entertained there will be a media/fun relaxing area.

The refurbishment will begin in January 2019 and will be completed in a number of smaller phases that will enable the hotel to continue to provide its existing facilities of restaurant, bar, reception and lounge areas until the upper ground floor transformation is completed in April 2019. This will be followed by the creation of a new Spa on the lower ground floor level that will be completed in July 2019. The Spa will also have a private screened outdoor terrace with a relaxing hot tub.

Luxurious treatment rooms will offer peaceful spaces for visitors to be pampered and there will be a relaxation zone, a gym, a studio and a large hydrotherapy pool. Spa memberships will be available for local people.

BUSINESS AS USUAL Marc Solarz, the hotel’s General Manager commented: “It will still be business as usual at the hotel during the refurbishment, as our architects and designers have carefully planned a phased approach to the transformation, so we can still offer hotel guests and visitors the same facilities. Every aspect of the project has been carefully planned in specific phases, with areas screened and sound proofed to avoid disturbance to residents and visitors.”

ENTERTAINMENT

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARDS MORE THAN 50 CHARITIES! ON SALE AT THE CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP Tourist Information Centre WINCHESTER GUILDHALL

Monday 25th October – Saturday 18th December from 10am-4.45pm All Proceeds to Charity

Pan Peter

12–22 DEC @ 7.30PM & SUN 16, 2018 @ 2.30PM. NO PERF 17 DEC

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WELLBEING

HOME INSTEAD – HOME CARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY

The Central Hampshire branch of Home Instead was set up in 2011 by Jan and Steve Gapper from Winchester. They specialise in providing non-medical care for older people in their own homes, covering Alresford, Winchester, Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford.

Finding care for elderly loved ones to allow them to stay in their own homes for as long as possible can be daunting. Home Instead Senior Care Central Hampshire can help. Whether it is personal care, companionship or home help, their care services are personalised and tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs. They set out to provide care of an exceptional quality. Their CAREGivers are matched to the client and spend a minimum of one hour with them on every visit, so they get to know each other well and develop a

relationship based on trust and understanding of the clients’ needs.

Jan Gapper, Director of Care, says ‘We aim to deliver the level of care which I would be happy for a member of my own family to receive.

We do this by training and investing in our dedicated team of CAREGivers on a continual basis to ensure we deliver the highest standard and quality of care so that our service is the best it can be.’

Jan Gapper has a special interest in dementia, something she has a wealth of experience in, both personally and professionally.

Therefore, the team specialise in dementia care, and often run free workshops and drop-in sessions for the local community.

This has come about from a desire to help local families facing the uncertainty which comes with caring for a loved one with dementia. Home Instead is the only care provider certified to deliver accredited City & Guilds Dementia training, meaning specially trained staff are placed with clients with a form of dementia, giving families the peace of mind that their loved ones are receiving the care and understanding that they need. The team at Home Instead are very much part of the community and are now gearing up for their annual Be a Santa to a Senior campaign, in which they collect donations of gifts and wrap them up for Christmas and donate them to disadvantaged older people in the community who don’t have anyone to spend the festive season with and may not receive a Christmas present.

If you are interested in donating a gift (no food or alcohol) to the Be a Santa to a Senior campaign, learning about home care services, or would like to apply to join their friendly team as a CAREGiver, please call 01962 736681 or email hants@ homeinstead.co.uk

If someone in your family needs a little help please call please call our friendly team on 01962 736681

www.homeinstead.co.uk/centralhampshire Email: hants@homeinstead.co.uk

WELLB EING

stockists of:

ALRESFORDPILATES small groups : individual support : close supervision call sally hogg on 07771 522665 info@alresfordpilates.co.uk

26 The Dean Alresford Hampshire S024 9AZ Tel: 01962 738683 www.studio49alresford.com

www.alresfordpilates.co.uk the studio, 26a the dean alresford so24 9az

Cosmetic Acupuncture· Traditional Chinese Medicine Alresford· Southampton Winchester Pain management Joint and or muscles, headaches, menstrual cycle, digestive disorders, anxiety, skin problems, eye disease, persistent cough and much more Contact me for more information

PrettyWoman Luxury Beauty Salon

Luxury Christmas Special - £95

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Full Body Massage for the ultimate in relaxation Beaute Neuve facial to illuminate the skin’s complexion Neck & Scalp Massage

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Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage for deep relaxation Rehydrating Facial perfect for the Winter months Neck & Scalp Massage

Gift Vouchers available for a treatment or any amount, valid for 12 months Online Booking Available

Alresford: 01962 736888 Alton: 01420 541888 www.pretty-woman-salon.co.uk

5 E A S T S T R E E T, A L R ES F O R D , S O 24 9 E E 9 A M A R K E T S T R E E T, A LTO N , G U 3 4 1 H A

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WELLBEING the next that stops you getting overwhelmed in the first place, so that you do not pile up a debt of fatigue and emotional burnout to add to the other burdens you will carry into the New Year.

RELAXATION FOR BUSY PEOPLE “Christmas has been cancelled this year.” My father made this same joke every year, when we children were beginning to get excited. A few decades ago, our Christmas was a one-day, onepresent-each event. It was a brief, magical moment in a mostly monotonous calendar of working days and plodding Sundays. Even so, my father was harassed by the disruption and what must have been a quite modest extra cost.

Since then, Christmas, far from being cancelled, has swelled like an insatiable beast. It feeds on people’s time, energy and money for weeks or even months on both sides of the day itself. For many people, the harassment snuffs out the magic. A host of mounting pressures – to get more done, and done in time; to spend more than you really want or can afford; to eat and drink more than is healthy or comfortable; the heightened emotional cost of loneliness, or else of strained relationships – are all the more stressful when the season is supposed to remind us of peace and joy.

Not that anyone talks much these days of goodwill to all mankind.

‘Goodwill’ is out of date and ‘mankind’ is sexist.You are more likely to hear people redefining Christmas as “all about family time and loved ones,” and, after all the extra stress and overwork, looking forward to some bingeing (box sets, luxuries) and a few days of mindless torpor.

The difference between torpor and real relaxation is that torpor can leave you feeling dissatisfied and irritable rather than rested.

A habit of relaxing during your busiest times, instead of after, restores your depleted energy as you go. Torpor is a form of collapse, an attempt to switch off living for a while because it has become too overwhelming.

Relaxation is the natural counter to anxiety and activity. It is the easing-up between one effort and

Christmas coincides with the transition we make at the end of each year from one stage of our lives to the next. I am reminded of a primary school I know of, where for the last five minutes of every class the children sit and think about what they have accomplished in the lesson just ended, and consider the new activity they are about to begin.

Instead of classes that end with a jangling bell and an eruption of noise and rush, this small pause allows one period to lead calmly and purposefully on to the next. The same principle works whenever there is much to do and little time. Pockets of calm between your activities give you breathing space and help you keep things in perspective.

Calm first: then carry on. This is practical psychology, and not only because stress impairs us. I am still amazed how, when (against my impatient grain) I pause and relax for five minutes – before leaving the house, for example, or before sleeping, or on waking – that is when my mind clears, and allows something important I had forgotten, or a solution to a problem, or renewed calm to float into my awareness.

Don’t tell yourself that you will relax later, when you have time.

Even one minute, now, to pause and relax will put you back in control, stop your mind running on auto-pilot, and bring your life back into focus. Calm first. Then carry on. If this sounds easier said than done, I can send you a simple “Relaxation for Busy People” audio that takes less than five minutes to listen to and is an easy routine to remember. No charge, no commitment. Email me at anna@annapowell.com with ‘’Yes please” in the subject line, and I will send you the recording by reply.

Like all other Christmases past and future, this Christmas will come and go.You can navigate the pressures more freely when you are relaxed and (forgive the pun) more present.

Anna Powell www.annapowell.com

The perfect gift this Christmas, for the lady in your life.

The Gift of Relaxation, is 90 minutes of Reflexology, where her mind & body will drift off to a calm, serene and peaceful place.

Gift vouchers are beautifully presented, fasten with ribbon, and ready to give. £60.00 Based in Ropley 07981 994188 harriet@aeonreflexology.co.uk www.aeonreflexology.co.uk

TwoCan Solutions SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE

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Supporting young people with a range of concerns including: • • • • •

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WELLB EING

Vulnerable relative or friend?

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

26 West Street, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9AT Tel: 01962 733269 email:alresford@rawlingsopticians.co.uk

Your Local Your Local Your Local Chiropodist Chiropodist Your Local Chiropodist

Your Local Dan Street Chiropodist Dan Street BSc(Hons) Pod MChS

Your Local BSc(Hons) Pod MChS Dan Street Your Chiropodist Local Telephone: Chiropodist BSc(Hons) Pod MChS Dan Street Chiropodist Telephone: Dan Street BSc(Hons) Pod MChS

Turn their telephone into a lifeline allowing them to BSc(Hons) Pod MChS Pod MChS Telephone: BSc(Hons) www.mystreetfeet.com Telephone: www.mystreetfeet.com call for assistance with the Telephone: 01189 67 58 53 Telephone: 01189 01189 67 58 67 53 58 53 press of a button 01189 67 58 53 Dan Street Telephone: Dan 01189 Street 67 58 53

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01189 67 58 53 01189 67 58 53 www.mystreetfeet.com www.mystreetfeet.com www.mystreetfeet.com www.mystreetfeet.com www.mystreetfeet.com Osteopathic practice is a safe and effective hands-on

approach to healthcare aimed at preventing, diagnosing and treating a variety of health problems.

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For more details contact Winchester Lifeline  01962 855335  Lifeline@winchester.gov.uk

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FOOD & DRINK COMMUNITY earliest stone bridges surviving nationally. Its remains will provide rare evidence of early medieval masonry bridge construction and offers a testimony to the engineering work which made the River Itchen navigable and transformed the area economically. Deposits preserved underneath the bridge will preserve valuable artefact and environmental evidence, shedding light on the human and natural history of the site prior to construction.

Mrs Caroline Perry has kindly offered to open her garden at 53 Broad Street in order to get a closer look at the bridge, on the same days as the Museum will be opened by the Town Trust so that the Public can get a view of this piece

of history. These dates are 20th April (Easter Saturday); 6th May; 13th July; 26th August and the 14th/15th September ( Heritage Weekend).

Mrs Perry has been a volunteer at the Eel House and significant donor (with her late husband Nick) for the last 10 years, and has always been keen to let the public see its heritage.

The Town Trust is producing a detailed leaflet for its 2019 Open Day events including a French Market on Saturday 20th April 2019.

Robin Atkins (Natt Chair)

FANTASTIC START TO THE FESTIVE SEASON FOR THE DUMMER FAIR – ALL IN AID OF TRELOAR’S

OPEN DAYS FOR THE ALRESFORD BRIDGE The Alresford Bridge is a late 12th century stone single arched bridge, spanning the overflow channel from Old Alresford Pond. It is also known as the Soke Bridge and is listed Grade II*. The bridge and pond were created

by Godfrey de Lucy, Bishop of Winchester (1189-1204), as part of a scheme to make the River Itchen navigable from its source at Bramdean to Winchester and Southampton.

Alresford Pond, which originally covered 200 acres (approximately 81ha), acted as a reservoir, in which the water of several local streams was collected to be channelled through the River Alre to the River Itchen. Alresford Bridge was constructed c.1190 and comprises a single gothic arch of cut stone voussoirs, which remains visible on the downstream (north west) side. Underneath the arch at water level are rectangular recesses, which may have supported a timber framework during the construction of the bridge. The arch is flanked by two stepped stone buttresses, of which the easternmost is encased within the wall supporting the neighbouring patio. The medieval bridge, which measures approximately 3m wide, was modified and extended in at least two stages. The bridge was widened on the upstream (south east) side with a 3m wide brick arch at an unknown date before 1870, as mapped evidence suggests.

During the 17th century a brick parapet was added on the downstream side, topped by copings, which are possibly the original reused 12th century stones. The upstream face of the bridge was modified in 1881, when a red brick arch and parapet were added.

The reason for the listing of Alresford Bridge, despite post-medieval additions, remains well preserved and is amongst the

It has been another fantastic year for The Dummer Fair, raising an outstanding £32,000 so far in aid of Treloar’s. The annual fundraising event is a firm favourite for shoppers across Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire. Held over two days, around Michaelmas in October, the Fair certainly did not disappoint. Around 1,000 shoppers attended across the two days and bought from a wide selection of artisan and independent businesses, ranging from crafts to food, clothing and gifts.

All the profits from the Fair are donated to the Treloar Trust which runs a School and College for severely disabled children and young people in Holybourne, Hampshire. The committee is incredibly proud that The Dummer Fair is one of Treloar’s flagship events and makes such a substantial difference to the needs of the amazing young people who live and learn at this remarkable establishment.

Rebecca Caplan, the Committee Chair said: “15 years ago I moved to Hampshire and I had two criteria for which charity to support - local and young people, Treloar’s was the perfect fit. I have been fundraising for them ever since and am a huge supporter of everything they do. Running the Dummer Fair in aid of Treloar’s was a natural fit.

