NEWS & EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER
Find out what's going on in the Meon Valley
COOKING THE BOOKS
Written
by
Lucia Foster-Found
HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF WIGHT TRUST
Environment FeatureDancing Demoiselles
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Warming Beef & Pumpkin Stew
STYLE ˙ INTERIORS ˙ HEALTH & BEAUTY ˙ INTERVIEWS ˙ FOOD & DRINK ˙ ENTERTAINMENT ˙ EVENTS
Bishop's Waltham – Price Guide £850,000 Freehold
A super opportunity to purchase a semi-rural home, situated off a small access lane with extensive gardens and pasture land amounting to approximately 2.95 acres. The property offers tremendous refurbishment/development potential and is perfect for anyone looking to design and create a country home with paddocks and/or a 'good life' small holding. Early interest and viewing recommended. For further information please contact our team in Bishop’s Waltham.
Superbly situated coach house style home, set in a desirable cul-de-sac location just a short distance away from Bishop's Waltham town centre. The bespoke interior, has a great well planned layout which is finished to a lovely specification and early interest is highly recommended. Stylish and spacious open plan kitchen/ dining room and living room. Cloakroom, bathroom and two double bedrooms.
Shirrell Heath – Price Guide £725,000 Freehold
Deceptively spacious chalet style bungalow, in a desirable semi-rural location. Extended to provide an impressive ground floor main bedroom suite. The versatile accommodation offers the perfect combination for modern living and is currently arranged as a substantial family home with five bedrooms. The flexibility of rooms lend to arranging the accommodation to suit personal choice. Outside, good sized rear garden with a garden cabin. Driveway parking to the front and side of the house. Early interest and viewing is highly recommended.
Editor
Director
Steve
Advertising
Mandy
Any 3 Windows
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After Makeover
Before Makeover
∙ Change all your drawers, doors, panels and plinths
∙ New worktops can be fitted
∙ Amendments to existing cabinetry and layout can be made
∙ Built in ovens can be changed to eye level ovens
∙ No one will know its a makeover, it will look like a brand new kitchen
∙ All doors made to order to any size
Our head fitters are ex-shipwright joiners so you are guaranteed excellent quality installation
Ben, Owner Uk Happy Kitchens Ltd
∙ Change as much or as little as you'd like
∙ Free no obligation quotation
∙ Free design service for new projects
Before Makeover After Makeover
We also design and install bespoke new kitchens, bedrooms, boot rooms, media walls, living room storage.
Whether you want to just change your doors, or change everything you can see on the face, we can utilise your existing units, and change all the trims and panels, just like in the photos above, yes that really was a makeover, with a couple of small changes.
Call us today for a free of charge home visit.
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.
∙ Change as much or as little as you'd like
∙ Free no obligation quotation
∙ Free design service for new projects
World Polio Day 2024
On the 24th of October 2024 it will be World Polio Day, What is Poliomyelitis Virus?
It is a virus spread person to person, typically through contaminated water and can attack the nervous system, in some instances, leading to paralysis, which in the worst cases can be fatal, and mainly affects children under 5years.
Is there a cure?
Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine – one which Rotary and our partners use to immunise over 2.5 billion children worldwide.
How successful is immunisation?
In 1988 Rotary International and the World Health Organisation launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, at a time when there were an estimated 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries per year. By 2020 this had been reduced to 84 cases of Wild Polio Virus reported in Pakistan and 56 in Afghanistan – the last 2 countries endemic for poliothis was further reduced to only 6 reported cases in each country by 2023.
If we are this close, why can’t we reduce who is immunised?
The ongoing crisis in Gaza has contributed to reduced routine immunisation rates and an increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio. As a result of this, Polio has been detected in environmental samples and a 10-month-old child has been confirmed as having contracted polio in Gaza. A humanitarian pause has allowed a polio vaccination campaign that began in Gaza on 1 September and Rotary has committed US$500,000 to bolster the initiative.
What are we doing and what can you do?
Help us donate as much as we can to this global issue. Bishop’s Waltham Rotary are proud to be one of the largest contributors, per head, to the End Polio Now Campaign within our Rotary District. Every donation helps us obtain the support, transport, and materials needed in the fight against polio.
Making your money go further
Right now, all donations are matched 2:1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, tripling your impact!
To Donate to the End Polio Now Campaign
Either contact us via our website www.bishopswalthamrotary.org.uk, or make a donation direct via www.endpolio.org
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! pr@bishopswalthamrotary.org.uk
For Sale – Price guide
£775,000
An extremely elegant 4 bedroom terraced home with contemporary styling, approaching 2,800 sq ft of accommodation, private parking and garage. The Towers was constructed in the late 19th century and was previously a private residence, a prep school and a home for Wrens serving HMS Mercury in the war. In the late 1970s, it was sympathetically converted into nine homes. This prestigious property retains its elegant façade and the accommodation has been upgraded and styled by the current owners and is arranged over three floors with original features retained to include high ceilings and sash windows. Soberton lies to the west of the River Meon in the heart of the Meon valley and South Downs National Park. There are local footpaths and bridleways in abundance including the disused railway line itself nearby. Within an easy stroll is The White Lion public house with further amenities at Droxford. Local schools are at Soberton & Newtown Infants and Droxford Junior both marked outstanding by Ofsted. Westhill Park, Twyford School, Boundary Oak, Winchester College, St Swithun’s and Bedales are also close by.
Contact: katep@countryhousecompany.co.uk ot call: 01730 771222 www.countryhousecompany.co.uk
£2,250
A charming 4 bedroom cottage peacefully positioned in the centre of this sought after Meon valley village. Meonstoke is a popular village situated within the South Downs National Park. The village has an outstanding preschool and infant school (with free transport to Droxford Junior and Swanmore College), a public house, church, children’s play areas, skate park, tennis court, an outdoor gym, an active village hall and a local store with post office. The area is ideal for leisure pursuits with nearby Corhampton Golf Club, footpaths, cycle paths and bridleways. Mainline services to London run from Petersfield and Winchester. The A3/M3/M27 motorways and the South Coast are all easily accessible.
Contact: Claudia@countryhousecompany.co.uk or call: 01730 771222 www.countryhousecompany.co.uk
What we’re about This group is for anyone, and everyone, of any age, living in and around the Meon Valley area, who wants an opportunity to make new friends and to socialise in the beautiful setting of the Meon Valley! Our meetups will be social affairs - a great chance to chat, relax and meet new people. There are no restrictions on who can join, we just insist on a photo with your membership request so that we can find you at events.
Come to our events alone, or bring a friend or partner, everyone will be made welcome. Remember that we are all members for the same reasonto discover new adventures and to make new friends!
We aim to host a variety of different events - theatre, dinner, drinks, coffee, walks, quiz nights, live music... hopefully there will be something for everyone. If there is something in particular that you would like to do, or a venue that you would love to visit, please feel free to suggest it on the discusions page. You can also be added as an event organiser yourself if you'd like to get more involved and host events!
