Meon Valley Forum - Issue 62 January 2021

Forum

ISSUE 62 JANUARY 2021

MEON VALLEY

Life in your Community

FEATURE BEAN AND GONE

YOUR COMMUNITY

HAPPY NEW YEAR

By Lucia Foster-Found

All your local news and features

To all our readers and advertisers

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

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MEON VALLEY FORUM JANUARY 2021

CONTENTS 02 Wellbeing

14 Feature

04

Looking after your health

04 Leisure & Entertainment

Bean and Gone by Lucia Foster-Found

15 Home

Discover local events and days out in Hampshire

05 Property Management

Buying, selling, letting?

Find local estate agents and property management services

07 Professional

18 Education

06

Contributors Lucia Foster-Found www. luciafosterfound.com

14

Gill Grant gill@forumpublications.co.uk

Get in Touch

11 Animals & Pets

Forum Publications Offices Unit 8A, Shelf House, New Farm Road,

From Canine to Equine - all your animal needs

Alresford, SO24 9QH Tel: 01962 735137

12 Motoring

Director of Marketing Rob Harrison rob@forummedianddesign.co.uk

Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

Make your garden dream come true

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

Director of Advertising Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

Design Manager James Curtis james@forumpublications.co.uk

From photographers to solicitors - every professional service you need

10 Retail/On Your Highstreet

Find local schools and educational experts

Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk

Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk

09 Garden

Trades, services, designers, All you need for your home

Contacts

www.forumpublications.co.uk

Local services to keep your vehicle running smoothly

18

The Meon Valley Forum contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine. Meon 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.

Meon Valley Forum magazine content does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or recommendations of its creators and any reliance upon its content is taken at the user’s sole risk. Adverts designed by Forum Publications remain the magazine's legal ownership. Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household © Forum Publications Ltd, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT Jessie Keane: a local, Sunday Times Top 10 author

JESSIE KEANE

Jessie Keane is a Hampshirebased Sunday Times Top 10 thriller-writing author who has 15 bestselling books to her name, including the hugely successful Annie Carter novels and the Ruby Darke series.

Jessie started writing nailbiting thrillers in 2008, when she sent out the first Annie Carter book Dirty Game to six agents. One came back to her straight away and said she had a publisher who might adapted by adapted by adapted byCharly CharlyArmstrong Armstrong adapted byCharly CharlyArmstrong Armstrong be interested – and within a week Jessie had a 3 book contract for a 6 figure deal. Fans of her books like Philip Schofield and Lorraine Kelly say they just can’t put Jessie’s books down; they’re page-turners and will keep you up all night, reading, waiting for the next plot twist.

QUEEN OF THE UNDERWORLD A MILLION BOOKS SOLD

Wuthering Wuthering Wuthering Wuthering Heights Heights Heights Heights

Wuthering Wuthering Jessie is working on her 16th book now in her home on the South Heights Heights Downs National Park and keeping very busy! Follow her on adapted by Charly Armstrong Facebook and Twitter #realjessiekeane adapted by Charly Armstrong

THE MANOR

ON SALE 31ST DECEMBER

AT ASDA, TESCO AND ALL GOOD BOOKSHOPS OR ORDER DIRECT FROM JESSIE’S WEBSITE WWW.JESSIE-KEANE.CO.UK OR PRE-ORDER NOW FROM AMAZON

WAS ITWAS YOUIT YOU

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Wuthering Wuthering Heights Heights Adapted by Charly Armstrong

Adapted by Charly Armstrong

WAS IT YOU

Pheasant Pheasant PluckerPlucker & Friend & Friend

4-14MAR MAR2020 2020@@7.30PM 4-14 7.30PM &&88@@2.30PM. 2.30PM. NO PERF 99 MAR MAR NO PERF

21 MAR 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM

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F 99 MAR MAR

Heights 21 MAROF 2020 @MOUTH 2.30PM & 7.30PM WORD WORD OF MOUTHPheasant HIM AND ME S>E>D Plucker HIGH JINKSS>E>D AND SLAP AND

