Meon Valley Forum December 2021

ISSUE 73 DECEMBER 2021

MEON VALLEY

Forum Life in your Community

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

I'M DREAMING OF AN ALRIGHT CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER NEWS & EVENTS

HART WILDLIFE RESCUE, MEDSTEAD

Traditional Christmas Pudding

By Lucia Foster-Found

All the local news and events for the local area

How you can help

STYLE ˙ INTERIORS ˙ HEALTH & BEAUTY ˙ INTERVIEWS ˙ FOOD & DRINK ˙ ENTERTAINMENT ˙ EVENTS Cover Image: Barleycorn Inn - Bishops's Waltham

Bishop's Waltham - Price Guide: £675,000 Attractive and unique chalet style home, lying just a short walk from the heart of Bishop's Waltham town centre. The property offers spacious, versatile accommodation comprising: Entrance hall, double aspect living room, dining room, recently re-fitted kitchen, ground floor shower room and conservatory. On the first floor galleried landing, generous master bedroom, two further double bedrooms and a recently up-dated bathroom.

Outside, Established gardens, driveway and garage. Early interest and viewing advised.

Offices throughout Hampshire

01489 6

bishopswaltham@pearsons.com | 7 Cross Stree

Bishop's Waltham - Price Guide: £269,950 Attractive, individually designed home lying within a great established residential location. The accommodation is uniquely arranged with a superb open plan kitchen/dining/living room on the first floor overlooking the front aspect, with double doors and a Juliet balcony.

On the ground floor, entrance hall, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Outside, there is an enclosed garden with a storage shed and a parking space. Early interest and viewing recommended.

660860

et, Bishops Waltham, SO32 1EZ | pearsons.com

SERVICE | MARKETING | EXPERIENCE

MEON VALLEY FORUM DECEMBER 2021

CONTENTS 02 Property Management

35 Home

06 Property Management

Buying, selling, letting?

Find local estate agents and property management services

08 Wellbeing

36 Feature

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18

Eat out, stay in: food, drink and dining in

Hart Wildlife Rescue - Medstead

18 Recipe of the Month

Traditional Christmas Pudding

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

Make your garden dream come true

30 Garden

4

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 Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

Contributors

Forum Publications Offices Unit 8A, Shelf House, New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QH Tel: 01962 735137 www.forumpublications.co.uk

24 Retail

Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk

Get in Touch

Discover local events and days out in

35 Motoring

4 Easy ways to make your home greener

Contacts

Lucia Foster-Found www. luciafosterfound.com

22 Leisure & Entertainment

From photographers to solicitors - every professional service you need

46 Feature

14 Feature

I'm dreaming of an alright Christmas By Lucia Foster-Found

44 Professional

Looking after your health

12 Food & Drink

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

Local services to keep your vehicle running smoothly

36 46

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

Bespoke Kitchen Fitting

Beautiful Made-To-Measure Kitchens Happy Kitchens. WOW WOW WOW . Thank you so much for giving us the wow factor we asked for. From our first meeting with Ben we knew we had chosen the right guys. His professional and laid back approach means it doesn't feel like a hard sell. His knowledge and suggestions on design were fab, he really understands what you are looking to achieve and comes up with some amazing ideas. Super Dan arrived and was absolutely amazing. His attention to detail, craftmanship and skill meant we received a finished product way beyond our expectation. The social distancing protocols worked perfectly and the job finished on time. If you are in the market for a new kitchen these guys will deliver. fabulous quality, great value for money and nothings a problem attitude.

We would recommend Happy kitchens without doubt Mr and Mrs McAdam

Happy Kitchens are quite unique as we are able to offer top quality products, available in any size, fitted by the best professionals in the business. Change your kitchen and bedroom with a makeover or design and install a new kitchen and bedroom, whichever suits your needs or price range.

2017 2018

2019

2020

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at Weller Patrick

Considering a move in 2022?

Be prepared for the New Year market and book a free valuation of your home with Weller Patrick.

We have buyers actively searching for properties in Bishops Waltham and the surrounding villages including the Meon Valley.

For a limited period, receive 10% off our standard

Arrange free market appraisal with fee when you instruct us to sell your property.

Weller Patrick, ask Weller Patrick to speak to an experienced market propertyToand find a new home member of our team, call 01489 893555

High Street, Bishops Waltham, Hampshire SO32 1AA High Street, Bishops Waltham, Hampshire SO32 1AA T 01489 893555 E info@wellerpatrick.co.uk

T 01489 893555 E info@wellerpatrick.co.uk

wellerpatrick.co.uk

Meonstoke £545,000

Bishop's Waltham £399,950

COMMUNITY

December Events Saturday 2nd - 4th December

Comedy at Christmas at Swanmore Village Hall.

Swanmore Amatuer Dramatic Society.

Tickets on sale from the 6th November. www.ticketsource.co.uk/swanmoredrama or the box office at Barnaby's Community Coffee Shop. Saturdays 10am until noon.

For information telephone 01489 893639 or 01489 894955. All tickets £10. Advisory age 11 years - Curtain up 7.30pm.

Thur 2nd - Thur 16th December

Christmas Bauble Trail Bishop's Waltham High Street Children from Bishop's Waltham Infant School have been busy creating their very own baubles which will be on display in many High Street retail outlets.

Walk around and see if you can spot them in the shop windows!

trainers from far and near send runners to this popular track, with its idiosyncratic figure-of-eight chase course. Children 17 and under go free to the races when accompanied by an adult (some exclusions apply for Festival fixtures and Live After Racing events). You’ll need to select a child ticket when making your booking. Book in advance & SAVE! For more information and tickets visit: www.fontwellpark.co.uk

Fri 17th December

St.Swithuns -Live Christmas music event for the whole family From 4pm-8pm at St Swithun’s School, Winchester. A brand new, LIVE Christmas music event for the whole family. ‘A Christmas Cracker’ with Special Guests, ‘Santa Babies’, Winchester Rock Choir and the fabulous Otterbourne Brass Band.

With a ‘Nativity’ petting zoo from Mucky Bucket Farm, an A rtisan Christmas Market, Reindeer and an appearance from the Big Man himself, there is something for everyone. Tickets – Adults £20 | Child (1117yrs) £5 | Under 10’s – FREE. www.stswithuns.com for further details and ticket sales.

Friday 17th December

A brand new, LIVE Christmas music event for the whole family. ‘A Christmas Cracker’ From 4.00pm - 8.00pm. St Swithun’s School, Winchester - with Special Guests, ‘Santa Babies’, Winchester Rock Choir and the fabulous Otterbourne Brass Band.

With a ‘Nativity’ petting zoo from Mucky Bucket Farm, an A rtisan Christmas Market, Reindeer and an appearance from the BIG MAN himself, there is something for everyone. Tickets – Adults £20 | Child (11-17yrs) £5 | Under 10’s – FREE. www.stswithuns.com for further details and ticket sales

Saturday 18th December

Tuesday 7th December 2021

Christmas Jumper Raceday Racing at Fontwell On a brisk wintry midweek afternoon is a wonderful way to enjoy great jumps racing in this special corner of the West Sussex countryside. The racing is certain to be as competitive and entertaining as ever as

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Christmas Cheer - The New Music Makers Choir We are overjoyed to be able to perform for you this Christmas. It is now two years since their last concert due to the pandemic and they are very much looking forward to welcoming you back to celebrate Christmas 2021 with them. There will be two performances on Saturday 18th December, a matinee at 2.30pm with a special visit from Father Christmas, and an

evening show at 7.30pm. The choir are busy rehearsing to deliver a fun varied mix of music, both familiar and new, to entertain the whole family. Tickets are £10 each or £6 for children under 16 and available through an online booking system www. ticketsource.co.uk/new-music-makers or by phoning the box office on: 02380 490450. A full covid risk assessment is available to view on their website: www. newmusicmakers.com to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

Sunday 26th December 2021

Boxing Day Racing at Fontwell When you need to blow away the cobwebs after all the Christmas over-indulgence, what could be more perfect than a day at the races at Fontwell Park? The Fontwell Christmas meeting is a firm favourite with people looking for a family fun day out on Boxing Day, and they flock to this special corner of the West Sussex countryside.