Proceeds raised from this fair are so important for Treloar’s both in terms of financial support but also to ensure the local community get to know about the charity. I am absolutely overwhelmed by the amount raised at this year’s fair. A truly magnificent effort and has set the bar high for future years.”

Jon Colville, Director of Fundraising at Treloar’s added: “An event like this takes many months of planning so we have to give huge thanks to the committee, who not only planned and managed the event but worked so hard on the day. Thanks also to our sponsor Savills and their team who greeted everyone at the entrance, then the legion of hard working, loyal volunteers, the Friends of Treloar’s, our SAP volunteers and everyone at the Dummer Cricket Centre who made the event possible.

I don’t want to miss the Treloar team either who parked their normal work routine to help on the day. All the profits are invested in our young people so a wonderful and slightly different way of raising money for Treloar’s. We are very grateful to everyone who supported the event” If you would like to find out more about next year’s Dummer Fair event, please contact dummerfair@treloar.org.uk or call 01420 547447

FOOD & DRINK

Where to find us Owton’s Chalcroft Farm Burnetts Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 2HU Tel: 02380 601154 shop@owtons.com Now open Sundays 10am – 2pm

Owton’s at Garsons Fontley Road, Titchfield, PO15 6QX Tel: 01329 854895 garsons@owtons.com

Owton’s award winning family butchers offer quality fresh meat, locally sourced food & outstanding value straight from your local farm

Owton’s at Country Market Kingsley, Bordon, Hampshire, GU35 0QP Tel: 01420 5450902 countrymarket@owtons.com

Our Christmas hampers are terrific value at only £79.99* Get a £5 voucher to spend in January or February if you collect your hamper in November or December.

Owton’s at Rosebourne

What you get with an Owton’s Christmas Hamper:

• 1.9kg NZ Leg Of Lamb (Feeds up to 8) • 1.8kg Beef Roasting Joint (Feeds up to 10) • 1.8Kg Gammon Joint (Feeds up to 10) • 1.8Kg Leg Of Pork (Feeds up to 10) • 454g Owtons Pork Sausagemeat • 454g Owtons Pork Chipolatas • 454g Green Streaky • FREE 2.25kg Boneless Turkey Breast Roll*

Rosebourne Garden Centre, Amesbury Road, Weyhill, Andover, SP11 8ED Tel: 01264 774888 Rosebourne@owtons.com

#OwtonsButchers

*You can replace the free Boneless Turkey Breast Roll with a 4.6kg Turkey for £84.99

See all our latest news, offers and events at: www.owtons.com

zz z z z z zz zzzz z zz z z zz z z z z zz z z z z zz 2 courses 21.95 / 3 courses 23.95

STARTER

• Antipasti • • Bruschetta Classica • • Bruschetta Primavera •

MAIN

• Pizza Sorpresa • • Slow Braised Lamb Shoulder • • Celeriac & Confit Garlic Risotto •

Y

Y

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Now taking orders for Christmas cheeses, fresh fish, seafood platters, dressed salmon & cooked lobsters.

Pop in and see us, we are now open 7 days a week!

DESSERT

www.woodfirestockbridge.co.uk Woodfire, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6EX

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Thyme & Tides, Stockbridge boasts a huge range of British & European cheeses in our much loved deli as well as wines, organic vegetables, artisan breads, olives, smoked salmon & more. We also have a traditional fresh fish counter with daily deliveries from the Cornish day boats of Looe as well as a bistro; perfect for a quick coffee or lunch with friends!

(Fresh Fish, Tuesday-Saturday]

Y

• Affogato • Trio Of Gelato • Tiramisu •

Tel: 01264 810248

Y

Y

Y

Planning a Christmas Party?

We are now taking bookings!

Y

Y

z

z

z

Y

Y

Tel: 01264 810101

www.thymeandtidesdeli.co.uk THE HI G H STREET, STOCKBRI DG E SO20 6HE

Y

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28 28

FOOD & OF DRINK R ECIPE THE MONTH

JANE BROWN

POTATO GRATIN WITH CHEESE & HAM This is a good recipe for using up Christmas leftovers. Any cheese that melts down can be used and the ham could be omitted to suit vegetarians. Serves 6 people.

INGREDIENTS 50g butter 2 Medium onions (sliced) 400g Potato, peeled and sliced thickly 140g Cheese (cheddar, stilton brie, etc) 300g Cooked ham cubed or shredded 1 Teaspoon dried sage 500ml Double cream Ground nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste

METHOD Preheat the oven to 200/180C. Butter a gratin or shallow baking dish generouslymand set aside. Cook the prepared potato in salted water for 7 – 10 minutes.

Cook the sliced onions in the butter until just translucent and layer with the potatoes cheese and ham into the buttered dish.

Finally, mix together the cream seasoning and herbs, pour over the contents of the dish and bake for 25 – 30 minutes.

From Jane’s Kitchen. An eclectic collection of seasonal recipes. Chilbolton Village Stores, Chilbolton - Price £6.99

FIZZ

OFF at 2

for £22

£29.99 ea

OFF at £24.50 ea.

for £70

£18.99 ea.

“Utterly gorgeous silky smooth Estate Port”

Passagem LBV 2012

PORT

OFF at 2

“ We always like to go for a stunning Grand Cru at Christmas and this is spot on.

Tiny bubble, ultra smooth, utter class ”

Now 20%

ea.

for £17

Now 22%

OFF at 2

for £21

“ a classic refined Sauvignon perfect with seasonal fare ”

OFF at 2

Bergsig Sauvignon Blanc

Now 20%

La Loupe Grenache Blanc

OFF at £6.99

“ such a versatile white, great by itself and well matched with fish and white meats”

Now 22%

“Delicious fresh pear and apple fruits, a very popular quaffing white”

WHITE

La Grupa Chenin Torrontes

“ the most enjoyable white we stock ”

Snapper Rock Pinot Gris £11.99 ea.

ALRESFORD

£12.99 ea. “ a stunning Portuguese white that will open your eyes to the variety that is out there ”

Louiero AB Valley

£14.99 ea. “ Yes no added Sulphur at all, and Organic.

Very smooth ripe damson fruits ”

Terra Futura Sans Sulphite

£19.99 ea.

Montage St Emilion 2011 Bordeaux “ Fine Claret doesn’t get much more enjoyable than this, and at just £20. Snap it up ”

Chateau La Couranne

“ This wine puts a smile on your face.

Gorgeous oak driven palate, like a mini Barolo ”

Barbera d’Asti Superiore £12.99 ea.

Staff Favourites

ea.

for £17

OFF at 2

for £21

ea.

FOUR MARKS

HUNGERFORD

£20 ea.

“Gin based magic liquid with hints of clove and spice. All this needs is a mince pie and an open fire”

OFF at £34

Foxdenton Christmas Liqueur

Now 20%

SINGLE MALT WHISKY “part of our superb range of Malts, this is so rounded and smooth, very fine ”

Glen Moray Sherry Finish

Naked Sloe Gin £23.99 ea. “a little more potent in alcohol than others, and boy its good! ”

SPIRITS

Now 22%

Montepulciano Reserva

OFF at 2

“ astonishing value and quality here, rounded savoury flavours, great wine”

Now 20%

La Grupa Malbec Syrah

OFF at £6.99

“ these two grapes are so well matched here, Ripe black fruits, such great value ”

Now 22%

“Ripe youthful black fruits, soft palate matched well with various dishes”

RED

AP Reserve Shiraz

WWW.THENAKEDGRAPE.CO.UK

Ask us to recommend the perfect wine for you this Christmas

Leroux-Mineau Grand Cru Champagne

Now 10%

“Superb value and quality in one, the ideal glass of Champagne”

Jacques Bardelot Brut

CHAMPAGNE

GIFT BOXED - IDEAL GIFT

“ this local hand made fizz remains the go to English sparkling wine of choice ”

Hattingley Valley Classic

£16.99 ea.

“ superb elegance throughout, this is fine French fizz at its best ”

Blanquette de Limoux Brut

Now 15%

“ just about the finest example of Prosecco you will find at this price ”

Prosecco Porta Nova

32

FOOD & DRINK REVEIW

FROM AYUTTHAYA TO ALRESFORD “We both fell in love with Alresford and its beautiful rural setting and very much look forward to working with local farmers and suppliers as we did in our village in Thailand” says Chef Amnart.

“We are starting with a simple menu that has the well-known Thai dishes but you can expect lots of regional specialities all delivered with my focus on authenticity.”

The management team is led by Miff Kayum and his wife Suraya who have bags of experience in the restaurant scene in Winchester.

Alresford has long needed its own Thai restaurant – and one has just opened on Broad Street. Khin Khao, which translates as ‘let’s eat!’

The Grade II listed Georgian premises of the former Indian and Bangladeshi Restaurant has had a complete overhaul and is now elegantly presented.The décor is simple and modern with a nod to the cultural heritage of Thailand with stunning temple artwork by renowned Thai artist Niran Charoenpong adorning the walls of the main restaurant on the first floor.

Both Head Chef Amnart Ubolrut and his wife Samang (the Starter chef) hail from Ayutthaya, the old capital of Thailand.

Amnart learned his trade in the fine dining restaurants of Bangkok’s top hotels before working internationally and settling down in the UK in 2002.

Samang started her career by assisting her mum in their family restaurant preparing Pad Thais and Noodle soups. Ayutthaya is famous for its fresh river fish dishes and especially for Nam Prik Pala – a very spicy pickle made from dried fish, chili pastes, lemongrass and lime leaf.

“Alresford is fast becoming a haven for foodies with fantastic restaurants like Pulpo Negro and brilliant gastro-pubs. It’s a real pleasure to be here and add to the mix.We have had so much support from our neighbours and the locals and really look forward to contributing to this wonderful community” adds Miff.

Most importantly, the food is sensational! As Editor of the Forum I could not miss out on the opportunity of visiting Khin Khao.

Being a lover of Thai food after several visits to the country I could not wait to sample their food, with high expectations. I was delighted to find classic Thai dishes on the menu, beautifully cooked and with such authentic taste, I was immediately transported back to Thailand and my expectations were exceeded.

We were met with a warm and traditional Thai greeting and led to our table.Thai food with its unqiue five flavours of; sweet, sour, spicy, salty and bitter can never fail to please the palate. I tried the Tom Yum soup for a starter which was beautifully balanced, and had the perfect aromatic Thai taste one would associate with this hot, light soup. I followed up with Neu Nam Man Hoi which was equally as delicious with sweet tender beef in a rich oyster sauce. My partner Emma had the spicy chicken salad which had that authentic Thai 'clean heat', not a lingering discomfort of spice, more a quick assault on the taste buds. Emma followed with the a house special of Ped Ma Kham (Tamarind Duck) which I found myself stealing from her plate as the taste was sensational.

So much flavour packed into the rich aromatic sauce, the bitterness of the tamarind perfectly accompanying the sweetness.

After our meal we cleansed our palates with a delicate orange flower tea and left feeling happily full.We found the portion size perfect and the pricing very reasonable indeed, especially for such well cooked cuisine. The only problem we were left with was when to go back and work our way through the rest of the Menu! Khin Khao is a welcome addition to Alresford's eateries.

Editor - Forum Publications

"Quietly chic and the ideal unpretentious surroundings for a lovely evening. We were warmly welcomed and given fast and friendly service. Obviously the crowning glory was the absolutely delicious food which was full of fresh tastes and all perfectly cooked."

Minna Bruce

Khin Khao Thai Restaurant Tel: 01962 738738 www.khinkhao.co.uk 21 Broad Street, Alresford, SO24 9AR

LONG BARN BULLETIN C E L E B R AT E T H E S E A S O N

ISSUE D EC 2018

#6

“WI NTER IS TH E TI M E FOR COM FORT, FOR GOOD FOOD AN D WARMTH, FOR TH E TOUCH OF A FRI EN DLY HAN D AN D FOR A TALK BESI DE TH E FI RE: IT IS TH E TI M E FOR HOM E.” Edith Sitwell

Celebration is one of life’s great joys, join us in welcoming the festive season at Long Barn. When Winter bites who doesn’t long for a home fire, for quilts and blankets, soft cushions and throws.

Wrap up, make yourself a hot toddy, then tend the hearth, for home is the most pleasing place to be. Decorate your table with festive cheer, and adorn your fireside with stockings, for this is the time of year to revive old traditions and craft new ones. From classic to crafty, our collection of baubles, twinkling lights and festive adornments are bound

STOP PRESS!

Picking your tree is easy at Long Barn: to make your home feel extra special this Christmas. This year we teamed up Fraser, Noble, Nordmann and Lodge Pole Firs all feature. Then there’s the with the Watercress Line and created a special edition Alresford Bauble. Stock lights - we’ve got reams of bright strings your larder and fill it to the brim with to wrap your tree with. Our Home and Garden store is filled with beautiful delicious sweets, chocolates, marzipan gifts that bring to bear the magic of the and the best tasting panettone we’ve had. Discover all manner of fine fare season. From scented candles and sheeps from our artisan producers. Relax and wool lined slippers to traditional treacle toffee and proper log baskets, explore a unwind at the heart of our oak barn in our lovely Cafe. Enjoy a delicious special selection of indulgent gifts just for seasonal menu prepared fresh by our you. Sometimes its good to splurge. Don your boots, pop by and discover the full cooks, served alongside warming hot collection at our warming Long Barn. drinks and tasty homemade cakes.