We look forward to meeting you at one of our next events, for details visit: https://www.meetup.com/meon-valley-meetup-group/
Here’s a great way to get into the Christmas mood - come to the Meon Voices Christmas Concert at St Peter’s Church Bishop’s Waltham on Saturday 14th December from 7.30pm. This community choir puts on a popular and joyous performance. This year the programme includes a moving medley from Les Misérables, three of John Rutter’s most beautiful pieces: What Sweeter Music; The Colours of Christmas and Christmas Lullaby, Eric Whitacre’s Glow and as always, audience carols, which raise the roof with Christmas cheer. The choir, which is divided into soprano, alto, tenor, and bass sections, produces heart-lifting melodies and that’s got to be good for the soul.
There will be an interval with tea, coffee and mince pies. There is no need to book, and whilst the concert is free to attend; there will be a cash collection, the proceeds of which will be divided between the Choir and the Church’s charities. If after all this, you are interested in joining this friendly, uplifting choir, the Monday night practices will recommence in mid-January 2024, 7.30pm – 9.30pm at the United Free Church in Bishop’s Waltham, culminating in a Christmas concert in midDecember.
If you would like further information, please email Jane on janevose@ icloud.com or contact Phil on 01489 579078 or via email coundleypj@ yahoo.com
www.macdonaldoates.co.uk
The abolition of the lifetime allowance could make pensions an even more attractive way of passing on wealth to the next generation.
It can be easy to neglect your own finances when you’re focused on growing your business. But creating a solid plan for both your business and personal finances can give you more confidence your hard work will pay off.
It’s really important to understand what your annual allowance is and whether you’re at risk of breaching it.
4. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
For this tax year, the maximum tax-free lump sum (known as the Lump Sum Allowance) that you can draw from pensions is capped at £268,275 (unless you have lifetime allowance protection).
Here are five financial planning tips for entrepreneurs.
Pensions can usually be passed on to your loved ones free from inheritance tax (IHT). Now that there is effectively no limit on the amount of money you can tax-efficiently build up in pensions over your lifetime, considering your estate plan could allow you to make a bigger difference to your family’s financial future.
1. Make the most of pensions
A financial adviser can create an estate plan that suits your needs and maximises money. In the meantime, here are some points to consider.
Relying solely on your business to provide for retirement is risky.
How are pensions taxed on death?
Pensions are tax-efficient for passing wealth to beneficiaries.
Making contributions into a pension could help you save for retirement. As a business owner, you can make your own tax-efficient savings into your pension and make employer contributions that are deductible against corporation tax.
While growing your business should be the priority, also consider investing across other asset classes, such as equities, bonds, and cash. This could help to cushion the impact if your company doesn’t perform quite as well as expected.
What else do I need to consider?
Maxing out your annual allowance may not be right for you.
We can help you build a diversified portfolio that suits your individual needs and objectives.
5. Surround yourself with experts
At RBC Brewin Dolphin, we can introduce you to the right people at the right stage of your journey – whether that’s venture capital firms, lawyers, tax advisers or accountants.
Your accountant can help you make the most of all the personal and business tax reliefs.
2. Protect against risks
If you die before age 75, benefits can usually be paid taxfree from a defined contribution pension. If you die after age 75, they will be taxed at the beneficiaries’ marginal rate of income tax. As long as the funds stay in drawdown, they will also remain IHT free.
Insure not just your business premises and stock, but also what’s arguably your most valuable asset – yourself. Protection against death and illness could be crucial.
6 April 2024 saw the introduction of the Lump Sum and Death Benefit Allowance (LSDBA) which limits the amount of tax-free lump sum that can be paid in your lifetime and on death. For this tax year, this is £1,073,100, but could be higher if you have a form of Lifetime Allowance protection. If the limit is breached, the excess lump sum is taxable at the beneficiary’s marginal income tax rate.
Also consider key person protection and shareholder protection to minimise disruption should the worst happen to one of your key members of staff or shareholders.
Finally, make sure your will states who will receive your shares or business interest when you die.
How could the LTA abolition affect estate planning?
3. Plan your exit strategy
In March 2023, the government announced that the lifetime allowance (LTA) was being scrapped. This was a cap on the amount of money you could save in pensions over your lifetime without triggering a tax charge. The LTA was abolished on 6 April 2024.
Planning your exit early could reap rewards. Work with a financial adviser to determine your ‘magic number’ – how much you would need from a sale to achieve your desired lifestyle. The adviser can also help you work out how much your future lifestyle might cost, and whether your finances are sufficient.
Any other limits to be aware of?
The pension annual allowance is £60,000 (2024/25 tax year), or 100% of UK relevant earnings for most people, whichever is lower. If you exceed the annual allowance, you’ll have to pay a tax charge.
If you are hoping to leave your business to your family, you might qualify for business relief. This could mean there is no inheritance tax to pay on your company shares when you die.
You can’t access money in DC pensions until age 55 (57 from April 2028). If you need money before then, ISAs or other savings may be a better option. ISAs can also be a useful way of building tax-efficient income in retirement. Other investment options could be worth considering, such as venture capital trusts (VCTs) or Enterprise Investment Schemes (EISs). For some, lifetime gifting could be preferable to see loved ones benefit during your lifetime.
We’ve worked with thousands of business owners, supporting them in making the right decisions. With us at your side, you can concentrate on looking forward to the future with confidence.
Inheritance planning is complex - and that’s where getting some guidance comes in to provide confidence that you’ve laid the firmest foundations for your family’s future.
We live and work local to you. We would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.
We live and work local to you. We would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.
Kirsty Simpson
Financial Planner
Kirsty Simpson Financial Planner Divisional Director E: kirsty.simpson@brewin.co.uk
Divisional Director E: kirsty.simpson@brewin.co.uk
Alice Proctor
Investment Manager
Joy Moir Investment Manager Assistant Director E: joy.moir@brewin.co.uk
Assistant Director E: alice.proctor@brewin.co.uk
46 Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8RY
46 Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8RY
T: 01962 798000 W: brewin.co.uk/our-offices/winchester
T: 01962 798000 W: www.brewin.co.uk/ our-offices/winchester
The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy.
The value of investments and any income from them can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy.
7 - 20 November: Mindscapes, an exhibition of paintings by artist Kim Cody. Meet the artist: Kim will be in the Gallery on 8 November to answer questions and talk about her work and techniques, drop in from 11am - 3pm.
24 - 26 November: a mini exhibition of artworks by local home educating families and on 30 November - 1 January: Made and More, an exhibition of artworks and craft by local artists and makers. Find unique gifts to buy - all items will be available to purchase on the spot. (Just in time for Christmas).
WORKSHOP
(bookable in advance online): Wednesday 20 November, Allen Gallery: Japanese calligraphy workshop with artist Sachiko Mason, 10.30am - 1.30pm, (adults) £30/£24, please book online. If you are unable to make online bookings please contact us on 01420 82802 and we may be able to assist you (subject to availability).
THE FRIENDS OF THE CURTIS MUSEUM AND ALLEN GALLERY TALK
The talk for November will be on Butser Ancient Farm, by Thérèse Kearns. Allen Gallery, 14th November at 7.30pm, FREE, donations welcome.
