Forum
ISSUE 63 FEBRUARY 2021
MEON VALLEY
Life in your Community
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
FEATURE SAY CHEESE
DROXFORD JUNIOR SCHOOL
YOUR COMMUNITY
The Ultimate Shrove Tuesday Pancake
By Lucia Foster-Found
New Promotional Video
All your local news and features
STYLE ˙ INTERIORS ˙ HEALTH & BEAUTY ˙ INTERVIEWS ˙ FOOD & DRINK ˙ ENTERTAINMENT ˙ EVENTS
The local award-winning estate agency for the Meon Valley Bishops Waltham
Brook House, Brook Street, SO32 1AX
01489 893946
Bitterne
5 West End Road, SO18 5RR
023 8202 2192
Fair Oak
457 Fair Oak Road, Fair Oak, SO50 7AJ
023 8202 2199
Hedge End
13 St John’s Centre, St John’s Rd, SO30 4QU
01489 779030
London
121 Park Lane, Westminster, W1K 7AG
020 7079 1587
Each village surrounding our main offices has its own unique property micro-climate. As part of the local community, we believe that great results and a complete understanding of your requirements cannot be solely achieved online. Whether selling, buying, letting or renting, our teams in Bishops Waltham and Hedge End each have the time to use their experience in helping you with your next move. At White & Guard we are keen to support the Meon Valley in as many ways as we can, and we are proud sponsors of community projects throughout the area.
whiteandguard.com
MEON VALLEY FORUM FEBRUARY 2021
CONTENTS 02 Property Management
Buying, selling, letting? Find local estate agents and property management services
04
14 Feature
Say Cheese by Lucia Foster-Found
19 Motoring
06 Wellbeing
Looking after your health
08 Garden
Make your garden dream come true
12
Our regular retail feature, Unique, Bespoke, Eclectic and Local shopping
Director of Advertising Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk Director of Marketing Rob Harrison rob@forummedianddesign.co.uk Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk
Contributors
10 Professional
Lucia Foster-Found www. luciafosterfound.com
14
Get in Touch Forum Publications Offices Unit 8A, Shelf House, New Farm Road,
13 Home
Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk
Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk
From Canine to Equine - all your animal needs
From photographers to solicitors - every professional service you need
Find local schools and educational experts
Contacts
Design Manager James Curtis james@forumpublications.co.uk
09 Animals & Pets
Local services to keep your vehicle running smoothly
22 Education
09 Retail
Eat out, stay in: food, drink and dining in Hampshire
Alresford, SO24 9QH Tel: 01962 735137
Trades, services, designers, All you need for your home
www.forumpublications.co.uk
14 Food & Drink
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
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. 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. 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 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. Christmas collections & visits updates Last month we reported that we planned on taking “Roger” our brightly lit and music playing Christmas Steam Engine around the streets to welcome the start of Christmas regulations allowing! Thankfully we were able to drive around most of our normal routes with Santa waving from a suitable distance and although we didn’t knock on any doors, we placed a bucket with “Roger” for people to place donations in,
and combined with electronic donations we raised over £1000.00, which will definitely help us support worthy causes that are desperately in need of funds this year. We were also approached by several of the local schools who asked if we could visit this year with Santa and Roger, which we were happy to organise for them which raised the spirits in the schools in the run up to Christmas. We also did a very special trip to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester on Christmas Eve, where we were able to park “Roger” with Santa below the Paediatric ward windows and the children could wave and talk to Santa via telephone. This resulted from a BBC News report from the ward the day before, where they were explaining that they couldn’t have any special visitors inside the ward this year or put-up decorations etc. 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
Being an old railway line the trail is mostly flat and has a wide well made up path but due to inclement weather and increased footfall the trail is not in its best condition at present. Start from West Meon:
Peddling Pensioners getting ready for a group ride in preCOVID times.
Meon Valley Trail A trail for everyone Discover a trail that leads you through English history. Once a railway line running from Fareham to Alton transporting local livestock and agricultural produce, the trail now spans 11 miles through picturesque countryside, from West Meon in the north to
4
Wickham in the south. The trails entire distance is 11 miles (17.7km) using the old disused railway. The route has no stiles and is suitable for cyclists, walkers and horse riders (carriages are only permitted north of West Walk). If you are considering undertaking the entire trail it would take 2 hours cycling and 6 hours walking (non-circular).