Can you make really good coffee? Our cafe is going great guns, and we now need to recruit another brilliant Barista. Full training offered. To apply please contact our cafe manager amanda@longbarn.co.uk with your CV. We look forward to hearing from you.

N EWS

The Old Sheep Fair Bishops Sutton Road Alresford, SO24 9EJ T: 01962 738 684 longbarn.co.uk

OPENING TIMES THE BARN Monday to Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday & Bank Holidays: 10am-4pm Bank Holiday times may vary.

Please call ahead.

CAFE Monday to Friday: 9am-4.15pm Breakfast: 9.30am-11.15am Lunch: 12pm-2.30pm Tea & cake: All day Saturday: 9am-4.15pm Brunch: 9.30am-2pm Tea & cake: All day Sunday & Bank Holidays: 10am-3.30pm Brunch: 10am-2pm Tea & cake: All day CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY, 26TH & 27TH DECEMBER AND 1ST JANUARY

OUR L AVEN DER G I F TS Our Growers & Distillers mark decorates our much loved lavender collection. Inspired by our love of lavender and the English countryside that surrounds Long Barn in Hampshire, we have created a collection of bath and home fragrance products that truly celebrates our heritage as lavender growers. Our range is made entirely with simple, natural ingredients and essential oils. Fill up a gift box of Long Barn goods or order a carefully selected special gift box online and receive your package in time for the big day!

Discover the full collection at longbarn.co.uk

36

RETAIL

MARKET SQUARE

House of Gallet

Lavenders

Be ready for your Christmas and New Year Parties Broad Street Arcade, Alresford Tel: 01962 735362 | www.houseofgallet.co.uk

Merry Christmas wreath - £15.99

Billy Goat

House of Gallet

The Alresford Gift Shop

75cm long hot water bottles -£38 11 East Street, Alresford, SO24 9EQ Tel: 01962 733926 | www.billygoatshoes.co.uk

Spoil someone this Xmas. Open Tues - Sat 9.30am 4.30pm. Broad Street Arcade, Alresford, SO24 9AR Tel: 01962 735362 | www.houseofgallet.co.uk

Gorgeous robin jewellery in stock for Christmas 10 West Street, Alresford SO24 9AT Tel: 01962 732192 | 10 West Street, Alresford

Equestrian Fencing & Timber Ltd

Soles Butchers

HealthSpace

Standard / Bespoke Garden Buildings. Log Stores from

Don't forget to order your Christmas Meat and Game.

Give the gift of relaxation this Christmas with HealthSpace.

£195+VAT High Ridge Farm, Shirrell Heath

We are taking orders NOW!

Tel: 01329 835100 | www.equestrianfencing.com

Tel: 01962 735221 | 5 Broad Street, SO24 9AR

The Square, Bishops Waltham, SO32 1AF. Tel: 01489 896515 healthspace.co.uk/spa-treatment-gift-voucher

19 Broad Street, Alresford, SO24 9AR Tel: 01962 733894 | www.lavenders-alresford.com

Interior Style Medium and Large Angel Berries from £6 29 West Street, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9AB Tel: 01962 736311 | www.interiorstyle.biz

RETAIL

Andrew Smith & Son - Auctioneers

Moda Rosa

Minimalist metal Christmas Tree £95. A range of Glass and Metal baubles and Snowflakes from £12 Tel: 01962 732507 | www.design-realities.co.uk

Fine Art, Asian Art, Antiques, Interiors & Collectables 11th & 12th Dec.Viewing Thur 6th to Monday 10th Tel: 01962 735988 | www.andrewsmithandson.com

Sequin Party Dress by Paule Ka 35 West Street, Alresford SO24 9AB Tel: 01962 733277 | www.modarosa.co.uk

The Alresford Gift Shop

D.Barker & Son

Interior Style

Eco-friendly bamboo reuseable cups.

Make excellent Christmas gifts - £12.95 Tel: 01962 732192 | 10 West Street, Alresford

Huge Range of Diamond Studs - from £540 before

Ceramic Santa's - Small £3.50, Medium £4.50, Large £7.50 29 West Street, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9AB

discount 40A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

Tel: 01962 736311 | www.interiorstyle.biz

Equestrian Fencing & Timber Ltd

Lavenders

Ragamuffin

Kiln Dried Hardwood Logs from £150 + VAT High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath Tel: 01329 835100 | www.equestrianfencing.com

100% cotton pineapple print PJ’s

Hand made Special Wish Fairies & Angels from - £6.95

Available in XS/S, S/M, M/L £52

Dream Fairy, Get well soon, Tooth Fairy, Guardian Angel...

Tel: 01962 733894 | www.lavenders-alresford.com

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

MARKET SQUARE

Design Realities

37

38

RETAIL

Oakleaf Stationery Ltd

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

A comprehensive range of all types of stationery – business and social Supplier of printer cartridges, art and craft materials, party and sewing items and a good selection of childrens stickers, colouring and painting books.

SERVICES WE OFFER...

Beautiful Aquamarine

Photocopying Laminating Document Binding Scan to Email Personalised Printing Agent Transfer to DVD Agent

We are also a UPS Access Point Visit us at : 56 West Street, Alresford, Hants SO24 9AU 01962 736116 info@oakleafstationery.co.uk

ROTARY CLUB OF ALRESFORD

T ime to get your

Christmas Tree

New

Just in from one of Antwerp’s oldest family Ring owned manufacturers, Pre-owned Aquamarine & Diamond in Platinum 7.19cts coloured sapphires and A collection of three stone Aquamarine rings with brightly £4,350 rubies and finely cut white diamonds in good quality 18ct gold mounts.

Emerald

Prices from £845 to £1395 40a West Street, Alresford, Pre-Owned Cluster Ring Hants in 18ct Gold 40aWest West Street, Alresford, Hants 40a Street, Hants Tel: 01962Alresford, 732200 by Cut Diamond Surrounded Calibre Cut Tel:01962 01962732200 732200 Tel: www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

Centre Diamond 0.75ct www.dbarkerandson.co.uk www.dbarkerandson.co.uk £5,175

Sapphires

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

INDEPENDENT FITNESS BOUTIQUE

Sadly, it’s time for Fitique to say goodbye. It’s been a great journey, and we’ve learned so much on the way. We’re proud of our contribution to local Alresford life, and we’ve loved servicing the cause of fashionable fitness. Of course, most of all, we’ve loved serving you, our customers.

Unfortunately, we could not find enough of you to offset rising rents, rates and competition with those online firms for whom paying tax seems an optional activity. The British High Street's

and we feel a main cause of this is the dramatic rental and rates increases small independents are facing. For us, the fight to reduce a 66% rental increase was the nail in the coffin”; like many small UK retailers, we aren’t equipped to survive these sorts of demands and have to leave the high street much sooner than we would have liked.

It’s a shame as we believe we helped make Alresford a brighter place, and gave oxygen to several courageous, creative brands that would otherwise have to make do with a dingy little corner of the internet. Alresford is a magical place and we wish all our fellow retailers in the town the very best for the future.

Still, life is too short to dwell on these things. We hope you all enjoyed our journey as much as we did, and manage to find decent kit and engaging classes elsewhere.

Victoria

ON SALE – TOP OF BROAD STREET

Saturday 8th December

from 8am to 2pm* Great quality & home grown Nordmann Premium 3 sizes From 4’ to 7’ £25 to £45

Nordmann Quality Popular 3 sizes

From 4’ to 8’ £20 to £50

Norway Spruce 1 size 5’ - 6’ £25 (limited supply this year) *Do come along and enjoy the festive fun of choosing your tree before they all go

www.alresfordrotary.co.uk

Supporting local and Rotary charities – charity no 1014447

Designed by ThomasMillerltd.com

ADVERTISE WITH US! and reach up to 18,750 readers in Alresford & The Itchen Valley Eighth page placements: £51+VAT Quarter page placements: £88+VAT Half page placements: £166+VAT Discounts are available on 3, 6 and 12 month bookings. For more information email: stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

RETAIL

ALRESFORD BEAUTY MARKET SQUARE

Somerset Toiletries

Miss Sparrow

Miss Sparrow Robin Scarf

Showergel in Cocktail Flavours - Mojito, Pina Colada and Cosmo - £6.95

Stand out from the crowd, who needs a glass slipper with Bamboo Socks - £5.95

Huge range of scarves in assorted fabrics and styles in stock from - £11.95

Not simply a beauty salon - oh no - it's also a veritable gift emporium, especially at Christmas!

Come on in and discover a wonderful eclectic array of stocking filler gifts

Black Ginger Gloves

ALRESFORD BEAUTY 24A WEST ST, ALRESFORD, SO24 9AT

Beautifully soft velvet gloves ideal for the approcahing cold weather. Other styles of glove available - £9.95

Snuggle Hotties Cozy Animals, ideal for little ones who may have aches & pains or feeling a little restless - £12.99

D&X Jewellery, London

Somerset Toiletries

Black Ginger Sequin Bag

Dress Jewellery - Beautiful Necklaces, earrings and

Naturally European Hand Wash Collection - Trio

Bracelets from - £3.95

Handwash - £8.50, Trio handcream - £11

Have fun with a reversible sequin bag, Purple to Silver, also available in Black to Silver - £15.95

39

40

COMMUNITY

ALRESFORD SURGERY NEWS Christmas & New Year We wish everyone a very happy Christmas – please make sure you have sufficient supplies of your usual medications to last over the holiday period which you can order in a number of ways; • In person at the surgery • By post • By fax (01962 736034) • Via Patient Access (www. patient.co.uk/access) The surgery will be closed on 25 and 26 December and 1 January. If you need urgent medical care you can access the Out of Hours service for advice, a face to face appointment or, if it is necessary, a home visit. The number to call is 111.

STEVE BRINE M.P

111 is the NHS non-emergency number.

It’s fast, easy and free. Call 111 and speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. They will ask you a series of questions to assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you.

Alongside key local figures from Winchester City Council, I have consistently said business rates need a fundamental rethink. That remains the case – and we will go on making it - but I am delighted the Chancellor has responded to lobbying from MPs such as myself with an ambitious, and much-needed, boost for local retailers in this Budget around business rates.

The Chancellor is well aware (because I tell him regularly) that the recent rates revaluation hit us hard in prosperous Hampshire and he agrees we must never have that cliff-edge again.

That is why we will move to more regular revaluations from 2021 but, more immediately, we will spend some £900m to cut business rates by one-third for the next two years. This is for retailers with a rateable value of under £51,000, saving up to 90% of all shops up to £8,000 each year.

This builds on previous help, worth more than £12.5 billion, which includes the Discretionary Rate Relief Scheme I argued for and local councils administer to target help where it is most needed. I know from talking

Alresford & District Horticultural Society For more information visit: www.alresfordhorticultural.org

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

Ropley Horticultural Society

If you take regular medications please make sure you have enough to see you over the festive period and please place requests with us in good time if repeats will be needed. If you have family coming to stay with you remind them not to forget their medicines.

Alresford Flower Club

May we wish you all a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year. to our Chancellor that he shares my desire to help the High Street - as well local shops that we value in these villages and Alresford - to protect what are important community assets.

You can see my Budget stories and videos blogs via www.stevebrine.com/Budget2018 and I’d be pleased to hear your thoughts of course.

This year’s Budget contained good news for the NHS (and mental health in particular), schools, motorists, the military, taxpayers and the environment but I was particularly pleased with extra help for our local shops and businesses which is understandably the cause of concern in Winchester and across the villages.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Secondly, I hope you get the chance to enjoy my Winter Winchester Post newspaper. It should have come through your door by now but please let me know if has not and, remember, you can download it at www. stevebrine.com/publications Finally, I am backing a brilliant new campaign called Changing Places which aims to help people who cannot use standard accessible toilets through its campaign to see larger facilities with extra equipment such as a height adjustable changing bench and hoist as well as enough space for a disabled person and up to two carers. It’s been brought to my attention by the Winchester Science Centre and a special little boy called Finn with cerebral palsy. We think Finn should have exactly the same choices when it comes to a day out, or just a routine stop on a journey, as anyone else.

You can find out more and contribute to the campaign locally via www.stevebrine.com/ changingplaces You can find more of my work, including my reaction to the latest Brexit developments, on my website at www.stevebrine.com but please ‘like’ my Page at www.fb.com/SteveBrineMP for instant updates.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Steve Brine MP for Winchester, Itchen Valley and The Alresfords

For more more information contact Stephen Morley on 01962 733524 or Ropley.hort. soc@btinternet.com.