You’ll also be able to enjoy several topclass races. This is one of the best Fontwell Park horse racing fixtures on the calendar, a day that delivers entertainment for the whole family. For more information and tickets visit: www.fontwellpark.co.uk

Sat 8th January 2022

Around the World in 80 Days at Jubilee Hall, Bishop's Waltham Jubilee Hall, Bishops Waltham, SO321ED It's 1782 - The Nightingale has struck again! The famous art thief has stolen three paintings from museums around London and is now attempting to flee the country for the safety of foreign soil.

At the same time, Phileas Fogg and his new valet Passepartout are attempting to go Around The World In 80 Days in order to win a bet of £20,000. But is that just a cover story to hide the dastardly escape of The Nightingale? That’s what Scotland Yards finest detective, Chief Inspector Fix, believes and he will stop at nothing to capture our heroes. Join Rain or Shine Theatre Company for a knock-about adventure full of mishaps, tomfoolery, British stiff upper lip, curious camels, and lashings of comedy! Box office 0330 660 0541 (open 10am - 8pm) Jubilee Hall, Bishops Waltham From 6.30pm - 8.30pm - Book Now 50+ tickets available

Try Livio for yourself this Christmas with our 30 Day Free Hearing Aid Trial.

Call today on 01962 790749

£55 £80

WELLBEING

Stream Hair & Beauty

Our team at Stream Hair and Beauty would love to wish Wickham Square a Merry Christmas and New Year. Stream has been fully redecorated throughout, new team and rebranded with Schwarzkopf. We are now offering new reduced prices with our stylist.

Meet our new team, Melissa Louise our new Manageress formerly from Petersfield and Gosport area and Melissa formerly from Bishops Waltham and Denmead. Both our new stylists have previously worked on Cruise Ships throughout their many years of experience.

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Our Mystique Beauty room is now open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays with Hannah (Lorriane’s daughter) our beautician has had over 7 years experience at a high standard.

Feel free to pop in and meet our new team for a complimentary consultation, we are all fully vaccinated.

Stream Hair and Beauty will be opening their doors on Sunday 5th December for the Wickham Square light switch on. We would love to welcome people between the hours of 4.30pm and 6.30pm to pop in for a glass of fizz and mince pie.

Come see us!

STREAM HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON, THE SQUARE WICKHAM, FAREHAM HAMPSHIRE, PO17 5JT TEL (NEW): 01329 833146 (NOW EXCLUSIVELY USING SCHWARZKOPF PRODUCTS)

OPENING HOURS TUES: 9AM - 5PM WEDS: 9AM - 6PM THURS: 9AM - 8PM FRI: 9AM - 8PM SAT: 9AM - 4PM

E Q

B A R L E YC O R N I N N B I S H O P ' S WA LT H A M

CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN Christmas Menu starts 3rd December Three Courses £29.50 Two Courses £24.50 STARTERS • Spiced Parsnip Soup with Crusty Bread • Breaded Brie with Cranberry Sauce • Pork Belly skewers with a chilli sauce • Tempura Prawns with a sweet chilli dip MAINS • Roast Turkey with all the trimmings • Homemade game pie • Herb crusted salmon fillet with a prawn and mushroom sauce • Roasted vegetable parcel • Beef bourguignon (All served with roast potatoes and vegetables) DESSERTS Poached pears with chocolate sauce Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Warm chocolate fudge cake Cheeseboard PRE-BOOKING ONLY WITH £5 DEPOSIT PER PERSON

B A R L E YC O R N I N N B I S H O P ' S WA LT H A M

The Barley Corn Inn loved and run by locals changed hands last July, but now with restrictions lifted we are up and running and ready to greet you for beautiful home cooked meals,we welcome everyone including your four legged friends!

The Barleycorn Inn is a 17th century oak beamed inn set deep in the glorious Hampshire countryside in the historic town of Bishop’s Waltham.

At one time it was a brewery and before that a paupers' house; the paupers lived upstairs and the saloon bar was a pigsty!

With the winter fast approaching we boast an warming open fire for cosy nights. We also have SKY and BT sports available indoors and out.

All of our produce is locally sourced and cooked by our local talented chef Simon.

Throughout the month we offer an ever changing specials board with plenty of vegetarian options. Sunday roasts are also available as a take away, infact everything available is takeaway!

The Barley corn is perfectly suited for private parties,office parties,wakes or any other kind of functions. If you are planning a function over the Christmas and New Year period we are now taking bookings.

The Barleycorn Inn has a stunning enclosed garden with great play area for the little ones.

If you are interested in becoming part of the team we are looking for sous chef to work alongside head chef and kitchen staff.

OPENING HOURS 12 - 11 MON - THUR 12 - 12 FRI - SAT SUN 12 - 10.30

LOWER BASINGWELL STREET, BISHOP'S WALTHAM, SOUTHAMPTON, SO32 1AJ RESERVATIONS: 01489 892712

FEATURE

HART Wildlife Rescue - Medstead

A

What a busy couple of months it's been

s the leaves have been turning crisp and orange and the nights drawing in, HART has welcomed our 3,300th animal into the hospital this year. 2020 saw a total of 3,233 animals, so the team really have had their work cut out for them. In October alone we rescued 246 animals, including barn owls, swans, a red kite, kestrals, tawny owls, brown longeared bats, badgers, foxes and a staggering 99 hedgehogs.

Exciting news - Our Teemill site is LIVE!

We are enormously excited to announce the launch of our Teemill shop, with a large range of Exclusive branded clothing, bags and art prints designed for Hart by wonderful local artist Mischief King and Hart volunteer, Eliza Whitfield. Every purchase helps us raise crucial funds here at Hart to continue our work rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wildlife. All our Teemill products are made in a factory powered by renewable energy and garments are made from certified organic cotton and come in plastic-free packaging - perfect for Christmas presents!

Follow the link below to take a look for yourself... https://tracking.etapestry.com/t/42248532/1620819720/8 8939193/0/1004992/?x=4f132fed

Spotlight - Emergency badger rescue in Beech...

In October HART were called out to a site in Beech where some construction work was taking place, after a badger had been spotted down an enormous hole in the earthworks. The team, with care, patience and skill, managed to catch the badger and remove it from the hole. Despite the badger being

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in his more seasoned years, he thankfully presented no major concerns, suggesting his rescue must have taken place not long after he fell. On release, the badger was quickly off the mark and knew exactly where he was going!

Stories like these are excellent reminders to all of us undertaking any sort of construction work (even small-scale work in the garden), that it is important to keep wildlife at the forefront of our minds and regularly check for animals, where possible covering any holes that they might fall into when not working on site.

Make a date to help Hart

The brilliant Jess Perry Photography has produced a stunning 2022 calendar, full of photographs of British wildlife, with £5 from each calendar purchased going directly to HART! To purchase, please visit the link below: https://tracking.etapestry.com/t/42248532/1620819720/88 939194/0/1004992/?x=96cd76cc

HART Wildlife is extremely grateful for your support

The hospital really makes a huge difference helping our local wildlife. To donate visit the link below https://tracking.etapestry.com/t/42248532/1620819720/88 939195/0/1004992/?x=c3d4ce7b For more information about the work of HART (including advice/stories/donations/volunteering and to sign up to their newsletter) please visit: www.hartwildlife.org.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Y

The Waltham Tandoori

ou will find Waltham Tandoori in the small picturesque town of Bishops Waltham nestled amongst its wealth of Georgian buildings and period charm. Located just a short walk away from the main high street, this Indian restaurant is well established having been in existence for 18 years, with a regular and loyal clientele of customers from the local area. Formerly the site of a pub, it's now a spacious venue with a well run, relaxed feel and large car park to the rear. The service is attentive and polite, and our food was well presented and arrived in a timely manner.

This is much more of an upmarket restaurant than just a traditional curry house. If you're a fan of good quality Indian food in convivial surroundings, then I recommend that you take a journey to Bishops Waltham, for a real taste of India.