WAS IT YOU Adapted by Charly Armstrong

TICKLE IN23–28 THEMARANCIENT 2020 @ 7.30PM TOWN OF POMPEII. 21 MAR ROMAN 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM 23–28 MAR 2020 @ 7.30PM

6TH–16TH JAN 2021 @7.30, 10TH @ 2.30 RESCHEDULED DATES DUE TO LOCKDOWN

THE TRACY AND & Friend HEPBURN STORY

6-11 APRIL 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM 6-11 APRIL 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM

20TH - 30TH JAN 2021 @7.30, 24TH @ 2.30 A NEW PLAY IN TWO ACTS BY CHARLY ARMSTRONG & DAN SCOTT

WORD OF MOUTH 0333 666 3366 0333 666 3366 03336663366 03336663366 Pheasant S>E>D Plucker 73 St. Margarets Lane, Titchfield, PO14 4BG www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com • 03336 663366 663366 t www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com • 03336 663366• 03336 f f t & Friend laughter.

laughter.

The story of aAND bird handler who Thethrows story ofdown a bird her handler gauntlet; who throws down her gauntlet; AUDIENCES ARE SOCIALLY DISTANCED THE VENUE IS COVID SECURE a soaring tale of avian antics, awit soaring andADVICE daring. tale ofHarriet’s avian antics, journey wit and daring. Harriet’s journey VENUE MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO HMG of self discovery is both daft and of self deliriously discoveryfunny. is both daft and deliriously funny. of self discovery is both daft and of self deliriously discoveryfunny. is both daft and deliriously funny.

23–28 MAR 2020 @ 7.30PM

4

Pheasant Plucker

6–11 apr 2020 @ 2.30pm & 7.30pm6–11 apr 2020 @ 2.30pm & 7.30pm

6-11 APRIL 2020 @ 2.30PM & 7.30PM

laughter.

PROPERTY All to look forward to The signs are positive for the property market in early 2021. The governments edict in 2020 to ‘Keep the Country Moving’, backed by the stamp duty holiday, low interest rates and an unprecedented desire to successfully combine living and working in a more rural environment, kept the property market consistently active throughout the year.

As we enter 2021, we expect this trend to continue; full or part time working from home is becoming the norm and as a result the exodus from the cities to the country, and particularly, from London to The South continues creating an exceptionally high demand for properties; rental and sales.

Kate Porter, Head of Sales

Kate Morton, Head of Lettings

The new generation of rural re locators are driven by a desire for a better life, of green spaces, bigger gardens, pet friendly houses, and the benefits of a supporting community. They still need access to commuting networks and the comfort of knowing that supermarkets will deliver, all of which is offered by the glorious villages in this region.

Join with us on:

As we start the New Year take a moment, while the demand for houses continues, and call us to discuss your opportunities.

Kate Porter for sales or Kate Morton for lettings opportunities on 02392 632275

East Street, Hambledon

EQDC The Granary, Whitedale Farm Hampshire, PO7 4RZ Tel: 02392 632275 countryhousecompany.co.uk

Experts in property Sales I Lettings I Management Across the South

Selling, Letting & Managing properties in the Meon Valley 02392 632 275

sales@countryhousecompany.co.uk  lettings@countryhousecompany.co.uk management@countryhousecompany.co.uk countryhousecompany.co.uk

½À 5

COMMUNITY Meon Valley Lions Club A special delivery for the foodbanks Let’s face it - it’s been a really, really naff year and sadly the Foodbanks in our area are being used more than ever before. The Meon Valley Lions Club were pleased to make a special delivery to the Foodbanks just to bring a little extra smile for those receiving deliveries this Christmas. So there really is NO naughty list - this year at least!

Christmas collections Sadly, Santa and his elves are unable to help this year, but we arranged a number of street collections for people to make donations.

We’re really heartened by the generosity we’ve seen – thank you to everyone for your support.

Do you or anyone you know need help?