For more information contact Pearl Court: 01962 734441

Alresford Rotary Club For more information visit www.alresfordrotary.co.uk or contact secretary Jon Pittam on: 01962 733903 New Alresford W.I. For more information contact Kate (Secretary) at newalresfordsec@hampshirewi. org.uk or 01962 733785

The Alresford Society Contact Sue Alexander: 01962 732043 suealex13@gmail.com

The Giles Group

For more information call Nick Denbow on: 01962 734824

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

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

Alresford Royal Naval Association For more information contact: Secretary – Mike Edwards Labelle drakkarcowes@aol. com

Alresford Historical and Literary Society Bob Fowler - 01962 734125 secretary@alresfordhistandlit.co.uk

The Alresford Ladies Group For more information contact Pearl Page: 01962 734665

If you would like to add your club or society please send your details to editor@forumpublications.co.uk

Specialising in ... Dolls, bears, dolls’ houses, 1:12 scale miniatures & unusual gifts

Gift Shop

Fairies Incense

Dragons

Witches

Fairy Gardens Dreamcatchers Windchimes

Essential Oils Handcrafted Soap Crystals

A world of inspiration and imagination is waiting for you. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Fossils

Tumblestones

30 Broad Street, Alresford Hampshire SO24 9AQ T: 01962 733555 E: enquiries@dollydaydreams.net

www.dollydaydreams.net

42

MOTORING FEATURE

DECLINE IN RETAIL

BY PETER POOLEY

E

mpty shops in Alresford? That’s unheard of. We have always prided ourselves on having a thriving retail sector, and very healthy support services too. Talk in the coffee shops is all about closures, and rumours of closures. The sound of wailing and groaning spills out onto the pavements.

Everyone agrees that ‘something must be done’ to save our lovely town centre from taking on an unattractive gap-toothed look.

But what can be done, and by whom?

Whatever can be done has to be done soon, and together, for the growing crisis is a severe one. Ours is a close-knit economy, in which each business sector is affected by the fortunes of others. When some retail stores become uneconomic it is not just an inconvenience for shoppers. Fewer shops are the cause of reduced footfall in the town, reducing the number of potential clients for all the other retailers. The knitting begins to unravel.

Many of the small businesses on which we rely are especially vulnerable as they are independent, privately-owned enterprises.

In the recent past they have had the advantage of being lighter on their feet and more responsive to changing demand than the big chains, but in hard times they cannot deploy the reserves that enable big business to survive the storm.

And it’s not just the retailers who can get caught in the snowball.

As less money flows into the town other businesses that rely on local customers or clients begin to see their turnover fall, and we begin to lose the fine array of trades we can call upon – and eventually even the professionals, the lawyers, dentists, accountants, opticians. Half the bankers have already left.The pace of decline accelerates as the town becomes less and less attractive to visit, and becomes a less attractive and convenient

place in which to live – so the value of housing is affected.

At a recent meeting of the Alresford Society I called on the organisations concerned to work together (for once), first to analyse the causes of the decline and then to act together where concerted action is identified as potentially effective. Are business rates a factor? Is it the threshold or the revaluations?

Are the Budget concessions going to help? Are rents really rising?

The Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary, with City councillors, could put their heads together, and bring in the estate agents, to identify the stress points – and also the strong points, because some (few) businesses are doing very well. Is access to working capital a problem? The remaining bank and building society can tell us. Is the tourism sector suffering? The Town Council know a lot about that, and the Watercress Line and the pub owners can tell us even more. There are negative factors one can do nothing about, like the rise of Amazon, but surely some areas can be identified in which concerted action can make a difference. Above all, in my view, a united campaign to persuade Alresfordians, in their own interests, to use local and especially independent businesses more fully could be effective, if well and professionally planned.

So, who takes the lead in pulling these elements together? Does one need a Co-ordinator from outside the commercial world, like the Town Council or the Alresford Society, or does the lead have to come from people deeply involved and experienced in business? Urgent discussion is required on this preliminary point between the town’s movers and shakers, as soon as agreement is reached on which coffee shop should be the venue, and the complainers and wailers expelled from the premises, just for a morning.

MOTORING

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MOTORING Our MOT rate is £48.50 but any pre 1980 car is reduced to £28.50. We have done this as the law now states that cars built 40 years ago don’t need an MOT but we think it’s sensible if they do so we have reduced the rate to encourage people to get an MOT. We are keen to get established and believe our service rates are very competitive so please give us a chance and call us for an estimate.

WINCHESTER AUTOBARN AND DRIVERS CLUB

affordable classics but with a genuine no issues history.

The Winchester Auto Barn and Drivers’ Club is a new company that has been formed specifically to create a local hub and destination for all motorists who need a service, repairs or just an MOT, and also for classic car owners and enthusiasts. We want to form a community for people to basically come and show off their pride and joy, meet kindred spirits, source their next purchase/parts or just ‘hang’ and talk car.

All of the hugely experienced staff (from Hill Farm Garage, the previous business on the site) have been kept on and are continuing to service, repair and MOT modern vehicles such as Mercedes Benz, Range Rover, Audi, BMW etc... We do specialise particularly in Mercedes Benz and we are an Approved Independent Mercedes Benz Service Agent utilising their latest service software.

On the sales side the idea is to specialise in vehicles from the 1960’s through to the 1980’s. Most importantly we will endeavour to carry high quality stock of

At the Winchester Auto Barn we aim to provide good value without compromising the quality that we want to deliver – a good reputation is very important to us.

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

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The garage and site is very much a work in progress and we are hoping to get approval on expanding the showroom and creating a comfortable retro waiting area as well as car storage. We will decorate the building with genuine period automobilia such as posters, luggage, signs etc... This will all be for sale.

We also plan to have regular breakfast club meetings at the garage, the next one is Saturday 1st December 9am – 12pm. There is a catering van providing coffees, teas, pastries and butties. There is ample parking so please feel to free drop in and see what we’re up to. www.winchesterautobarn.com Tel: 01962 677779 Winchester Auto Barn, Sutton Scotney, Winchester, SO21 3NS

MOTORING

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46

EDUCATION COMMUNITY November was a quiet rugby month with only two results to bring to your attention.

So, England beat South Africa, and but for television, would have beaten The All Blacks.

But now for the really important bit, Alresford Rugby Club, at time of going to print, are enjoying a mixed season.

Since the last publication, the Firsts have lost 2 and won 1. The 2's have played 3, and lost 3 but it must be added against very strong sides.

Again, we always put out a side. Not many in Hampshire could claim that accolade.

Meat to the bones. The Firsts lost to Eastleigh 2's(not sure if that was there seconds), and after tackling Fordingbridge head on in a very competative first half, run out of legs in the second. We finished November against Tottonians.

ALRESFORD RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Well, Christmas is popping its head around the corner, and we are deep into our season.

We will be asking Santa for some miracle recovery cures, with almost as many players sidelined through injury, to those that still wear our shirt with so much pride.

In a mixed afternoon, where, we that were present, witnessed an horrific injury to our Pete Rogers, collected our heads and the boys put in one of the best second half performances I can remember. The Seconds have gone down to Millbrook, Isle of Wight and Hook and Odiham. Each game, maybe apart from a very good IOW side, was so contested.

FAVOURITE RECIPES FROM CHERITON

NEW ALRESFORD TOWN TRUST MUSEUM

I would also in this edition like to mention the second most important area of our club after players. That of sponsors. We have an amazing group of companies that enables us as a club, to keep progressing. Each month, i will be highlighting a current sponsor. But for this edition, I would like to say a massive thank you to Angie, Jess and Tim and the team at The Swan Hotel New Alresford, for joining our journey as new sponsors. Thank you.Your support and desire to be part of ARFC is breath taking.

A music quiz is to be held shortly at The Swan, where some of the proceeds will go to ARFC. Keep a sharp eye out for info.

Your support, and those of all our club sponsors, is so embraced and thanked.

DECEMBER DATES..KICK OFF'S 2PM Hampshire Premiership 01/12/18 Millbrook (h) 08/12/18 Sandown&Shanklin(a) 15/12/18 Portsmouth(a) Hampshire 3 01/12/18 Kingsclere(h) 08/12/18 US Portsmouth(a) 15/12/18 Lymington (a)

Atterton and Richard Pay, who also with wife Ann have devoted many hours to cleaning the Fire Engine. Rosemary Jacobs of New Farm Road has donated the Fire Alarm Bell which belonged to the previous owner, Derek Gillett who was Chief Fire Officer, and it was situated on the wall at the rear of the property.

Several volunteers for 2019 have signed up to help Steward Open Days. The next scheduled opening is 20th April 2019, which is Easter Saturday, when the Trust are also organising a French Market and opening of the Eel House.

From A Dip of Delight to Oven Dried Tomatoes, Elizabethan Pork to Rum Swizzle not forgetting Mary Berry’s Very Best Chocolate Cake, in fact nearly 150 favourite recipes from local residents.

All proceeds shared between six Cheriton village organisations. Last few copies on sale now at Cheriton Stores or from Rachael Greenwood 01962 771964 priced £5.00.

The Town Trust’s Museum was opened for the third time on 13th October. It attracted 158 visitors who contributed £119 to the Museum Fund. In the absence of Trustee Roy Gentry, Nick Denbow and Richard Pay organised and supervised the event. As expected the event attracted local interest, Alresford Firemen as well as visitors from many different locations, even as far as Huddersfield.

The Museum Fund has attracted many donations from £500 sponsorship from Hellards, £50 from Alresford Travel, 200 postcards from Pat Vokes of Oakleaf Stationery, a free 32” TV from Rick Barrett, electrical work from Alan Rose and Bill Briggs, as well as memorabilia from Mike

Trustees have found it very fruitful to combining our events with the Mid Hants Railway schedules.

NATT Chair Robin Atkins is very pleased with both the level of interest and the continued development of the Museum displays. The TV showed a revolving slide show of Alresford firemen photographs, which was very well viewed, as was the sale of fire engine postcards.

At least 6 Open Days are planned for 2019 and Roy Gentry expects there to be more as volunteers increase.

The total raised in the 3 days is £229 as well as the £550 sponsorship from Hellards and Alresford Travel. The number of visitors has reached 378.

MOTORING

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THE FRIENDS OF ST. JOHN At a successful inaugural meeting in October, opened by Lord Chidgey, the newly formed Friends of St John unveiled an exciting program of events - all to be held in the Alresford church.

Godolphin School wishes the local community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

The aim of the Friends is to use the spacious church building with its brilliant sound system as a venue for various fundraising fixtures, with funds to go directly to the church to help with its upkeep. The Friends want to reach out to those people in Alresford and surrounding villages, who might not be regular church-goers, but who do value their Parish church as a community asset.

Back in the day, many secular activities were held in Parish churches.

The Victorians rather frowned on this, and it is only relatively recently that churches started hosting community events, such as film screenings.

At the end of November the Friends screened the Oscar winning `Darkest Hour' in St John's church, and there are plans to screen another popular film in February. For more information please go to the Alresford Community Cinema Facebook page, or contact the Friends on fosj100@gmail.com.

For January, the Friends have invited a well know author with local connections to give a lively talk on her book - and in March there are plans to hold an `antiques evening' with a specialist on Asian ceramics.

All forthcoming events will be widely advertised.

FRANC

HA LEAL

ETO GE

www.godolphin.org admissions@godolphin.wilts.sch.uk

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48

FEATURE

NO SUCH THING AS A SEAGULL “That’s him!” Jenny points angrily at the culprit. “I’d know him anywhere!”

“How do you know it’s male?!” I’m puzzled by her outburst as we walk beside the River Dart in Devon. “It looks like any old seagull to me.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.There’s no such thing as a ‘seagull’.

There are six species of gulls in Britain and that one’, she waves her umbrella, “is a herring gull.”

The gull in question potters along the Dartmouth esplanade with a couple of avian companions. Stiff-legged and hunched against the drizzly wind, the birds amble like an elderly trio on a day-trip to the seaside.They all have orange beaks and white bodies, but the grey feathers on their backs are subtly different, marking each bird as an individual. Each has bright, inquisitive eyes and they watch us with interest, keeping pace as we progress slowly towards the town centre.

“They look harmless enough.” I say, trying not to step on one as it meanders in front of me.

“You wouldn’t say that if you’d been sitting over there.” She points in the direction of a bench outside a clothes shop, the ideal place to park a bored husband. “Last week I nipped in to try something on and I left Mike outside to enjoy the sunshine. I was half-dressed in the changing room when I heard this terrible shriek. Mike came running in with his new jacket covered in bird poo! That hideous gull was sitting up there on that balcony waiting to take a pot shot at someone. Apparently it happens all the time. Filthy creatures!”

I look at the gull and I’m sure it’s smirking.While defecating on unsuspecting citizens is hardly neighbourly, I can’t blame a

bird for choosing a sheltered inland perch over a windswept clifftop.The gulls started coming ashore to escape the worst of the weather, nesting on flat roofs and ledges in coastal towns.

But having discovered that there’s easy food to be had, often left lying around by humans, they’ve decided to stay. Instead of using their excellent dive-bombing techniques to catch fish, they have adapted these skills to raid discarded scraps or overflowing dustbins. It’s common to see a flock of gulls wheeling over landfill as another truck-load of garbage is unloaded. And in the same way that some folks enjoy feeding pigeons, others like to give hand-outs to seagulls. If some towns have become plagued with birds, we humans are largely to blame.