The menu is extensive and features a good range of dishes including a full page of starters and house specials, plus classic choices such as tandoori and other traditional favourites. There's also a broad range of fish dishes for those wishing to try something more adventurous including tandoor trout masala or dhungar machli tikka, a marinated Bangladeshi freshwater fish special.

The food was excellent; flavoursome and plentiful, with a good combination of subtle tastes.

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The Waltham Tandoori offers a unique a versatile dining experience, offering a variety of meals and drinks.

The land that the restaurant is situated on is steeped in history, having previously served as The White Hart coaching inn during the 17th century. Towards the end of the 19th century it was re-established as The Mafeking Hero in memorial of the siege of Mafeking and those from Bishop’s Waltham who served.

4 Course Banquet Night £14.50 Mon / Tues / Wed throughout December Bank Street Bishop's Waltham Hampshire SO32 1AN

Opening Times Monday - Sunday: 12pm - 2:30pm; 5pm - 11pm

Tel: 01489 894 684 Tel: 01489 893 348 www.walthamtandoori.com E thewalthamtandoori

FOR12/21

FO R U M | HEADING

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Traditional Christmas Pudding Why not try something a little different this festive season by making your own Christmas Pudding.

There are advantages to making your own, the pudding can be tailored for people with food allergies or those who prefer a less alcoholic version!

Stir together the flour, mixed spice and cinnamon in a very large mixing bowl. Add the cold shredded butter, sugar, lemon and orange zest, bread crumbs, nuts and stir again until all the ingredients are well mixed. Finally add the marinated dried fruits and stir again.

Ingredients

Beat the eggs lightly in a small bowl then stir quickly into the dry ingredients. The mixture should have a soft consistency.

Spoon the mixture in to the greased pudding basin, gently pressing the mixture down with the back of a spoon.

Cover with a double layer of greaseproof paper or baking parchment, then a layer of aluminium foil and tie securely with string.

• 450g dried mixed fruit • 1 small cooking apple, peeled, cored and finely chopped • Grated zest and juice of 1/2 a large orange and 1/2 a lemon • 4 tbsp brandy, plus a little extra for soaking at the end 2 oz / 55 g self-raising flour, sifted • 1 tsp ground mixed spice • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 4 oz / 110 g shredded cold butter (If you get suet, go for it instead of butter) • 4oz / 110g soft, dark brown sugar • 4 oz / 110 g white fresh bread crumbs • 1 oz / 25 g whole shelled almonds, roughly chopped • 2 large, eggs • Lightly butter a 2 1/2 pint / 1.4 litre pudding basin/17cm • 125 ml Brandy, rum or vodka (to flame the pudding) • 200g of rinsed yellow lentils • 375ml of vegetable stock • 1 teaspoon of ground tumeric

Method

Place the dried fruits, apple, orange and lemon juice into a large mixing bowl. Add the brandy and stir well. Cover the bowl with a lid and leave to marinate for a couple of hours, preferably overnight.

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Place the pudding in a steamer and steam the pudding for 5 hours. Make sure you check the water level frequently so it never boils dry. Remove the pudding from the steamer, cool completely. Remove the paper, prick the pudding with a skewer and pour in a little extra brandy. Cover with fresh greaseproof paper and retie with string. Store in a cool dry place until Christmas day.

On Christmas day reheat the pudding by steaming again for about an hour. To unmould the pudding, take off the parchment paper, put a plate on top and turn it upside down.

To Flambé / flame the pudding, heat the brandy/ rum/ vodka in a small pan till it is hot, but turn off the heat before it boils, light the pan of brandy using a gas lighter or matchstick, then pour the flaming brandy over the pudding and enjoy the pudding with Brandy Sauce or Custard.

Left over Christmas pudding can be reheated and served.

FOOD & DRINK

The Roebuck Inn

Offering traditional &delicious pub food

ChristmasMenu

Four Courses and a glass of Proseco £25 per person STARTERS Homemade Brocolli and Stilton Soup (served with malted bloomer) Brussels Pate served with Melba Toast Prawn Cocktail

MAIN COURSE (All served with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables)

Roast Turkey with all the Trimmings Roast Beef with all the Trimmings Mushroom, Brie and Cranberry Wellington

DESSERT Christmas Pudding Served with Brandy Sauce Chocolate and Raspberry Tear Cheese Board Finish with coffee, mints and mince pies Booking start from November 29th

The Roebuck Inn, Wickham, PO17 5AY Hampshire Fare Returns To Winchester’s Christmas Market Hampshire Fare, the county food and drink group, is returning to Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market, taking over a chalet from 5th to 22nd December.

Hampshire Fare took over a chalet at Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market for the first time in 2019. The chalet proved a great success as it allowed smaller artisan producers to have a presence at this Christmas Market which has a national profile. It also provided visitors with an opportunity to discover a continually changing selection of local food and drink to purchase as gifts or for festive feasts.

This year the Hampshire Fare chalet will continue this format with a rota of 16 producers – each taking over the chalet on different days.

This means there is always something new for visitors to discover, including local ales, gins and wines, artisan chocolates, homemade fudge and shortbread, locally roasted coffee, smoked trout and Hampshire charcuterie. Visitors simply need to look for the sign of the Hampshire Hog - the emblem for Hampshire Fare.

Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare, said “We are very excited that the Hampshire Hog is returning to Winchester

Tel: 01329 569111

Cathedral’s Christmas Market! We are confident that many are dreaming of a local Christmas this year and the Hampshire Fare Chalet is a great opportunity for visitors to buy quality individual gifts and stock up with delicious food and drink that’s perfect for celebrations.

“The past 18 months has seen a growing appreciation of local. Here at Hampshire Fare we are aware of a massive increase in interest in sourcing and supporting local. Conscious consumerism is on the rise with people making purchases based on making a positive social, economic and environmental impact, so we expect buying local this Christmas will be more popular than ever.”

One of the Hampshire Fare members who took advantage of this marketing opportunity in 2019 and is returning this year is owner and chocolatier Trevor Smith of Beaulieu Chocolate Studio. Trevor Smith commented: “We love the atmospheric location of Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market, and we are looking forward to bringing our own Christmas cheer with our handmade chocolate bars and seasonal favourites such as dipped orange, mints, New Forest Bark and hot chocolate dippers. Roll on December!”

The Hampshire Fare team is manning the Chalet on Monday 6th December and Monday 13th December handing out free Local Produce Guides and advising visitors about finding local. The Hampshire Fare Chalet will be available from Sunday 5th to Wednesday 22nd December inclusive, with opening hours from 10.00am-8.00pm Thursday to Saturday and 10.00am-6.30pm Sunday to Wednesday.

To find out more about shopping local visit www.hampshirefare.co.uk.

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Christmas Menu Starters • • • • • •

Celeriac, hazelnut & truffle soup Hampshire ham hock and petit pois arancini, balsamic dressed rocket Triple cheese and tarragon stuffed portobello mushroom, winter leaves Chalk stream smoked trout and horseradish pate, melba toast Baked camembert to share, bramble and bay jam, walnut bread Fish board to share; smoked salmon, smoked mackerel pate, prawns, mixed leaf salad, marie rose sauce, warm baguette

£5.95 GFA/VE £6.50 £6.95 GF/V/VEA £6.50 GFA £12.95 GFA/V £15.95 GFA

MAIN COURSES •

•

•

• •

• • •

•

Roast turkey, duck fat potatoes, stuffing, seasonal vegetables, gravy, pigs in blankets £14.95 GFA Puff pastry vegetable wellington, roasted potatoes, sage and onion stuffing, seasonal vegetables, gravy £14.95 VEA/V Our 8oz Hampshire beef burger or black bean burger, brioche bun and fries. Topped with truffle mushrooms or brie, bacon and Cranberry £13.95 GFA/V/VEA Freshly battered fillet of cod, hand cut chips, mushy peas, tartar sauce £13.50 GFA/DF Our homemade steak and ale pie, creamed potatoes, seasonal v egetables, homemade gravy £13.50 DFA Festive mac & cheese; pigs in blankets, stuffing balls, cranberry sauce VA £12.95 Warm beetroot, chorizo and pear salad, quince and sherry dressing £13.95 GF Pan fried bass, smoked bacon and cockle broth, wilted spinach, creamed potato £14.95 GF Slow cooked Asian beef brisket, chilli, lime and peanut, coriander salad, jasmine rice £13.95 GF