If you, or someone you know, needs help please get in touch on 07443 753780 or go to our website https://www. meonvalleylionsclub.org.uk/_contact.html If you’d like to donate: To Go: Donations - Meon Valley Lions Club (Cio) (peoplesfundraising.com) Text Donation: Simply text Lions to 70490 to donate £3 OR if you would like to donate between £1 and £20 text Lions followed by your donation amount e.g. to donate £5 text

More help for the little people Meon Valley Baby Bank go from strength to strength - and it’s only their second month.

Below are a just a tiny sample of all the excellent quality clothes that they have.

They are also trying get in the draw for Ecclesiastical’s 12 days of giving – and your nomination could be the one that helps them win. £1,000 will make a real difference to the work they do. Go to their Facebook page (2) Meon Valley Baby Bank | Facebook for details and also to see the work they do and how to use their services.

13 Up and Coming Women Artists – Power to Us

13– 24 January 2021 – Yellow Edge Gallery, Gosport ‘Power To Us’ is a dynamic, all-female exhibition at the Yellow Edge Gallery, Gosport, that showcases the works of 13 emerging artists. These works will offer valuable insight into how young, contemporary, female artists are currently navigating the modern world, and how the outputs of their creative endeavours are engaged in diversifying the arts scene for all women.

This group show is made up of 13 women to watch – Chloe Davies, Lucy Carter, Amy Standing, Jazmine Saunders, Jess Curtis, Megan Georgia Smith, Caitlin Holford, Samantha Lee March, Ellen Berry-

6

Lions 5 or to donate £10 text Lions 10.

Texts cost your chosen donation amount plus one standard network rate message.

Our Website: www.meonvalleylionsclub. org.uk/donate.html Send a Cheque: If you prefer to donate by cheque, bank transfer or cash please email our Treasurer: treasurer@meonvalleylions. org.uk Please help us support our local community. As always thank you for your support Dates For Your Diary Swanmore Fete 2021 - We’ll keep you updated on our website but in the meantime please add next year’s date to your diary: Saturday 10th July 2021.

Annual Ford Charity Fishing Festival 2021 – We’re sorry to report this has been cancelled for 2021.

Mcintosh, Louise Hall, Esmae DoughertyPrice, Rebecca Harte, and Evie Redwood.

Individually, these artists are diverse in age, race, background, sexuality, and ultimately, stages in their artistic careers (the artists involved are Fine Art undergraduates, post-graduates, or established art workshop leaders and educators). Collectively, their works will respond to themes such as femininity and the female form, nature and spirituality, critiques of capitalism, control, and working-class struggle, notions of ambiguity and the lived black British experience.

Through painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, performance and new media-based work, this exhibition will champion equality and diversity within the contemporary arts scene, and hopes to become part of a bigger conversation about how we can work to dismantle male-led power structures within art, making way for female artists of all calibres.

Curator of the Yellow Edge Gallery Steve Buggle said that these female artists demonstrate “significant potential” and will show this through using “exciting mediums and strong themes to showcase their talent here at Yellow Edge Gallery.”

‘Power To Us’ will be exhibiting at the Yellow Edge Gallery in Gosport from the 13th January – 24th January 2021.

The space is open Wednesday – Sunday 11-3pm.

PROFESSIONAL

www.macdonaldoates.co.uk

Employment Law Services Here to support you and your business

Disciplinary and grievance matters Discrimination Contracts and Policies Business Reorganisation Tribunal Litigation In-house training

Petersfield Telephone: 01730 268211 Facsimile: 01730 261232

m Em erc i pl al oy Li tig me nt at i Pr on op er W ty ills & P M ed rob ia tio ate Fa n m ily

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Nigel Chamberlain & Partners Independent Funeral Directors The Family Owned Funeral Directors of Bishops Waltham Serving the community since 1892

Home Care Provider & Consultancy Service Owned and Run by Registered Nurses Care as individual as your are, in your own home so you remain independent for as long as you need Take a break service also available 2 week trial of care to see if we suit each other

CALL FOR AN INFORMAL CHAT TO SEE HOW WE CAN HELP YOU Cared for Staff = Cared for Clients We value our staff as much as our clients If YOU are interested in joining our small and friendly team, please contact us as per details below.