• All users may start from the car park off Station Rd. Walkers can also use the footpath link from the High Street. • Head south along the trail for 10 miles to Wickham. End at Wickham: • To access Wickham town centre, exit the trail into the car park on your right. Leave the car park, turn left onto Mill Lane and continue until you reach the town centre. • If you wish to proceed along the trail without stopping in Wickham, the path continues for another mile To download the trail leaflet visit: https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2015/01/South-DownsLeaflet-Meon-Valley.pdf
Overlay
Seamless Worktops making makeovers easy
Can Inst be in u alled n a da der y!
Overlay
At Overlay we believe less really can be more when it comes to updating your kitchen Overlay seamless worktops can cover Ceramic, Corian, Wood, Laminate worktops. Overlay is eco-friendly, quick and easy to fit - revitalising rooms in under a day without significant cost and disruption. If you are looking for a beautiful and contemporary look for your kitchen surfaces, then Overlay seamless worktops are the answer, we have a wide range of colours and styles to suit your requirements.
The precision-cut seamless makeover worktop fits exactly over of your existing surface.
Once successfully fitted no trace of your existing worktop is visible.
Visit our NEW website for more information T: 0800 0903779 www.over-lay.co.uk
• Free no obligation quotation • Over 30 different colours and styles available • Minimal disruption to your home
WELLBEING Village Agent - Vision and hearing impairment Sensory impairment is a very common issue for people as they grow older. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to help you cope with the issues arising from declining sight and hearing.
Visual impairment
can book by calling your local home visit team on: 07796 705239. Both organisations offer free NHS sight tests and help towards the costs of glasses, if you are eligible. • Sight aids – Magnifiers, large button telephones, talking clocks and text-speak devices are available to help with everyday tasks. The NHS website provides more information https://www. nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss/ • Support organisations: • The Macular Society 0300 3030111 https://www.macularsociety.org/ • Seeability 01372 755000 https://www. seeability.org/ • RNIB 0303 1239999 https://www.rnib. org.uk/ • Open Sight Hampshire 02380 641244 https://www.opensight.org.uk/ • The Partially Sighted Society 01302 965195 https://www.partsight.org.uk/
• Sight tests – You can arrange for an optician to visit you at home, by calling the Outside Clinic on 0800 640 9513 or booking online https://www. outsideclinic.co.uk/eye-test-at- home/request-an-eye-test/ Specsavers also offer a home visit service, which you
Hearing impairment
• Hearing tests - You can also arrange for a free hearing test at home, with the Outside Clinic, by calling 0333 255 4749 or booking online https://www. outsideclinic.co.uk/hearing-test-at- home/request-a-hearing-test/
Alternatively, contact your local Village Agent, Denise on: 07969 376023. Village Agents are volunteers who can help you find information and local services that will enable you to stay living safely and independently.
Winchester District Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice can help you make a plan to manage your debt but in the meantime here are four steps you can take to get started:
1.
Lesley Rose, Advice Services Manager for Citizens Advice Winchester District, shares her advice on how to manage debt. I’ve fallen behind on my bills and the debts are building up, especially after Christmas. I don’t know where to start? You’ve already taken a great first step by asking for help, and it’s important to know you don’t need to face this alone. Your local
6
Depending on where you live, you may be able to have an NHS-funded test and also free NHS hearing aids, should you need them. Specsavers also offer hearing tests at home, at a cost, by calling 0800 023 2949 or online https://www.specsavers.co.uk/ hearing/hearing-tests-at-home • Hearing aids – Audio amplifiers, text phones, specialist smoke detectors, vibrating clocks and watches, and flashing or vibrating doorbells, are available to help. The NHS website provides more information https://www.nhs.uk/live- well/healthy-body/hearing-aids/ • Support organisations: • RNID 0808 8080123 www.rnid.org.uk/ • Sonus 02380 220225 http://www.sonus. org.uk/index.html
Work out how much you owe - Make a list of whom you owe money to and add up how much you need to pay each month. If you don’t have your most recent statements, contact your creditor to find out what you owe. Some creditors will have special arrangements for people with Covid-related arrears.
2. Prioritise your debts - Your rent or mortgage, energy and council tax are called priority debts as there can be serious consequences if you don’t pay them. Separate these and work out how much you owe. Again, you can ask the companies or council what support might be available during the pandemic. 3. Work out how much you can pay - Create a budget by adding up your essential living costs, such as food and housing, and taking these away from your income. Citizens Advice has a budgeting tool that can help (www.citizensadvice.org.uk).