DESSERTS • • • • • •

•

Peach panna cotta trifle Coffee crème brulee Warm chocolate and forest fruit brownie, vanilla ice-cream Cherry pie, vanilla custard Traditional Christmas pudding and brandy custard A selection of brie, stilton, cheddar, red onion marmalade, apple, mixed nuts, biscuits A selection of ice-creams and sorbets

£6.75 £6.50 £6.50 £6.75 £6.25

GF GF GFA/VEA VEA GFA/V/VEA

£8.95 GFA £6.25 GF/DFA/VEA

GF – gluten free, DF – dairy free, V – vegetarian, VE – vegan, GFA – gluten free available, DFA – dairy free available, VEA – vegan option available

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Welcome to The White Lion The White Lion is an independent traditional country pub in the beautiful village of Soberton in the Meon Valley. Recently our 17th Centaury public house has undergone a full refurbishment inside and outside being tastefully and sympathetically re-decorated to complement its charm. Open fires, well-kept ales, fine wines, and a warm welcome await you.

We have developed a fantastic reputation for delicious locally sourced food. Popular pub classics remain on the menu alongside our monthly changing specials. Our renovated Grade II listed stables and coach house can accommodate up to eight people in three separate en-suite rooms.

Allan and the team look forward to welcoming you

Please check our website for Christmas opening times

Bar Times

FOOD TIMES

Mon - Sun 12-11pm

Mon - Fri 12-2.30 and 6-9pm / Sat - Sun 12-8pm

The

White Lion School Hill, Soberton, Hampshire, SO32 3PF Tel:01489 877346 info@thewhitelionsoberton.com www.thewhitelionsoberton.com

ENTERTAINMENT

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RETAIL

Boutique ME Luella Grey London - The Holly is the perfect phone bag of the season.

Small and compact, yet roomy enough for a phone and basic essentials.

Simon Lawson Jewellers

Tel: 01489 891052 | boutiquemebishopswaltham.co.uk

Ruby and diamond 18ct cluster ring- £1750 High Street, Bishop's Waltham, SO32 1AB Tel: 01489 895575 | www. simonlawsonjewellers.co.uk

on your highstreet

McCarthy's Farm Shop For all your Christmas needs, pop down to McCarthy's in Wickham.

#shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses

Winchester Road, Wickham, PO17 5HE Tel: 01329 832221 | thefruitandvegbox.co.uk

Enticing and eclectic items now available on your highstreet this autumn. Stay local and support your diverse retailers!

Botley Mills For all your pet gifts this Christmas!

The Salty Dog Boutique Luxury dog accessorise handmade in the UK. Expertly crafted from the finest grade 1 Italian leather, Swarovski Crystal embellishments and 18 carat gold plated hardware.

Shop online at www.thesaltydogboutique.com

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Variety of gifts now available Botley Mills, Mill Hill, Botley, SO30 2GB Tel: 01489 772900 | www.botleymills.co.uk

RETAIL Flowers by the Bridge Beautiful bespoke wreaths made on a moss base with locally sourced foliage. Available for collection or local delivery from beginning of December. For more information please visit www.flowersbythebridge.com

Sweet Corner Beautiful handmade Belgian chocolates presented in a choice of Christmas boxes - a perfect gift for a chocolate lover.

Sweet Corner, 10 High Street, Bishops Waltham, SO32 1AA Tel: 01489 892506 | www.sweetcorner.co.uk

Andrew Smith & Son Auctioneers Classic & Contemporary Interiors Auction - 15th and 16th December - Viewing 12-5pm Thur 9th, 10-5pm Fri 10th and 10-2pm Sat 11 & 12th. 8.30am on day of sale Tel: 01962 735988 | www.andrewsmithandson.com

on your highstreet #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses Enticing and eclectic items now available on your highstreet this autumn. Stay local and support your diverse retailers!

Flowers by the Bridge Christmas table and candle arrangements using locally sourced foliage. Each one is unique. For more information and to order please visit www.flowersbythebridge.com

Boutique ME French Connection - Proving that knitwear can be casual, a relaxed fit cardigan, perfect for layering.

Available Navy, Light Grey and Camel Tel: 01489 891052 | boutiquemebishopswaltham.co.uk

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COMMUNITY Ropley’s Legacy, to be published this November, by author Chris Heal In his latest local history, Ropley’s Legacy, to be published this November, author Chris Heal blows the lid off the theft of the commons and common fields along the Four Marks ridge in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Gentry, absentee aristocrats and successive bishops of Winchester and their clergy sought to gain complete control of community lands and to turn poor subsistence labourers into a low-wage, dependent workforce. They did this by calling on friends in parliament to give them absolute legal authority.

Historian E. P. Thompson described the enclosure movement across the UK as a ‘plain enough case of class robbery’. Hampshire’s William Cobbett thought the ‘poor were sacrificed and needlessly sacrificed’.

Heal delved into the Hampshire and parliamentary archives to find, translate and transcribe the original papers that tell the story of the enclosures of the commons that used to stretch from Soldridge, through Medstead, Chawton, Ropley and Farringdon to Newton Valence. He also calls on an extensive list of contemporary and modern literature. His work was supported by the Hampshire Archives Trust and by Ropley History Network and Archive.

Each set of documents is meticulously analysed to disclose the machinations of the landowners. In twenty-five appendices, the laws and awards are reproduced in full.

‘Few people realise,’ said Heal, ‘that the very first parliamentary enclosure act in the UK in 1709 concerned Ropley and Farnham.

The lead was taken by the then bishop, Jonathan Trelawney, in a calculated attempt to restore his family finances. The act was bitterly fought through petitions which were ignored.’

Beaten in parliament, villagers joined with local smugglers to wage a personal and violent campaign against the bishop and his deer parks led by the shadowy ‘King John’. Slaughtered venison was paraded through the streets on market days; park keepers were killed. Across

‘I hope when people read the book they become angry at the blatant and avaricious behaviour of the rich landowners across the county,’ said Heal. ‘Some families living today behind high estate walls will be upset at the disclosures. I am happy with that.’

Ropley’s Legacy can be bought from November through local and internet bookstores. It is published at the same time as the second edition of Heal’s bestseller of last year, The Four Marks Murders, which has been updated with readers’ suggestions. Details and buying links can be found at www.candspublishing.org.uk.

Ropley’s Legacy • Paperback • 458 pages • 233 x 156 mm • 12 cartoons • 17 B&W illustrations • 12 maps • Full glossary & index • 25 appendices • Published by Chattaway & Spottiswood • ISBN 978-19161944-3-4 • RRP £16.99 The Four Marks Murders • Twenty grisly tales from a sleepy corner of Hampshire between the years 400 and 2020 • Paperback • 331 pages • 233 x 156 mm • 55 B&W illustrations • 18 maps • 3 charts • Published by Chattaway & Spottiswood • ISBN 978-1-9161944-2-7 • RRP £15.99 Available as supporting material for this copy: • Front cover of Ropley’s Legacy • Sample cartoon • Author picture Contact: chrisheal@candspublishing.org.uk; 07850 482634 Heal’s other books: www.candspublishing.org.uk

Suspense, intrigue and mystery: Edgar Allen Poe’s Macabre Tales

Franchesca said, “When we were researching ideas for a play, The Macabre Tales stood out to us both, bringing something original yet still giving a unique show with darker themes.

Edgar Allen Poe was a master storyteller whose tales of mystery and horror have captured the imagination of readers across the world. This November, Titchfield Festival Theatre is delighted to present four of Edgar Allen Poe’s classic Macabre Tales that will have you constantly looking over your shoulder as you leave the theatre......