OPENING TIMES
Tuesday to Sunday Curtis Museum 10am – 4.30pm High Street, Alton, GU34 1BA www.hampshireculture.org.uk/curtis-museum
Tel: 01420 82802
Allen Gallery 10.30am – 4pm 10-12, Church St, Alton GU34 2BW www.hampshireculture.org.uk/allen-gallery Tel: 01420 82802
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
The Hampshire Medical Fund Christmas Fair will be from the 14th to the 15th November at Black Chalk Winery, Near Stockbridge, SP11 7JX.
Come and enjoy two days of festive shopping at the Hampshire Medical Fund Christmas Fair. Browse a fantastic variety of stalls offering gifts for everyone on your Christmas list, whatever their age, ranging from home and garden finds to gadgets, toys, pampering treats, clothing, jewellery, art, quirky treasures, and accessories. There is also a delicious on-site cafe, so you can shop and eat with friends! The event opens on the evening of 14th November with the option of drinks, supper, and shopping. Or join us on Friday for a full day of shopping from 9.30am to 4pm. 10% of all sales benefit the charity!
Tickets cost from £6 for the 15th (when purchased in advance). For 14th evening, tickets cost £12 for drinks and shopping and £20 for drinks, supper and shopping.
Visit https://www.hampshiremedicalfund.org/ for tickets and further information.
Tel: 01329 834407
www.mudislandgardencentre.co.uk
Southwick Road, Wickham, Hampshire PO17 6JF
Open 7 days a week
Including Bank Holidays 9am - 5pm
Crafting gardens, creating memories
We specialise in: Outdoor living designs, driveways, paths & patios, water features, pergolas, wildflower areas, horticulture, lighting, garden makeovers large or small.
10% off landscape projects booked by 10th Dec 2024 Ref: LS1129
Keeping your garden beautiful, however large or small
Areas of expertise and care:
Planting plans, ponds, lawns, borders, hedges, patios and fencing. Regular or seasonal maintenance
10% off new customer garden maintenance visits until 15th Dec 2024 Ref: GM1024
© Lucia Foster-Found 2024
She was in the kitchen, at last unpacking her many (many) cookery books, deciding which ones to keep. Not all of them, obviously – that much paper in one place was probably a fire hazard. It was taking a long time because she couldn’t resist leafing through the pages. Those pages that weren’t stuck together with ancient cake mix, that is.
“It’s like a culinary journey through my life,” she said as Himself wandered in. He picked up an old and tattered copy of the Cookery Year. She was feeling a bit old and tattered too, so she empathised. “Obviously that one’s literally a culinary journey through a year of my life. It’s all about seasonality and probably the only cookbook you really need,” she wittered, oblivious to the look Himself was giving to the piles that surrounded her.
“What are you going to do with the ones you don’t need?” Himself picked up another tome. “Like this one.. I mean,” he peered at a page, “do you think you’ll develop an urge to make jelly whip anytime soon?”
She consigned the book to a pile and said, “I’m recycling them. Not sure what form that’ll take, but I can’t bring myself to just throw them away. Especially that one,” she pointed a finger and Himself picked it up. Looking at the cover photo he exclaimed incredulously, “Is that…?”
“Yep. Mary Berry circa 1986. Microwaving was her thing then.”
“What about this one? It’s falling apart.” He said.
“Delia’s complete cookery course. It’s the only cookbook you really need.”
“You said that already.” Himself peered at her over a picture of a smiling Delia, a demure Delia, a Delia it was inconceivable would ever yell in bellicose fashion at a football crowd,
‘Let’s be ‘avvin you’..
He put down the dilapidated copy as she observed, “Well, those two and Nigella Express are the only cookbooks I probably will ever need. Given that I get most recipes online, I keep the physical copies just for the comfort value.”
Himself replaced the book on the floor. “I wonder about that – these celebrity chefs, how do they make any money if people look online for recipes?”
“No idea, but Ina Garten has a house in
www.luciafosterfound.com
The Hamptons and an apartment in Paris. Go figure.” Consigning a heap of Jamies, Hughs and Gordons to a box, she decided to car boot them. There’d been a house move and she felt that some things didn’t belong in her new home. Also, there’d been a big birthday and she felt that some clothes didn’t belong in her new decade either.
All in all, there was plenty of stuff to sell.. She was back from the boot sale by midday with a fair haul in her bum bag - a useful article, if unattractively named. Still, she was grateful she didn’t live in America where she’d have to call it a fanny pack.
Pleased with her efforts, she set about putting a quick lunch together.
As, presently, Himself tucked into his pudding, he murmured appreciatively, “Lovely lunch darling. And this mousse is delicious.” “Jelly whip.”
“Sorry?”
“It’s jelly whip – I developed the urge to make it. And the rest of the dinner was courtesy of a flaxen-haired Mary Berry and her erstwhile obsession with microwaves.” She commented. Later that evening found her crouched over her laptop at the kitchen table; new home, new
household accounts spreadsheet.
“Cooking the books?” Himself wandered in from the garden, wild-haired and smokesmudged where he’d been trying to tame the wilderness with his own unique style of slashand-burn gardening more redolent of Edward Teach than Alan Titmarsh.
“Something like that.” She was in her happy place, adding in the proceeds of her morning’s selling to next year’s holiday fund. Lots had been sold, although none of the cookbooks –there was a glut. She’d seen Jamie, Hugh and Gordon on others’ stalls, jostling for position with Christian and Harry. No contest, she’d thought as she packed her chefs away and took them home - who didn’t appreciate a man who could cook a nice roast?
Himself looked up at the shelf that had lately, and for no clear reason, housed a large collection of mid-century magazines and many other assorted items he’d been meaning to sell, but somehow never quite got around to.
A long line of cookery book spines presented themselves instead – and fleetingly he wondered about that, before ambling over to the fridge for some more of that delicious jelly whip..
Fawley Farm, Hempland, Lane, Privett, Hampshire, GU34 3NU www.fawleyfarmfeeds.co.uk
Serving breakfast, lunch and lots of home made cakes, cream teas and takeaways to eat in or out. All food is freshly prepared and cooked in our kitchen to order. We buy as locally as we can. We are happy to take bookings for group meetings. We have free wi-fi and are laptop friendly so if you want a change from a desk and fresh coffee on tap the door is open.
Come in and enjoy a Coffee – Tea – Milkshake – Smoothies and lots more. Cyclists, horse riders, dog walkers, are all welcome. We are dog friendly with lots of parking and enough space for a tractor or two if you’re busy with harvest.
We offer a wide range of equine and animal feeds, hay, straw, supplements, bedding and equestrian accessories from the top brand names, bringing you the highest quality products at very competitive prices. For more information call: 07889 835107
OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY: 8.30AM - 4.30PM SUNDAY: 9AM - 3PM OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY: 8.30AM - 5PM SUNDAY: 9AM - 12.30PM
Polynucleotides
Emsculpt Neo
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Pain-Free Laser Hair Removal
The Non-Surgical Lift Package
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Dermal Fillers
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Facials
Profhilo
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Thread Veins
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Radiofrequency Microneedling & HIFU
Wrinkle Treatments
Book a course of four Abdomen Emsculpt Neo treatments with your partner or friend and the original treatment cost will be shared between you. This will save each of you £1000 from the original £2000 treatment cost.