More worryingly, the boldest gulls will steal from unsuspecting humans. From Skegness to Salcombe, from Tobermory to Tenby, there are stories of people being mugged for a bag of chips or a sandwich. Not content with scavenging in rubbish, the herring gull has grown fearless, and will happily swoop in to steal a snack.

So be warned if you enjoy eating al fresco.

It’s not just food that’s an issue. Herring gulls are fiercely protective of both nest and chicks and will take on anything – or anyone – they feel is a threat.With a wingspan of 1.4 metres and a sharp beak, an angry gull is something to avoid.There are reports of heads and hands being assaulted and one poor woman being pushed into the sea. Small dogs have been pecked to death and an adult cat (briefly) lifted into the air. Suddenly a scene from The Birds doesn’t seem so far-fetched.

Yet some people like them. Brighton and Hove Albion football team is nicknamed The Seagulls, and for many the seaside just wouldn’t be the same without them.

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50

COMMUNITY

ALRESFORD TOWN COUNCIL REPORTS New Alresford Town Council would like to start this last report of the year, by wishing all residents a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2019.We would also like to thank the officers and staff of the council for all their hard work during this year; particularly during the early part of this year when we were very short-staffed.

Thankfully, we now have all of our posts filled and we are looking forward to being able to move forward with a number of projects that had to be postponed.We are also delighted to report that we now have a Caretaker who will be providing access to the council offices and will be undertaking general maintenance duties. During the festive season the council office will be closed from Friday 21st December until the 2nd January 2019.

BALL SHOOTER CONSULTATION The Recreation & Environment Committee would like your views on whether the Ball Shooter equipment (shown in attached photograph) is well used and if it is worth refurbishing. Apparently, balls are thrown at this odd looking piece of equipment and if the aim is accurate the ball then re-emerges from one of the many holes. Is it worth retaining? Please let us know.

SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL RETAILERS - USE IT OR LOSE IT There has been recent press focus on vacancy levels of retail units

in various towns, with concern expressed that rates and rents are putting retailers under pressure.

We understand from conversations with some of our local retailers, that in reality there are a number of reasons why businesses fail to thrive, and behind every retail closure there’s an individual story that explains what happened.

Whilst it is important to debate these matters, it is equally important not to create a selffulfilling prophecy. At the moment, Alresford is a happy contrast, with a selection of useful shops with a wide range of goods.The threat for Alresford traders is more likely to come from the internet; so before you order on-line, please remember that if we don’t support our local retailers, we may end up by losing them.

LATEST LENGTHSMANS REPORT During this year a number of residents have kindly taken the time to comment on the benefits to the town of the Lengthsman’s work.We can confirm that we will be asking for eight “Lengthsman” days next year. For each of the days that we have the service of the Lengthsman we produce a list of work that we would like completed. At the moment the draft schedule for next year is as follows: January - One day on leaf clearance Sewards Bridge to Makins Court including south side of Avenue and stretch between Lavender Farm to Sun Lane January/February - One day, Sun Lane, and Chestnut Walk, Church Footpath to Ellingham Court footpath and bottom of Jacklyns Lane to Elm Road including bus shelter area.

February/March - One day. Beech Road, footpath through to Sun Lane School, Lime Close footpath and Benendon Green to Corfe Close footpath.

March/April - One day. Corfe Close, to Appledown footpaths entries to Sunhill recreation Ground.

May - One day. Stratton Bates area inc Makins Court footpath, Ashburton Road footpath, Windsor Road shops, Scout Hut and Thornton Close area.

August/September - One day.

South side of the Avenue, Bridge Road (Scout Hut area). Jacklyns Lane.

November - One day. Leaf clearance. East of the Cricketers in Tichborne Down to Sewards

Bridge, including Ashburton and Makins Court footpaths. If time.

South side of the Avenue. Leaf Clearance.

November/December - One day.

Leaf clearance. Footpaths, Sunhill School, Benendon green to Corfe Close, Appledown to Corfe, Chestnut Walk, Jacklyns Lane path, south side of Avenue, lavender farm to Sun Lane.

If you have any comments or additions to this schedule please contact: committeeclerk@ newalresford-tc.gov.uk

SRL CAMERA TRAFFIC REPORT

The Town has a traffic Speed Indicator Device which is positioned on roads throughout the town.The position of the device is changed on a fortnightly basis.

The data which is set out in the graph below shows the results of speed monitoring in Jacklyns Lane over a period of two weeks up to the 24th October.The results show that just under half of the 7,292 vehicles who used the road during the period were travelling at 30 mph with a further 1,927 travelling at 35 mph. If the 59 drivers who managed to drive at 45 to 55mph are reading this article, we would ask that they kindly reduce their speed.

The Alresford Neighbourhood Policing Team regularly carry out speed enforcement on our local 30 mph roads. Speeding drivers can expect to be issued a Fixed Penalty Ticket at the roadside.

In past years, Hampshire Constabulary have mounted a Christmas campaign, targeting those who drink or take drugs and get behind the wheel. During the 2017 campaign, 254 drivers were caught under the influence of drink or drugs – a 12.6 % increase from the previous. Please don’t add to these statistics! Drive responsibly, and within the speed limit.

52

COMMUNITY

SINGING BIRDS, ST JOHN'S CHOIR

‘We are a nest of singing birds’. Alresford resounds with choral music all year round, but our birds, unlike the ones with wings, are especially active in the dark days of early winter. Actually, you might think there is a chorus of winged angels in St John’s Church if you were lucky enough to catch, for instance, one of their performances of Allegri’s Miserere, a work which sends fans of Classic FM into raptures, with its soaring bursts from the soprano soloist at the top, literally, of her range.

You would have to travel far from Alresford to hear a live performance of this work by a local church choir. That could equally be said of Fauré’s Requiem, which is now a regular part of their repertoire, sung on special occasion like Remembrance Day and sometimes also out of sheer high spirits. At recent Christmas seasons they have tackled Bach’s famous wakeup call Wachet Auf, with the backing of a chamber orchestra.

Our church choir members themselves travel far and wide, and more and more, as their fame spreads through the choristers’ network. More often each year they are called upon to give the renowned Winchester Cathedral choir a break by singing Evensong there. They have been invited to the Patronal Festival of the extraordinarily beautiful and historic church of St Cross, which has a wonderful acoustic, making for an experience that other choirs would die for. In August this year they sang through a whole weekend as the guests of Coventry Cathedral. Some choir members travel from distant parts of the Diocese at least twice weekly to enjoy being led by Richard McVeigh, the Director of Music. Oh yes, not a mere choirmaster he, and in fact not a mere Director, for Richard performs beautifully himself and composes liturgical music, sonorous and majestic, some of which you can yourself enjoy singing at St John’s.

Two Sunday mornings a month the congregation hears an anthem from the evergreen Anglican tradition from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries, and often a psalm chanted carefully and clearly. Once a month,

Choir, Director Keith Clark, always to a full audience (many of the closely related to the choir members). The church will be overflowing for their traditional Carol Concert, this year on Saturday 8th December, 7:30pm. This occasion gives us all some opportunity to sing ourselves, robustly accompanying the more tuneful spouses and friends on stage. If that’s not enough, there is the Community Carol Service on 16th December at 6pm where lively carols will be communally sung in a joyous, informal atmosphere.

on the second Sunday at 6:00, we have the traditional, very traditional, Sung Evensong, performed cathedral style, and growing in popularity since it was reintroduced a couple of years ago. There is still room for a larger congregation, and I am offering, as an incentive to attend, FREE ENTRY to the first reader to identify the author of the quotation at the head of this article, AND to ten of his/her greatest friends.*

One favourite carol, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ is sung by the church choir at their entry to their “Festival of Lessons and Carols‘’. This is a magical moment in a service popularised long ago by the choir of King’s College, now broadcast annually and faithfully replicated (but a little less solemnly) by our own folk, this year on the evening of 23rd December, 6pm. For me, an even more magical evening is the St John’s Advent Carol Service (2nd December, 6pm), which begins in near-darkness and candle-light but is steadily brought into light as the choir moves round the church, singing carols urging celebration, hope and joyfulness.

It’s happening all over.

Christmas is coming. St John’s is fortunate to host concerts from the 100–strong Community

Enjoy.

Peter Pooley

GUY FAWKES DISCOVERED LURKING AT THE SWAN HOTEL, ALRESFORD

which took pride of place at the head of the usual torchlight procession from Broad Street to Arlebury Park. There, visitors were able to sample fare from the various catering outlets in the car park, before making their way down the park to the huge bonfire constructed earlier in the day by Alresford Rotarians. Sadly for him, Guido had been placed at the top of the bonfire prior to it being lit. Very shortly afterwards, Guido was no more.

After the glare from the fire had subsided, the order was given and the pyrotechnicians from Pains Wessex treated the watching spectators to a truly fantastic display of aerial light and sound.

Only hours before Alresford Rotary Club’s annual fireworks extravaganza on Friday 2 November, Guido Fawkes was discovered at town’s Swan Hotel. But not was all as it seemed: ‘Guido’ was in fact an effigy constructed by Angela Graham and her team at the Swan.

Shortly before 7 pm on Friday, Guido was placed on the top of the town’s fire tender,

“The annual fireworks display and bonfire is Alresford Rotary’s biggest fund-raiser,” explained Richard Hawkins, the Club’s Vice President. “The substantial sum of money raised by selling tickets for the event is distributed amongst various worthy causes; some at home and some overseas. This year we received a significant donation from McCarthy and Stone, for which the Club is hugely grateful.” McCarthy and Stone, a leading developer of retirement homes, is currently developing a scheme in The Dean, in Alresford.

Alresford Rotary expresses its deepest gratitude also all those organisations and individuals, too numerous to mention individually, who helped to make the annual event so successful.

Without those helpers the event simply could not go ahead.

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54

LOCAL INFORMATION

Schools

Cheriton Primary School

Cheriton, Alresford, SO24 0QA Tel: 01962 771278

Four Marks Primary School

Four Marks, Alton, GU34 5AS Tel: 01962 772200

Itchen Abbas County Primary School Itchen Abbas, SO21 1BE Tel: 01962 779310

Emergency Services

(Ambulance, Fire, Police) Tel: 999

Non Emergency Medical Services Tel: 111

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

Gas Emergency

24 hrs, 7 days a week Tel: 0800 111 999

Water Emergency 24 hrs, 7 days a week Tel: 0845 278 0845

Police

For non-Emergency Services Call Hampshire Police using: 101

Citizens Advice

Winchester Citizens Advice Bureau

Citizens Advice Winchester District offers free, confidential advice to everyone in the community. If you need help Drop in to Alresford GP Surgery on Mondays between 1-3pm, call 03444 111306 or visit www. citizensadvice.org.uk

Councils

Alresford Town Council Arlebury Park,The Avenue, Alresford, Hants. SO24 9EP. Tel: 01962 732079

East Hampshire District Council

Penns Place, Petersfield, GU31 4EX www.easthants.gov.uk Tel: 01730 266551

Hampshire County Council

The Castle,Winchester, SO23 8UJ www.hants.gov.uk Tel: 0845 603 5638

Medstead Primary School Winchester City Council

City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester, SO23 9LJ www.winchester.gov.uk Tel: 01962 840222

Hospitals

Alton Community Hospital Alton, Hampshire Tel: 01420 82811

North Hants Hospital Basingstoke, Hampshire Tel: 01256 473202

Royal Hampshire County Hospital

Winchester, Hampshire Tel: 01962 863535

Library

Alresford Library

Medstead, Alton, GU34 5LG Tel: 01420 562824

Perins School

Pound Hill, Alresford, SO24 9BS www.perins.net Tel: 01962 734361

Ropley Primary School

Church St. Ropley, SO24 ODS Tel: 01962 772381

Sun Hill Infant School

Sun Lane, Alresford www.sunhill-inf.hants.sch.uk email: beverley.minall@sunhill -inf.hants.sch.uk Tel: 01962 732632

Sun Hill Junior School

Sun Lane, Alresford www.sunhill-jun.hants.sch.uk Tel: 01962 732801

Monday 10.00 - 1.00 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

Surgeries & Chemists

Alresford and District Neighbourhood Watch Association

1 East Street, Alresford Tel: 01962 732858

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

Prospect Road Recycling Centre

Open seven days a week Tel: 01962 735961

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

Wessex Pharmacy Broad Street, Alresford.

Tel: 01962 732445

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 Alresford Community Centre Chairman: Brian Clark 01962 732057

Beauworth Village Hall

Contact Felicity Morrogh.