“There is a renewed interest in gothic culture and literature, together with the increasing appeal of Hallowe’en and spooky tales. The settings and time period it relates to seem to hit a chord with the current generation.”

The four plays are all very different and bring unique tales to the stage. William Wilson looks at the difference between good and evil, the Valdemar Case brings a twist and a look at how we strive to live forever. The Imp of the Perverse is a grim tale of our darkest thoughts and how we act upon them and finally, The System is a comedic show with a twist and is a terrific way to end the evening. It truly will be an evening of great entertainment from start to finish.

The Macabre Tales are directed jointly by Franchesca Nicholson and Rebecca Weaving.

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the south, the poachers were highly-organised. They were asked by Jacobite intriguers to form regiments to support an invasion from France that would regain the English throne for the Stuart dynasty.

The government responded with the draconian Black Act which brought the number of capital crimes to over two hundred. Troops were brought to the area. As poverty took a grip and harvests failed, food riots across Hampshire saw dozens hanged and transported.

Through it all, the lords of the manor drove through more and more village enclosures.

Rebecca added, “The Macabre Tales are filled with intrigue, suspense and thought provoking themes. Everyone enjoys being scared just a little - or a lot - and this will add to the suspense. Humans will always have an interest in the macabre and mysteries; it exposes our own internal battles, fighting the good and evil within us – and reveals how we respond in those situations.”

Titchfield Festival Theatre’s production of Edgar Allen Poe’s Macabre Tales opens at the Titchfield Festival Theatre, St Margarets Lane on Monday 22nd November until Saturday 27th November 2021. The shows start at 7.30pm.

For more information including booking tickets, please go to www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com or contact us on: 0333 666 3366.

RETAIL

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As the name suggests curiosity revival has new stock arriving every week to keep your curiosity alive.

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Q 27

COMMUNITY Meon Valley Lions

Lions - Always by your side

Santa and his Elves will be out and about

Thankfully we find ourselves on the downhill run to Christmas! The Meon Valley Lions Club is well advanced with planning Santa’s tour of the Meon Valley villages.

Despite the challenges of last year, thanks to the support of the local people, we raised over £2,500 which was used to help needy causes.

This year Santa and the Lions will be out and about throughout the month of December, with visits to all the villages from East and West Meon at the top of the valley, to Wickham, Boarhunt and Knowle at the bottom.

He’ll also be on duty at various locations so please look out for the full schedule on the special Santa page on this website: www. meonvalleylionsclub.org.uk/santa and our social media.

It takes a lot of time and effort helping Santa over the three-and-ahalf-week period and we are always grateful for extra Santa Helpers, so if you are able-bodied and fancy helping us out as a volunteer, we’d be grateful to hear from you.

Curtis Museum & Allen Gallery

As we plan our Christmas fundraising, it’s good to think about real life examples of the support actually provided by the Meon Valley Lions Club.

Since the start of covid, we have helped numerous households in our area with beds, furniture, carpets, rugs, cookers, fridges and washing machines. We have also bought specialist pushchairs, tactile toys for disabled children and a powered wheelchair to help a young lady reclaim some independence. For home schooling (remember those days) we provided a printer and several laptop computers.

As if that wasn’t enough, we have also provided support for the Baby Bank, Mens Shed, Age Concern, Foodbanks, Homestart, Shedfield Kids BBQ, the Rainbow Centre, Rose Road Association, Mountbatten Hampshire, Marie Curie and MacMillan - to say nothing about the great food and entertainment at our famous BBQ and Swanmore event.

Each and every week our minibus provides support for many different local clubs: a social life line for those attending. Its great to see these clubs restarting. All of this is only possible with the generous support of you in our community. So the next time someone asks you - what do the Meon Valley Lions Club actually do - now you know how to answer.

Thanks you all the residents of the Meon Valley for your invaluable support. www.meonvalleylionsclub.org.uk

TALKS - No Talks in January New Book - “The John Whites of Selborne” by Ronald A Chalmers.

This book consists of biographies of three relatives of Gilbert White the naturalist – his father, his brother, and his nephew. All called John, rather confusingly. They were very different, however.

The father was originally a barrister in London. Later he settled at The Wakes in Selborne, leading a blameless life “devoted … to family life, country pursuits, music, …charitable interests” and the improvement of his own garden and the Village of Selborne in general. He died in 1758. John’s son John (known in early life as “Gibraltar Jack” from his birthplace) became his Uncle Gilbert’s amanuensis before training as a surgeon.

Haystacks by WH Allen Allen Gallery Exhibitions Martyn Kee – About Faces Local artist’s exhibition of traditional hand-painted acrylic portraits. 4th December – 23rd January 2022. In the Café area. FREE From Dawn to Dusk A selection of paintings by W H Allen (after whom the Gallery is named) which capture the changing light and atmosphere of the rural landscape as the day progresses from sunrise to sunset. 15th January – 19th March. In the Main Exhibition area. FREE

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He had quite an adventurous life, including being captured by a notorious French privateer during the Napoleonic wars, while on his way to India with his wife. He died in 1821. This informative and scholarly book, a great addition to works on Gilbert White’s background and the early days of Natural History study, is on sale in the Museum for £5.

Please see our websites for the most up-to-date news on events www.hampshireculture.org.uk/curtis-museum www.hampshireculture.org.uk/allen-gallery

RETAIL

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Wickham Nail & Beauty is based in the picturesque town of Wickham in the Square, located just off the A32. Wickham is easily accessible from neighbouring towns and villages and has plenty of parking in the town centre.

Wickham Nail & Beauty offer a wealth of nail services; including: manicures, extensions and gel polishes, all created to your very own requirements. Bespoke designs can be created for you using a range of many colours and styles. It doesn't end there, you can also have your eye lashes and brows tinted or extended. So be ready for Christmas and look beautiful with our eye, brow and nail services.

Find us on facebook, we are open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, closed on Sundays.

Professional nail and beauty services for ladies and gentleman Including brows and eyelash details wickhamnailsandbeautyltd@gmail.com

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GARDEN Hampshire Hedges We have all been reminded recently of our need to do our bit for the planet. In the recent Cop26 debate it was good to see that planting trees was one of the solutions put forward by scientists to save the world. Many people may think that planting a tree in the garden is not possible, and they may be right. Most trees would quickly dominate their space and would reduce the area for floral or vegetable planting and for children’s play.

Typically, many gardens have timber fences which will become, or are, structurally unsound due to rotting from lack of upkeep.

What an opportunity to do your bit for the planet! Instead of planting a tree or replacing a rotting fence, why not plant an instant hedge? This will provide just as much or even more green growth to absorb those carbon emissions as a tree. So you can do your bit for the planet. Consider also the benefits a natural hedge provides like: • Nesting opportunities for small birds • Natural corridors for small mammals

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

• Habitat for caterpillars, ladybirds, bees and butterflies • If maintained correctly a hedge will last a lifetime.

At Hampshire hedges we grow instant hedges in Airpots which enable them to be planted at anytime of the year. The airpot system helps the hedge plant to develop a thick fibrous root structure, so that when it is planted no extra support is required and with just the right irrigation routine, in the first couple of years, success is guaranteed.

Hampshire Hedges have a range of hedges which provide both deciduous and evergreen options for most situations. These hedges are offered at 1.2 m (4 ft), 1.5 m (5ft) and 1.8 m (6 ft) high.

As an environmentally conscious company we now grow all our hedging in (reduced peat) compost in line with government guidelines. The product we use has produced very good root systems and excellent growth extensions. In addition, prior to delivery we remove the plastic airpots which are then re-used, reducing plastic waste. The hedge roots are then wrapped in jute for transport which can be left on the roots and planted directly into your prepared trench. New roots will soon grow through the jute membrane which biodegrades over a couple of years. The use of jute was a simple way of moving away from shrink wrap plastic.

At Hampshire Hedges we understand the connection between the health of the planet and the impact of non-disposable packaging.

Every day we work to advance our business toward Zero waste systems and help our customers be better stewards for the environment.

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Please visit our website for all the latest news, information, second-hand machines for sale and special offers in the showroom.