Any money you have spare can be put towards your debts, starting with the priority debts first. If you have any money left after paying priority debts, but not enough to make your usual payments on other debts, consider getting advice on the best way for you to start getting on top of them.
4. If you can’t pay your debts - If you’ve got little or no money spare to pay your priority debts or if you’re struggling to pay for basics like food, seek advice from Citizens Advice straight away. We know it can feel very daunting to deal with debt, but having a plan really helps and our team will be here to help you each step of the way.
Contact Citizens Advice Winchester District on 0808 278 7861 or email them at advice@cawinchesterdistrict.org.uk
Felling more isolated and anxious during lockdown? are you having trouble hearing TV or talking on the telephone?
WE ARE STILL OPEN
GARDEN / RETAIL
TDH
Landscaping & Garden Maintenance Landscaping Gardener with 25 years experience as award winning landscaper in Norway
Hard Landscaping
• Block & Flagstone Paving • Gravelling, patios and paths • Turfing
General Maintenance
• Grass & Hedge Cutting • Hedge, Shrubs and Tree Pruning • Leaf Collecting • Garden Clearance • Borders Cleared • Soil improvement
Free Quotes • References from Norwegian Projects T: 07498 747906
1 Hinton Hill Cottages, Hinton Ampner, SO24 0JZ
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
Please visit our website for all the latest news, information, second-hand machines for sale and special offers in the showroom.
Bosque is a trading name of Just Limegrass Ltd.
t: 01962 771800
Harko: 07710 502798 Tom: 07855 656984 www.bosque international.co.uk
8
FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1973, BUILT ON GREAT SERVICE AND VALUE FOR MONEY
steve.cann@btconnect.com www.georgecanngardenmachinery.co.uk
Laceys Farm, Bramdean Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0JT
RETAIL / ANIMALS & PETS
One of ITV's Most Popular Antiques Experts
BEST CASH PRICES PAID FOR: Gold & Silver Jewellery & Antiques Including: Watches, medals, bronzes, oriental ceramics, quality antiques, house clearance/insurance valuations
Happy to arrange home calls by appointment karendalmeny@gmail.com For enquiries please call:
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.
So why not join now? Simply call 01329 833112 www.horsehealthprogramme.co.uk
Tel: 01329 833112 www.animedvets.co.uk ANIMED VETERINARY GROUP
SHEDFIELD
SO32 2JG
9
COMMUNITY Meon Valley Lions Club Sorry, no Santa this year Santa runs are usually a large part of Meon Valley Lions Club’s fundraising events, but we were out in the villages and really impressed with the number of people who took the time to chat and make a donation, in these really difficult times. We'd like to thank everyone who supported us in raising over £2,500 which will be used to help needy causes shortly; one of the projects we are currently looking at is providing computers for schools to lend to those who need equipment to help with home schooling. Christmas cheer Meon Valley Lions Club, following consultation with Age Concern, delivered 19 hampers to local needy residents. Eddy Barringer, President of Meon Valley Lions Club said, ‘thanks to the support of the public, it was our great pleasure to give just a little Christmas cheer to the most lonely and financially pressed residents of our area.’ New wheels for a local family Meon Valley Lions Club came to the rescue of a local family in need
of a ‘new set of wheels’. Basic tasks like going to the shops or school were a major challenge as the family were struggling to teach road safety to their 4 year old with autism. Providing the family with a buggy, for an adult child, will help all them get out and about safely and help teach their youngster about the dangers of the road. 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 LIONS 5 or to donate £10 text LIONS 10. Texts cost your chosen donation amount plus one standard network rate message. or you can visit our website at: www. meonvalleylionsclub.org.uk/donate.html or 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.
The Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery Sadly our two venues remain closed at the time of writing. But you can still access local Culture and History on our websites: www.hampshireculture. org.uk/curtis-museum www.hampshireculture. org.uk/allen-gallery And on Facebook https://www.facebook. com/allengalleryHCT https://www.facebook. com/curtismuseum There are many interesting photos of Old Alton as well information on items in the Collections, and if you have any queries - or perhaps recognise a scene – you can post a comment on Facebook or email our Manager Cerian Gale (email address at the top). Cerian will be checking the emails every week and she and Local Historian Jane Hurst will be glad to provide some extra background. Hope to see you back at the venues in the near future. Jill Line The Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery, Alton (01420 82802). cerian.gale@hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk
10
Local Family & Residential Property Solicitors
AWD Law is a traditional, yet modern, two-partner law firm with a difference. We offer professional advice in a friendly, open and personable manner.