We look forward to meeting you

2018

2020 saw Nigel Chamberlain & Partners serving the local communities of Bishop’s Waltham, Wickham, Botley, Hedge End and the Meon Valley for over 125 Years as an Independent Family Funeral Service.

24 Hour Service • Advanced Funeral Planning • Professionally Qualified Staff • Full Estimate of Cost with No Deposit

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The Gate House, Victoria Road, Bishop’s Waltham, SO32 1DJ Tel: 01489 892640 www.chamberlainfunerals.co.uk

7

COMMUNITY Bishop’s Waltham Rotary Club News…

Not a normal year!

Looking back over the last 6 months press releases, the resounding theme seems to have been that this is not a normal year and how things are different, what has been cancelled and what will not happen! With the announcement that immunisation against Covid 19 will start imminently gives rise to the hope that we may be able to return to some sort of normality and put 2020 behind us and start planning for 2021. With this firmly in mind here is a date for your new 2021 diary: The Bishop’s Waltham Rotary Carnival will take place at Hoe Road Recreation Ground on Saturday 12th of June 2021. The theme for 2021’s Carnival will be “Children’s Books”, so get your thinking caps on and start planning how you can support us as part of the Carnival Procession by getting dressed up or organising a float depicting a character or scene from your favourite Children’s Book.

Local Cycling Pensioners Raise More Than £3,000 for Mental Health Charity

Peddling Pensioners getting ready for a group ride in preCOVID times.

If you have been out and about around the country lanes of the Meon Valley on a Thursday, you may well have come across a group of cyclists, in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, enjoying the countryside. These friends have been cycling together on a weekly basis some for over 14 years – enjoying the Hampshire Hills and stopping for a great pub lunch on route.

8

New Member Despite things we have managed to induct a new member into our Rotary Club and we welcomed Lynn Dow as our newest member at one of our weekly Club Zoom meetings.

It was a bit different not being able to give her our usual sociable warm welcome, over dinner at one of our usual meetings, but we look forward to getting to know her better, and not just on a computer screen at a virtual meeting, as we go into the new year.

New President Our present President Linda Treveil has put in an extended stint covering an 18-month period as President instead of the usual year. This has not been an easy time, trying to keep things running from a distance, and also having to make some very difficult decisions to cancel some very eagerly anticipated events, and dealing with difficulties and disruptions that our Club has never seen in its thirty plus years.

Due to the disruption to Linda’s year, with many of her major events cancelled, the incoming President Mandy Tourle, who should have taken over in July, agreed that Linda would stay on and then Mandy would take over in January and again she would

LOCKDOWN 2 was announced in early November, and cycling in groups was off the agenda for the next four weeks, as was the idea of a nice pub lunch. However, the group decided to turn a negative into a positive: they challenged themselves to cycle 2000 miles over the 4 week period and at the same time raise funds for a good cause.

PEDDLING PENSIONERS. “We know how important being outside and getting physical exercise is for people of our age, and we also know that this year has been particularly hard on charities as they have been unable to organise the usual fundraising events that support them”, said Mike Berry, who came up with the idea. “So calling ourselves ‘Peddling Pensioners’, we each set ourselves an individual target for the miles we could cycle during the lockdown period and went out as often as we could, either singly or in pairs to clock up the miles and raise funds for SHOUT 85258.”

SHOUT85258 was delighted to hear about the Peddling Pensioners fundraising activities. Delphine Ho-Thanh Development Officer at Mental Health Innovations said “It's wonderful to hear about Peddling Pensioners and we're so

do an 18-month stint. Once Mandy has completed her 18-month run we will then be able to get back to our normal July to June yearly cycle and we have Sara Walker, who will take over in July 2022.

Here is a picture of John Natt our 2018-2019 President handing over his Presidential chain of office to Linda, who is handing over her President Elect chain to Mandy who is handing over her President Nominee chain to Sara.