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

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Tel: 01962 771800 steve.cann@btconnect.com www.georgecanngardenmachinery.co.uk LACEYS FARM, BRAMDEAN, ALRESFORD, HAMPSHIRE, SO24 0JT

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Do your bit by reducing your carbon footprint and at the same time create a natural environment for birds and small mammals A good range of instant hedges are available from Hampshire Hedges Contact: Trevor@ hampshirehedges.co.uk or call: 07860 560 868 www.hampshirehedges.co.uk

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

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Please note we will be closed on 25, 26, 27 Dec & 1st Jan to give our staff a well deserved break. We thank all our customers for their support this year and wish everyone a lovely festive break and look forward to seeing you again very soon

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COMMUNITY Bishop’s Waltham Rotary Club News…

Christmas Collections One of the usual highlights of the run up to Christmas is our Christmas collections, where we tour the streets of Bishop’s Waltham, Waltham Chase, Horton Heath, and Fair Oak with Santa and “Roger” our brightly lit, and music playing, Christmas Steam Engine. Last year we did manage a drive round of most of our usual routes, but without stopping due to the impending lockdown and the need to avoid face to face contact.

This year things seem comparatively more positive, and we are excited that we will be able to get out and about with Roger the Steam Engine and Santa will be on hand to take Roger - The Rotary Steam Engine all the children’s Christmas Present orders. We have been told on numerous occasions that Bishop’s Waltham Rotary Club coming round with Roger the Steam Engine is the start of Christmas so this year we will be coming round the local area in the first two full weeks of December.

We also have 3 static collections planned this year (shown below) and keep an eye on our website or Facebook page to find the dates when we will be driving round a street near you: Sat 11th December at MacCarthy’s Farm Shop - 09.30 to 16.30 Sat 18th December at Sainsbury’s Bishop’s Waltham - 09.00 to 16.30 Sun 19th December at Pickwell Farm, Grange Rd, Bursledon – 10.00 to 16.00

Rotary Club of Fareham If you knew that a specially trained assistance dog could positively change your life wouldn’t that be an amazing dream? Yet this isn’t a dream, as members of the Rotary Club of Fareham heard from the founder of Hounds for Heroes Allen Parton from Clanfield.

Photo shows Endal with two other Hounds for Heroes with founder Allen Parton – the young dog on his knee was on his first ever public outing! Behind Allen is Hounds assistant Rita Bicheno-Brown and President of the Rotary Club of Fareham Norman Chapman

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Allen explained that they provide this practical support for wounded men and women of both the UK Armed Forces and also the Emergency Services.

He became disabled after an horrific accident in the Gulf War in 1991 and spent five years in hospital unable to read, write, walk or talk and lost the memory of his wife and children.

His wife Sandra was a puppy parent for an animal charity and Allen

We understand that many of us no longer carry change around so if f you would like to donate to help us, especially with Roger the Steam Engine in mind, you can donate via our website using the “Donate” button at the top of the front page, or you can text ROGER followed by a number to 70085 to donate that number in pounds i.e. ROGER 5 – will donate £5. Texts cost the value of the donation, plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to donate, but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text ROGERNOINFO followed by the amount you would like to donate to 70085.

Food Bank

For several years now we have been regularly donating food on a monthly basis to the local Meon Valley Food Bank, who have helped over 3000 local adults and children over the last 6 years. The Food Bank has seen a significant rise in usage from all parts of our community over the last 18 months or so due to the strains that have been placed on peoples lives due to job losses, isolation etc. We were approached during the summer and asked to help out by volunteering as drivers every week going round delivering the donated food to where it is needed, whilst their normal driver was unavailable. This has proven to be a real eye opening task and has put us in touch with individuals and families who we may be able to help in other ways. If you would like to help by donating food to this immensely important and very local charity they accept food donations at Wickham Community Centre between 10am and noon every Monday.

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! www.bishopswalthamrotary.org.uk ian.treveil@bishopswalthamrotary.org.uk accompanied her to a class one day where he met Labrador pup Endal who hadn’t been too obedient in training. Without instruction, Endal chose to pick up items and place them in Allen’s lap and the rest is history – they bonded. Endal even learnt sign language until Allen could speak and the dog was trained to put him in the recovery position if needed and summon help! Endal was the reason Allen set up Hounds for Heroes, recognising that what had been done for him could assist others too. The charity fully funds the cost of a dog including food, veterinary care and insurance.

As President of the Rotary Club of Fareham, Norman Chapman, said “I particularly chose Hounds for Heroes as my charity for this presidential year as they do so much good for so many people – it really is inspiring. He spoke so well to Club members who found his presentation very moving.”

The Club has so far donated in excess of £1,160 and will continue to raise money for them until June 2022. You can ‘enlist’ to support this charity on www.houndsforheroes.com @farehamrotary.club www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=652

MOTORING / HOME

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YOUR CAR, CAMPER OR MOTORHOME, ESPECIALLY IF IT’S IN GOOD CONDITION AND WITH SERVICE HISTORY. AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE LACK OF AVAILABLE CARS BELOW, NOW WOULD BE A FANTASTIC TIME TO SELL ANY CAR NOT BEING USED AND GET A GREAT PRICE FOR IT. The following cars have been carefully selected because of their low mileage, excellent condition and service history.

2016 (66) Honda Jazz 1.3 EX , 5 door, Parking camera,

cruise control, 23,000 miles, £ 30 road tax. £11495 2014 (64) Mazda 6 (64) SEL 2.0 Nav Automatic Saloon, Sat Nav,

Parking camera, Full Mazda service history, 9,700 miles, £10795 2017 (17) Kia Picanto 1.25 “3” Automatic 5dr parking sensors,

all books, Chilli Red 7,500 miles SOLD 2014 (14) Kia Pro_Cee’d 1.6 T –Gdi GT Tech in Track 1.6 ,

3 dr, rear view camera, 32,000 miles,

£9995 2012 (62) Hyundai i 10 Active Automatic 5dr, 2 owners,

a/c, alloys, 47,000 miles

£5495 2013 (13) Fiat 500 colour collection, 3 owners,

air conditioning, 67,000 miles £4495 2004 (54) VW Polo 1.2S 3 door. Not perfect paintwork,

but only 62,000 miles and serviced by ourselves since 2007 £1895

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FEATURE

I’m Dreaming of an Alright Christmas (and dinner, with wine)

T

© LUCIA FOSTER-FOUND 2021

WWW.LUCIAFOSTERFOUND.COM

he purchase of presents and Quality Street? Done.

In October. Christmas had started. Well, bits of it anyway; when you wanted to send a gift parcel to Australia, it paid to post early. Really early. Early enough that it could be attached to migrating humpback whales or whatever reduced the cost to less than dinner for two, with wine. There’d been a fleeting concern it was a little premature to find snowmen wrapping paper in the shops. She needn’t have worried. In the ‘seasonal’ aisle since the Easter eggs clearance sale, probably.

Sucking on a toffee penny, she’d dusted off the ironing board and put it up in the kitchen to use as a handy platform for wrapping the presents. One of the dogs, curious about the unfamiliar noises, came sauntering into the room and with one wild-eyed look at the contraption, tucked her tail under her bottom and scarpered.

“Yes – it has been a while. I’m a bit afraid of it too.” She called after the startled spaniel, as she reached for a green triangle. #Workingfromhome and not going out much meant not much had needed ironing. Silver linings.

There’d been an ohmygod moment when she’d wandered online to order the shellfish platter for Christmas Eve. This was ‘not just a luxury shellfish platter’, you understand. Actually, it transpired that it was a ‘sold out luxury shellfish platter’.

In disbelief, she ate an orange cream as she double-checked the date. Not yet November. Further investigation revealed other unavailable delights; various incarnations of turkey, there’d been a run on the lobster - and no partridges (pear tree presumably optional) were left at all. Should she panic and buy a frozen turkey? Distracting visions emerged of herself cramming a bird, the consistency and size of a small boulder, into an already overcrowded chest freezer, then sitting on the lid..