Areas we specialise in Family Law • Conveyancing We have an established office in Fareham and a new premises in the centre of Bishop’s Waltham Bishop’s Waltham Office - Tel: 01489 664 778 The Merchants House, High Street, Bishop’s Waltham, SO32 1AA Fareham Office - Tel: 01329 232 314 4 The Potteries, Wickham Road, Fareham, PO16 7ET info@awdlaw.co.uk • www.awdlaw.co.uk
PROFESSIONAL
www.macdonaldoates.co.uk
Wills, Probate & Trusts We are here to help you
Wills Estate Administration Lasting Powers of Attorney Trusts and Tax Planning Living Wills
at
io
MacDonald Oates LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. MacDonald Oates LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales under number OC344357. Our registered office is at Walltree Court, St. Peter’s Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3HT.
tig
oy
m
en
t n Pr op er W ty ill s M &P ed r ia oba tio te Fa n m ily
Midhurst Telephone: 01730 816711 Facsimile: 01730 816016
Li
pl
Em
C
om
m
er ci
al
Petersfield Telephone: 01730 268211 Facsimile: 01730 261232
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
Tel: 01489 890016 contact@lapiscare.com www.lapiscare.com UNIT 9, SHEDFIELD HOUSE DAIRY, SANDY LANE, SHEDFIELD, SO32 2HQ
The Gate House, Victoria Road, Bishop’s Waltham, SO32 1DJ Tel: 01489 892640 www.chamberlainfunerals.co.uk
11
COMMUNITY National Garden Scheme Hampshire
they could be out of date. Hopefully these regulations will not last very much longer, and we will be able to get back to welcoming our visitors, whether they have Pre-Booked tickets or not.
re-booked tickets only. These are available from our website, www.ngs.org.uk for a timed entry slot. We automatically restrict numbers for each garden, depending on that gardens size and visitor capacity.
In Hampshire our first gardens currently, planning to open are the Snowdrop gardens in February. This year we have two:-
Well - here we are again… This pandemic does seem never ending, but with the increase of cases still happening, despite this latest lockdown, and the Government advice to “Stay At Home”, we have taken the decision to close any of our gardens which were opening before the end of January. This situation will be reviewed on a two weekly basis. The website ngs.org.uk will have all the up to date details of any openings, and the facility to Pre-Book tickets. Visitors will, eventually, be very welcome to our gardens, but it is imperative that everyone helps to ensure that Government guidelines are adhered to. I would list the Regulations, but by the time this is published
South Downs National park Celebrating the starry night’s sky above us
Little Court, Winchester, SO21 2PU Opening: Sun & Mon14th & 15th February: 2pm to 4.30 pm: Admission: £5.00: Children Free. Refreshments: Home-made teas in the village hall Bramdean House, Alresford, SO24 0JU Opening: 21st February: 2pm to 4pm: Admission: £7.50: Children Free Refreshments: Home-made teas Entry too all the above gardens is by
The fortnight of cosmic fun begins on Friday, 12 February with an action-packed line-up, including top tips for stargazing from your garden. The start of half-term on Monday, 15 February will see an interactive Facebook Live session, with National Park Rangers Charles and Kate setting up a stargazing evening in their back garden. A night-time safari walk, short films on wildlife, talks from astronomers, live Instagram chats with acclaimed authors, and stunning footage of space will be among the highlights of the digital event. The event celebrates the National Park’s status as an International Dark Sky Reserve – one of only 18 in the world and recognising it as one of the best places globally to capture immense views of the stars.
Picture by Matthew Savage
Live tours of the night’s sky, stunning astrophotography, nocturnal wildlife talks, children’s colouring activities and a chance to win a top-of-the-range telescope are among the highlights of the National Park’s annual Dark Skies Festival.