The treatments will be performed side by side on the comfort of your own luxury treatment couches as the appointments are required to be performed together.
The treatment is designed to help:
Abdomen Arms Calves Bum Thighs
Help eliminate fat cells and build muscle in a single 30-minute treatment
Say no to incontinence and yes to confidence.
BTL EMSELLA represents a new category of technology that provides a non-invasive treatment for pelvic floor. muscles in incontinence, intimate discomfort and improvement of sexual health, for men and women.
The treatment is designed to help:
Stress Incontinence
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Female Sexual Dysfunction
Its been a busy summer!
The residents of Knowle Village held their annual ‘Picnic in the Park’ and there was a great turn out. The Meon Valley Lions Club members were happy to support this event and took along their Racing Bunnies and Play Your Cards Right Game.
On Sunday 15th September, the Meon Valley Lions and the intrepid residents were out in force at the Taste of Wickham when the Club did a roaring trade in burgers and sausages which was much appreciated. Our trusty minibus also did a brilliant job running people to and from the carpark.
Wickham beer festival
The Meon Valley Lions were busy serving burgers and sausages at the Wickham Beer Festival. It was a great event: not only did everyone have a great time but we also had a visit for the Food Hygiene Inspector who was happy to renew our 5 Star rating. Well done everyone, especially Roy seen here proudly holding the certificate!
The Meon Valley Cycling Club is based in the Swanmore/ Bishops Waltham area and draws its members from around the surrounding area. Initially established in 2010 during a charity ride from London to Paris, the MVCC is predominately a road cycling club that enjoys riding together whilst regularly participating in a mixture of Sportives, CX / TT events, club tours abroad, and weekly club runs. We meet every Sunday morning outside Swanmore Primary School at 8am sharp(ish), oh and ..... "We never leave anybody behind"
As the name suggests, Meon Valley Cycling Club is based in the heart of the rolling hills of the Meon Valley (Hampshire). The club draws its members from the villages of Swanmore, Bishops Waltham, Wickham and the surrounding area.
If you’d like to join our merry band of helpers or join us at Meon Valley Lions Club, drop us a line via our website: Meon Valley Lions Club (CIO) - Feedback welcome. It’s not all work, we have plenty of fun too, organised by our social committee.
If you’d like to help us run our minibus, you’ll be able to transport local people to all sorts of events. Also, with the evenings drawing in we’ve started thinking about our Santa Run so, if you don’t want to become a full member but would like to help out with our Santa Run, please get in touch.
Although some of the longer-serving members have been riding together since 2007, it took until 2010 before the club formed and took just 3 further years before it had grown to 50 members.
In 2011 the club designed their kit based on the Amercian Radioshack Pro cycling team. The club is quite an informal group who although do not really race, our members include several triathletes, XC racers, gravel bikers and roadies who just enjoy a few miles with their mates ... and maybe a coffee or two.
Every year club puts together a Tour Abroad. These have previously included St Malo to Lle de Re, Pau to Barcelona, Tour of Flanders, Gerona, Mont Ventoux, our own Marmot Sportive, and countless other Pyrenees and Alp tours taking in some of the most iconic 'Le Tour' stages.
Club rides .....Take your pick; Friday 'Week Day Wheelers' (for those lucky not to have to be at work) Sunday club runs starting at Swanmore Primary School at 0800 The first group offers 50 - 60 miles at 16-18 mph average. The second group offers 40 - 50 miles at 15 - 17 mph average (but also with the bonus of a sneaky coffee & cake stop!)
Club etiquette: helmets are compulsory and it is courteous to bring sufficient energy snacks and drinks etc (and of course puncture repair/ tubes and alike). For more information or to join the group visit: mvcc.org.uk
Discover the art of medieval manuscript and illumination creation in our immersive workshop. Dive into the world of historical writing techniques using authentic materials as you master the craft of the medieval
scribe. This hands-on experience offers a calming escape from the bustle of modern Christmas, and is beginner friendly. Running each day this weekend. Ben Farnell is a scribe and illuminator who specialises in medieval calligraphy. With a deep passion for historical manuscripts, Ben studies historical techniques to recreate the beauty and precision of medieval script. His work encompasses a range of styles from early to late medieval, and he is celebrated for his ability to capture the intricate details and textures of bygone eras. For more information and bookingg visit: https://www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/whats-on/calligraphy-workshop
Bishop's Waltham Community Fireworks Night
Saturday 2 November
From 6pm
Hoe Road Recreation Ground, Bishop's Waltham
An event by friends of Bishop's Waltham Junior School. Tickets on sale now available from ‘Luv it, Want it’ or ‘The Sweet Corner’ in the village.
Baa Baa Boogie!
Saturday 9 November
From 7.30pm to 11pm
At Jubilee Hall, Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham, SO32 1ED
Enjoy a night of music, dancing and fun with contraband. In support of friends of Shepherds Down Primary School, for children with complex learning needs. Tickets £12 each - bring your own drinks and nibbles. Raffle and fund-raising activities - bring your money! Contact for tickets: bwcc24@gmail.com or call: 07947 741249 (Jackie). Not able to come? you can still donate to the JustGiving Page for FOSDA at: https://www.justgiving.com/ friends-shepherdsdown
Droxford Village Hall, St Marys and All Saints Church & Wilfrid’s Café
Droxford Christmas Market
Saturday 16 November
Saturday 16th November 2024 10 00am – 3 00pm
From 10am to 3pm
Droxford Village Hall, 2 High St, Droxford, SO32 3PA
St.Marys and All Saints Church & Wilfrid's Cafe. Free Parking and admission, Food & Drink, Local Produce, Festive Crafts and Gifts.
Owslebury Christmas Arts and Craft Fair
Rare opportunity to buy truly
Saturday 23 November
From 10.30am
Owslebury Village Parish Hall Main Road, Winchester, SO21 1LN
unique gifts made by hand. Tchaikovsky’s elegant Nutcracker Suite leads on from Brahms’ serious Hungarian Dance No. 5, before Strauss II introduces us to the boundless exuberance of the Polish March in his Trisch-Trasch Polka. In the concert’s penultimate work Tchaikovsky transports the evening to the magical halls of snowy Tsarist Russia with a regal waltz from his ballet Sleeping Beauty.
Bishop's Waltham Christmas Fayre
Thursday 28 November
From 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Bishop's Waltham Town Centre
Come to our annual Late Night Shopping event. Craft Stalls, Food & Drink, Mini Funfair, Music, Santa on his sleigh. Plus celebrity guests, Elsa, Ana & Olaf.