Tel: 01962 793075

Bighton Village Hall

Gail Johnson: 01962 736556 email: bighton.hall.bookings@ googlemail.com. www.bighton.org.uk

Bishop’s Sutton Village Hall

Please contact Vera on: 01962 736211 or email veralipscombe@gmail.com

Bramdean and Hinton Ampner Village Hall

Tel: 01962 771261 or Contact us via www.bramdeanvillagehall. btck.co.uk

Cheriton Village Hall

Tel penny on: 01962 771263

Christy Hall, Old Alresford

Alresford Pharmacy

Diane Cox: 01962 735388

Alresford Surgery

Alex Bellisario Tel: 07947191229 www.iaavillagehall.co.uk

Station Road, Alresford www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk Tel: 01962 732345

Mansfield Park Surgery Lymington Bottom Road, Medstead, GU34 5EW Tel: 01420 562922

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

Itchen Abbas and Avington Village Hall Kilmeston Village Hall

www.kilmestonvillagehall.co.uk or phone Melanie Hill: 01962 771388 or email bookings@ kilmestonvillagehall.co.uk

Ropley Coffee Room

Church Street, Ropley, Alresford, SO24 0DS. For bookings contact David Ottley: 01962 772440

Ropley Parish Hall

Vicarage Lane, Ropley, SO24 0DU. For bookings contact Norma Day: 01962 772267

HOME

STORAGE made easy •24/7 access •Sizes to suit your needs •Short or long term •Easy to find, easy to use •On your doorstep

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WE OFFER SERVICES FROM THE SMALLEST JOBS TO FULL HOUSE BUILDS

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ous Clean Carpets TV installations considered • Freeview achieved where others have failed

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

Forum

al residents

ur carpets king for an pany who e, will be and above

ted to take f the three ue, high upholstery re offering month o give to know d out how sh and ill look eshened by ple.

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Very reasonable Winner prices, and courteous friendly service from people you can trust in your home.

The Carpet Care People

Our approach is simple: We are proud to run a celebrated professional carpet and upholstery cleaning business, and we insist on providing you with good oldfashioned service and value.

Call now and find out why our award-winning service is probably the most requested carpet cleaning the oflocal Have anyinthree Stockbridgeyour areacarpets cleaned The next thing for you to do for 01962 just £87690 total!005 is call us on we’ll welcome your call, answer your questions and take care of everything for you.

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of the st trusted ompanies l, nearets for a rmal cost

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

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

Test Valley Joinery Call Mark on: 07961 979429 or 01794 301728 www.testvalleyjoinery.co.uk Andover

Tel 01962 690 005

01264 337711 Andover

k u . o c . r o o d e rag a g y fix m

Frequently Asked Questions The Repair Specialists

Here’s a selection of frequently asked questions especially for you sceptics (you know who you are).

1. When you say ‘carpet’ what do you mean? We mean average size areas, say 10x12ft ish. But we don’t quibble if the areas are a little larger - it’s all done on fairness really. 2. Do you move furniture?

Our pricing policy reflects the time it takes to clean working around furniture, rather than moving it. any three carpets That said, we are Have for example, happy to move your three piece suite backwards and forwards cleaning under it and replacing it back into piece position. What we don’t price into the job at these discount prices is and your three moving large pieces of furniture like bookcases, sideboards or wardrobes. Similarly we are not insured upflat-screen for Andover to move electricalsuite items,freshened in particular tvs. Again we apply common sense and fairness to the situation and inevitable we do end up moving some furniture around, even at these discount prices. 3. just £167!

Are there any ‘hidden’ extra costs? The prices quoted above are fully-inclusive and are the actual prices you will pay.

Deal 3

Carpet Price

2

£77

FULL OFFER PRICE LIST Carpet Price

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

we specialise in cleaning and refreshing 3 piece suites (at our current offer price of £97).

Fabric Master, our special upholstery and cleaning system is safe, gentle, and very effective. Fibres are restored to their original beauty and softness you’ll see!

Carpet Price Carpet

Tel: 01962 690 005 or 07790 883507

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CALL BRAMDEAN Deal 1: T: 01962 771925 / M: 07377 416972

Upholstery

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01962 715200

55

56

COMMUNITY

ILLUMINATING ALRESFORD

THE ALRESFORD PIGS

I

t’s no accident that our lovely town looks so warm and Christmassy during the festive season. For many years a largely unseen workforce has erected real Christmas trees on businesses and homes in the centre of town and adorned them with old-style coloured bulbs to give that traditional yuletide glow.

There is nothing more magical than walking or driving through the town on the first night that the Christmas trees are illuminated, making you feel that Christmas has arrived and underlining just what a special community Alresford is.

It’s The Alresford Pigs Association in conjunction with the Alresford Chamber of Commerce that sells and erects the trees, keeping them looking wonderful by regularly changing old bulbs for new throughout December come rain or shine – or snow!

In addition, ‘The Alresford Christmas Tree Fund’ which relies on donations, goodwill and generous sponsorship from Alresford Salads has successfully provided a landmark Christmas tree in Broad Street and orchestrated the arrival of Father Christmas, assisted each year by The Alresford Pigs who ensure that Santa arrives safely one pre-Christmas evening to deliver presents to local children.This year is no exception so you can look forward to twinkling lights aplenty from the end of November, with Father Christmas arriving in style on Wednesday December 12th.

However, each year it gets harder and harder to maintain this tradition, with rising costs of materials and ever tightened Health and Safety legislation/insurance meaning that the ‘Tree Committee’ have to work to an ever tighter budget.We are extremely grateful to Alresford Salads for their continued support and this helps make sure we can all enjoy the tree. But if you are keen to see the ‘Giant Christmas Tree’ lighting up our town and

Santa delivering presents every year, please donate on the night by contributing to our collection buckets and taking part in our terrific Tombola – which has an array of fantastic prizes!

Futhermore, local businesses will be keeping their doors open for late night shopping and refreshments on December 12th with timings as follows:

From 6.15pm - Lead up to the Arrival of Father Christmas with community carol singing 7.00pm - Father Christmas will arrive in the town 7.15- 8.30pm - Children visit Santa in his grotto where presents will be handed out 6.00-9.00pm - Late night shopping Please help us to keep this tradition alive in Alresford!

The Alresford Pigs Association is a registered charity (charity no.

1163001). More information can be found at www.alresfordpigs. org or for an immediate request for support call the Pigs Help line 01962 658961

58 58

OUR PLANET HOME

PALM OIL

DEFORESTATION FOR EVERYDAY PRODUCTS

Y

ou have seen it all over the news in the last few days, the world has suddenly opened its eyes to the plight of the orangutan and many other rainforest animals, pushed toward extinction. Highlighted recently by a powerful advert created for Iceland supermarket chain. It is easy to sign a petition or share a news item but does it stop there?

Is there something we can do as a purchaser to quell the tide of destruction? Rainforest Rescue has a few simple tips and guidelines that could help make a difference. If everyone does a little it may just influence the major retailers and their suppliers to take steps toward saving our depleting rainforests.

The warm, humid climate of the tropics offers perfect growth conditions for oil palms. Day after day, huge tracts of rainforest in Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa are being bulldozed or torched to make room for more plantations, releasing vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. As a consequence, Indonesia – the world’s largest producer of palm oil – temporarily surpassed the United States in terms of greenhouse gas emissions in 2015.With their CO2 and methane emissions, palm oil-based biofuels actually have three times the climate impact of traditional fossil fuels.

Palm oil is not only bad for the climate: As their forest habitat is cleared, endangered species such as the orangutan, Borneo elephant and Sumatran tiger are being pushed closer to extinction.

Smallholders and indigenous people who have inhabited and protected the forest for generations are often brutally driven from their land. In Indonesia, more than 700 land conflicts are related to the palm oil industry. Human rights violations are everyday occurrences, even on supposedly “sustainable” and “organic” plantations.

As consumers, we are largely unaware of these broader issues, yet our daily palm oil consumption also impacts our health: refined palm oil contains large amounts of harmful fatty acid esters that are known to damage DNA and cause cancer.The solution – a revolution on our dinner tables and in our fuel tanks.

Follow these simple tips to recognize, avoid and combat palm oil: Enjoy a home-cooked meal - Use your imagination: A meal cooked from fresh ingredients beats processed foods containing palm oil every time. Oils such as sunflower, olive, rapeseed or flaxseed are ideal for cooking and baking.

Read labels - As of December 2014, labeling regulations in the EU require food products to clearly indicate that they contain palm oil. However, in the case of non-food items such as cosmetics and cleaning products, a wide range of chemical names may still be used to hide the use of palm oil. A quick check of your favorite search engine will turn up palm oil-free alternatives, however.

Remember that the customer is king Ask your retailers for palm oil-free products.Write to product manufacturers and ask them why they aren’t using domestic oils. Companies can be quite sensitive to issues that give their products a bad name, so inquiring with sales staff and contacting manufacturers can make a real difference. Public pressure and increased awareness of the problem have already prompted some producers to stop using palm oil.

Sign petitions and write your elected representatives Online campaigns put pressure on policymakers responsible for biofuels and palm oil imports. Have you already signed all of Rainforest Rescue’s petitions?

Leave your car at home Whenever you can, walk, ride a bicycle or use public transport.

Be informed and inform others: Big Business and governments would like us to believe that biofuels are good for the climate and that oil palm plantations are sustainable.

Spread the word - share this information with your family and friends and encourage them to rethink their consumption habits.

It’s in our hands!

For more information on how you help and the destruction of our rainforests visit: www.rainforest-rescue.org

HOME

ExpEriEncEd local buildEr and pEacE of mind Much of my work is achieved by personal recommendation and there’s no better reassurance than that.

• DESIGN • INtErIor rEcoNStructIoN aND rEfurbIShmENt • bathroomS • KItchENS • ExtENSIoNS aND coNvErSIoNS • GENEral buIlDING worKS

With over 30 years experience, fully qualified and insured, I am happy to talk through what you need to help create your design and give a FREE no obligation estimate.

Contact me now, I’m here to help.

aNDy clIff tEl: 01962 738883 Email: cliffbuilding@googlemail.com

EXPERIENCED LOCAL BUILDER & PEACE OF MIND • DESIGN • INTERIOR RECONSTRUCTION AND REFURBISHMENT • BATHROOMS • KITCHENS • EXTENSION AND CONVERSIONS • GENERAL BUILDING WORKS

With over 30 years experience, fully qualified and insured, I am happy to talk through what you need to help create your design and give a FREE no obligation estimate.

Contact me now, I’m here to help.

ANDY CLIFF TEL: 01962 738883

Email: cliffbuilding@googlemail.com

THE GLASS SIDED STAIRCASE COMPANY Contact Peter or Keith for a FREE consultation & quotation

Tel: 01962 736959 or 07867 996972 info@theglasssidedstaircasecompany.co.uk

Alresford Floors Luxury Vinyl Tiles: Amtico, Spacia Karndean, Polyflor Rubber Flooring Carpet Tiles

Solid Wood Engineered Wood Wood Floor Sanding Wood Floor Repair

For an appointment to discuss your requirements, please call

Tel: 01962 732643 or Mob: 07734 459748 www.alresfordfloors.co.uk Approved Amtico Installer & NVQ Certified

59

60

GARDEN& SOCIETIES CLUBS

Caroline (chair) 01962 771218 or Judy (membership) 01962 734056 www.cheritontennisclub.co.uk

65+

Children’s Judo Club

SPORTS & FITNESS ACA Badminton Club For more information contact: Call Clive Earthy: 01962 733812

Alresford Badminton Club For more information contact: Contact: Martin Brickwood, email: brickwoods@talktalk.net Phone:02380 693711

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

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

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

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

Alresford Rugby Football Club For more information contact: Seniors’ Head Coach: 07964 423001. Minis contact: alresfordminisrugby@gmail.com or visit www.alresfordrfc.co.uk

Alresford Tennis Club For more information contact: Howard Lewis on 01962 733818

For more information contact: Lance Wicks - Telephone: 07787 565233 Email: lw@ judocoach.com

Cyclists’ Touring Club For more information contact: Tel: 01962 864479 www.southhampshirectc.org.uk

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

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

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

Practical Wing Chun Classes

Alresford Ukulele Jam

For more information visit: www.artsociety.alresford.org Tel: 01962 736751 artsociety@ alresford.org

Four Marks Folk Band

Community Theatre Society For more information contact Debbie: 01962 732055 markwick34@gmail.com

For more information contact: Peter Treacher on: 01420 562794

Minden Rose Garland Dancers For more information contact Imelda on: 01962 773487/07762 902143 to check we will be there.

The Candover Valley Bell Ringers For more information contact Carol: 01256 389387 For more information call 01962 771796 or visit www. cheritonsingers.hampshire.org.uk

The Waynflete Singers

Ropley Tennis Club

For more information visit: ww.winchestermusicclub.org.uk

For more information contact: call: 02380 651223 or email taichienquiries@gmail.com

Tichborne Park Cricket Club For more information contact: Andy Joyce on T: 01962 734316 andypjoyce@hotmail.com

Chawton Park Indoor Bowls Club For more information contact: Chawton Park Road, Alton.