P’raps not just yet. At least, not until they’d made inroads into the largely unlabelled frozen contents with some ‘dinner roulette’.

But the mental image of all that cramming and sitting on lids made her nostalgic for packing a suitcase. Particularly for the holiday she’d cancelled back in September. There’d been a number of factors, but worse than the fear that they’d get stuck abroad if they caught ‘it’ whilst away, had been the visit to the

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vet. This revealed that the chirpily named Pet Passport had been replaced by something a lot less alliterative - and a good deal dearer. It amounted to three dinners out, with wine. Per dog.

Christmas obsessing aside, she should do something about her other fixation; dinner, with wine. There’d been less socialising of late and honestly, she was sick of the sight of her saucepans.

So she booked a table and whilst the ironing board was up, ate a purple one and a coconut éclair, and ironed a frock. Himself sauntered in and he too looked startled by the presence of the ironing board. When she asked what shirt he wanted to wear out to dinner, with wine, he seemed pleased. At least.. he didn’t look wild-eyed then scarper.. So that was good.

Thankfully the tree was sorted. Arranged in tubs around the patio were firs of varying varieties, sizes and states of health.

The trees of Christmas Past. Last year’s little chap had not yet outgrown its erstwhile corner of the sitting room. She’d dress it in some vintage decorations from the sixties – accompanied by festive offerings from the sublime Andy Williams and Bing Crosby. Chewing on another green triangle, she pondered that things were probably a lot simpler back when Bing and Andy ruled Yule. It wasn’t such a work up. Expectations were more realistic, less pretentious, modest.

And so, with a small (and appropriately named) epiphany, she decided that she’d just go for a pared back, pressure off, less-ismore kind of a Christmas. Less disappointment if stuff didn’t happen. More celebration if it did.

No fancy seafood platter, apparently. But there’d be a cake; stir up Sunday had produced a dark and hefty creation residing, suitably inebriated, in a tin. There’d be a Christmas lunch which may or may not include turkey. But there would be pigs in blankets, stuffing, roast potatoes and veg – she was pretty sure that all of these were concealed somewhere in the freezer already. Might need to don arctic gear and go on a search and rescue mission to locate them… And pop out to buy some more Quality Street; she couldn’t work out where they’d all gone.

Plus, to the relief of all, she’d put the ironing board away.

This year, whatever might be missing, whatever might be sold out, Christmas, all of it, whatever all of it entailed, would be alright…

HOME

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COMMUNITY Bishop’s Waltham Bites returns with a Bang!

Give & Take Bishop’s Waltham 2021 has come to an end!

Fourth time lucky! Bishop’s Waltham Bites in April 2020, October 2020 and April 2021 all had to be cancelled due to COVID. How wonderful it was to be back – and the weather helped play its part in making it another terrific day for those involved.

Once again local food lovers had the chance to sample the delights of Bishop’s Waltham’s eateries and food shops on 16th October 2021.

Tickets sold out within two weeks of going on sale and the event received plenty of praise from those who took part. They were treated to pigs in blankets, giant chocolate chip cookies, local cheeses and hams, prosecco with fish chowder and smoked salmon twirls, local ice cream, chocolates, Bruschetta, mini pies and much more).

The participating food outlets were The Southern Co-op, Grover Butchers, Any Fish, The Barleycorn Inn, The Crown Inn, Hoxton’s Bakehouse and Sweet Corner with the Bishop’s Waltham Country Market putting in a special appearance on the day in Red Lion Street.

The lovely warm and sunny day helped create a real festive atmosphere in the town centre, with participants enthusing about the value for money and variety and quality of food on offer.

Sophie and Jean (usually behind the counter in Sweet Corner handing out bites), participated as ticket holders for the first time this year and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “After so many years of providing bites to others, it was wonderful to see Bishop’s Waltham Bites from the other side. It was great to see the effort all the traders put into it and the creativity of the bites on offer. We had a wonderful day”.

The team at Any Fish with their bites

Ticket Holders outside Hoxton’s Bakehouse

Praise for the event doesn’t stop with the ticket holders. Barry Nicholson, Chairman of the Chamber of Trade said “it is such a good village event which attracts regulars and newcomers alike. It is great to welcome people into our outlets for the first time and to have this opportunity to give them a flavour of what we offer. The benefit reaches non-food retailers in the town too. They tell us that footfall is always greater in their shops on Bishop’s Waltham Bites days”.

Bishop’s Waltham Bites is organized by the Bishop’s Waltham Town Team.

This year the event was financially supported by The European Regional Development Fund as part of the Government’s Welcome Back Fund created in the aftermath of lockdown restrictions. The participating outlets generously cover the costs of their bites which means that all the money raised through the ticket sales can be put towards a community event for the benefit of the village.

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Between June and October, the Bishop’s Waltham Town Team ran 5 monthly themed stalls. These allowed people to bring unwanted items to donate and other people to take items that they were able to re-purpose.

For those who couldn’t attend this year’s stalls, the concept was simple … people could give, or people could take, or people could to both. All with the sole aim of reducing the amount of goods that are discarded or end up in landfill.

All items were free, but we had collection boxes for Rowans and Revitalize, the two charity shops in the village, on the stall table and we are thrilled to say that we collected an amazing £734.82 over the course of the scheme.

The Bishop’s Waltham Town Team is really pleased with the response we have had to this newly launched scheme. It has received many very favourable comments from people who came along and told us what a great idea it was. Mostly we were able to pass on residual stock at the end of the events to charities for wider dispersal and so very little in the end had to be disposed of. We are very grateful to Hampshire County Council for a grant from their Waste Prevention Community Scheme and to Solent Design for their financial support, without which these events could not have happened. Thanks also to Ackroyd (Driver-Belcher) who very kindly allowed us to use their parking spaces in St Georges Square as the location of our stall.

The big question now is should we repeat these events in future years?

We would love to hear you views! Are there things we could have done better? Are there ways the scheme could be improved? Are there other themes for goods that we could consider? As a reminder, the themes for this year were:

• • • • •

DIY and Garden Items Items for Children Under 11 Small Household Items Arts and Craft Goods and Materials Miscellaneous Items

If you have any thoughts, please email them to us at bishopswalthamtownteam@gmail.com Bishop’s Waltham Town Team.

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crafted by Schuller, the second largest German kitchen manufacturer, they have an extensive and inspiring collection ranging from the contemporary to the more traditional.

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

Both of us have lived in the local area for our whole lives and we have always wanted a shop here. Adam also started his career in this industry at Botley bathrooms 15 years ago. Our showroom did not have the best start, opening during a pandemic, but we have had great support from the local residents and we are extremely happy our showroom is finally open and thriving.

Our boutique showroom showcases some of the finest kitchen and bathroom furniture available, with a strong emphasis on UK and European manufacturing. Bathroom manufacturers on display include Ambiance Bain, Pelipal, Hansgrohe, Roper Rhodes and Miller of Sweden, with Porcelanosa tiling throughout the showroom. Our kitchens are expertly

Being an independent showroom with over 20 years combined industry experience we have chosen to partner ourselves with manufacturers we believe are superior to most within the industry today.

We chose to open our first shop in the picturesque village of Botley and had a chance to position ourselves on the beautiful high street in April 2020.

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

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COMMUNITY / HOME Great news that the Meon Voices Choir is back up and running after the Covid break Uplifting Christmas concert 9th December 2021 – all are welcome The Meon Voices Choir is delighted to announce it has resumed practice, and will perform its popular Christmas concert on 9th December 2021 at St Peter’s Church Bishop’s Waltham from 7.30 p.m., providing there are no further restrictions at that time. All are most warmly welcome, and of course Covid precautions will be taken, which we would ask you to observe.

The programme includes a Gershwin medley with favourites such as I Got Rhythm, Nice Work If You Can Get It and Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off, as well as folk songs and contemporary classics. There will also be a chance to join in with Christmas carols, restrictions allowing.

It is not a ticketed event, but a retiring collection will be made in aid of church charities.

The choir has members from all local villages, and is formed from the four main vocal ranges: Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass so you can delight in some inspiring harmonies.