Like our Facebook page or take a look at our website for updates on what is going on, what we have been up to and how you can help us help others! ian.treveil@bishopswalthamrotary.org.uk

grateful that you're raising funds for SHOUT 85258, the UK's only 24/7 mental health support text line. SHOUT is here for anyone who is struggling to cope, at any time, from anywhere in the UK. Your support is invaluable and comes at a critical time, when so many people are struggling with lockdown and isolation. Your donation will help us train more volunteers than ever (we currently have over 2,200) and support our team of clinical experts. Thank you for helping us to help others."

THE RESULTS ARE IN. By the last day of lockdown the group had exceeded all of its targets. Over 2,300 miles had been clocked up between the 12 participants and over £3,000 (including Gift Aid) had been raised for their chosen charity.

“Peddling Pensioners are delighted with what we’ve achieved “, “a great team effort”, concluded Mike. “ It has given us real motivation to get out on our bikes and we are really grateful for the very generous support that we have received from family and friends for our fundraising efforts. Our fundraising page is still open and accepting donations at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ PeddlingPensioners.

LOVE YO U R G A RDE N Make Happy Memories

SILVERSPRINGS GARDEN CENTRE

Outdoor Furniture in stock and available with free local delivery

www.silverspringsgc.co.uk info@silverspringsgc.co.uk Find us on Facebook: @SilverSprings.Garden.Centre FONTLEY ROAD, TITCHFIELD, FAREHAM, PO15 6QX

GARDEN / RETAIL

FAMILY OWNED 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.

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

Laceys Farm, Bramdean Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0JT

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Supply and planting large specimen trees and shrubs Espalier, pleached and instant impact hedges All trees and shrubs carefully selected Design, landscaping and ongoing maintenance Free site visit and consultation

MONTHLY GENERAL SALE - ANTIQUES & INTERIORS Saturday 16th January 2021 Viewing: Friday 15th January, 10 am - 7 pm And from 8.30am on the morning of the sale

Bosque is a trading name of Just Limegrass Ltd. Harko: 07710 502798 Tom: 07855 656984 www.bosque international.co.uk

10

www.andrewsmithandson.com Enquiries: t: 01962 735988 e: auctions@andrewsmithandson.com THE AUCTION ROOMS, MANOR FARM, ITCHEN STOKE, ALRESFORD, SO24 0QT

RETAIL / ANIMALS & PETS

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BEST CASH PRICES PAID FOR: Gold & Silver Jewellery & Antiques Including: Watches, medals, bronzes, oriental ceramics, quality antiques, house clearance/insurance valuations

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07712 545 700 Karen Dalmeny

Karen Dalmeny

Animed

Veterinary Hospital & Equine Unit

Is your Pet a member of the Healthy Pet Club yet?

Would you like to save money?

The Horse Health Programme is a preventative healthcare plan saving you up to £150.

Our scheme is not an insurance - it is a monthly payment loyalty scheme that covers your pet for all preventative healthcare medicine including selected lifetime care medication.

We offer schemes for puppies and kittens, adult dogs and cats and rabbits

It is suitable for all horses, ponies and donkeys. Our competitively priced horse health plan includes more products and services than any other national scheme.

For just £10.99 per month, our health plan has been carefully designed with the cost conscious owner in mind.

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SHEDFIELD

SO32 2JG

11

Welcome to Ideal Commercials Ideal Commercials is a family run business that specialises in quality vans, trucks, pickups and other commercial vehicles. Ideal Commercials is based in Petersfield, Hampshire and our dealership is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays. Established since the year 2000, we offer the best in new, used and nearly new vehicles all of which are available to customers in Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and the wider UK. We’re proud to offer our customers a top quality service that is reliable, caring and customer orientated. Our dedicated, friendly and hard working team are always on hand to assist our customers every step of the way. Not only do we sell vehicles locally, but we can also deliver to customers throughout the UK. Nothing is too much trouble.

Quality Commercial Vehicles Here at Ideal Commercials we supply a variety of vehicles including Small vans, medium vans, large vans, vans, 4x4 vans, pickups, tippers, dropsides, Lutons and Lorries. We stock everything from Mercedes Benz trucks to VW Transporters, reliable Ford Transit Vans and much much more.