12
This system worked very well for us last year, once we were allowed to open. We just didn’t expect to still be using it again, as a condition, in 2021, although we will still be using the pre-booking system as an option, once we get back to some sort of normality. If you have any problem with booking your tickets, please feel free to contact me. Looking forward to a rapid roll out of the vaccination for us all. Keep well and keep safe Pat Beagley (Publicity) National Garden Scheme - Hampshire pat.beagley@ngs.org.uk
Laura Warren, Events and Engagement Officer for the National Park, said: “Our Dark Skies Festival will be different this year, but we’re really hoping to be able to inspire people about how amazing and important our dark skies are. “There’ll be something for all ages and activities you can do while staying at home, so please do join us for some light-hearted cosmic fun.” Every day there will be a question to answer in our giant Dark Skies quiz and prizes include a state-of-the-art telescope and a year’s subscription to Sky At Night magazine. Each day of the festival we will also be sharing images from the Astrophotography Competition and revealing the winners. The full programme will be published on the South Downs National Park website later this month. South Downs National Park South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst West Sussex, GU29 9DH Tel: 01730 814810
PROFESSIONAL / HOME
South Downs Funeral Service Your local, independent and family owned funeral homes of Denmead, Wickham and Clanfield 24 hour, local and personal service • Floristry service • Stonemasonry service • No deposits required
Managing and Principle Funeral Director: Mr Paul M Lee-Bapty DIP FD AFFIL RSH
Clanfield Funeral Home Tel: 02392 570239 43 Drift Road, Clanfield, PO8 0JS
Denmead Funeral Home Tel: 02392 231567
The Old Post Office House, Hambledon Road, Denmead, PO7 6NN
Wickham Funeral Home Tel: 01329 833920
clanfield@southdownsfuneralservice.com
care@southdownsfuneralservice.com
wickham@southdownsfuneralservice.com
13 The Square, Wickham, PO17 5JG
www.southdownsfuneralservice.com
e clusive Double Glazing Ltd
Alresford's Conservatory and Window Experts
UPGRADE YOUR WINDOWS & DOORS WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES • Supply & Installation • New Handles, Letterboxes, Locks • Broken Sealed-Units replaced
OTHER SERVICES • Fascias, Soffits & Gutters • Key Cutting & Locksmith Services
FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE
CALL: 01962 732091
www.exclusive-double-glazing.co.uk sales@exclusive-double-glazing.co.uk SHELF HOUSE, NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QE
13
COMMUNITY
Say Cheese T © LUCIA FOSTER-FOUND 2021
WWW.LUCIAFOSTERFOUND.COM
o say Veganuary had been an unqualified success would be a lie. A Dairy big lie. Himself hadn’t been keen on the concept, mumbling something about it sounding gynaecological, as he laid into a hangover-busting cheese and bacon toastie on New Year’s Day. On 2nd January she’d watched him hunter-gather assorted cheeses and pickles from the fridge. On the 3rd she’d thrown in the towel when he’d looked so happy munching on a turkey and ham pie, with its cheddar pastry crust. Good job really, there were four more in the freezer. Should have bought a smaller turkey. And definitely less cheese; shopping on-line from pictures, you really had to check the quantities.. The Cheddar? – block like a monolith. The Camembert she intended to bake for two? – size of a cartwheel. But that much-needed bottle of hand gel? – tiny, pocket-sized. Thought it was cheap. By the time February had arrived, those warm, fuzzy, escapist thoughts of Christmas had receded to the dim and distant Past-eurised. But grateful they were OK and their family weren’t sick, they looked for small distractions to lighten their mood. That was when Himself suggested they do Februdairy. Surprised, she wondered if she’d Curd him correctly. “It’ll be fun.” He said. “Support the British Dairy industry.” He said. “We can eat cheese…” He said. Which was how Sunday evening found her with a cheese omelette half eaten on her plate, watching Ski Sunday. For no apparent reason, however, she welled up. Himself, who had cooked supper, looked dismayed. “Oh darling – it’s not that bad is it?” Actually, les oeufs avec fromage did have an interesting texture. She’d been brushing up on her French ahead of some future, hoped-for holiday, but the correct words for ‘unexpectedly ruberoid’ didn’t spring to mind. “It’s not the eggs, they’re lovely” she fibbed. “I’m being pathetic, I know.” The theme tune, so evocative of past wintry Sunday afternoons, had set her off. And these days it didn’t take much. If she didn’t keep a lid on it she’d blub all the time. “I love Ski Sunday, but the resorts are deserted, there aren’t many spectators. It was
14