SADS Christmas PantoHumpty Dumpty and the Magic Wall by Limelight Scripts
Thur 28 to Sat 30 November
From 7.30pm (Sat Matinee 2pm)
Swanmore Village Hall, New Rd, Southampton, SO32 2PF
Tickets available from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ swanmoredrama or on sale in November from the box office by Barnaby's Coffee Shop on Saturdays, 10am - 12noon. Adults £10, Children £5, all Sat evening tickets £10. For more information telephone: 01489 894955 or 893639
Meon Voices Christmas Concert
Here’s a great way to get into the Christmas mood. This community choir puts on a popular and
Saturday 14 December
From 7.30pm
St.Peter's Church, St Peter's Street, Bishop's Waltham, Southampton SO32 1EE
joyous performance. This year the programme includes a moving medley from Les Misérables, three of John Rutter’s most beautiful pieces: What Sweeter Music; The Colours of Christmas and Christmas Lullaby, Eric Whitacre’s Glow and as always, audience carols, which raise the roof with Christmas cheer.
Christmas Gingerbread Competition
Sunday 15 December
From 10am
St.Nicholas Church, Bishop's Sutton, Alresford, SO24 0AD
Design your own Gingerbread House or Gingerbread Person in your own personal style. All entries must be made from a recipe and not a pre-packaged Gingerbread mix. Please register by sending your name and email address to: bstncomps@hotmail.com by the 1st Dec 2024. Prize for the best two entries: A Vue Cinema Gift Card. Take your entry to St Nicholas Church on Sunday 15th December at 10am for Judging. All donations towards our Church Roof fund, gratefully received on the day.
2025! An evening of entertainment by learning disabled performers across Hampshire
Sunday 19 January 2025
From 7.30pm to 9.15pm
Thornden Hall Performing Arts Centre, Winchester Road, Chandler's Ford SO53 2DW
Following the huge success of last year’s performance, Blue Apple return to the stage to showcase their skills and entertain audiences with an evening of plays, dances,
songs, and film made by learning disabled performers across Hampshire. Join us to see what they have been working on this year. Prices: Full £8 Concessions/ Students £6. To book wheelchair spaces please contact the Box Office - Phone: 023 8024 6555 Email: info@thorndenhall.co.uk Booking at: https://bit.ly/ BATFONO2025
For more events taking place in the Meon Valley in November and December see pages 28, 30 and 46 of this magazine. You can publish your event free of charge on this page by simply it to editor@forumpublications.co.uk Please note we cannot guarantee publication.
s On 5/11 our educational lectures continue with Geoff Watts talking on Southampton vaults. We have heard Geoff before and know he is an accomplished speaker amazingly able to provide dates and names from memory and without notes!
On 19/11 Mike Hollis will talk on How Belgium won the First World War. Mike is an authority on Egyptology but can offer many other subjects, and this is one. We meet every first and third Tuesday at 2pm at the Wickham Community Centre during the lecture season.
Everybody is welcome. Guests will get an especially warm welcome. (Guests pay £2 to defray speaker costs.) Tea and biscuits are provided after the talk, and we always have pre-loved books for charitable sale.
Lyndon (Chairman) Contact-07881991763 Or lyndonplmr@gmail.com Website: u3asites.org.uk/ meon-valley
It’s Never Too Early to Shop for Christmas!
Just some of the many and varied items in stock at the Pot Shop
Just some of the many and varied items in stock at the Pot Shop
Seaside Souvenirs, Wall Art, Cards, Cats and Dogs, Mugs, Doorstops, Tea Towels, Coasters, Wall Art, Garden Ornaments, Driftwood Items, Cherubs, Buddhas, Crystals, Bird Baths, Backscratchers, Bowls, Bracelets, Suncatchers, Windchimes, Elephants, Ducks, Bunting, Fairies, Fans, Metal Flowers, Frames, Fridge Magnets, Frogs, Games, Glass Floats, Incense, Key Rings, Kites, Light pulls, Lighthouses, Metal Statues, Mirrors, Money
Boxes, Plaques, Salt and Pepper, Salt Lamps, Shells, Signs, Solar ornaments, Thermometers, Tree of Life, Walking Sticks, Wood Carvings and much much more!!!
Seaside Souvenirs, Wall art, Cards , Cats and dogs, Mugs, Doorstops, Tea Towels, Coasters, Wall art, Garden ornaments, Driftwood Items, Cherubs, Buddhas, Crystals, Bird Baths, Backscratchers, Bowls, Bracelets, Suncatchers, Windchimes, Elephants, Ducks, Bunting, Fairies, Fans, metal flowers, Frames, Fridge Magnets, Frogs, Games, Glass floats, Incense, Key rings, Kites, Light pulls, Lighthouses, Metal statues, Mirrors, Money boxes, Plaques, Salt and Pepper, Salt Lamps, Shells, Signs, Solar ornaments, Thermometers, Tree of Life, Walking sticks, Wood carvings and much much more!!!
Eaststoke Corner (Sea Front) Hayling Island
Tel: 023 9263 7590 • Open every day
Those of us who have issues down there know the impact our vagina can have on our quality of life.
But we should ALL feel good about our vaginas.
Ultra Femme 360 is the painless radio frequency treatment that promotes the body’s own natural collagen production to restore and tighten the vaginal area.
From puberty, childbirth, menopause, and all the fun stuff in between, our vaginas go through a lot, and we rarely give them the care they need.
Our vaginal area is just as prone to damage and ageing as the rest of our body. Distressing problems with vaginal laxity, stress incontinence or reduced tissue quality are all experienced by most women at some point in their life.
The Ultra Femme 360 treatment provides total vaginal rejuvenation in one quick and painless treatment that lasts just eight minutes*.
What is Ultra Femme 360?
Ultra Femme 360 is a non-surgical solution for restoring the internal and external vaginal area. As the applicator is guided in and around the vagina, the radio frequency activates our own body’s natural collagen and elastin production, which tightens the vaginal canal and surrounding skin. The low levels of heat from the treatment also encourages blood flow to the area, further boosting the effects.
Who can benefit from Ultra Femme 360?
This is a safe and gentle treatment that is suitable for most women. If you have experienced vaginal changes since childbirth or menopause or have functional issues including stress incontinence or reduced sexual enjoyment, Ultra Femme 360 can tighten, restore, and rejuvenate your vagina for increased confidence and personal wellbeing.
Does the treatment hurt?
We understand that this kind of treatment can feel daunting. However, we aim to make you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the treatment, which is entirely painless and lasts only 8 minutes. There is no downtime, and you can return to your normal daily activities immediately afterwards. *Recommended one treatment per week for three weeks for the best results.
We are one of the first clinics in the country to offer this treatment and look forward to welcoming you at The Face & Skin Clinic.
Book your treatment today. We should all feel good about our vaginas.
Tickets £10 (adults) & £6 (children)
Box office: 01489 878184 / 07866 931487
email: tickets@sobertonplayers.co.uk
Come along in fancy dress!!!!