Our wide range of stock means that we have vehicles to suit all needs, and if we don’t have the one you’re after, our Managing Director Andy Lane is dedicated to finding that vehicle for you. Whether you’re a man with a van, or a big business after a fleet of commercial vehicles, we are here to help.

High Standards We always ensure that the commercial vehicles we sell are of a very high standard. Whether you’re purchasing brand new, used or nearly new vehicles, you can rest assured knowing that each of our vehicles are of the highest quality.

We are so confident in the quality of our vehicles, that we offer a free 3 month warranty with every vehicle purchased. Every one of our customers can also make the most of our various finance packages when purchasing a vehicle from us. We work tirelessly with each and every one of our customers to ensure that we find the right finance package to suit their needs.

Tel: 01730 606315 www.idealcommercials.co.uk

CLICK & COLLECT Reserve Online For £250, Collect In Person Find our more at: www.idealcommercials.co.uk/click-collect

Ideal Commercials, Warnford Road, West Meon, Petersfield, GU32 1JN

FEATURE

Bean and Gone © LUCIA FOSTER-FOUND 2020

WWW.LUCIAFOSTERFOUND.COM

“Guess what I’m bringing back!”

She looked up from a fruitless search for a green triangle; purple ones had reached extinction on Boxing Day. Unwrapping a strawberry delight, she hazarded a guess.

“Hanging?”

At his shocked look she had another stab.

“Flogging?”

“Really Darling, sometimes I wonder if you know me at all…“ She raised an eyebrow. “Nooo. I’ve been watching a programme about Tudor Christmases.”

Her stand out schoolgirl memory of Henry VIII (apart from the wife thing) was that he consumed 5,000 calories a day. How lovely.. But was probably why he looked as wide as he was tall in his portraits, her thoughts rambled on. And that ridiculous stance, like Lord Flashheart in Blackadder – hands on hips with his codpiece thrust out.

Oh no, surely not.. “The Codpiece?” she ventured, with trepidation. Couldn’t see that catching on. Certainly not amongst the young – would look ridiculous teamed up with drainpipe jeans hanging around their hips. Underpants on show at the back, bejewelled cup at the front? No. Just. No. “Stop guessing now, darling. You’re way off the mark. I’m referring to Twelfth Night!” He announced.

Unaware that it had ever gone away, she was puzzled. “Well it’s not my favourite Shakespearean play, but I’m not sure it needs your help to revive it. Timon of Peres however, could probably do with a leg up.”

Exasperation in his tone “No, no, no. Can’t stand Shakespeare.

I’m talking about Twelfth Night; great festival and feast of bygone times. Celebrates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.”

“I thought they came on Christmas Day? It doesn’t say anything about them being nearly a fortnight late in the ‘We Three Kings’ carol. Except maybe the one on a scooter, beeping his hooter – he’d probably be slower than the one in a taxi and the one in a car.” Finding herself hilarious, she sniggered.

Himself went on with a vaguely pained expression “It was also marked, in pre-Christian times by the ancient ritual of Wassailing in the orchards, where people drank to the trees’ health.”

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“Are you sure the trees weren’t just an excuse for a booze-up – can’t imagine a Cox’s Pippin saying ‘Cheers’ back, like Treebeard the Ent.” Because that would be alarming – and not too good for Himself, what with his dicky heart. “It sounds like a pretext for a grand hurrah before January descends into doom and gloom.”

“Precisely that. Especially this year when it’s going to doomier and gloomier than ever.” His smile was a little wan and she sympathised. It might be nice to have a jolly evening before taking down the decorations and turning the lights off Christmas.

Although for her, January brought its own reward in the form of a welcome respite from the relentless TV adverts. She was suffering from ETA – Excessive Television Advertising. And had exceeded her FAQ – Festive Advertising Quotient.

She thought she might actually scream if she saw one more impossibly beautiful girl leaping inexplicably off a pier, wallowing about in gold paint or riding a horse whilst most inappropriately dressed. All for the sake of a perfume.

And just who were these singers and musicians that resurfaced every December to flog their Christmas CD? You didn’t see them the rest of the year. Perhaps, she mused, they were cryogenically frozen from January to November and thawed out just in time to promote their Granny-safe offering.