just a bit of a shock, because after the familiar music I stupidly somehow expected it all to be normal?” “I’ve got the opposite problem.” He confessed. “I’m looking at programmes that are ‘normal’ and I’m briefly horrified they’re not social distancing or wearing masks. Begs the question, what is normal now..?” By breakfast the next morning, she’d had a thought “Pancake day’s still normal – even now. So let’s do that at least. I’ll make the usual sugar and lemon ones.” It would be something to look forward to and a nice change from anything with cheese. Her jeans felt tighter; she had a nasty suspicion she might be getting a little bit Feta. “Gouda enough! You’re on.” Himself was eager. “Also, Valentine’s day is coming up. How about we dress up as if we were going out to dinner. We’ll eat at the table, light some candles – play a little music, drink some wine. It would ‘normally’ just be the two of us for Valentine’s anyway.” She liked it “Grate idea.” “And I’ll cook!” he announced with glee. “Perhaps something with cheese..” His face lit up. “A raclette. Cheese soufflé maybe? Stilton and broccoli soup. Turkey mornay anyone?” Bless him for his enthusiasm, but she was getting a tad cheesed off. Choosing her words Caerphilly, she said. “What a Brie-lliant idea darling!” Himself looked pleased. “You’ll be looking dashing and handsome like something out of Fifty Shades of Gruyere, but maybe not really dressed for cooking? So perhaps a takeaway..?” she suggested, thinking it would be nice to have a meal they hadn’t had to cook themselves. She elaborated “Fish and chips would be lovely.” Pretty sure the local chip shop did not do cheese in batter. “Sweet and sour chicken might be delicious.” Never seen cheese on the menu in the Chinese either; a mixture of relief and anticipation washed over her and she salivated. However, momentary disappointment flitted across Himself’s face, together with a sad little look of longing. “With some cheese and biscuits to finish off.” she conceded. She was, after all, very Fondue of him.
LOVE YO U R G A RDE N Make Happy Memories
SILVERSPRINGS SILVERSPRINGS GGAARRDDEENN CCEENNTTRREE
Home & Garden Furniture in stock or available to pre-order FREE local delivery
www.silverspringsgc.co.uk info@silverspringsgc.co.uk Find us on Facebook: @SilverSprings.Garden.Centre FONTLEY ROAD, TITCHFIELD, FAREHAM, PO15 6QX
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
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.
I am fully committed to the safety ofWinner my Customers during the Covid19 crisis. 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
17
FOOD & DRINK
The Ultimate Shrove Tuesday Pancake Prep: 10 mins Cook: 20 mins Total: 30 mins Servings: 6 These pancakes are deliciously fluffy. Using simple and perfect ingredients. Fresh eggs, fresh blueberries, and ricotta cheese make for an amazing dish. Add in some fresh lemon zest and you've got zesty, sweet, pancakes. These pancakes are really easy to mix together, you can replace the blueberries with other fruit, but the taste combination of lemon together with blueberries is the best. The easy, lemon syrup compliments the tangy wild blueberries and the soft, fluffy pancakes so nicely. Ingredients 1 egg 1 3/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon milk (divided) 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 2 tablespoons butter (melted, plus more for the pan) 1 lemon (zest and juice, divided) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups flour 2 tablespoons sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen) 1 cup sugar Method Beat together the egg, milk, ricotta cheese, melted butter, lemon zest, and vanilla in a large measuring cup. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
18
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry mixture. The dough will be a little lumpy. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. It will puff up. If it is too thick, add a little more milk. Heat up a flat bottomed pan on medium heat before you begin. Make sure it gets nice and hot before you start cooking the pancakes. Add a generous amount of butter to the pan, then lower the heat to a medium-low temperature. Spoon large circles of batter onto the pan. Cook in the pan for a few minutes. Add blueberries to each pancake and flip, cooking a few more minutes on the other side. (A good rule of thumb is to wait until the bubbles stop popping and reforming on the raw side of the dough before flipping.) Keep the pancakes warm in a 200 F oven while cooking the remaining cakes. For the Lemon Sauce Whisk together the lemon juice, powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon milk in a small bowl. If it is too thin, add a little more sugar. If it is too thick, add a little more milk! Heat slightly if desired. Drizzle the syrup over the pancakes and serve warm.
HOME / MOTORING
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
19
COMMUNITY Meon Valley in the national spotlight as an alternative to the Cotswolds
when compared with the “oversubscribed and overvalued” Cotswolds. The Sunday Times this week picked out Westlands Farm Shop and its Meon Valley Milk vending machine in the store for particular mention. The article also highlighted The Bakers Arms in Droxford which won the Good Food Award in the 2021 Good Pub Guide. Hugh Graham, in the Sunday Times article Cotswolds RIP, described the Meon Valley as an idyllic patch of countryside roughy between Petersfield, Winchester, Alton and Portsmouth.