For further information please contact Phil 01489 579078 or email coundleypj@yahoo.com or Maureen 01489 890335 email alan@ agbuckland.plus.com.

Do something amazing today and help a family near you!

Home-Start Hampshire is a local charity supporting parents who are going through challenging times. Trained volunteers work alongside families to give compassionate and confidential support, tailored to each family.

At the heart of Home-Start Hampshire is our fantastic network of volunteers and as demand for support continues to increase, we are looking for new volunteers to join our team.

We are running a prep course for new volunteers living in the Meon Valley area starting in January 2022 Starts- Thursday 13th January Once a week for 6 weeks within school hours At Wickham Community Centre Volunteer today because childhood cant wait.

To Register your interest and find out more about volunteer opportunities in your area please visit our website www.home-starthamphre.org.uk/volunteering or email info@hshants.org.uk

The Downs Oak Company The South South Downs Oak Company TR T r aAdDiItTi IoOnNaAl L OOaAkK FFrRaAmMeErRsS

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PROFESSIONAL Mr Mac - Support for Apple Macs & Windows If you are thinking about buying an Apple product as a Christmas present, consider doing it now. Stocks will be affected by a worldwide shortage of components. Popular products such as the entry level iPad and the latest iPhone 13 might not be available in December. If you are considering a new iMac, you might be interested to know that John Lewis still has some of the classic 2020 intel-based machines available, the Apple iMac 21.5 All-inOne, Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 21.5” Full HD, Silver is £1099. This is considerably cheaper than the new iMac series and performs very well indeed. As a bonus John Lewis offers a two year warranty compared to Apple's 12 months.

Finding a high-quality microphone for your desktop computer, Apple or Windows, can be frustrating.

I have tried quite a few and have finally found a very good one, it is made by a company called RØDE, the RØDE MT mini.

An advantage is that the headphone output on the back of the microphone. This means you can clearly hear your own voice as well as that of the caller. The quality is quite exceptional and is available from Amazon for £72.25. This version sits on your desk, you can buy a “mic arm”, avoid the cheap ones and try instead the Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP, low profile swivel boom with hidden cable channels. At £89.99 it is not cheap but, in my opinion worth the extra.

Thank you to all my customers, new and old, that have welcomed me into their homes during the last 12 months. It has been such a pleasure spending time with you all and I look forward to meeting new and existing customers in 2022. www.mistermac.co.uk

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Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory Dr.Seuss

Looking back, do you remember what you received for Christmas when you were 6 years old? When you were 10? Even from 5 years ago? However, do you remember that smell of dinner coming from mum’s kitchen or seeing your families faces Christmas morning, watching your favourite movies? Playing games? These are the true gifts of Christmas the memories we create together.

Seems almost out of nowhere and suddenly the festive season is upon us. With talks of Covid, Brexit and even Turkey shortages in the air this year has yet again left us with uncertainty. However here at Lapis, we want to embrace the season and spread some festive cheer, when we all need it the most.

At this time, we often get the opportunity to spend quality time with the people closest to us, not only is this great for your mental health, but we also feel it really is what Christmas is all about. Lapis Care say- Lets make Christmas great again!

Lapis Care have been working hard this year alongside many other care companies, it has been a difficult time in the care industry, and we want to thank them all for their amazing work and dedication.

Our Carers have been ensuring all our clients are able to get into the festive spirit, we understand many of our clients may not be fortunate enough to get out or to see family over the holidays so we help provide that for them, whether it is assisting them to the shops, to get their festive food and gifts, helping decorate their homes to bring Christmas to them or even having a festive singalong to get us in the festive spirit!

This Christmas we ask you to make time for each other, appreciate these moments together and why not create a new holiday tradition, or bring back an old one, anyone for monopoly?

We are always looking for carers to join our wonderful team, getting a chance to really help people and pursue a career that makes a difference all year round. Why not make a change in time for Christmas?

For more information on becoming a carer please visit www.lapiscare.com

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FEATURE

4 Easy Ways to Make Your Home Greener C

limate change is a pressing issue, and it means we’re paying more attention to our carbon footprint. The UK is currently working towards a target of net-zero emissions by 2050, and we’re all playing our part to reach this goal. In our personal lives, our biggest contributor to greenhouse gases is our homes. Household emissions contribute around 15% of the UK’s total carbon footprint. The good news, however, is that there are many things we can do to lower our homes’ greenhouse gas emissions. Here, we discuss easy and cost-effective ways to make your home greener.

Don’t leave appliances on standby

We’ll start with an oldie but a goodie. Energy Saving Trust found that between 9% and 16% of UK household energy usage is from devices plugged in on standby. It is estimated that this could be costing us around £86 a year. By switching off your appliances when you’re not using them, you’re not only making a positive impact on the environment, but you’re also saving money! This research also found that the older an appliance is, the less energy efficient it is. If you’re on a budget, replacing all your devices such as kettles, TVs, and speakers probably isn’t possible. Simply unplugging them – or, better yet, switching the plug off when they’re not in use – is an easy way to make a difference.

Consider your fuel sources

Make your home green…literally

If you’ve followed these tips, you’ll have dramatically reduced your home’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Now, what about putting something good into the environment? If you have a garden, plants and flowers that positively contribute to the ecosystem work best. Flowers that provide pollen to bees, like foxgloves and lavender, are a great additional way to contribute to the environment. Bonus points if you have some holly plant hedging around for small wildlife to make a habitat in. Inside your home, we recommend choosing plants with the best oxygen-boosting benefits.

Spider plants are common in the UK, and for good reason. Not only do they produce plenty of clean oxygen, but they can also help remove harmful gases including formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Aloe vera is another great choice, especially for your bedroom because it produces oxygen overnight.

As well as clearing the air of benzene and harmful aldehydes, its gel can be used for anything from skincare to wound healing!

We know that some fuel sources are more environmentally friendly than others. What you might not know is that a home emits an average of 2.7 tonnes of CO2 a year solely from heating. That’s a lot of greenhouse gas. New build homes will be required to fit a non-gas boiler from 2023 as part of the gas boiler ban. While there’s currently no ban on gas boilers in existing homes, we may see this implemented in the future on the roadmap to net-zero emissions. Electric boilers are significantly more eco-friendly because they don’t burn fossil fuels in order to create heat. This is hugely beneficial to the environment. What’s more, electric boilers are extremely energy-efficient. Most will have an energy efficiency rating of 99%, which is better than any gas boiler. If your gas boiler is coming to the end of its life, now is the time to consider an environmentally friendly alternative.

However, if you’re not in a position to do that right now, ensuring you have it regularly serviced by a Gas Safe boiler engineer will ensure it’s as energy efficient as possible.

The fight against climate change is one we all need to play our part in. Our homes emit a lot of greenhouse gases, but there are ways we can not only reduce these harmful emissions but also introduce cleaner oxygen. An added bonus of making your home greener is that you’ll save on a lot of unnecessary costs too – winwin!

Think about energy efficiency everywhere

to-lowering-uk-carbon-emissions-report-finds/

Your boiler isn’t the only thing in your home that you can make more energy efficient. In the same way that your heat source

46

impacts how energy efficient your home is, so does your home’s insulation. A report from Nottingham Trent University and the IET found that insulating homes in the UK is critical if we’re to meet our target of net-zero emissions. Insulation will not only save you money by trapping heat inside your home, but it will also prevent greenhouse gases from leaking out into the environment.

Energy efficiency can also be applied to some of your other key household appliances. If you use your washing machine more efficiently and fill it effectively instead of running multiple small loads, you’ll use significantly less energy and water. Similarly, if your home has a dishwasher, don’t switch it on until it’s full.

Sources https://blog.loop.homes/the-cost-of-leaving-appliances-in-standby-mode https://citu.co.uk/citu-live/what-is-the-carbon-footprint-of-a-house https://heatingforce.co.uk/blog/electric-boilers-expensive-run/ https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2018/10/better-home-insulation-is-keyhttps://www.thompson-morgan.com/top-10-plants-for-bees https://www.plantedshack.com/what-plant-produces-the-most-oxygen/

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