However, Himself was still on-topic and looking at his tablet “It says here that bakeries would compete for the best shop window display of twelfth night cakes. There’s a recipe – apparently you have to hide a bean in it. The one who finds the bean is crowned Lord of Misrule. He gets to tell the others what to do.”

Given that this year there would only be the two of them, it followed that the Lord of Misrule would just get to boss the other one around. Mmnn. With her evil genius expression hidden by a rummage for a toffee penny, she enthusiastically offered to make the cake. But, OH DEAR, she had a premonition that there would be no bean found and, ergo, no Lord of Misrule.

SUCH A SHAME. NEVER MIND. Looked like one of them had been and gone and swallowed it.

They’d successfully made it through months of incarceration and no-one had ended up buried under the patio. Best not push it. Wouldn’t want their Twelfth Night to be their last night..

MOTORING / HOME

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

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

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

ADVERTISING OFFER ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE FOR AS LITTLE AS £45 PER MONTH

(PLUS VAT, MINIMUM 12 MONTH BOOKING FOR PRICE SHOWN)

For more information

01962 735137

stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

15

HOME

While the ongoing Covid-19 crisis has forced the Primrose Piano For those looking further ahead the planned “10th anniversary” festival will now be held from 9-12 September 2021 when guests will include clarinettist Michael Collins, guitarist Laura Snowden and BBC Young Musician Strings winner 2018, cellist Maxim Calver.

LUXURY FLO ORING SPECIALIST

T: 01962 735715

ENQUIRIES@EDDOLLSCARPETS.COM 30 BROAD STREET, ALRESFORD HAMPSHIRE, SO24 9AQ

Whatever you want to store...

Whatever your needs, long or short term

...for whatever reason – house sale and purchase not coinciding, travelling, bereavement, house building work, decorating or even ‘de-cluttering’ to sell your house more quickly – we offer a friendly, flexible and secure facility.

Barn Store is a rurally-based, family run business covering the whole of the Meon Valley area. We offer all the features associated with the national chains, from high-tech security to hassle-free 24/7 access.

For more information, visit our website:

www.barn-store.co.uk or give us a call quoting FORUM-MV: Fareham:

02392 384888

Offwell Farm, Southwick, Fareham PO17 6DX

Alresford:

01962 771993 Holden Farm, Cheriton, Alresford SO23 0NX

16

ous Clean Carpets

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

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I clean adhering to all social distancing guidelines

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.

2 £67

Deal 3:

Upholstery

Deal 2

Tel 01962 690 005 Have your three piece suite freshened up for just £97!Frequently Asked Questions

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 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.

We are experts in extensions, loft and barn conversions, renovations, alterations, general brickwork and building restoration

Deal 3

Carpet Price

2

£77

Carpet Price

3

FULL OFFER PRICE LIST 1 £47

Deal 2:

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!

Tel: 01962 690 005 or 07790 883507 Carpet Price

HOME

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

Deal 1

Price Full Offer Price List Carpet 1 £57

Carpet Price

Deal 1:

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

Have your 3 piece suite freshened up for just £97!

Fabulous Clean Carpets, Upholstery and Curtains 3 Great Deals!

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

3 Great Deals!

SUPER-FAST 15 MINUTES DRYING

Carpet Price

3 £87

Carpet Price

4 £107

Carpet Price

£97

FULLY INSURED FREE QUOTES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST ALL SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES CarpetADHERING Price Carpet TO Price 4

£117

5

£137

CONTACT Sam: 07717 677919 Richard: 07802 354816 Ryan: 07717 002801

5 £127

WINCHESTER

gutter & window cleaning

WOOD FLOORS

WOOD FLOOR SANDING & RESTORATION HAND FINISHED NEW WOOD FLOORS BESPOKE CABINETRY

w: winchesterwoodfloors.co.uk e: info@winchesterwoodfloors.co.uk t: 01962 733016

Local, professional, gutter cleaning & window cleaning for domestic, rental and commercial properties