A country farm shop at the heart of the community is in the national spotlight after being named as one of the reasons why the Meon Valley in Hampshire is a great alternative to the Cotswolds. Westlands Farm Shop, near Wickham, was listed as one of the key features of the Meon Valley and a reason why the area has become a great alternative place to live
“With clear chalk streams, rolling open countryside, thatched cottages, country pubs, ancient churches, lavender farms, vineyards and wineries, not to mention Hambledon, ‘the cradle of cricket’, this is vintage English countryside,” he wrote. Graham Collett, who owns and runs Westlands Farm Shop, said: “Those of us who have lived and worked here in the Meon Valley for very many years have always known about its natural beauty and charm.
“But to have our farm shop listed with just one other business - the fabulous Bakers Arms at Droxford - in an article about reasons why the Meon Valley is a great place to live is a fantastic accolade. “We refurbished and relaunched the farm shop during this pandemic and were only able to properly reopen in October of last year, so to have had this sort of impact in such a short space of time is remarkable. “We know our customers love what we do - they are especially keen on the fresh milk vending machine from Meon Valley Milk and the Fill eco-laundry and household cleaning products that we provide too - but we are always thinking of how else we can develop what we offer for the whole of the community. “As a farm shop we will always be wellknown for the quality of the meat that we sell and the range of fresh vegetables we have available, but we are now pushing the boundaries further to provide what our customers want and need from their community farm shop.”
Droxford Junior School – new promotional video After a very long term; week and day we have finally managed to get our latest school promotional film in the 'can'. Ben Clowes, a London based film maker, recently spent a wet and windy Friday with us dodging rain showers and avoiding all the scaffolding from the buildings' external redecorations; filming children, teachers, and the school environment and conducting interviews. He spent a few days editing and sending me versions and we decided on this final, fantastic version using some existing drone footage we already had. This short video is designed to showcase our lovely school to parents present and future. It celebrates all that we do and have done, to ensure our children get the best education we can provide. It is important the parents at our linked Infant Schools: Meonstoke Infants and Newtown Soberton Infant Schools can see what their child's future Junior School is like. It is also crucial to promote our school as an exciting proposition for anyone interested
20
in applying to our school. We know we don't always have the 'footfall' of visitors to our school due the nature of where are sited; tucked away in the lovely village of Droxford. We feel this short video really highlights the breadth and depth of our curriculum and what wonderful outcomes the children of the school have contributed towards. We are very proud of what you can see. It is authentic and genuinely promotes our core purpose: to educate, inspire and motivate in a safe, happy and nurturing environment.
Scan this QR code to watch the short video. If you have any questions about our school, including school places and wish to have a friendly conversation, please don't hesitate to contact me via the school office adminoffice@droxford.hants.sch.uk With best wishes Matthew Dampier - Headteacher www.droxfordjunior.co.uk
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
EDUCATION
A leading independent day, weekly and full boarding school for girls aged 11-18
It’s who we are. Join us on one of our open days: Saturday 13 March Friday 7 May Saturday 26 June
Please contact us to book your visit: www.stswithuns.com | 01962 835700
Making a happy start to school Insider secrets from the experts at St Swithun’s Thursday 25 March, 7pm This online mini conference includes: 1. Thriving in preschool and reception 2. Practical tips to practise at home 3. Making the most of the outdoors 4. Promoting a healthy mind and a healthy body 5. Live Q&A session with experts from St Swithun’s preschool and reception Booking essential: vwww.stswithuns.com/happystart | 01962 835750
22
S
OLENT
G ARAGE D OORS
THE PREMIER GARAGE DOOR SPECIALIST
open as normal under government guide lines
SALES • REPAIRS • INSTALLATIONS
GARAGE DOORS SUPPLIED AND FITTED MAINTENANCE FREE DOORS • UP AND OVER DOORS ROLLER DOORS • SIDE HUNG DOORS • SECTIONAL DOORS AUTOMATION TO NEW AND EXISTING DOORS REPAIRS: SPRINGS, CABLES, LOCKS, ETC FOR ALL MAKES OF DOOR
Tel: 01489 786273 info@solentgaragedoors.co.uk www.solentgaragedoors.co.uk UNIT 7, BRIDGE FARM INDUSTRIES, CURBRIDGE, SO30 2HB
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