2 course pre-show meal available at ‘Ye Olde White Lion’ - £18.95 - 5-6pm - Book direct 01489 877346 info@thewhitelionsoberton.com
Droxford Village Hall, St. Marys and All Saints Church & Wilfrid’s Café
Saturday 16th November 2024 10.00am – 3.00pm Free Parking & Admission
Food & Drink Local Produce Festive Crafts & Gifts
Companionship
Meal
24-hour
Light
Transportation
Personal
Hospital
Post-operative
Respite
Specialist
Medication
Here’s a performance you won't want to miss! Under the masterful direction of conductor David Gibson, a vast group of singers and musicians will bring you some of the most iconic classical pieces of the 20th century. Get ready to be dazzled by Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and swept up in the magic of excerpts from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, featuring such timeless favourites as Maria, America, Somewhere, and Tonight.
Joining the Southampton Philharmonic and Southampton University Philharmonic Choirs for Carmina Burana are the Southampton Primary Robins, a fantastic children’s choir made up of around 100 primary school children from the City of Southampton. These talented young singers are part of the nationwide ‘Primary Robins’ project, founded and funded by Pimlico Opera, with coaching from David Gibson, who’s been a key part of their project from the very beginning.
This unforgettable night also features soloists, Elinor Rolfe Johnson (soprano), Stephen Anthony Brown (tenor) and Harry Thatcher (baritone), as well as the London-based Docklands Sinfonia, a professional orchestra boasting some of the top instrumentalists from the Capital. If you caught their Southampton performance of A Sea Symphony last December, you already know the incredible energy and quality they bring. And prepare yourself for the thunderous percussion section that Carmina Burana is famous for — expect plenty of dramatic (and intentional!) bangs and crashes! It’s the perfect introduction to the magic of live classical music!
Bringing their ruby anniversary season to a close on 21 December in the Chapel of St Cross, Winchester at 7.30pm, Southern Voices look forward to celebrating in style with their traditional, festive feast of Christmas carols both old and new.
To make it really special, this year they are thrilled to welcome Royal Harpist Alis Huws to accompany them in Benjamin Britten’s iconic
SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER 2024
Doors open at 5.30 p.m. for the 6.30 p.m. concert. (Please note the earlier than usual start time.) Tickets may be bought online at o2guildhallsouthampton.co.uk (tickets bought online are issued as e-tickets), priced at £17.40, £24.00 and £30.60. All prices include booking fees and the o2 Guildhall Southampton’s restoration levy of £1.85.
There is an additional handling charge per transaction of £2.85. Concessions are available for the disabled, carers accompanying the disabled, job-seekers, students and children.
O2 Guildhall Southampton Saturday, 7 December, starting at 6.30pm.
Ceremony of Carols. Originally scored for three-part treble chorus, Southern Voices will perform its 1943 arrangement, which is performed less frequently, for mixed choir. This will be a real treat and the perfect way to round off a superb year of music-making. Booking is essential and tickets are now on sale.
Tickets: £19 (Age 21 & under, £10) from: southernvoices.co.uk/christmas or telephone 0333 666 3366 (booking fees apply). There will be a retiring collection in aid of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Registered charity 1086868
The life of a South Downs Ranger: “This is long but satisfying work”
Ethan Purdy, Assistant Ranger, discusses the recent work of volunteers to help maintain the South Downs Way.
Snaking its way along the very spine of the chalk, the South Downs Way is a 100-milelong exhibition to one of the best natural galleries in the UK. Artwork by nature and toil adorn its path in vistas stretching into the sea. It’s a wonderful testament to the beauty of our landscape, and one which we’re lucky enough to call ours.
With this ownership, comes responsibility, however. Left with no management – time and flora would reclaim the path and make it untraversable. So, with the steady hands of our volunteers, and trusted tools, we keep this trail open, for many more to discover its wonder.
Last month we completed a section of this work near Cocking, West Sussex. The volunteers – armed with grass hooks – cut swathes into the bank vegetation, raking the material up and collecting it to be
unloaded in a prepared deposit site. This is long but satisfying work. The volunteers were also in charge of sharpening their own equipment as the day went on and found great satisfaction in keeping their tools in fine fettle – if for no other reason, because it makes them far more effective!
The collection of this material is for ecological benefit too. The verges can be a haven for many species, including many butterflies, and by collecting the cuttings volunteers allow this site to attempt to return to the chalk grassland we so desperately need in the National Park. Cumulatively over the past two centuries we have lost more than 80% of the chalk grassland in the UK. So, the ribbons that adorn the edges of the South Downs Way may well make all the difference.
When the engines of the brushcutters aren’t running, work up on the hill is a peaceful endeavour. A view to the horizon, filled with a patchwork of farms, soft green envelopes of woodland and in the distance, the caliginosity of the sea.
Moments like those make for opportunities to remember that within those confines, we get to make a difference.
Hurrah
“Hampshire Hedgerows” has drawn together landowners, farmers, young people and volunteers to help create and restore hedgerows that provide an essential refuge for wildlife.
Supporting some 130 different flora and fauna, hedges and their flowers, berries and nuts are a vital food source for invertebrates, birds and mammals, including some very rare ones such as the hazel dormouse, while bats use them as “commuter routes” for foraging and roosting.
Small but mighty, they also clean our air, capture carbon, reduce flooding and give clues to historic land management.
The project was a partnership between the National Park, Selborne Landscape Partnership and Winchester Downs Farm Cluster, and supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Dozens of students from Collyer’s College, Horsham and Chichester College attended hedgelaying training days.
In total, 187 people of all ages received training.
Laura Sercombe, Director of Landscape and Strategy for the National Park, said: “Hedgerows are such an important part of our landscape heritage and it’s wonderful to see them being restored.
“With farmland covering some 70 per cent of the National Park, hedges are absolutely vital to supporting farmland wildlife and also play a key role in soil health.
“It’s fantastic that young people are being trained in the rural skill of hedgelaying, encouraging future generations to keep this tradition alive.”
Meanwhile, the Hampshire Hedge project, led by CPRE Hampshire, continues in earnest, with the aim of connecting the New Forest and South Downs National Parks with 14 miles of new hedgerow.
Innovative and fun online programme resumes in the Winchester/Alresford area after October half-term to provide girls with valuable tools for their toolboxes - for ‘living their best lives’!
What will your daughter receive?
• Time for herself, to feel good – or betterabout herself
• Permission to just be herself; she is welcome as she is
• A variety of topics - each week builds on the next
This month, I’ve been taking my campaign for better health services for Winchester to parliament. I challenged the Health Secretary to deal with the lack of funding for mental health services left to us by the previous Conservative government, and to acknowledge the huge cost savings we can make if proper treatment is provided to children and those in social care when they need it.
I’ve also been listening to healthcare workers across the constituency. I was deeply moved speaking to the staff at Winchester Hospice who work so hard to support people, often in heartbreaking circumstances. I spent time visiting community pharmacies and will use my voice to fight for a fair deal from government and ensure pharmacists can stay open for the people of the villages and towns relying on them.
I know some of you still have to travel for miles and miles to reach your nearest pharmacy and I’ll be fighting for you too.
• The experience of being with a small, same age group of girls
• Fun, interactive notebook to add to - if she wants to – and then keep
• Diverse ways to participate – her camera can be off
• Support and ‘soft touch’ indirect guidance with a qualified Girls’ Net Mentor
• First week ‘taster’ session so she can decide whether it is right for her
Girls tell us that Girls’ Net has given them down-to-earth tools to support them with their emotions; helped them feel better and more confident about who they are; that they’ve really enjoyed connecting with other girls in a warm and welcoming, nonjudgemental same-age group online: every girl says she would recommend Girls’ Net to others!