• Gutter clearance up to 15m (50ft) • Soffit, fascia and cladding cleaning • Gutter cleaning and repairs • Window and conservatory cleaning • Dry non-chemical roof moss removal • Fully insured • Free estimates FRANCHISE AVAILABLE: CALL 07816 780749 Please contact your local Guttersnipe office on the numbers below

01489 232484 01329 800484 02393 162908 01730 352202 07816 780749 Email: kevin@guttersnipe.uk.com

www.guttersnipe.uk.com

WINCHESTER WOOD FLOORS IS BASED IN ALRESFORD, HAMPSHIRE

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EDUCATION / COMMUNITY

A leading independent senior school for weekly and full boarders and day girls (11–18)

It’s who we are.

Open morning on Saturday 30 January Wickham History Society Images of Wickham

Please contact us to find out more: www.stswithuns.com | 01962 835700

Winter Woodland Lights at Hawk Conservancy Trust

Beautiful owls will feature in the finale with a live display in the Trust's wonderful woodland arena, where the trees will come alive with lights, music, sound and, of course, their birds in flight. Like all events and visits to the Trust, there will be extensive measures in place to provide a COVID-19 safe experience. Visitor numbers will be restricted and the event takes place outside. PLEASE remember social distancing and to bring a mask or face covering. Book now and have something to look forward to this January – early booking discount available until 5 December!

Illustrations: Heming’s delivery cart with Arthur Heming early 1900s; Heming & Co. hardware store is still in business today.

Wickham History Society has just produced Wickham’s first photo book – a collection of 47 photos and images depicting a lovely Hampshire village between the mid nineteenth and mid twentieth century.

Wickham is a special place, with one of the largest surviving medieval village squares in the country, a traditional horse fair and buildings like Chesapeake Mill. Many images of local business and buildings, along with day to day scenes of village life are included - taken largely from the collection of Stan Woodford, a prolific collector of old postcards and photos.

‘Images of Wickham” is on sale now for £5 go to: www.wickhamhistory.org.uk to order, or you can buy copies at Pages of Wickham, newsagents in Wickham Square or at Chesapeake Mill on Bridge Street.

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that celebrates the wonder of the woods and all that live within, as mesmerising lights and fascinating narration illuminate many scenes of woodland life. Experience a rainstorm of light, the joy of sunrise and a dazzling owl 'sky dance'.

Start 2021 with a sparkle at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, when it will become even more magical with beautiful illuminations and a live owl display set in a stunning, colourful woodland.

While immersed in nature, see the Trust come alive with sounds and lights as they dance through the branches. Be amazed by the sea of colour as they offer some much needed escapism to lift the January blues and brighten your spirits. Follow a captivating trail

Fundraising Event The Hawk Conservancy Trust have created this as a fundraising event as a direct result of losing so much income due to COVID-19 restrictions and closures. Not only will this event hopefully lift the spirits of those visiting; the money generated from this event will help re-coup some of the lost funds in 2020, vital for the conservation of birds of prey.

Hawk Conservancy Trust, Visitor Centre, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY www.hawk-conservancy.org

D

DON S DOORS

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

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

WILLS

m o r F 9 9 £

1/3 OFF

ly s app n o i t i d & con s m r *te

NOW OFFERING TELEPHONE APPOINTMENTS

WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY • Ensure your money goes where you want it to • Leave special and sentimental gifts to your family and friends • Benefit your favourite charity so you can continue to make a difference after you've gone • Help prevent disputes after your death • Assist in tax liability planning • We can also deal with all probate matters, including inheritance tax and contentious issues We are proud to offer a personal and sensitive legal service tailored to your personal requirements regarding wills, trusts and probate to ensure that your wishes are fully looked after

BRAMSDON & CHILDS SO L I C I TO R S

Call for more details

If you need to make a will or need any advice or assistance with any aspect of making a will or probate, contact Hannah Rafferty

01489 888 240

Unit 4 Basing Mews, Lower Basingwell Street, Bishops Waltham, SO32 1PA ch@bramsdonandchilds.com

www.bramsdonandchilds.com