Tel: 01420 541546

Winchester Music Club

Wessex Mature Dancers Classes held in Alresford, Bishop's Waltham. Maureen: 07817 502260. Wessexmaturedancers@ gmail.com.Wessexmaturedancers. co.uk Wessexmaturedancers. co.uk

Zumba Classes For more information contact Tel: 079474 10394 www.zumbaaround-winchester.com or sue@ plays-r-ussell.com

65+

Cheriton Cricket Club For more information contact: Nick: 07931 456214 info@cheritoncc.com www.cheritoncc.com

Cheriton Tennis Club For more information contact:

MUSIC & DANCE Alresford Community Choir (ACC) For more information visit: www.alresfordchoir.com

The Cheriton Players For more information visit: www.facebook.com/groups/ 120589672533. Or contact David Cradduck: 01962 771700 www.thecheritonplayers.org.uk

Wessex Sculptors For more information contact: Carole Scobling: 01962 771259

65+

The Medstead Players For more information contact: Lesley Rae, Fiver, High Street, Medstead. Tel: 01420 56563916 www.medsteadplayers.co.uk For more information visit: waynflete.hampshire.org.uk

Tai Chi

A.C.T.S - Alresford

The Cheriton Singers

For more information contact: Contact Gary: 07986 298283 or see www.uctuk.co.uk For more information visit: www.ropleytennis.org.uk

Alresford Art Society

For more information visit: alresfordukejam@outlook.com Tel: 01962 710385 http://facebook.com/ AlresfordUkeJam

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

65+

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

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

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

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

If you would like to add your club or society please send your details to editor@forumpublications. co.uk

D

DON S DOORS

GARAGE DOOR SOLUTIONS We supply and install all leading manufacturer of garage doors and in a wide selection of styles;

Up & Over • Side Hinged • Automated Insulated Roller • Timber • Sectional Call 02380 600027 to arrange a free no obligation survey and quote Unit 9 & 10, Vicarage Farm Business Park, Winchester Road, Fair Oak, Eastleigh, SO50 7HD sales@donsgaragedoors.co.uk • www.donsgaragedoors.co.uk

62

HOME FEATURE

THE MEN'S SHED ALRESFORD

W

hat do you think of as a man’s shed? A tiny cramped space full of spiders and seedlings waiting to be planted out; shelves piled high with stuff that has been kept for years with certain knowledge that it ‘will come in useful one day’?

Even if you are familiar with that you’ll not find anything remotely like it at The Men’s Shed in Alresford. Originally founded in Australia the ‘Men’s Shed’ movement was established to give men a place to meet, talk and share skills.The Men’s Shed Australia is funded by their Department of Health as it has proven to have a positive impact on men’s mental well-being and physical health. Here in the UK it is funded purely by charitable donations.

Much like the Australian model a study undertaken by a University in the West Country looked at both the physical and mental health benefits for members of The Men’s Shed in Somerset.The study has shown that issues such as blood pressure are reduced and that men feel they have a purpose and are more able to talk about the issues that concern them.

The first Men’s Shed was founded in the UK in 2013 and now boasts some five hundred sheds with an estimated two new sheds opening per week.The Alresford branch was founded in 2017 with support and funding from The Alresford Pigs Association and a grant from Hampshire Council. I visited The Men’s Shed Alresford and talked with Chairman Brian Durham.

Firstly the space is so much more than a shed, generously enabled by the owners of the building Gavin and Marian Baldwin, this Men’s Shed is equipped with a kitchen, an office, a shared meeting room, storage room and a very large and extensively equipped workshop.There is no sawdust or wood shavings, all the tools are immaculate, and, of course, safely stored away. Brian explains,” We have thirty members but it’s growing all the time. People pop in to see what we do and find that it’s an environment they feel comfortable with. Some just come to drink tea and have a chat, while others come because they have exacting skills to offer which they don’t want to loose and equally would like to pass on a lifetime of experience to others.”

There has been some rumblings by a few locally about the name “Men’s Shed” and although the constitution caters for both sexes, there hasn’t been anyone female who definitely wanted to join yet.

The requirement from ladies was for DIY Skills and to that end the Shed is running a DIY Class on Thursday evenings to teach them things like how to use a drill or put up a shelf.

Brian explains, “We have just started, at the request of local parents, small groups where we help Design Technology teacher Neil Waite, to teach young people the basics of woodwork & electronics.They absolutely love it and for us it’s fabulous to be able to pass on skills to the next generation. Most of the wood that we use is donated, as is some of our equipment.We are extremely keen to be as sustainable as possible.

We would like to do more and perhaps join with local schools and other projects with whom we could share facilities and expertise, we have a great deal to offer. Now that the people know where we are, we often have requests to mend things like chairs and small tables, and the jobs that a tradesman would not do.The Men’s Shed work closely with one of our Sponsors,The Alresford Pigs Association, helping to maintain the scooters and equipment they provide for those in need locally.We have also repaired tables and chairs for eating houses in the town, so the more members we have the better!”

So what’s next for The Men’s Shed Alresford?

It’s a difficult time for us and the other occupiers of this building.

In March 2019 this site is due to be redeveloped so we are desperate to quickly find new and more permanent premises in Alresford. The Charity Trustees and our members are all determined to keep it running.We are thinking about new initiatives such as a repair café and expanding our collaborations with local groups and schools. So there is a huge amount to be excited about but our current priority is to find a new building.”

It would certainly be a huge loss to Alresford if we were to lose our Men’s Shed.

GG.

For more information: alresfordmesshed@gmail.com or alresford men's shed@facebook.com

HOME

Maid Marian Ad 90 x 135

31/1/10

12:38

Page 1

Maid Marian

PROFESSIONAL DOMESTIC SERVICES

Barnes & Liddiard

Electrical Sales FOR YOUR HOME ELECTRICAL NEEDS

High quality domestic services Guaranteed One less thing to think about.

We can help.

• Regular cleaning and end • of tenancy cleaning • One off spring cleans • Washing and Ironing • Carpet cleaning • Building maintenance • including painting and • decorating • Shopping • Man with a van telephone: 01962 736713 email: enquiries@maidmariancleaners.co.uk web: www.maidmariancleaners.co.uk

LED, Low Energy and Halogen Bulbs We have a comprehensive range available (fitting service can be arranged by request)

Plugs, Fuses, Extension Leads Etc...

We also offer a restoration and repair service for most fittings

26 The Dean, Alresford, SO24 9AZ Tel: 01962 733272

Barnes & Liddiard Electrical Contractors Limited

63

GARDEN HOME

HAND-MADE KITCHENS FROM HAMPSHIRE

Hand-crafted in our local workshop located in the village of Bramdean Why not arrange a visit from us to discuss your new kitchen.

With the latest CAD design software, we can really show you what your new kitchen will look like before we start work.

Affordable quality combined with personal service.

We look forward to hearing from you.

01962 771 815 or 07917 150 027 info@silkkitchens.co.uk • www.silkkitchens.co.uk Design Build Install

.

L

D T

AN

G & H EA TI N M BI N U G PL

DE

64

MICHAEL J SLY Plumbing and Heating

All plumbing and heating works from fixing a leak to installing a full Heating System or Bathroom Suite

Plumbing and Heating Complete Heating Systems High Efficiency Boiler and System Upgrades Power Flush and System Treatments Gas Boiler Service

L.Sheppard Plastering All aspects undertaken

Quality Finishes Tel: 07547 190332 liamsheppardplastering@gmail.com @liamplaster

Water Softeners

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

Free competitive quotations

Tel (Cheriton): 01962 771285 Mobile: 07973 407996 Est. Locally for over 30 years

OpenCometo& Visit Yard & Public &OurTrade Display Area Customers

Come & Visit Our Yard & Display Area

GAZEBOS & ACCESSORIES

GAZEBOS & ACCESSORIES

Live the Dream with a Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services

Live the Dream with a Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services

youforgotten dream ofal-fresco simply relaxing with a well earned glass of wine, or are hosting that never to be forgotten al-fresco Whether you dream of simply relaxing with a well earned glass of wine, or are hosting thatWhether never to be thatcheddreams or timber into roofed Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services will turn your dreams into party. A thatched or timber roofed Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services willparty. turnA your reality - it just couldn’t be easier.

reality - it just couldn’t be easier.

Equestrian Fencing Services All gazebos from Equestrian Fencing Services are made All gazebos from Equestrian Fencing Services are madeoffer an extensive range of ENTRANCE GATES • EQUESTRIAN BUILDINGS Gazebos from acarefully materials. They are designed to provide a shower proof materials. They are designed to provide shower selected proof timber from well managed sustainable forests, size and style of garden. environment. It is important to appreciate that in severe sustainable forests, to suit every size and style of garden. environment.•It isLOG important to appreciate thattoinsuit severe OAK GARAGES • SHEDS STORES • every GARDEN GATES Equestrian Fencing Services offer an extensive range of

Gazebos from carefully selected timber from well managed

weather conditions there may be a chance of water

weather conditions there may be a chance of water

Specifically designed accessories to fit our range of

Specifically designed accessories ingress. We recommend with the thatched range that you to fit our range of

ingress. We recommend with the thatched range that you

Gazebos are available to further enhance your comfort

Gazebos areprotection. available to further enhance your comfort invest in a roof liner to improve water

invest in a roof liner to improve water protection.

and privacy. Available in a choice of terracotta or green.

and privacy. Available in a choice of terracotta or green.

Unless stated all Gazebos come with a deck base, solid and

Unless stated all Gazebos A full set of gazebo accessories can be found on the come insidewith a deck base, solid and

A full set of gazebo accessories can be found on the inside

balustrade infill panels. Delivery and assembly on to level

balustrade infill panels. Delivery and assembly on to level back page of this brochure.

back page of this brochure.

pre-prepared base is also included in the price.

pre-prepared base is also included in the price.

With all the benefits of a thatched or timber roofed Gazebo

With all the benefits of a thatched or timber roofed Gazebo

from Equestrian Fencing - Dreams really can come true!

from Equestrian Fencing - Dreams really can come true!

Tel: 01329 835100 Fax 01329 835157 Email: info@equestrianfencing.com please visit www.equestrianfencing.com

Tel: 01329 835100 Fax 01329 835157 Email: info@equestrianfencing.com please visit www.equestrianfencing.com

Equestrian Fencing Services High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2JR

Equestrian Fencing Services High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2JR

Equestrian Fencing Services High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2JR

Equestrian Fencing Services High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2JR

Tel: 01329 835100 Fax 01329 835157 Email: info@equestrianfencing.com please visit www.equestrianfencing.com

Tel: 01329 835100 Fax 01329 835157 Email: info@equestrianfencing.com please visit www.equestrianfencing.com

WISHING ALL OF OUR CUSTOMERS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS from Equestrian Fencing - Dreams really can come true!

from Equestrian Fencing - Dreams really can come true!

With all the benefits of a thatched or timber roofed Gazebo

With all the benefits of a thatched or timber roofed Gazebo

pre-prepared base is also included in the price.

pre-prepared base is also included in the price.

back page of this brochure.

balustrade infill panels. Delivery and assembly on to level back page of this brochure.

balustrade infill panels. Delivery and assembly on to level

A full set of gazebo accessories can be found on the inside

Unless stated allfound Gazebos come with a deck base, solid and A full set of gazebo accessories can be on the inside

Unless stated all Gazebos come with a deck base, solid and

and privacy. Available in a choice of terracotta or green.

and privacy. Available in a choice of terracotta or green.

are available to further enhance your comfort invest in a roof liner to Gazebos improve water protection.

Gazebos are available to further enhance your comfort

Specifically designedrange accessories to fit our range of ingress. We recommend with the thatched that you

Specifically designed accessories to fit our range of

weather conditions there may be a chance of water

invest in a roof liner to improve water protection. ingress. We recommend with the thatched range that you weather conditions there may be a chance of water environment. It is important to appreciate that in severe

sustainable forests, that to suit every size and style of garden. environment. It is important to appreciate in severe

sustainable forests, to suit every size and style of garden.

materials. They are designed to provide a shower proof

Gazebos from carefully selected materials. They are designed to provide a shower proof timber from well managed

Gazebos from carefully selected timber from well managed

Equestrian Fencing Services offer an extensive range of All gazebos from Equestrian Fencing Services are made

Equestrian Fencing Services offer an extensive range of

KINDLING £2.95 (each)

WOOD WOOL FIRELIGHTERS £4.65 (Box of 50) All prices subject to VAT and Delivery

reality - it just couldn’t be easier.

Mixed Hardwood: £155 Oak: £165 Ash: £185

BIRCH NETS £5.95 (each)

FIRE BRIQUETTES £3.80 (Bag of 12)

reality - it just couldn’t be easier.

All gazebos from Equestrian Fencing Services are made

KILN DRIED FIREWOOD

party.turn A thatched timber roofed party. A thatched or timber roofed Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services will yourordreams intoGazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services will turn your dreams into Whether of simply relaxing with a well earned glass of wine, or are hosting that never to be forgotten al-fresco Whether you dream of simply relaxing with a well earned glass of wine, or are hosting that never you to bedream forgotten al-fresco

C A L L U S N OW O N : 0 1 3 2 9 8 3 5 1 0 0 email: info@equestrianfencing.com Live the Dream with a Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services

www.equestrianfencing.com

Live the Dream with a Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services

H I G H R I D G E F A R M , H O S P I T A L R O A D, S H I R R E L L H E A T H , S O U T H A M P T O N , S O 3 2 2 J R

GAZEBOS & ACCESSORIES

GAZEBOS & ACCESSORIES Come & Visit Our Yard & Display Area

V I E W U S O N G O O G L E E A RT H

Come & Visit Our Yard & Display Area

66

HOME ANIMALS & PETS

WINTER SEASON PERILS FOR PETS The coming few months see us heading into the party season of fireworks and celebrations for the year end. For our pets, it can be an anxious time as we temporarily change our daily routines to fit in more time with family and friends. More importantly it can be a hazardous time with the introduction of potentially harmful novel items such as gifts, decorations and party foodstuffs into the house.