Local Girls’ Net Mentor, Tracy Spring is delighted to be offering Girls’ Net
mentoring via Zoom again, along with an opportunity for parents to ‘Meet the Mentor’ online before the course begins.
There are two fully funded places worth £95 now available thanks to the kind support of Soroptimists International: Winchester!
For more information and/or to sign up, visit: www.ritesforgirls.com or contact Tracy directly: girlsnet.mentor.tracy@gmail.com or call 07957 128790 - she would love to hear from you!
Everyone deserves access to the treatments they need, no matter where they live.
As a trustee of a mental health charity it was a great honour to be appointed as mental health spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats. I’ll be taking what I’ve learned over my career and fighting in parliament to ensure mental health is taken as seriously as physical health.
Local waste tips have also been under threat this month, so I was proud to join protesters demanding Hampshire County Council stop their plans to shut half the county’s tips down; and, we won! The tips were saved, for now. I’ll be keeping an eye on the situation to ensure vital recycling services stay for good.
Some of you have contacted me about the ongoing travesty of sewage being dumped in our rivers by Southern Water. Having recently walked the Itchen river alongside
local experts, It’s incredibly clear to me that Southern Water must get their act together. They need to put our precious rivers and streams ahead of profits and stop dumping sewage once and for all.
It was no surprise to see that Southern Water have been fined a record of nearly £40million by Ofwat for their continued failure. That’s why I joined with my Liberal Democrat colleagues calling on the government to ban bonuses for water bosses until they clean up their mess. I refuse to stand by and allow them to get away with it for another year.
I will always do my best to speak up for you and the issues that matter to you. If there is anything I can help with, please contact me at: danny@dannychambers.org.uk
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 ½ cups ½-inch cubed pumpkin
3 large white potatoes, peeled, cubed
3 large carrots, sliced
2 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 (15-ounce) can chopped tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon of hot paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Worcestershire Sauce to taste
*available from Hampshire Farmers’ Markets
The secret to beef stew is just that – letting it stew. The longer you let it simmer, the more tender the beef becomes. Begin by cutting the beef into 1-inch chunks, then dredging them in flour until they’re evenly coated. This step helps thicken the stew and adds a delightful texture to the meat.
In a large pan (or Dutch oven) over medium-high heat, melt the butter. In small batches, brown the floured beef chunks on all sides. As each batch is browned, set it aside in a large bowl to make room for the next.
This browning process is essential for developing rich, savory flavors in the stew.
It’s time to create the aromatic base with all the beef browned. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic to the pot and sauté for about a minute.
While doing so, be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits left behind from browning the beef. This step infuses the stew with aromatic richness and depth.
Return the browned beef to the pot and add the vegetable or beef stock (or broth), pumpkin cubes, vegetables, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, sugar and paprika. Stir everything together thoroughly to create a harmonious mixture.
Simmer, a cook on a low heat for 45 mins. Serve with fresh buttered bread.
Alresford - Saturday 2nd, Petersfield - Sunday 3rd, Romsey - Sunday 3rd, Alton - Saturday 9th, Winchester - Sunday 10th, Emsworth - Saturday 16th, Southsea - Sunday 17th, Winchester - Sunday 24th, Ringwood - Saturday 30th
For more information visit: www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk
FROM THIS TO THIS IN ONE DAY
FROM THIS TO THIS IN ONE DAY
FROM THIS TO THIS IN ONE DAY
Skandoor has led the way in manufacturing and installing garage doors in Hampshire and the south for many years. Our speciality is high-quality garage and front doors, on-time delivery and full ownership from start to finish.
A well respected long established family run business based in Bishop's Waltham
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Citizens Advice Winchester District project shortlisted for national award
A project run by Citizens Advice Winchester District, in partnership with the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, has been shortlisted for an NHS Parliamentary Award. The Citizens Advice Southern Health Project which provides one-to-one advice and support to people who are in mental health crisis has been shortlisted for an Excellence in Mental Health Care Award.
Debt and money worries, insecure housing or other stresses such as a dealing with benefits, can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health and can significantly hinder someone’s recovery.
The Citizens Advice project offers advice and support to inpatients at Melbury Lodge (Adult Acute Mental Health Hospital in Winchester) to help them with their advice needs – with the aim of increasing their chances of recovery and best prepare them for moving on from hospital.
Ling Salter, Mental Health and Advice Caseworker at Citizens Advice Winchester District who has been leading the project since it started in April 2022 says: “I’m so thrilled that this project has been shortlisted for an award. I’m immensely proud to be involved in the delivery of such a forward-thinking project and see first-hand the enormous difference our advice can make in aiding someone’s mental health recovery.”
A panel of national judges will now come together to select the winners of this year’s awards, with an awards ceremony taking place on Monday 14 October 2024.
Find out more here: https://www.southernhealth.nhs.uk/aboutus/news-and-views/shortlisted-national-nhs-parliamentaryawards
The Watercress Line - Steam Illuminations are back for 2024!
Steam Illuminations is an incredible sound and light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns. This makes the steam train look magical both inside and out!
NEW for 2024: ‘Snowlight Cascade’, an enchanting display of falling lights at the summit of your magical journey.
‘Canopy of Lights’ returns this year in every carriage, bringing the light show inside the train. Enjoy the fun, interactive show all while hosted by the legendary ‘Voiceover Man’ (as heard on Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor); laugh with him (or at him) and compete against each other with the singalong “FlashyOke” game.
Join the festive action on board until the 28 December when the journey will be filled with big Christmas hits that will get you jigging about in the festive spirit; or visit from 29 December for a musical journey from the 1960s to the present day with dance floor singalong anthems. Sing, dance and cheer on the magical, musical journey!
Book a ticket to be part of the full experience. This is sure to be an event the whole family will enjoy.
The trains depart from either Alresford or Alton and completes a round trip. The experience lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, so please allow 2 hours for your experience. Your led wristband adds to the magic onboard the train and is yours to keep after the event.
Interesting fact...
Simon Horn, the designer behind the Steam Illuminations show, also designs and programs lighting concert touring. He has toured the UK and internationally with pop acts including Anastacia, Dido, LibertyX, Olly Murs, The Pogues, Ricky Gervais and Westlife, designing and/or programming their light shows. He definitely knows how to put on a show!
For more information and for booking visit: https://watercressline.co.uk/steam-illuminations/
Telephone:
Email: sales@town-and-country.co.uk
www.town-and-country.co.uk
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.
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, Kudos, Roper Rhodes, Tissino and Arte Form, with Porcelanosa and Ca’Pietra tiling throughout the showroom. Our kitchens are expertly crafted by Schuller, one of the largest German kitchen manufacturers, and Mackintosh, their products are made exclusively in Britain. Both have an extensive and inspiring collection ranging from the contemporary to the more traditional.