The most well-known edible danger during the festive period is dried fruit such as raisins, sultanas and currants which can be found in mince pies and festive cakes etc. Chemicals in these fruits can cause gastro-intestinal upset in our pets and possibly damage their kidneys if not treated in time. Chocolate also poses a high risk of poisoning as it contains two toxic ingredients to our pets, namely caffeine and theobromine. Signs of chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, breathing problems or even seizures. Keep these foods in pet-proof containers and well out of reach from pets. If you do suspect that your pet has eaten any amount of chocolate/dried fruit then please call your vet immediately for advice. Traditional seasonal decorations such as glass baubles can break easily if played with by a pet causing injury whilst a seemingly harmless stream of ribbon for gift wrapping or tinsel can pose a choking hazard to a pet if they become entangled in it or try to eat it. Whilst a tree furnished with fairy lights, tinsel and baubles looks festive it could prove disastrous for an inquisitive pet. If mainsconnected lights are used then never leave them on when leaving the house to eliminate the risk of electrocution. Best still, close off access to these displays when you are not in the room or house.

With all the festive comings and goings it is no wonder many of our pets become anxious during this time. Providing additional enclosed sleeping places for your pet can help to ease their fears. Pheromone diffusers, sprays or collars and other approved pet herbal remedies can be effective in alleviating anxiety. Keep windows closed to muffle out noises from fireworks and curtains drawn to block out the flashing lights. Try to keep to as near a normal routine as possible or have a friend or neighbour dog/cat-sit for you if you are away from the house for a longer time than normal.

With a little planning, it is possible to keep your pet safe and stress-free whilst still having fun this coming winter season. For further advice or information on the products mentioned please contact your vet.

Liza Freeman RVN Cedar Veterinary Group - Alton: 01420 82163, Alresford: 01962 732535, Four Marks: 01420 562048

An exclusive service in the heart of Alresford

Dog Grooming & Home Boarding Rachel Gray Tel: 07419 324362

Longer, darker evenings present a greater prospect of your pet being involved in an incident on a road. If possible, keep cats in at night and always have your dog on a lead when walking near a road. Hi-viz items such as fluorescent quick-release collars for cats or tabards and ‘light-up’ collars for dogs provide greater visibility of your pet to road users.

rachel@alresforddoggrooming.com www.alresforddoggrooming.com

a Independent practice with free onsite parking and convenient location

a 24 hour emergency service provided

by our own staff

a Fully equipped on site laboratory for

New Pet Healthcare Plan!

TWO MONTHS FREE when you sign up to our HealthCare Plan.

quick diagnostic results

a Practice health care plan to spread the cost of routine treatment

a Home visits available for your convenience A dedicated team working to improve the health and wellbeing of your pets

ALTON: 01420 82163 ALRESFORD: 01962 732535 FOUR MARKS: 01420 562048

cedarvet.com facebook.com/cedarvet

ANIMALS & PETS

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• equestrian maintenance • Ploughing • field cultivation • Hedge cutting • Forestry • spraying specialist • fencing • topping • wood thining • Tree Felling & branch lopping

Load of logs - £70 per truck load

Tel: 01962 735452 / Mob: 07880 527049 www.appletoncontracting.co.uk

CJ The Plumber

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

01962 776545

Domestic plumbing

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

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

JOYCE & BROS

Painters & Decorators • Gutter Clearing 01962 735273 07767 711497

joycebrospainters@btinternet.com

Barnes & Liddiard Electrical Contractors Limited All aspects of electrical work undertaken Fully compliant to part ‘P’ of the building regulations

Domestic Commercial Industrial Garden Lighting

Tel: 01962 733272

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68

HOME FEATURE

HAMPSHIRE PEOPLE

THE FORUM TALKS WITH FRED DINENAGE MBE I meet with Fred Dinenage in the foyer of Hampshire’s ITV building. He is tall, slim, tanned and fit from a recent holiday in Austria and is wearing the crispest, whitest shirt I have ever seen.

It’s an impression that belies his age. He has been working for ITV since 1964 and was awarded the MBE for services to broadcasting in 2010. He could be called a legend of British television but Fred is far too modest and at times self-deprecating for that.

How did Fred find himself in television?

“I owe it all to Annie Nightingale. I was a Midlands journalist longing to live by the sea.You should remember that jobs were plentiful and of course there were only two channels! Annie Nightingale worked for Southern TV and they were looking for a young man to be in a new programme called ‘Three Go Round’ so I got an audition. At the time I was living in Brighton, sharing a flat with five friends.

We’d been out the night before and had a good time, so I missed the morning train and didn’t show up for the audition! On the Sunday morning the producer, Angus Wright, who happened to be passing, knocked on the door and not only thoroughly told me off, but gave me another chance. I got the job and a seven -week contract turned into fifty-five years!”

‘Three Go Round’ was one of the longest running ITV children’s programme. In 1966 Jack Hargreaves was one of the Directors of ITV as well has host of his own programme ‘Out of Town’ He was incredibly influential. I did the pilot for ‘How’ and was determined to be professional. I was very nervous and completely mucked it up – everyone was laughing at me. Jack took me to one side and said, ’Look don’t try so hard, you’ve been hired to play the prat!’

I got the job and the show ran for fifteen years.Then in the midnineties TVS made ‘How 2’, hosted with Carole Vorderman and Gareth Jones which ran for another sixteen years.”

Fred is also well known for hosting crime programmes for Sky and as the face of ITV’s news which has a punishing schedule.

“We run three news shows per night covering Weymouth to Brighton, Brighton to Southend and the Thames Valley.Two shows are recorded and one goes out live.We spend a lot of time during the day recording interviews and writing for the evening shows. I absolutely love the adrenalin rush of live TV! Along with swimming and walking it’s this job that keeps me fit!”

In such a long career has there been a memorable news item Fred was affected by?

“Oh gosh, yes, the abduction and murder of little Sarah Payne.That really affected me for some time. It was so awful. I interviewed her mother, Sara, who was absolutely incredible, she’s had a stroke and was told she would never walk again but she is an amazing woman. One of the biggest challenges we faced was the Moscow Olympics. Margaret Thatcher didn’t want us to go and was not best pleased.We were told that the British Embassy was closed and if we had any issues we shouldn’t expect any help. It was a rather interesting two weeks - commentating on rowing which I knew nothing about!”

Are there three things Fred couldn’t live without?

“That’s difficult. Obviously my fantastic family. Our rescue pets, Roy the dog and Molly our cat, who adopted us while we were at our house in Spain.We arranged to have her brought back and now she is here with us in the UK and very happy. I do a lot of work with the RSPCA and with a small Southampton based charity called Second Chance, who do amazing work rescuing dogs on a tiny budget. I open their summer fete every year and do as much as I can to support them. Oh yes, the third thing? Rioja definitely!”

Who would Fred most like to interview?

“The Queen without a doubt.What an incredible life! I’d like a really open and candid interview with her, but of course she never would do that!”

What next for Fred Dinenage?

“To carry on working - retirement is not an option as I enjoy it too much! We love walking in Austria so I definitely want to continue going there. I’ve written books, including the biography of the Krays; so I may well write my autobiography- the only trouble is I’m not sure anyone would buy it!

If I could have anything I would like my own sport chat show, mind you I thought I would never get to host the six o’clock news but I did! Whatever happens I know I am very privileged to have this job, to be so closely linked to the public who are great. People come to chat and say ‘how’ when I’m out and about. I just love that.

The actor Sid James, who also had a long career, once gave me a valuable piece of advice: ‘Fred, the secret of success is how long you last. Bright stars eventually go out.You’ll go on forever’.”

I’ve no doubt that will be the case for the charming Fred Dinenage.

For more information on Second Chance please visit: www.secondchanceanimalrescue.co.uk

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New builds Conservation work Painting & decorating Extensions & alterations Conservatories Roofing Brick & flint specialist Groundworks Structural works (steel) Office: 01962 734978 (9am-5pm) Mobile: 07979 506416 email: enquiries@grantandwimbleton.co.uk 18 NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, HAMPSHIRE, SO24 9QP

James White Fencing & Gates Ltd Appledown Lane, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9PB T: 01962 732786 or E: info@jameswhitefencing.com W:jameswhitefencing.com

Fencing & Timber Merchants

Open to the trade and public

We supply competitively priced fencing

We are open Monday to Friday 7.30am – 5pm

materials and timber, gates, fixtures, fittings, wire and more. We have a well stocked yard, offer a friendly helpful service and free local delivery to Alresford customers.

· Fencing contractors

· Timber merchants

· Manufacturers of bespoke

entrance gates · Gate automation specialists

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HOME CULTURE

LITERARY GREAT IN THE HOT SEAT

John Miller (left) with Michael Frayn

WILL HAMPSHIRE ARTIST BECOME SKY ARTS LANDSCAPE ARTIST OF THE YEAR? A Hampshire artist is in the running for the prestigious Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year competition. Andrew Halliday from Lymington has been filmed during one of the heats at Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, on the West Coast of Scotland.

“Filming the series was great fun and that’s all I can say at this stage,” says Andrew, who got through to the second round of judging in this year’s 250th Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.

His wife Ally adds: “Our daughter Ella - a budding artist herself - and I are extremely proud of Andrew’s achievements. With each year that passes he further establishes himself, making his work increasingly collectable.

“Incidentally, Ella is up for an award - her painting came second in the New Forest Friends of the Earth competition against single use plastics and was in a prize giving in September. Her painting was on display on their stand at the New Forest Show.”

Andrew’s episode will be on November 20 at 8pm on Sky Arts.

For more details contact Andrew on: Tel: 07773 753558 Email: andrewspaintings @gmail.com www.andrewhallidayfineart.co.uk/

Literary great Michael Frayn will be in the hot seat in Winchester in January 2019, answering questions from John Miller on the playwright and author's remarkable career.

Best known as the author of the farce Noises Off and the dramas Copenhagen and Democracy. His novels, such as Towards the end of the Morning, Headlong and Spies have also been critical and commercial successes and his plays have won six Evening Standard and three Olivier Awards and Copenhagen also won the Prix Moliere in Paris and a Tony Award for Best Play on Broadway.

essays about his theatre work over half a lifetime, including the introduction to his last play Afterlife at the National Theatre. It is also a reflection on his path into theatre: his early, ill-fated attempts at Cambridge Footlights, his subsequent scorn in his newspaper columns and, surprisingly late in life, his reluctant conversion to the stage.

“Since I have spent my life writing novels as well as plays, one of the questions which people always ask is how I decide whether a new idea is one for a play or for a novel.

The answer is that I don’t. The matter decides itself. The idea that takes shape inside one’s head has its form written upon it; that’s what makes it an idea and not just a piece of wishful thinking,” says Michael.

“Michael talks as brilliantly as he writes”, says John “and I look forward to a fascinating discussion of his craft as playwright and novelist.”

The evening follows previous highly successful In Conversation evenings with Dame Judi Dench and Claire Tomalin as fundraisers for the family support charity Home-Start Winchester. “John Miller has an amazing address book,” says Home-Start Winchester Chairman Liz Cooper “and we are so grateful for his supporting us in this way.”

Michael Frayn is unusual in being equally successful as novelist and playwright, a distinction he shares with Anton Chekhov, which may explain his third writing gift of translating the latter’s plays from the Russian.

His novel Skios was nominated on the long list for the Booker Prize, and his previous book Stage Directions is a collection of his

The event at Winchester Guildhall at 7pm on Saturday 26th January, will be followed by a book signing by Winchester booksellers P & G Wells and tickets at £12 are available by calling 01962 851177 or email info@homestartwinchester.org.uk or online at https:// michaelfraynwinchester.eventbrite.co.uk (plus a booking fee).

WINCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET

location, high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere. Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods can be found in abundance." http://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/ events/christmas-market/''

WINCHESTER CATS PROTECTION CHRISTMAS STALLS

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market From 12th December 2018. Come and support our chalet-stall for Christmas shopping and festivities down at Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market 2018. We have lots of fun and unique cat related goodies including Christmas cards and calendars, and not forgetting the jams!

"Founded in 2006, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe due to its unique

At St Maurice's Covert, High Street, Winchester on 1st December 2018. Please do come along to say hello and support us. Lots of cat related gifts, preserves and other lovely things to buy.

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COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • DOMESTIC Providing a comprehensive electrical installation service • Home automation • Lighting schemes • Electric gates • Emergency lighting • Electrical installations • Home entertainment • Fire alarms • Burglar alarms

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Est. 48 years

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Titchfield

Garden Design Centre

Brighten up your garden

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