Please contact us regarding our complementary design and quotation service, we look forward to hearing from you.
Visit Town & Country
8 The High Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO3O 2EA
Telephone: 01489 536187
Email: sales@town-and-country.co.uk www.town-and-country.co.uk
On sunny days, the glint of a banded or beautiful demoiselle is quite a sight to behold. At just 4.5cm long, these species are Britain’s biggest damselflies – the smaller, slenderer cousins of dragonflies. Their two pairs of wings are also the same shape, whereas dragonflies tend to have bottom wings that are broader and shorter than the top ones. In comparison to that of their larger relatives, the flight of damselflies is slow, gentle, and fluttery.
Like many wildlife species, demoiselles are sexually dimorphic, which means that the sexes are visually distinguishable from each other. The males are inky blue with a turquoise sheen (both species), while the females are metallic green (banded) or greenish-bronze (beautiful). Due to these similarities, the two species can look very similar at first glance, but they can quickly be identified by their unique wing colours.
Unlike dragonflies, which hold their wings out to the side, demoiselles fold theirs vertically along their bodies. Those of the males are dark all over (beautiful) or have a dark patch in the middle (banded). In females, the difference is more subtle: their wings are brown (beautiful) or green (banded), with a faint white spot at the tip. In fact, demoiselles are the only British damselflies whose wings have colour!
Demoiselles start their lives as eggs, which the females inject into the stems of plants like water crowfoot – they may even go below the surface to find a good spot. Two weeks later, the young hatch as larvae; a life stage that lasts for two years. They spend this time among submerged plants, eating smaller invertebrates and hiding from predators. In the higher flows of winter, they may hunker down in mud, silt, and gravel.
Upon reaching adulthood, the larvae climb up emergent plants that root in the water but extend above the surface. Once in the fresh air, they shed their exoskeletons and take to the sky on their newly unfurled wings. In flight, both species are fierce predators that catch other insects with their six bristly legs. You might also see them basking in the morning sun and sheltering in vegetation as night falls or wet weather arrives.
For the most part, though, demoiselle adulthood is about reproduction. The males take and defend small territories, performing dances to attract passing females. If the wooing goes well, each pair forms a “wheel” or “heart” shape for mating, and he leads her to a good egg-laying site. Look out for this amazing spectacle between April and October, but particularly on bright, dry, windless days between May and August.
The lush plant life of our chalk streams makes them great habitats for both demoiselle species.
Being more sensitive, beautiful demoiselles are especially fond of the gravelly beds, consistent temperature, and clean, oxygen-rich water. If we want to give these incredible insects a home, we need to keep our streams healthy by tackling pollution and agricultural runoff, reducing water abstraction, and letting vegetation flourish along the riverbanks.
If you’d like to learn more about chalk stream wildlife, check out the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme by visiting hiwwt.org.uk/ winterbournes. Our work is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Managing Highway Runoff Pollution in Rivers - 19th November at 7pm, Online
When rain falls on roads, it collects a toxic cocktail of oil, paint, metal, microplastics, and fuel residue. If it then flows into our chalk streams, either directly or via a storm drain, it can cause serious damage. Join us to learn how communities can tackle this issue.
Book your ticket at hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes
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VIEWING AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT PLEASE
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe. Taking place from 22 November until 22 December and is open Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 6pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 8pm. Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market is renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location and handpicked high quality exhibitors, which attracts visitors from around the world each year who come to shop at the pretty wooden chalets, situated within the historic grounds.
The wooden chalets are inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, and combined with the festive lighting, the sound of Christmas carols and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air, visitors will be transported into a festive setting to purchase their Christmas gifts and take in the atmosphere.
For those in search of an authentic Christmas experience, the Cathedral is at the heart of the city's celebration, with its many Christmas services, carol concerts, events.
Santa's Grotto at the Great Hall, Winchester
This Christmas, unwrap a memory-making adventure that your family will treasure for years to come as you take part in the
Santa's Grotto experience at The Great Hall! The Grotto is open from the 30 November to 22 December, visit the Great Hall's website for session times: https:// www.historicwinchester.co.uk/great-hallwestgate-museum
Naomi House - Winchester Santa Fun Run
Our Santa Fun Run is a popular tradition in Winchester and takes place on Sunday 1 December 2024. Join a flurry of Santas in a festive Zumba warm up in front of the Guildhall steps - a truly magical experience to be a part of, before embarking on a 5k route around the historic streets of Winchester city centre. In addition to our classic 5k, we’re introducing a shorter 2k, perfect for those who want to enjoy the festivities without the longer distance. You can walk, skip, jump or dance the Santa Fun Run in your merriest manner. A great opportunity to kick start the Christmas period with friends and family. This year we have swapped out the Santa suits for brand new Santa t-shirts. To register visit: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/ WinchesterSFR24. Please note: image showing people wearing Santa suits is from previous years events, and used for promotion only.
Fun for all the family, Winchester Cathedral's popular Winter event returns and everyone is welcome to join in. The latern parade will be held on Thursday 28 November from 5.30pm at Winchester Cathedral Nave grounds and the city centre. The event is free of charge. The annual lantern parade returns to Winchester Cathedral, and this year the theme is Christmas Creatures. Join Winchester Cathedral in coming together to celebrate Christmas with music, lanterns, and the Christmas Market. Parade from Winchester Cathedral through Winchester with your lanterns and light the way back to the cathedral where The Very Revd Catherine Ogle Dean of Winchester will pick three favourites from her evening of judging, with a prize for all winners. Dean Catherine’s favourite lantern creator will help to switch on the Cathedral lights at the end of the parade. To register your participation in the Lantern Parade please visit: https:// www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/bookonline/366001
Please note that registering interest is not essential for attendance but would be appreciated by Winchester Cathedral so preparations can be made for expected numbers.
The 2024 festive season kicks off on 14 November with the Christmas lights switch on between 4.30pm and 7.30pm. Then Winchester district comes alive with a range of festive activities carrying on into the New Year. Taking place in The Broadway outside the Guildhall, the Winchester Christmas lights will be switched on by local heroes nominated by the public. The event is hosted by Heart Radio and promises an evening full of festive fun. For more information visit: https://winchesterbid.co.uk/ christmas-2024/
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Established 1878
Friendly, professional advice on all areas of family law in the centre of Bishop's Waltham. Our friendly family team will do everything possible to guide you through the process and securing the right outcome for you and your family, no matter the situation.
Friendly, professional advice on all areas of family law in the centre of Bishops Waltham
Our friendly family team will do everything possible to guide you through the process and securing the right outcome for you and your family, no matter the situation.
Contact Serhan Handani at sh@bramsdonandchilds.com
Contact Serhan Handani at sh@bramsdonandchilds.com
Our Bishop's Waltham office has moved to: St.George's Square, Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire, SO32 1GJ Tel: 01489 888240
Southsea Office 141 Elm Grove, Southsea, Hampshire PO5 1HR Tel: 02392 821251
Fair Oak Office Unit 10, Vicarage Farm Business Park, Winchester Road, Fair Oak, So50 7HD Tel: 02382 514300
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